Compound valve for direct attachment to the connection of a fluid pressure device

Abstract

A compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) attached to a port (111) of a fluid pressure device (110), the compound valve comprising: a valve body (10A, 10B, 10C), a first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) attached to the valve body (10A, 10B, 10C), and a second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) attached to the valve body (10A, 10B, 10C), the valve body (10A, 10B, 10C) having a first body portion (10a) with a mounting opening (11) used to attach the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) to the first body portion (10a), a second body portion (10b) with a mounting opening (12) used to attach the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) to the second body portion (10b), a third body portion (10c) with an input port (13) used to inject a pressurized fluid into the third body portion (10c), and a fourth body portion (10d) with an output port (14) used to discharge the pressurized fluid, the first body portion (10a), the second body portion (10b), the third body portion (10c) and the fourth body portion (10d) are formed such thatthat they are integrally coupled with each other, wherein the fourth body portion (10cd) has a fastening portion (15) shaped in such a way that it can be directly screwed into and attached to a port of a fluid pressure device (110), the port (111) being in the form of a threaded opening, wherein the first body portion (10a) extends along a first axis (L1) and the second body portion (10b) extends along a second axis (L2), the axes (L1, L2) being parallel to each other, wherein the third body portion (10c) is arranged in a plane containing the first axis (L1) and / or the second axis (L2), or is arranged in a separate plane parallel to the plane and extending along a third axis (L3) offset by 90° relative to the first axis (L1) and relative to the second axis (L2), wherein the fourth body portion (10d) extends along a fourth axis (L4) offset by 90° relative to the first axis (L1), the second axis (L2) and the third axis (L3), wherein the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) comprises a module body (41) which can be attached to the first body portion (10a) by being inserted into the attachment opening (11) of the first body portion (10a), and a valve mechanism (42) mounted on the module body (41), and wherein the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) comprises a module body (71) which can be attached to the second body portion (10b) by being inserted into the attachment opening (12) of the second body portion (10b), and a valve mechanism (72, 92) mounted on the module body (71, 91), wherein the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) and the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) have different fluid control functions, and wherein a fluid flow path connecting the input port (13) and the output port (14) is formed to extend from the third body portion (10c) to the fourth body portion (10d) by passing from one side to another successively through the first body portion (10a), the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C), the second body portion (10b) and the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite valve (composite valve) used by directly attaching it to a port of a fluid pressure device (hydraulic device). State of the art

[0002] For example, a speed controller is a well-known example of a compound valve used by directly attaching it to a port of a fluid pressure cylinder, which is a type of fluid pressure device. As described in patent documents (PTL 1 to PTL 3), such a speed controller includes a check valve that controls a pressure fluid to flow in only one direction, i.e., a forward direction or a reverse direction, and a needle valve that controls the flow rate of the pressure fluid, these valves being integrated into a valve body. The speed controller is used to control the operating speed of a fluid pressure cylinder.

[0003] However, with the recent increase in the variety of operation control options for fluid pressure cylinders, there is a need to expand the variety of control functions for this type of compound valve. This type of compound valve often needs to have, in addition to or instead of a function for controlling the operating speed of a fluid pressure cylinder, a function for retaining pressurized fluid in the fluid pressure cylinder in the event of an emergency stop of the fluid pressure cylinder, and a function for releasing the residual pressure in the fluid pressure cylinder.

[0004] Although such a compound valve can be obtained by integrating a plurality of valve mechanisms with different control functions into one valve body, in this case, multiple types of compound valves with different combinations of control functions must be manufactured, and it is necessary to select those compound valves with control functions suitable for the applications depending on the applications and range of use of the compound valves. However, with such a method, a large number of compound valve types must be manufactured. Accordingly, productivity is likely to decrease and product management becomes complex. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the number of compound valve types to be manufactured.

[0005] Furthermore, when multiple valve mechanisms with different control functions are integrated into a single valve body, the overall size of the compound valve becomes large, so that when the compound valve is mounted on a port of a fluid pressure cylinder, the compound valve protrudes greatly in the axial direction of the port. Accordingly, when this fluid pressure cylinder is installed in an industrial robot or the like, a large installation space is required around the fluid pressure cylinder. Therefore, it is desirable to design a compound valve with as low a height and as small a size as possible.

[0006] US 6,296,013 B1 describes a composite valve consisting of a speed control valve and a check valve. The composite valve includes a valve opening / closing portion having a valve plug installed with an elastic member having a substantially conical cross-section at one end, a stem that is displaceable integrally with the valve plug and installed with a seal disposed between a pair of disc portions separated by a predetermined distance, and a spring element attached to one end of the stem for displacing the valve plug on an annular projection in accordance with the action of the spring force. Cited documentsPatent literature PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application JP H05-60 253A PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JP H07-42 854 A PTL 3: Japanese patent JP 5 756 984 B1 Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0007] It is a technical object of the present invention to eliminate the need to manufacture multiple types of compound valves with different combinations of control functions by enabling a compound valve to have a combination of control functions according to an application. This is made possible by a plurality of valve mechanisms (valve modules) modularized for each control function and by a valve body to which these valve modules can be attached. Such a compound valve can be mounted in a compact manner at the lowest possible position on a port of a fluid pressure device. Solution to the task

[0008] To achieve the above object, a compound valve according to the present invention comprises a valve body, a first valve module attached to the valve body, and a second valve module attached to the valve body.The valve body comprises a first body portion having a mounting opening used for mounting the first valve module to the first body portion, a second body portion having a mounting opening used for mounting the second valve module to the second body portion, a third body portion having a supply port used for injecting a pressurized fluid into the third body portion, and a fourth body portion having an output port used for discharging the pressurized fluid, wherein the first body portion, the second body portion, the third body portion, and the fourth body portion are configured to be integrally coupled to each other.The fourth body portion includes a fastening portion configured to be directly screwed into and secured within a port of a fluid pressure device, the port having the form of a threaded opening. The first body portion and the second body portion extend along a first axis and a second axis, respectively, which are parallel to each other. The third body portion is arranged in a first plane including the first axis and / or the second axis, or in a second plane parallel to the first plane and extending along a third axis at an angle of 90° relative to the first axis and relative to the second axis. The fourth body portion extends along a fourth axis at an angle of 90° relative to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.The first valve module includes a module body that can be attached to the first body portion by inserting it into the mounting opening of the first body portion, and a valve mechanism that is mounted to the module body. The second valve module includes a module body that can be attached to the second body portion by inserting it into the mounting opening of the second body portion, and a valve mechanism that is mounted to the module body. The first valve module and the second valve module have different fluid control functions.A fluid flow path connecting the input port and the output port is configured to extend from the third body portion to the fourth body portion by passing sequentially from one side to the other side through the first body portion, the first valve module, the second body portion, and the second valve module.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first body portion, the second body portion, the third body portion, and the fourth body portion each have a hollow cylindrical shape. The first body portion and the second body portion are provided at positions adjacent to each other such that the first body portion and the second body portion overlap each other. A first fastening opening of the first body portion and a second fastening opening of the second body portion open along the first axis and the second axis, respectively, and are oriented in mutually opposite directions.

