Structure for forming a fluid path

Abstract

Structure for forming two independent fluid paths, which features: a body (10) configured with a first fluid path (31) and a second fluid path (33) that communicate with each other, a third fluid path (35) that is located at a position where the first fluid path (31) and the second fluid path (33) are connected to each other and that communicates with the first fluid path (31) and the second fluid path (33), and a fourth fluid path (37) that communicates with one of the first to third fluid paths; and one or more of a first sphere (22) arranged in the first fluid path (31), a second sphere (24) arranged in the second fluid path (33), and a third sphere (26) arranged in the third fluid path (35), wherein the diameter of the first fluid path (31) is larger than that of the second fluid path (33) and the second sphere (24) is arranged in the second fluid path (33) by passing through the first fluid path (31); the two independent fluid paths within the structure are formed by: the second ball (24) is inserted into the second fluid path (33) and fixed in the second fluid path (33) and the third ball (26) is fixed in the third fluid path (35); or the first ball (22) is inserted into the first fluid path (31) and is fixed in the first fluid path (31) and the second ball (24) is fixed in the second fluid path (33).

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a structure for forming a fluid path. 2. Discussion of the state of the art

[0002] In general, vehicle braking systems or various industrial installations contain valves for supplying specific gases or hydraulic pressure to a device containing hydraulic valves and the like that operate under fluid pressure. The complexity of fluid supply lines and piping systems is determined by how these valves are arranged, and a technology for arranging valves in a block configuration to facilitate inspection, maintenance, and replacement is under development.

[0003] As an example, a typical valve block contains two fluid paths, and the two fluid paths communicate with each other within a single body of the valve block. A single ball pressure introduction area is located in each of the two fluid paths, and a fluid path manufacturer can, to create a desired fluid path, insert a single ball into each of the two fluid paths to block the flow of fluid.

[0004] Therefore, in a typical valve block, only a single fluid path can be formed in a single block due to a structure where a single ball is pressed and inserted into the single fluid path, and thus the problem is that simplifying a fluid path is difficult and increasing the piping complexity, such that the size of a typical valve block increases.

[0005] A structure for forming a fluid path is known from DE 10 2012 / 223172 A1. In this structure, the opening of a channel is sealed to the outside by means of a sphere that is pressed into a bore section in a pressure-tight manner in the region of the channel's outlet to the environment. A further sphere is pressed into the smaller bore section shortly after a transition between this bore section and another bore section.

[0006] From US patent 2,985,141 A, an actuator is known that has a cylinder with connections at its opposite ends for the supply of hydraulic fluid. The actuator comprises an elongated element that is movably mounted along the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder by means of roller or ball bearings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is concerned with the objective of providing a structure for forming a fluid path with increased flexibility in forming the fluid path.To solve this problem, a structure for forming a fluid path is provided, which includes: a body configured with a first and a second fluid path that communicate with each other, and a third fluid path that is arranged at a position where the first and the second fluid paths are connected and that communicates with the first and the second fluid paths, and which includes: one or more of a first sphere that is arranged in the first fluid path, a second sphere that is arranged in the second fluid path, and a third sphere that is arranged in the third fluid path, wherein a diameter of the first fluid path is larger than that of the second fluid path, and the second sphere is able to be arranged in the second fluid path by passing through the first fluid path.

[0008] The first fluid path can be provided with a first opening located in a surface of the body, and with a second opening located at a position where the first fluid path connects with the second fluid path, and a first stepped area configured to restrict a movement position of the first ball can be formed between the first opening and the second opening.

[0009] The diameter of the first opening can be larger than that of the second opening.

[0010] The second fluid path can be provided with a fourth opening located in a surface of the body and a third opening located at a position where the second fluid path meets the first fluid path, and a second stepped area configured to restrict a movement position of the second sphere can be formed between the third opening and the fourth opening.

[0011] The diameter of the third opening can be larger than that of the fourth opening.

[0012] The third fluid path can be provided with a fifth opening located in a surface of the body and a sixth opening located at a position where the third fluid path connects with the first fluid path and the second fluid path, and a third stepped area configured to restrict a movement position of the third sphere can be formed between the fifth opening and the sixth opening.

[0013] The diameter of the fifth opening can be larger than that of the sixth opening.

[0014] The diameter of the third fluid path can be smaller than that of the second fluid path.

[0015] The first fluid path and the second fluid path can be arranged linearly.

[0016] The third fluid path can be arranged so that it runs perpendicular to the first fluid path and the second fluid path in the same plane.

[0017] The structure can further include a fourth fluid path that communicates with one of the first to third fluid paths, and a fourth sphere that is able to be arranged in the fourth fluid path.

