Power supply cable connection structure for solenoid valve

Abstract

Power supply cable connection structure (10) for a solenoid valve (24) for connecting a power supply cable (60) to a solenoid coil (52) of the solenoid valve, wherein a contact (64) is attached to an end section of a power supply line (62) or an end section of a supply line connected to the power supply line via a relay connection, the contact is inserted into an end section (52a) of the solenoid coil, the power supply cable is held by a fastening tool (12) and the fastening tool is connected to a protective tube (58) connected to the solenoid valve, or the fastening tool is connected to a socket attached to the protective tube.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve, which is used to connect a power supply cable to a solenoid coil of the solenoid valve. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] A known design involves connecting a power supply cable to the solenoid coil of a solenoid valve via a junction box. In this case, a component that holds the power supply cable is attached to the junction box.

[0003] For example, JP H11-195526 A discloses a solenoid valve power supply device (feeder device) comprising a valve installation element and a terminal block. The valve installation element includes a connector receiving chamber and a terminal block receiving chamber, with a first connector located in the connector receiving chamber and a second connector located in the terminal block receiving chamber. Leads are arranged between a first socket attached to the first plug and a second socket attached to the second plug, and the power supply plug of the solenoid valve is connected to the first socket. When the terminal block is inserted into the terminal block receiving chamber, the contacts of the power supply terminals (supply terminals) connected to the power supply leads are inserted into the second socket.

[0004] However, the solenoid valve power supply device that uses the junction box has a complicated structure and requires a predetermined space. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned challenge.

[0006] A power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to the present invention is characterized by a structure for connecting a power supply cable to a solenoid coil of the solenoid valve, wherein a contact is provided at an end section of a power supply line or an end section of a supply line connected to the power supply line via a relay connection, wherein the contact is inserted into an end section of the solenoid coil, the power supply cable is held by a fastening tool, and the fastening tool is connected to a protective tube connected to the solenoid valve, or the fastening tool is connected to a socket attached to the protective tube.

[0007] In the power supply cable connection structure for the solenoid valve according to the present invention, the contact is located at the end section of the power supply cable or at the end section of the supply line connected to the power supply cable via the relay terminal, and the contact is inserted into the end section of the solenoid coil. Therefore, the structure for connecting the power supply cable to the solenoid coil is simplified, and the size of the structure can be reduced. Furthermore, since no components such as a junction box are required, which would hinder improved water resistance, a high level of water resistance can be achieved.

[0008] The above-mentioned and other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by means of an illustrative example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is an external view of the power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is an external view of the area surrounding a contact of a power supply cable for a solenoid valve in Fig. 1; and Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of a power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity, terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", and "right" in the following description refer to the directions shown in the drawings; however, this does not limit the actual arrangement of the components and the like. First embodiment

[0010] A power supply cable connection structure 10 for a solenoid valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 described. The power supply cable connection structure 10 for the solenoid valve is a structure for connecting a power supply cable 60 to a solenoid coil 52 of a solenoid valve 24 and includes a fastening tool 12.

[0011] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the fastening tool 12 comprises a lock nut 14, a sealing nut 16, a pressure hose 18, a first seal 20, and a second seal 22. The lock nut 14 is cylindrical. A grip section 14a is formed in the center in the axial direction of the lock nut 14. The outer shape of the grip section 14a, seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the lock nut 14, is polygonal (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) The locking nut 14 can be easily turned by engaging a tool in the handle section 14a.

[0012] The lock nut 14 comprises a first cylindrical section 14b extending axially from the handle section 14a to one side (right side), and a second cylindrical section 14c extending axially from the handle section 14a to the other side (left side). Both the first cylindrical section 14b and the second cylindrical section 14c have an external thread on their outer circumference. An annular convex section 14d is formed axially on an inner surface in the center of the lock nut 14. The first seal 20 is made of a rubber material in a ring shape and has a predetermined elasticity. The first seal 20 is attached to the outer circumference of the first cylindrical section 14b of the lock nut 14. An end face (left end face) of the first seal 20 abuts the handle section 14a of the lock nut 14.