[0010] In this case, the first body portion and the fourth body portion are preferably provided at positions located on opposite sides, with the first body portion and the second body portion being arranged between the third body portion and the fourth body portion. It is particularly preferable that the first body portion, the second body portion, and the third body portion are arranged such that the entire first body portion, the entire second body portion, and the entire third body portion fit within a range having the height of the fourth body portion.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fourth body portion includes a hollow outer body and an inner body having a cylindrical shape and accommodated in the outer body so as to be rotatable about the fourth axis. An upper end of the inner body is exposed to the outside at an upper end of the outer body, and a lower end of the inner body protrudes outward from a lower end of the outer body. A fluid flow path is formed in the inner body, and a fixing portion and an output port are formed at a lower end portion of the inner body. An operating portion used to perform a rotating operation by means of a wrench is formed at an upper end portion of the inner body.

[0012] In the present invention, the first valve module and the second valve module are respectively attachable to the first body portion and the second body portion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a combination of the first valve module and the second valve module is a combination of a speed controller with a pilot or control valve, a combination of a pilot or control valve with a residual pressure relief valve, or a combination of a speed controller with a speed controller. A valve mechanism of each of the speed controllers includes a check valve body that controls a flow direction of the pressurized fluid flowing through the fluid flow path and a needle valve that controls a flow rate of the pressurized fluid.A valve mechanism of the pilot check valve includes a check valve body that controls a flow direction of the pressure fluid flowing through the fluid flow path, a pilot or control valve body that, through the action of a control fluid, displaces the check valve body to a position where the check valve allows the pressure fluid to flow in a forward direction and the pressure fluid to flow in a reverse direction, and a control port used to supply the control fluid to the control valve body. A valve mechanism of the residual pressure relief valve includes a discharge flow passage branching from the fluid flow passage and communicating with the atmosphere, and a discharge valve body that opens and closes the discharge flow path. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, by attaching valve modules, each having a necessary control function, to a first body portion and a second body portion of a valve body, a compound valve can be easily obtained that offers a combination of control functions according to an application. In addition, multiple body portions constituting a valve body are logically and compactly coupled to each other, so that a compound valve can be compactly mounted at a low position on a port of a fluid pressure device. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a compound valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front view of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged section along the line VV in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a partial section along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a first valve module shown in Fig. 5 is shown. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a control check valve used in Fig. 5 is shown. Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a main portion and another operating state of the pilot check valve. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a compound valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is an exploded view of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a section through Fig. 10 along a similar line as in Fig. 5. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a compound valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is an exploded view of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a section through Fig. 13 along a similar line as in Fig. 5. Description of embodiments

[0014] The Fig. 1 to 8 show a compound valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A first compound valve 1A according to the first embodiment is used by being directly connected to a connection port 111 (see FIG. Fig. 4) a fluid pressure device 110, and comprises a single valve body 10A, a first valve module 40A and a second valve module 70A, wherein the first valve module 40A and the second valve module 70A are attached to the valve body 10A.

[0015] The first valve module 40A and the second valve module 70A have different fluid control functions. The first valve module 40A functions as a speed controller, and the second valve module 70A functions as a pilot check valve. By utilizing such a combination of control functions, the first valve module 40A of the first compound valve 1A can control the operating speed of the fluid pressure device 110 during normal operation of a fluid pressure circuit. When the supply of a pressurized fluid is interrupted due to an abnormality in the fluid pressure circuit, the second valve module 70A of the first compound valve 1A can maintain the pressurized fluid in the fluid pressure device 110 and stop the fluid pressure device 110 at a position where the fluid pressure device 110 was operating at that time.

[0016] Note that in the present embodiment, the fluid pressure device 110 is a pneumatic cylinder, and the pressurized fluid is air. Accordingly, in the following description, the pneumatic cylinder may sometimes be denoted by reference numeral 110.

[0017] A valve body 10A is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, a synthetic resin (plastic), or the like, and includes a first body portion 10a having a first attachment hole 11 used for attaching the first valve module 40A to the first body portion 10a, a second body portion 10b having a second attachment hole 12 used for attaching the second valve module 70A to the second body portion 10b, a third body portion 10c having a supply port 13 used for injecting the pressure fluid into the third body portion 10c, and a fourth body portion 10d having an output port 14 used for discharging the pressure fluid, the first to fourth body portions 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d being integrally coupled to each other.A fixing portion 15, which is directly screwed into and fixed to the port 111 of the fluid pressure device 110, the port 111 having the shape of a threaded hole, is formed at a portion of the fourth body portion 10d where the output port 14 is formed.

[0018] Although the valve body 10A can be formed by forming a plurality of separate portions and then coupling these portions into a single body, it is preferable that all portions of the valve body 10A except for an inner body 25 of the fourth body portion 10d are integrally formed into a single body.

[0019] The first body portion 10a, the second body portion 10b, the third body portion 10c, and the fourth body portion 10d each have a hollow cylindrical shape. The first body portion 10a extends along a first axis L1. The second body portion 10b extends along a second axis L2 parallel to the first axis L1. The third body portion 10c extends along a third axis L3 offset by 90° relative to the first axis L1 and relative to the second axis L2. The fourth body portion 10d extends along a fourth axis L4 offset by 90° relative to the first axis L1, the second axis L2, and the third axis L3.