[0018] An inlet opening can be formed at an inlet of each of the first fluid path and the third fluid path in the surface of the body and can have a diameter that is larger than that of each of the first fluid path and the third fluid path.

[0019] The body can be formed as a cuboid or a polygon.

[0020] The body can be formed with a valve block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The foregoing and other problems, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to the person skilled in the art by a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a structure for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view along line AA' in Fig. 1 is; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the cross-sectional view along line AA' in Fig. 1 is; Fig. 4 a first example of use is in which two fluid paths are configured using a single structure for one fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 5 A second example of use is in which two fluid paths are configured using a single structure for one fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0022] The following are complete descriptions of embodiments of the present disclosure in a level of detail suitable for implementation by a person skilled in the art, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described here. In order to clarify the present disclosure, some parts not related to the description are omitted from the drawings, and the same or similar components are consistently referenced by the same reference numerals.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structure for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line AA' in Fig. 1, and Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional view along line AA' in Fig. 1.

[0024] According to the Fig. 1 to 3 includes a structure 1 for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a body 10, one or more fluid paths 31, 33, 35 and 37 formed within the body 10, and one or more spheres 22, 24, 26 and 28, each of which is able to be arranged in the one or more fluid paths 31, 33, 35, 37.

[0025] The body 10 of the structure 1 for forming a fluid path can be configured in the form of a block with a cuboid shape. As described above, if the body 10 of the structure 1 for forming a fluid path is configured in the cuboid shape, coupling it to another structure for forming a fluid path, a conduit in which a fluid path is formed, or the like, can be straightforward. However, the shape of the body 10 is not limited to the cuboid shape and can be configured in the form of a polygon. As an example, the structure 1 for forming a fluid path, which has a cuboid shape, can form a valve block according to the present embodiment. Alternatively, the structure 1 for forming a fluid path can also be formed in various structures in addition to the valve block, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The body 10 can be made of a rigid metal, for example a steel material, and it can also be made of a stainless steel material.

[0027] The one or more fluid paths 31, 33, 35 and 37 are arranged within the body 10 of the structure 1 to form a fluid path. In the present embodiment, the one or more fluid paths 31, 33, 35 and 37, which are formed within the body 10 of the structure 1 to form a fluid path, include a first fluid path 31, a second fluid path 33, a third fluid path 35 and a fourth fluid path 37.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first to fourth ball 22, 24, 26 and 28 can each be fixed in the first to fourth fluid path 31, 33, 35 and 37 by being inserted into them or by being pressed into and inserted into them.

[0029] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, if this is from Fig. Viewed from 2, the fluid path 31 is located in a left side region within the body 10 of the structure for forming a fluid path and is formed with a conduit extending in an X-axis direction.

[0030] The first fluid path 31 is provided with a first opening 301 and a second opening 302, respectively, at both end regions of the first fluid path 31 to allow fluid to communicate through the first fluid path 31. The first opening 301 of the first fluid path 31 is located in a surface outside the body 10, and the second opening 302 of the first fluid path 31 is located inside the body 10.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a diameter D1 of the first opening 301, which is formed in an outer surface of the body 10, is such that it is larger than a diameter D2 of the second opening 301, which is located inside the body 10. A diameter of a conduit of the first fluid path 31 near the first opening 301 can be such that it is equal to the diameter D1 of the first opening 301, and a diameter of a conduit of the first fluid path 31 near the second opening 302 can be such that it is equal to the diameter D2 of the second opening 302.

[0032] A first stepped region 42 is located in the middle of the first fluid path 31 between the first opening 301 and the second opening 302. The first stepped region 42 is designed to restrict the movement of a first sphere 22 located within the first fluid path 31. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first stepped section 42 can be provided such that a step is formed at a boundary where a diameter changes as the diameter of the conduit forming the first fluid path 31 changes.

[0033] As an example, the height of a stepped area within the first fluid path 31 can be half the height of a difference between the diameter D1 of the first opening 301 and the diameter D2 of the second opening 302.

[0034] The first sphere 22 is formed such that it has a diameter corresponding to the first opening 301 of the first fluid path 31, thereby arranging it in the first fluid path 31.

[0035] Similar to body 10, the first sphere 22 can be made of a steel material or a stainless steel material.

[0036] Therefore, the first ball 22 cannot be moved past the first stepped region 42 formed in the first fluid path 31 if it is in a state in which the first ball 22 is inserted inside the first opening 301, thereby blocking a flow of fluid in the first fluid path 31.

[0037] The position of the first ball 22, which is inserted within the first fluid path 31 to block the first fluid path 31, can be varied according to the position of the first stepped region 42. The position of the first stepped region 42 can preferably be a position in which the first ball 22 can be inserted into the first fluid path 31 without protruding on an outside of the body 10 in a state in which the first ball 22 is inserted into the first fluid path 31.

[0038] A first insertion opening 52 is formed in a side surface of the body 10, in which the first opening 301 of the first fluid path 31 is formed. The first insertion opening 52 is formed with a circular recess that has a diameter larger than that of the first opening 301.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ball 22 can be introduced into the first fluid path 31 through the first insertion opening 52. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion opening serves to indicate a position at which a user employing the structure 1 to form a fluid path can introduce a ball into a fluid path of the structure 1 for forming a fluid path. In other words, an insertion opening can be configured to allow a ball configured to block the fluid path to be introduced into an opening where the insertion opening is formed, thereby blocking the fluid path, but it can also be configured to prevent the ball from being introduced into an opening where the insertion opening is not formed.

[0040] According to Fig. 2 the second fluid path 33 is located along an extension line of the first fluid path 31. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second fluid path 33 is formed such that it communicates linearly with the first fluid path 31 in the same plane.

[0041] The second fluid path 33 is provided with a third opening 303 and a fourth opening 304, respectively, at both end regions of the second fluid path 33, in order to communicate with the first fluid path 31. According to Fig. 2. The third opening 303 within the body 10 is formed such that it comes into contact with the second opening 302 of the first fluid path 31, and it is formed such that it has a diameter D3 that is smaller than that of the second opening 302. The fourth opening 304 is formed in a side face of the body 10 opposite the side face of the body 10 in which the first opening 301 of the first fluid path 31 is formed, and it is formed such that it has a diameter D4 that is smaller than that of the third opening 303.

[0042] Similar to the first fluid path 31, a second stepped region 44 is formed within the second fluid path 33 according to a diameter difference between the third opening 303 and the fourth opening 304. The second stepped region 44 restricts the movement of a second sphere 24, which can be inserted into the second fluid path 33, within the second fluid path 33.

[0043] According to Fig. 2. The second stepped area 44 can be positioned near the third opening 303 at a position where the second sphere 24, which is inserted into the second fluid path 33, cannot protrude outside the second fluid path 33.

[0044] A diameter BD2 of the second sphere 24, which is inserted into the second fluid path 33, is formed such that it is smaller than that of the first sphere 22, and is formed with a diameter corresponding to the third opening 303 of the second fluid path 33, making it able to be arranged in the second fluid path 33 to block the second fluid path 33.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sphere 24 can be introduced into the second fluid path 33 after passing through the first insertion opening 52 and then the first fluid path 31. Since the second sphere 24 has a diameter BD2 that is larger than the diameter D4 of the fourth opening 304 of the second fluid path 33, it is designed such that it cannot be inserted into the second fluid path 33 through the fourth opening 304.

[0046] According to Fig. 2. The first fluid path 31 and the second fluid path 33, which are linearly connected to each other, communicate with the third fluid path 35. When it is from the Fig. 1 and Fig. Viewed from point 2, the third fluid path 35 extends in a Y-axis direction. If it is viewed from the Fig. Viewed from point 2, the third fluid path 35 passes from a right side face of body 10 to a left side face of the same. Therefore, the first to third fluid paths 31, 33 and 35 can intersect each other in a cross shape.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an intersection point P, at which the third fluid path 35 is connected to the first fluid path 31 and the second fluid path 33, can be formed between the first stepped region 42 of the first fluid path 31 and the second stepped region 44 of the second fluid path 33. As described above, the third fluid path 35 communicates with the first fluid path 31 and the second fluid path 33 at the intersection point P, where the first fluid path 31 and the second fluid path 33 are connected, and is located between the first stepped region 42 of the first fluid path 31 and the second stepped region 44 of the second fluid path 33, such that different fluid paths can be formed depending on which fluid paths are blocked by the first fluid path 31, the second fluid path 33, and the third fluid path 35.

[0048] According to Fig. 2 The third fluid path 35 contains a fifth opening 305, a sixth opening 306 and a ninth opening 309. When they are in Fig. As 2 is considered, the fifth opening 305 of the third fluid path 35 is located in the right side surface of the body 10, and the ninth opening 309 of the third fluid path 35 is located in the left side surface of the body 10.

[0049] Furthermore, the sixth opening 306 is located at a position near the fifth opening 305, among positions located between the fifth opening 305 and the ninth opening 309, and communicates with the first and second fluid paths 31 and 33.

[0050] A diameter D5 of the fifth opening 305 can be larger than a diameter D6 of the sixth opening 306, and a diameter D9 of the ninth opening 309 can be the same as the diameter D6 of the sixth opening 306.