[0020] The first body portion 10a and the second body portion 10b are arranged at positions where the first body portion 10a and the second body portion 10b are adjacent to each other such that a side surface of the first body portion 10a and a side surface of the second body portion 10b overlap each other. The first fastening opening 11 of the first body portion 10a and the second fastening opening 12 of the second body portion 10b open along the first axis L1 and the second axis L2, respectively, and are oriented in mutually opposite directions.

[0021] The third body portion 10c and the fourth body portion 10d are arranged at positions located on opposite sides, with the first body portion 10a interposed between them. Although the fourth axis L4 of the fourth body portion 10d and the second axis L2 of the second body portion 10b are arranged on the same vertical plane, the fourth axis L4 and the second axis L2 may also have a positional relationship such that the fourth axis L4 and the second axis L2 are slightly offset from each other in the direction of the third axis L3.Alternatively, the third body portion 10c and the fourth body portion 10d may be arranged at positions located on opposite sides with the second body portion 10b disposed therebetween, or they may be arranged at positions on opposite sides with both the first body portion 10a and the second body portion 10b provided therebetween.

[0022] Note that although the first axis L1, the second axis L2, and the third axis L3 are each arranged in the same plane in the example shown in the drawing, all of these axes do not necessarily have to be arranged in the same plane. For example, the first axis L1 may be arranged in a first plane, and the second axis L2 may be arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The third axis L3 may be arranged in a third plane parallel to the first plane and the second plane. Alternatively, the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 may be arranged in the first plane, and the third axis L3 may be arranged in the third plane parallel to the first plane.It is important to arrange the first body portion 10a, the second body portion 10b and the third body portion 10c such that the entire body portions 10a, 10b and 10c except for the attachment portion 15 of the fourth body portion 10d fit into an area having a height H.

[0023] The four body portions 10a to 10d are arranged in this manner so that the compound valve 1A can be compactly mounted at a low position on the port 111 of the fluid pressure device 110, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0024] As can be seen from Fig. 5, a flow path opening is formed in the valve body 10A, the flow path opening forming a fluid flow path allowing communication between the supply port 13 and the output port 14. This flow path opening is formed by a supply port 16 formed in the third body portion 10c, the first mounting port 11 formed in the first body portion 10a, a supply connection port 17 establishing communication between the supply port 16 and the first mounting port 11, the second mounting port 12 of the second body portion 10b, a connection port 18 establishing communication between an end portion of the first mounting port 11 and a side surface portion of the second mounting port 12, and an output port 19 extending in the fourth body portion 10d.When the first valve module 40A is attached to the first mounting hole 11 and the second valve module 70A is attached to the second mounting hole 12, the fluid flow path connecting the input port 13 and the output port 14 is formed to extend from the input port 16 of the third body portion 10c to the output port 19 of the fourth body portion 10d, passing sequentially through the input connecting hole 17, the first body portion 10a, the first valve module 40A, the connecting hole 18, the second body portion 10b, and the second valve module 70A.

[0025] A simple connection pipe connector 20 is attached to the inlet port 13 of the third body portion 10c. When a pipe (hose) 102 made of a synthetic resin or plastic is inserted into the pipe connector 20, edges 21a of an engaging member 21 engage the outer periphery of the pipe 102 to hold the pipe 102 in a state preventing separation from the pipe connector 20. When a cylindrical release sleeve 22 is pressed along the pipe 102, one end of the release sleeve 22 releases the engagement of the edge 21a, allowing the pipe 102 to be pulled out.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the fourth body portion 10d includes a hollow outer body 24 and the inner body 25, which has a cylindrical shape and is received in the outer body 24 so as to be rotatable about the fourth axis L4. Two sealing elements 26a and 26b are arranged between the outer periphery of the inner body 25 and the inner periphery of the outer body 24, with a gap being provided between the two sealing elements 26a and 26b.

[0027] The upper end and lower end of the inner body 25 protrude outward from the upper end and lower end of the outer body 24, respectively. The output port 14 and the fixing portion 15, which has an outer peripheral surface on which an external thread is cut, are formed at a lower end portion of the inner body 25. An operating portion 27, formed by a hexagonal socket, is formed at an upper end portion of the inner body 25. When the fixing portion 15 is screwed into the port 111 of the fluid pressure device 110, a wrench is inserted into the operating portion 27 to perform a turning operation. It is not necessary for the upper end portion of the inner body 25 to protrude outward from the upper end of the outer body 24, as long as the upper end portion of the inner body 25 is accessible from the outside.

[0028] A lower end portion of the outlet opening 19, which extends through the inner body 25 at the center of the inner body 25, communicates with the outlet port 14. An upper end portion of the outlet opening 19 communicates with the second mounting hole 12 at a position between the two sealing members 26a and 26b via a plurality of communication holes 28 formed in a side surface of the inner body 25, an inner hole 29 of the outer body 24, and an opening 30 formed in a side surface of the outer body 24.

[0029] The following is based on Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the first valve module 40A is described. The first valve module 40A functions as a speed controller and includes a cylindrical module body 41 that can be attached to the first body portion 10a by inserting it into the first mounting hole 11, and a valve mechanism 42 mounted on the module body 41. The valve mechanism 42 includes a check valve body 43 and a needle valve body 44.

[0030] The module body 41 includes an end insertion portion 41a that is hermetically inserted into one end of the connection hole 18 and has a small diameter, a separate flow passage forming portion 41b that has a larger diameter than the end insertion portion 41a, a valve body holding portion 41c that holds the needle valve body 44, and a handle attachment portion 41d to which a handle 45 for moving the needle valve body 44 forward and backward is attached. These portions 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d are arranged in this order from a front end side to a base end side along a central axis (the first axis L1) so as to be integrally connected to each other. The handle attachment portion 41d protrudes outward from the first body portion 10a.

[0031] The separate flow path forming portion 41b ensures that part of the fluid flow path is divided into a first flow path 46 and a second flow path 47, which run parallel to each other. An O-ring 48 is arranged between the outer periphery of the separate flow path forming portion 41b and the inner periphery of the first mounting hole 11.

[0032] The first flow path 46 is formed by a plurality of flow path openings extending through the separate flow path forming portion 41b in the direction of the first axis L1. The second flow path 47 is formed by a central opening passing through the center of the end insertion portion 41a and the center of the separate flow path forming portion 41b. Accordingly, in the following description, the flow path openings may sometimes be denoted by reference numeral 46, and the central opening may sometimes be denoted by reference numeral 47.

[0033] A base end portion of the first flow path 46 and a base end portion of the second flow path 47 communicate with the first mounting hole 11 through a plurality of communication holes 50 formed in a side surface of the module body 41 at positions closer to the valve body holding portion 41c than the O-ring 48. A front end portion of the first flow path 46 communicates with the communication hole 18 through the first mounting hole 11 and a flow path hole 51 formed in the module body 41 at a position closer to the end insertion portion 41a than the O-ring 48. A front end portion of the second flow path 47 directly communicates with the communication hole 18.

[0034] The check valve body 43, which is formed as an elastic body made of, for example, synthetic rubber and has an annular and plate-like shape, is fitted onto the outer periphery of the base end portion of the end insertion portion 41a. The check valve body 43 is moved into and out of contact with an end surface 41a of the separate flow path forming portion 41b by the action of the pressure fluid, so that the first flow path 46 is opened and closed.

[0035] An end portion of the check valve body 43 located on its inner diameter side is clamped between a hole edge of the connecting hole 18 and an inner diameter end of the separate flow path forming portion 41b, so that the check valve body 43 is fixed between an inner end surface 11a of the first fixing hole 11 and the end surface 41e of the separate flow path forming portion 41b. The inner end surface 11a of the first fixing hole 11 and the end surface 41e of the separate flow path forming portion 41b form tapered surfaces each inclined in a direction in which the gap between these tapered surfaces increases in the radial direction of the first fixing hole 11.

[0036] In the Fig. In the present embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, when the pressure fluid flows in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14, the check valve body 43 moves away from the end surface 41e of the separate flow path forming portion 41b under the action of the pressure fluid flowing in the forward direction and opens the first flow path 46, allowing the pressure fluid to flow therethrough. In the case where the pressure fluid flows in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13, the check valve body 43 comes into contact with the end surface 41e of the separate flow path forming portion 41b under the action of the pressure fluid flowing in the reverse direction and closes the first flow path 46, thus blocking the flow of the pressure fluid.

[0037] The needle valve body 44 is airtightly disposed in a valve holding hole 43 formed in the valve body holding portion 41c so as to be located at the center of the valve body holding portion 41c, and a valve seal 54 is disposed between the needle valve body 44 and the valve body holding portion 41c so as to be able to move forward and backward along the first axis L1. A throttle portion 44a formed at one end of the needle valve body 44 is inserted into the second flow path 47, and a throttle opening 44b is formed in a side surface of the throttle portion 44a. The throttle opening 44b is inclined in a direction in which its cross-sectional area gradually increases toward one end of the throttle portion 44a.When the entry depth of the throttle portion 44a into the second flow path 47 is increased by the needle valve body 44 moving forward, the opening area of the throttle area 44b (i.e., the second flow path 47) decreases. Conversely, when the entry depth of the throttle portion 44a into the second flow path 47 decreases because the needle valve body 44 moves backward, the opening area of the throttle opening 44b (i.e., the second flow path 47) increases. This controls the flow rate of the pressurized fluid flowing through the second flow path 47.

[0038] Since the needle valve body 44 is operated to move forward and backward, an external thread 44c is cut on the outer periphery of the needle valve body 44, and the external thread 44c engages with a threaded hole of a needle guide 55 fixed to the inside of the valve body holding portion 41c. The handle 45, which has a cap-like shape and is used to perform a rotating operation, is rotatably attached to the handle fixing portion 41d formed at the base end portion of the module body 41. One end portion of the needle valve body 44 is inserted into an operating hole 45a formed at the center of the handle 45 so that the end portion of the needle valve body 44 and the handle 45 are fixed to each other in a rotational direction about the first axis L1, while being slidable relative to each other in the direction of the first axis L1.Thereby, when the handle 45 is rotated in the forward and backward directions, the needle valve body 44 rotates in the forward and backward directions, and the needle valve body 44 moves forward and backward in the direction of the first axis L1 while being guided by the needle guide 55. .

[0039] An indicator 45b indicating a relationship between the rotation direction of the handle 45 and the opening degree of the needle valve body is provided on the outer surface of the handle 45. A projection 45c serving as an indicator indicating an operating direction, an opening degree, and the like is provided on a side surface of the handle 45.

[0040] Furthermore, the handle 45 is movable along the first axis L1 to a locking position and an unlocked position. The handle 45 is moved to the unlocked position when the needle valve body 44 is actuated to move forward or backward, and the handle 45 is moved to the locking position when the needle valve body 44 is not actuated to move forward or backward. Since the configuration of such an operation is well known, further detailed description will be omitted.

[0041] The first valve module 40A constructed as described above is inserted into the first mounting hole 11 of the first body portion 10a, with a cylindrical fixture 57 provided between the first valve module 40a and the first body portion 10a. The fixture 57 is airtightly fixed to an outer portion of the module body 41. In a state where the fixture 57 is positioned by being sandwiched between a step portion 11b of the first mounting hole 11 and a flange portion 41f of the module body 41, the outer periphery of the fixture 57 is airtightly fixed to the inner periphery of the first mounting hole 11, so that the first valve module 40A is attached to the first body portion 10a. The fixture 57 can be said to constitute a part of the first valve module 40A.

[0042] In the first valve module 40A, the flow of the pressure fluid in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14 becomes a free flow when the check valve body 43 opens the first flow path 46. Regarding the flow of the pressure fluid in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13, the pressure fluid flows through the second flow path 47 because the check valve body 43 closes the first flow path 46. The flow rate of the pressure fluid is controlled by the needle valve body 44.

[0043] The second valve module 70A is now described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 8. The second valve module 70A functions as a pilot or control check valve and includes a cylindrical module body 71 attachable to the second body portion 10b by being inserted into the second mounting hole 12 of the second body portion 10d, and a valve mechanism 72 mounted on the module body 71. The valve mechanism 72 includes a check valve body 73 and a control valve body 74 that displaces the check valve body 73 to a non-return position and a fully open position. The valve mechanism 72 has a pilot or control port 75 through which a control valve is supplied to the control valve body 74.