[0051] In particular, the diameter D6 of the sixth opening 306 can preferably be smaller than the diameter BD2 of the second sphere 24 that is introduced into the second fluid path 33. If the diameter D6 of the sixth opening 306 is larger than the diameter BD2 of the second sphere 24, the second sphere 24 can be moved to the third fluid path 35 after passing through the first fluid path 31 and before being introduced into the second fluid path 33.

[0052] Similar to the first and second fluid paths 31 and 33, a third stepped region 46 is formed at a central position of the third fluid path 35 between the fifth opening 305 and the sixth opening 306. The third stepped region 46 restricts the movement of the third ball 26, which can be inserted into the third fluid path 35, within the third fluid path 35. Similar to the first stepped region 42, the third stepped region 46 is formed according to a diameter difference between the fifth opening 305 and the sixth opening 306.

[0053] According to Fig. 2 a position of the third stepped area 46 near the fifth opening 305 can be arranged at a position where the third sphere 26, which is inserted into the third fluid path 35, cannot protrude outwards from the body 10.

[0054] The third sphere 26, located in the third fluid path 35, has a diameter corresponding to that of the fifth opening 305 of the third fluid path 35. The third sphere 26 can be located within the third fluid path 35. Movement of the third sphere 26 may be restricted by the third stepped section 46, and therefore the third fluid path 35 may be blocked by the third sphere 26.

[0055] A second insertion opening 54 is formed in the right side surface of the body 10, in which the fifth opening 305 of the third fluid path 35 is formed. The second insertion opening 54 is formed with a circular recess whose diameter is larger than that of the fifth opening 305.

[0056] Therefore, the third sphere 26 can be inserted into the third fluid path 35 from the fifth opening 305, where the second insertion opening 54 is formed. The diameter D9 of the ninth opening 309 of the third fluid path 35 is smaller than that of the fifth opening 305, so that the third sphere 26, corresponding to the diameter D5 of the fifth opening 305, can be formed in such a way that it cannot be positioned through the ninth opening 309 in the third fluid path 35.

[0057] The structure 1 for forming a fluid path is provided with a fourth fluid path 37, which is parallel to the third fluid path 35 and communicates with the second fluid path 33.

[0058] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. The fourth fluid path 37 contains a seventh opening 307 and an eighth opening 308. When they are in Fig. As 2 is considered, the seventh opening 307 of the fourth fluid path 37 is located in the right side surface of the body 10, and the eighth opening 308 is located in a position close to the second fluid path 33 inside the body 10.

[0059] The diameter of the seventh opening 307 is such that it is larger than that of the eighth opening 308.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fourth stepped region 48 is located between the seventh opening 307 and the eighth opening 308. The fourth stepped region 48 is configured such that a projection is formed towards an inner side of the fourth fluid path 37 and serves to restrict the movement of a fourth ball 28.

[0061] According to Fig. 2. The position of the fourth stepped area 48 can be arranged such that it is located near the seventh opening 307 at a position where the fourth sphere 28 introduced into the fourth fluid path 37 cannot protrude outside the body 10.

[0062] The fourth sphere 28, which can be inserted into and fixed in the fourth fluid path 34, is formed such that it has a diameter corresponding to that of the seventh opening 307 of the fourth fluid path 37.

[0063] A third insertion opening 56 is formed in the right side surface of the body 10, in which the seventh opening 307 of the fourth fluid path 37 is formed, when it is in Fig. 2 is considered. According to Fig. 2 is the third insertion opening 56 with a circular depression having a diameter larger than that of the seventh opening 307. Therefore, the fourth sphere 28 can be inserted from the seventh opening 307, where the third insertion opening 56 is formed.

[0064] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The fourth fluid path 37 communicates with the second fluid path 33. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth fluid path 37 is formed such that it is perpendicular to the second fluid path 33, but there is no restriction that the fourth fluid path 37 should be perpendicular to the second fluid path 33. A position at which the fourth fluid path 37 and the second fluid path 33 are connected can be located between the second stepped region 44 of the second fluid path 33 and the fourth opening 304 thereof.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first to fourth fluid paths 31, 33, 35 and 37 are configured to be arranged in the same plane, but it is not necessary for the third fluid path 35 and the fourth fluid path 37, which each communicate with the first and second fluid paths 31 and 33, to be arranged in the same plane.

[0066] A method of operation and a method of use of the structure 1 for forming a fluid path having the configuration described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, are described.

[0067] In the structure 1 for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first, fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth openings 301, 304, 305, 307 and 309, which are located in an outer side surface of the body 10, can serve as an inlet or outlet for fluid.