[0044] Note that the term "non-return position" refers to a position where the check valve body 73 can perform its original function as a backflow preventer. The term "fully open position" refers to a position where the check valve body 73 completely opens a flow path and cannot perform the non-return function.

[0045] The module body 71 has an elbow shape and includes a cylindrical valve receiving unit 76, which is fixed in position by being inserted into the second mounting hole 12 with an annular fastener 79 provided therebetween, and a cylindrical terminal forming portion 77 extending vertically from the valve receiving unit 76. The axis of the terminal forming portion 77 is oriented parallel to the third axis L3.

[0046] The control port 75 is formed in the connecting portion 77. A simple connecting pipe connector 78 is attached to the control port 75. The pipe connector 78 has a configuration the same as that of the pipe connector 20 attached to the input port 13 of the third body portion 10c. The valve receiving unit 76 has a valve receiving opening 80 extending along the second axis L2, and a valve rod 81 is received in the valve receiving opening 80 so as to be slidable along the second axis L2.

[0047] An end portion of the valve receiving hole 80 is open in the second mounting hole 12, and a base end portion of the valve receiving hole 80 communicates with the control port 75 through a piston chamber 82 and a communication hole 83. A middle portion of the valve receiving hole 80 communicates with the second mounting hole 12 (ie, the communication hole 18) via a plurality of communication holes 84 formed in a side surface of the valve receiving unit 76.

[0048] The O-ring 48 and a check valve body 73 formed by a lip seal member are disposed between the outer periphery of the valve rod 81 and the inner periphery of the valve receiving hole 80. The O-ring 48 is provided at a position closer to the base end of the valve rod 81 than the connecting holes 84, and the check valve body 73 is provided at a position closer to the front end of the valve rod 81 than the connecting holes 84.

[0049] The check valve body 73 is arranged such that a lip 73a faces the front end of the valve rod 81. Therefore, when the pressure fluid flows in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14, the lip 73a of the check valve body 73 moves away from the inner periphery of the valve receiving hole 80 and opens a flow path, allowing the flow of the pressure fluid. In contrast, when the pressure fluid flows in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13, the lip 73a of the check valve body 73 comes into contact with the inner periphery of the valve receiving hole 80 and closes the flow path, blocking the flow of the pressure fluid.

[0050] A piston 86 serving as a control valve body is formed integrally with a base end portion of the valve rod 81. The piston 86 is slidably received in a piston chamber 82 with a sealing member 86a provided therebetween. The piston 86 has a diameter larger than that of the valve rod 81. A control pressure chamber 88 is formed between the rear surface of the piston 86 and a cover 87 closing one end of the piston chamber 82. The control pressure chamber 88 communicates with the control port 75 through the communication hole 83. In contrast, an orifice chamber 89 formed between the front surface of the piston 86 and the O-ring 48 communicates with the outside through the orifice hole 89a. A return spring 90 is provided between the front surface of the piston 86 and a step portion 76a of the valve receiving unit 76.

[0051] If the second valve module 70A in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, the control fluid is supplied through the control port 75 to the control pressure chamber 88, the valve rod 81 is displaced forward along the second axis L2 by the piston 86, as shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, the check valve body 73 assumes the fully open position, where the check valve body 73 protrudes forward from the valve receiving opening 80. In this state, both the flow of the pressure fluid in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14 and the flow of the pressure fluid in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13 are free flows.

[0052] If the supply of the control fluid is stopped, as described in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, the piston 86 and the valve rod 81 are moved backward by the return spring 90, and the check valve body 73 is inserted into the valve receiving hole 80 to assume the non-return position. In this state, the flow of the pressure fluid in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14 is permitted, and the flow of the pressure fluid in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13 is blocked.

[0053] The first compound valve 1A constructed as described above is used, for example, by being directly connected to the port 111 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6) of the pneumatic cylinder 110, and controls the supply and discharge of the pressure fluid to and from the pneumatic cylinder 110. For example, the first compound valve 1A performs the control as follows.

[0054] The control fluid is supplied to the control port 75 of the second valve module 70A through a control fluid switching valve (not shown) so that the check valve body 73 is held at the fully open position shown in Fig. 9. In this state, the input port 18 is alternately connected to a pressurized fluid source and the atmosphere by a main fluid switching valve (not shown).

[0055] When the input port 13 is connected to the pressure fluid source (in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7), the pressure fluid flowing from the third body portion 10c into the first body portion 10a, that is, the flow of the pressure fluid in the forward direction, pushes open the check valve body 43 of the first valve module 40A, and the pressure fluid flows in a free-flowing state through the first flow path 76 and reaches the second body portion 10b and the second valve module 70A through the connecting opening 18. In Fig. 9, the pressure fluid then passes through the valve receiving opening 80 of the second valve module 70A and reaches the fourth body portion 10d. The pressure fluid then passes through the outlet opening 19 and flows through the outlet port 14 into a pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, so that the pneumatic cylinder performs a working stroke.

[0056] When the pneumatic cylinder performs a return stroke, the input port 13 is connected to the atmosphere through the main fluid switching valve, so that the pressure fluid discharged from the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, that is, the flow of pressure fluid in the reverse direction, reaches the input port 13 by flowing along a path opposite to the path for the pressure fluid when performing the power stroke. The pressure fluid is discharged to the atmosphere through the main fluid switching valve. In this case, in the first valve module 40A, the check valve body 43 closes the first flow path 46 and blocks the flow of pressure fluid in the reverse direction. As a result, the pressure fluid flows through the second flow path 47, with its flow rate controlled by the needle valve body 44.Accordingly, the pneumatic cylinder performs the return stroke at a speed corresponding to the flow rate of the pressurized fluid. Therefore, the first valve module 40A is a speed control that utilizes a modulation system.

[0057] In the case where an abnormality occurs in the fluid pressure circuit and the supply of the pressure fluid is suddenly interrupted while the pneumatic cylinder is operating, the supply of the pressure fluid to the input port 13 is stopped and the supply of the control fluid to the second valve module 70A is also stopped. Accordingly, in the second valve module 70A, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, the piston 86 and the valve rod 81 are moved backward by the return spring 90, and the check valve body 73 is inserted into the valve receiving hole 80 to assume the non-return position. Thus, the flow of the pressure fluid in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13 is blocked by the second valve module 70A. The pressure fluid is retained in the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, and the pneumatic cylinder stops at its operating position. This can avoid the risk of the pneumatic cylinder unexpectedly performing the return stroke.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described use of the first compound valve 1A, for example, depending on the configuration of the fluid pressure circuit, the first compound valve 1A can be used in such a manner that when the pneumatic cylinder is driven, that is, when the pressure fluid flows in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14, the control fluid is not supplied to the control port 75 (and therefore the check valve body 73 assumes the non-return position), and in such a manner that when the pneumatic cylinder returns, that is, when the pressure fluid flows in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13, the control fluid is supplied to the control port 75 (and thus the check valve body 73 assumes the fully open position).

[0059] The Fig. 10 to 12 show a second compound valve 1B, which is a second embodiment of the compound valve. In the second compound valve 1B, a first valve module 40B, attached to the first body portion 10a of a valve body 10B, functions as a pilot or control check valve, and a second valve module 70B, attached to the second body portion 10b, functions as a residual pressure relief valve. By using such a combination of valve modules, when the supply of the pressure fluid is suddenly interrupted while the pneumatic cylinder is operating, the first valve module 40B and the second valve module 70B of the second compound valve 1B can ensure that the pressure fluid is retained in the pneumatic cylinder and can ensure that the pneumatic cylinder stops at its operating position.In addition, the second valve module 70B of the second compound valve 1B can ensure that the retained pressure fluid (residual pressure) is discharged to the outside.

[0060] The structure of the valve body 10B in the second compound valve 1B is the same as the structure of the valve body 10A in the first compound valve 1A. Therefore, the main components of the valve body 10B are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the valve body 10A, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0061] In addition, the first valve module 40B is a pilot check valve and is the same as the second valve module 70A mounted on the first compound valve 1A. Therefore, the main components of the first valve module 40B are also denoted by the same reference numerals as the components of the second valve module 70A, and the detailed description of the structure and operation will be omitted.

[0062] It is understood from the above description that the first valve module 40B can be attached to the first attachment opening 11 of the first body portion 10a and to the second attachment opening 12 of the second body portion 10b.

[0063] In contrast, the second valve module 70B includes a cylindrical module body 91 that can be attached to the second body portion 10b by inserting it into the second mounting hole 12, and a valve mechanism 92 that is mounted to the module body 91. The valve mechanism 92 includes a discharge flow path 93 that connects the second mounting hole 12 to the atmosphere, and a discharge valve body 94 that opens and closes the discharge flow path 93.

[0064] The module body 91 includes an insertion portion 91a, which is hermetically inserted into the second mounting hole 12 with the interposition of an O-ring 95, and a knob receiving portion 91b, which has a diameter larger than that of the insertion portion 91a and is in communication with the outside. The knob receiving portion 91b protrudes outward from the second body portion 10b.

[0065] The discharge flow path 93 is formed in the insertion portion 91a so as to be located at the center of the insertion portion 91a and to allow communication between the second mounting hole 12 and the knob receiving portion 91b. A valve chamber 96 having a diameter larger than that of the discharge flow path 93 is formed at one end (an inner end) of the insertion portion 91a so as to face the second mounting hole 12. A discharge valve seat 97 surrounding the discharge flow path 93 is formed in the valve chamber 96.

[0066] A discharge valve rod 98 is inserted into the discharge valve path 93 such that the discharge valve rod 98 can slide in the direction of the second axis L2, while maintaining a small gap through which a fluid flows between the outer circumference of the discharge valve rod 98 and the inner circumference of the discharge valve path 93.

[0067] A front end portion of the discharge valve rod 98 reaches the second mounting hole 12 by passing through the valve chamber 96. A rear end portion of the discharge valve rod 98 projects into the knob receiving portion 91b.

[0068] A small-diameter valve body mounting portion 98a is formed at the front end portion of the discharge valve rod 98. The discharge valve body 94 is mounted on the valve body mounting portion 98a so that it can be displaced in the direction of the second axis L2. The discharge valve body 94 is continuously urged (biased) toward a discharge valve seat 97 by a valve spring 99.

[0069] An operation button or switch 100 is attached to a portion of the rear end portion of the discharge valve rod 98, which portion protrudes into the button receiving portion 91b. The operation button 100 is continuously urged by a return spring 101 in a direction in which the discharge valve rod 98 is moved backward, that is, a direction in which the discharge valve body 94 is brought into contact with the discharge valve seat 97, with the return spring 101 being interposed between the operation button 100 and the module body 91.

[0070] Since the second valve module 70B is constructed as described above, the discharge valve body 94 normally assumes a closed position in which the discharge valve body 94 is in contact with the discharge valve seat 97 due to the spring force of the valve spring 99 and the spring force of the return spring 101, and the discharge valve path 93 is closed. Therefore, the pressure fluid in the second mounting hole 12 is not discharged to the atmosphere.

[0071] In this state, when the operation button 100 is pressed by hand, the discharge valve rod 98 moves forward, and the discharge valve body 94 moves away from the discharge valve seat 97. This opens the discharge flow path 93, and the pressurized fluid in the second mounting hole 12 passes through the gap between the outer periphery of the discharge valve rod 98 and the inner periphery of the discharge flow path 93 and is discharged to the atmosphere through the inside of the button receiving portion 91b, with its flow rate controlled. Thus, the gap between the outer periphery of the discharge valve rod 98 and the inner periphery of the discharge flow path 93 forms a throttle.

[0072] In the second compound valve 1B having the above-described structure, when the fluid pressure circuit operates normally, the pilot fluid is supplied to the pilot port 75 of the first valve module 40B, so that the piston 86 and the valve rod 81 advance, and the check valve body 73 assumes the fully open position. In this state, the input port 13 is alternately connected to the pressure fluid source and the atmosphere through the main fluid switching valve. In this state, the discharge valve body 94 of the second valve module 70B closes the discharge flow path 93 by contacting the discharge valve seat 97.

[0073] When the input port 13 is connected to the pressure fluid source, the pressure fluid flowing into the third body portion 10c passes through the first valve module 40B in a free-flowing state. Subsequently, the pressure fluid passes through the connection port 18 and the second mounting hole 12 and reaches the fourth body portion 10d. Then, the pressure fluid passes through the output port 19 and flows into the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder through the output port 14, so that the pneumatic cylinder performs the working stroke.