[0068] In the structure 1 for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, different fluid path directions can be formed by introducing the first to fourth spheres 22, 24, 26 and 28 into corresponding fluid paths of the first to fourth fluid path 31, 33, 35 and 37, which is to be blocked.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if it is desired that the first fluid path 31, the third fluid path 35 and the fourth fluid path 37 be blocked, the first ball 22, the third ball 26 and the fourth ball 28 can each be inserted into the first opening 301, the fifth opening 305 and the seventh opening 307, thereby blocking the first fluid path 31, the third fluid path 35 and the fourth fluid path 37.

[0070] If it is desired that only the first fluid path 31 be blocked, without blocking the second fluid path 33 using the second ball 24, the first ball 22 can be inserted into the first opening 301, thereby blocking the first fluid path 31.

[0071] If it is desired that the second fluid path 33 be blocked using the second ball 24, and at the same time it is desired that the first fluid path 31 be blocked using the first ball 22, the second ball 24 can first be introduced through the first fluid path 31 into the second fluid path 33 to block the second fluid path 33, and then the first ball 22 can be introduced into the first opening 301, thereby blocking the first fluid path 31.

[0072] If it is desired that the first to fourth spheres 22, 24, 26 and 28 are each introduced into the fluid paths of the structure to form a fluid path, they can only be introduced into the fluid paths through openings where introduction openings are formed and cannot be introduced into the fluid paths through openings where no introduction openings are formed.

[0073] Each of the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a usage example for a structure to form a fluid path, in which different fluid paths are formed by using two spheres.

[0074] According to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 Two independent fluid paths can be configured by using structure 1 to form a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] In Fig. 4 are two independent fluid paths F1 and F2 within the structure 1 to form a fluid path formed by introducing and fixing the second sphere 24 into the second fluid path 33 and by fixing the third sphere 26 in the third fluid path 35.

[0076] In Fig. 5 are two independent fluid paths F3 and F4 within the structure 1 to form a fluid path formed by introducing and fixing the first sphere 22 into the first fluid path 31 and by fixing the second sphere 24 in the second fluid path 33.

[0077] In each of the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrated that two independent fluid paths are formed by arranging two spheres in fluid paths respectively, but to form different fluid paths as required, one to three spheres can be arranged in a structure to form a fluid path.

[0078] However, if it is desired that two independent fluid paths in the structure 1 be configured to form a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is necessary that the second sphere 24 be arranged in the second fluid path 33, and in this case the two independent fluid paths can be configured by the two methods described with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 will be described and configured.

[0079] In a typical fluid path forming structure, if two spheres are inserted into fluid paths that intersect each other in the form of a cross and are fixed in this way, only a single fluid path is configured, so that in order to form two independent fluid paths, two fluid path forming structures should be connected together.

[0080] Therefore, using structure 1 to form a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, several fluid paths can be configured using fewer structures to form a fluid path, such that it may be possible to manufacture a simpler fluid system and reduce costs, since the number of structures to form a fluid path is reduced, and the maintenance and replacement of components of the fluid system can be simplified.

[0081] According to the fluid path forming structure of an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more fluid paths can be configured with a single fluid path forming structure by inserting one or more spheres or by pushing and inserting one or more spheres into a single fluid path, so that a simplification of a fluid path is possible and the size of a fluid path forming structure can be reduced.

[0082] According to the structure for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fluid paths with different diameters can be configured such that they are arranged linearly and blocked by pressing and inserting balls of different sizes into the fluid paths in such a way that different fluid paths can be formed using the linearly arranged fluid paths.

[0083] According to the structure for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a stepped region can be formed at a position where each of the spheres is inserted in such a way that each of the spheres can be stably fixed.

[0084] According to the structure for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, several openings, each arranged on several fluid paths, can be distinguished from one another on the basis of a diameter of each of the several openings, so that one of the openings into which a ball is inserted can be easily distinguished.

[0085] The structure for forming a fluid path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured in a cuboid shape or a polygonal shape, so that it is advantageous to connect several structures to form a fluid path together. [Description of the reference figures] 1 Structure for forming a fluid path 10 bodies 42 first tiered area 44 second tiered area 46 third tiered area 48 fourth tiered area 22 first ball 24 second ball 26 third ball 28 fourth ball 52 first introduction opening 54 second introduction opening 56 third introduction opening 31 first fluid path 33 second fluid path 35 third fluid path 37 fourth fluid path 301 first to ninth opening 302 second opening 303 third opening 304 fourth opening 305 fifth opening 306 sixth opening 307 seventh opening 308 eighth opening 309 ninth opening

Images