[0074] When the pneumatic cylinder performs the return stroke, the input port 13 is connected to the atmosphere through the main fluid switching valve, and the pressure fluid discharged from the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, i.e., the flow of pressure fluid in the reverse direction, reaches the input port 13 by flowing along a path opposite to the path taken by the pressure fluid during the power stroke. The pressure fluid is discharged to the atmosphere through the main fluid switching valve.

[0075] In the case where an abnormality occurs in the fluid pressure circuit and the supply of the pressure fluid is suddenly interrupted while the pneumatic cylinder is operating, the supply of the pressure fluid to the input port 13 is interrupted and the supply of the control fluid to the first valve module 40B is also stopped. Accordingly, in the first valve module 40B, as shown in Fig. 12, the piston 86 and the valve rod 81 are displaced rearward by the return spring 90, and the check valve body 73 is inserted into the valve receiving hole 80 to assume the non-return position. Thus, the flow of the pressure fluid in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13 is blocked by the first valve module 40B. Since the second valve module 70B is also in a valve-closing state, the pressure fluid is retained in the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, and the pneumatic cylinder stops at its operating position. This can avoid the risk of the pneumatic cylinder unexpectedly performing the return stroke.

[0076] When the pneumatic cylinder is moved back, the operating button 100 of the second valve module 70B is manually pressed, so that the discharge valve body 94 is moved out of contact with the discharge valve seat 97, thereby opening the discharge flow path 93. This gradually discharges the pressurized fluid contained in the pneumatic cylinder by passing through the gap between the outer periphery of the discharge valve rod 98 and the inner periphery of the discharge valve path 93. Thus, the pneumatic cylinder performs the return stroke at a speed corresponding to the discharge flow rate.

[0077] In addition to the use of the second compound valve 1B described above, the second compound valve 1B can be used, for example, depending on the configuration of the fluid pressure circuit, in such a manner that when driving the pneumatic cylinder, that is, when the pressure fluid flows in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14, no control fluid is supplied to the control port 75 (and thus the check valve body 73 assumes the non-return position), and in such a manner that when returning the pneumatic cylinder, that is, when the pressure fluid flows in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13, the control fluid is supplied to the control port 75 (and thus the check valve body 73 assumes the fully open position).

[0078] The Fig.13 to 15 show a third compound valve 1C, which is a third embodiment of the compound valve. In the third compound valve 1C, a first valve module 40C, attached to the first body portion 10a of a valve body 10C, is a speed controller using a gate-out system, and a second valve module 70C, attached to the second body portion 10b, is a speed controller using a gate-in system. By using the two speed controllers, the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder when performing the operating stroke and the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder when performing the return stroke can be controlled differently.

[0079] The structure of the valve body 10C in the third compound valve 1C is the same as the structure of the valve body 10A in the first compound valve 1A. Therefore, the main components of the valve body 10C are denoted by the same reference numerals as the components of the valve body 10A, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0080] The first valve module 40C, which is one of the two valve modules, is the same as the first valve module 40A in the first compound valve 1A. Therefore, the main components of the first valve module 40C are denoted by the same reference numerals as the components of the first valve module 40A, and a detailed description of their structure and operation will be omitted.

[0081] In contrast, the second valve module 70C has a structure slightly different from that of the first valve module 40C. The difference between the second valve module 70C and the first valve module 40C is that a flow path forming member 103 is attached to the end insertion portion 41a in the module body 41, and that no O-ring is attached to the outer periphery of the separate flow path forming portion 41b. The other structure of the second valve module 70C is the same as that of the first valve module 40C.

[0082] The flow path forming member 103 is an annular member and has a plurality of flow path openings 104 that are opened and closed by the check valve body 43. When the pressure fluid flows in the forward direction from the input port 13 to the output port 14, the flow path openings 104 are closed by the check valve body 43, thus blocking the flow of the pressure fluid in the forward direction. When the pressure fluid flows in the reverse direction from the output port 14 to the input port 13, the flow path openings 104 are opened by the check valve body 43, thus allowing the flow of the pressure fluid in the reverse direction.

[0083] In the third compound valve 1C having the above-described structure, when the pressure fluid is supplied to the input port 13, the pressure fluid flows through the first mounting hole 11 into the connecting holes 50 of the first valve module 40C and pushes open the check valve body 43, so that the pressure fluid passes through the first flow path 46 in a free-flowing state. Subsequently, the pressure fluid passes through the flow path opening 51 and the connecting hole 18 and flows into the second mounting hole 12 and the second valve module 70C. Then, the pressure fluid, which has passed through the outer periphery of the module body 41, the connecting holes 50, and the first flow path 46 and flows to the flow path openings 104 of the flow path forming member 103, is blocked at this position because the check valve body 43 closes the flow path openings 104.In contrast, the pressure fluid flowing from the connecting holes 50 through the second flow path 47 flows from the output port 19 of the fourth body portion 10d through the output port 14 into the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder, with its flow rate controlled by the needle valve body 44. Thus, the pneumatic cylinder is driven at a speed corresponding to the flow rate of the pressure fluid supplied thereto, and input control is performed.

[0084] When the input port 13 is connected to the atmosphere during the return stroke of the pneumatic cylinder, the pressure fluid discharged from the pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder reaches the input port 13 by flowing along the path opposite to the path of the pressure fluid when the pneumatic cylinder performs the working stroke, and the pressure fluid is discharged to the atmosphere through a switching valve. In this case, in the second valve module 70C, since the check valve body 43 opens the flow path openings 104 of the flow path forming member 103, the pressure fluid passes through the outer periphery of the module body 41 through the flow path openings 104 in a free-flowing state and reaches the first valve module 40C through the connection port 18.In the first valve module 40C, since the first flow path 46 is blocked by the check valve body 43, the pressure fluid flows through the second flow path 47, with its flow rate controlled by the needle valve body 44, and is discharged to the atmosphere through the inlet port. Thus, the pneumatic cylinder moves backward at a speed corresponding to the discharge flow rate of the pressure fluid, and output control is performed.

[0085] As described above, in the present invention, a plurality of valve mechanisms (valve modules) modularized for each control function are selectively mounted on a single valve body, so that a compound valve can be easily obtained that has a combination of control functions according to an application. Furthermore, a plurality of body portions constituting a valve body are logically arranged and compactly coupled to each other, so that a compound valve can be compactly mounted at a low position on a port of a fluid pressure device. List of reference symbols 1A, 1B, 1C compound valve 10A, 10B, 10C valve body 10a first body section 10b second body section 10c third body section 10d fourth body section 11 first mounting hole 12 second mounting hole 13 Input connection 14 Output connector 15 Fastening section 19 Exit opening 24 outer body 25 inner body 27 Operating section 40A, 40B, 40C first valve module 41 module bodies 42 Valve mechanism 43 Check valve body 44 Needle valve body 70A, 70B, 70C second valve module 71, 91 module body 72, 92 valve mechanism 73 Check valve body 74 Control valve body 75 control connection 93 Discharge flow path 94 Discharge valve body L1 first axis L2 second axis L3 third axis L4 fourth axis H Height

Claims

[1] A compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) attached to a port (111) of a fluid pressure device (110), the compound valve comprising: a valve body (10A, 10B, 10C), a first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) attached to the valve body (10A, 10B, 10C), and a second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) attached to the valve body (10A, 10B, 10C), the valve body (10A, 10B, 10C) having a first body portion (10a) with a mounting opening (11) used to attach the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) to the first body portion (10a), a second body portion (10b) with a mounting opening (12) used to attach the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) to the second body portion (10b), a third body portion (10c) with an input port (13) used to inject a pressurized fluid into the third body portion (10c), and a fourth body portion (10d) with an output port (14) used to discharge the pressurized fluid, the first body portion (10a), the second body portion (10b), the third body portion (10c) and the fourth body portion (10d) are formed such thatthat they are integrally coupled with each other, wherein the fourth body portion (10cd) has a fastening portion (15) shaped in such a way that it can be directly screwed into and attached to a port of a fluid pressure device (110), the port (111) being in the form of a threaded opening, wherein the first body portion (10a) extends along a first axis (L1) and the second body portion (10b) extends along a second axis (L2), the axes (L1, L2) being parallel to each other, wherein the third body portion (10c) is arranged in a plane containing the first axis (L1) and / or the second axis (L2), or is arranged in a separate plane parallel to the plane and extending along a third axis (L3) offset by 90° relative to the first axis (L1) and relative to the second axis (L2), wherein the fourth body portion (10d) extends along a fourth axis (L4) offset by 90° relative to the first axis (L1), the second axis (L2) and the third axis (L3), wherein the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) comprises a module body (41) which can be attached to the first body portion (10a) by being inserted into the attachment opening (11) of the first body portion (10a), and a valve mechanism (42) mounted on the module body (41), and wherein the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) comprises a module body (71) which can be attached to the second body portion (10b) by being inserted into the attachment opening (12) of the second body portion (10b), and a valve mechanism (72, 92) mounted on the module body (71, 91), wherein the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) and the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) have different fluid control functions, and wherein a fluid flow path connecting the input port (13) and the output port (14) is formed to extend from the third body portion (10c) to the fourth body portion (10d) by passing from one side to another successively through the first body portion (10a), the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C), the second body portion (10b) and the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C). [2] The compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1, wherein the first body portion (10a), the second body portion (10b), the third body portion (10c) and the fourth body portion (10d) each have a hollow cylindrical shape, wherein the first body portion (10a) and the second body portion (10b) are arranged at positions adjacent to each other such that the first body portion (10a) and the second body portion (10b) overlap each other, and wherein a first fastening opening (11) of the first body portion (10c) opens along the first axis (L1) and a second fastening opening (12) of the second body portion (10b) opens along the second axis (L2), and wherein the fastening openings (11, 12) are oriented in opposite directions. [3] The compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1, wherein the third body portion (10c) and the fourth body portion (10d) are arranged at positions located on opposite sides, wherein the first body portion (10a) or the second body portion (10b) is arranged between the third body portion (10c) and the fourth body portion (10d). [4] The compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1, wherein the first body portion (10a), the second body portion (10b) and the third body portion (10c) are arranged in such a manner that the entire first body portion (10a), the entire second body portion (10b) and the entire third body portion (10c) are inserted into a region having the height of the fourth body portion (10d). [5] The compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1, wherein the fourth body portion (10d) comprises a hollow outer body (24) and an inner body (25) having a cylindrical shape and received in the outer body (24) so as to be rotatable about the fourth axis (L4), wherein an upper end of the inner body (25) is exposed to the environment at an upper end of the outer body (24) and wherein a lower end of the inner body (25) protrudes outwardly from a lower end of the outer body (24), wherein an outlet opening (19) is formed in the inner body (24), and wherein a fixing portion (15) and an outlet terminal (14) are formed at a lower end portion of the inner body (25), and wherein an operating portion (27) used to perform a turning operation by means of a wrench is formed at an upper end portion of the inner body (25). [6] The compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1, wherein the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) and the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) are attachable to the first body portion (10a) and the second body portion (10b), respectively. [7] The compound valve (1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1, wherein a combination of the first valve module (40A, 40B, 40C) and the second valve module (70A, 70B, 70C) is a combination of a speed control and a control check valve, a combination of the control check valve and a residual pressure relief valve, or a combination of the speed control and another speed control, wherein a valve mechanism (42, 72, 92) of each of the speed controls comprises a check valve body (43, 73) that controls a flow direction of the pressure fluid flowing through the fluid flow path, and a needle valve (44) that controls a flow rate of the pressure fluid, wherein a valve mechanism (42, 72, 92) of the control check valve comprises a check valve body (43, 73) which controls a flow direction of the pressure fluid flowing through the fluid flow path, a control valve body (74) which, through the action of a control fluid, displaces the check valve body (43, 73) to a position at which the check valve allows a flow of the pressure fluid in a forward direction and a flow of the pressure fluid in a reverse direction, and a control port (75) which is used for supplying the control fluid to the control valve body (74), and wherein a valve mechanism (42, 72, 92) of the residual pressure relief valve has a discharge flow path (93) branching off from the fluid flow path and communicating with the atmosphere, and a discharge valve body (94) opening and closing the discharge flow path (93).

Images