[0013] The sealing nut 16 is cylindrical and has an internal thread on its inner circumference. The internal thread of the sealing nut 16 is screwed into the external thread of the second cylindrical section 14c of the lock nut 14. The sealing nut 16 is thus connected to the lock nut 14. The sealing nut 16 is thick at one end section (left end section), and a conical chamfer 16a is formed on the inner circumference of the end section. The chamfer 16a is inclined axially away from the axis of the sealing nut 16 towards the center of the sealing nut 16. The sealing nut 16 has a grip section 16b on its outer surface. The outer shape of the grip section 16b, seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the sealing nut 16, is polygonal (see Fig. 2).

[0014] The pressure sleeve 18 is cylindrical and arranged inside the sealing nut 16. The pressure sleeve 18 is configured such that its diameter can be reduced axially along its entire length, for example by a notch extending axially from one end to the other. An annular convex section 18a is formed on the inner surface of the pressure sleeve 18. One end section (left end section) of the pressure sleeve 18 can abut the conical surface 16a of the sealing nut 16.

[0015] The second seal 22 is made of a rubber material in a cylindrical shape and has a predetermined elasticity. The second seal 22 is inserted into the pressure sleeve 18. In its undeformed state, the inner diameter of the second seal 22 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the power supply cable 60. An annular groove section 22a is formed on an outer surface of one end section (left end section) of the second seal 22. The convex section 18a of the pressure sleeve 18 engages in the groove section 22a of the second seal 22. Thus, the pressure sleeve 18 is positioned axially with respect to the second seal 22. Another end section (right end section) of the second seal 22 has a radially outwardly projecting flange section 22b.

[0016] When the sealing nut 16 is screwed onto the lock nut 14 by a predetermined amount, the flanged section 22b of the second seal 22 abuts the convex section 14d of the lock nut 14, and one end section (left end section) of the second seal 22 abuts the conical surface 16a of the sealing nut 16. Thus, the second seal 22 is positioned axially by the sealing nut 16 and the lock nut 14. At this point, one end section (left end section) of the pressure sleeve 18 also abuts the chamfered surface 16a of the sealing nut 16. As the screw-in travel of the sealing nut 16 with respect to the lock nut 14 continues to increase, the pressure sleeve 18 is pressed through the chamfered surface 16a of the sealing nut 16, and its diameter decreases, as does the diameter of the second seal 22 inserted into the pressure sleeve 18.

[0017] The solenoid valve 24 comprises a valve body, a moving part, a solid iron core 42, the solenoid coil 52, a housing 48, and a connector body 54. The valve body consists of a first valve body 26 and a second valve body 28. The first valve body 26 includes a first fluid channel 26a and a second fluid channel 26b, as well as a valve seat 26c at a section where the first fluid channel 26a and the second fluid channel 26b are connected. The second valve body 28 is arranged on an upper part of the first valve body 26 and is connected to the first valve body 26 by bolts 36.

[0018] The movable part comprises a diaphragm 30, a diaphragm support body 32, and a movable iron core 34. The diaphragm 30 has a circular main body section 30a that can abut the valve seat 26c, and a diaphragm section 30b that extends from the outer circumference of the main body section 30a. The outer circumferential edge of the diaphragm section 30b is clamped and held between the first valve body 26 and the second valve body 28. A pilot chamber 38 is formed on an upper surface of the diaphragm 30. The diaphragm section 30b has a perforated section 30c that allows the first fluid channel 26a to communicate with the pilot chamber 38. The main body section 30a of the diaphragm 30 is connected to the diaphragm support body 32. The diaphragm support body 32 has a perforated section 32a that allows the second fluid channel 26b to communicate with the control chamber 38.The hole section 32a penetrates the center of the membrane support body 32 in an upward and downward direction.

[0019] A cylindrical sleeve 50 is attached to the second valve body 28. The sleeve 50 extends upwards from the second valve body 28. The cylindrical, column-shaped, movable iron core 34 is inserted into the sleeve 50 and is guided by the sleeve 50 so that it can be moved up and down. A valve element 33 made of a rubber material is attached to a lower end section of the movable iron core 34. When the valve element 33 rests against the upper end of the diaphragm support body 32, the connection between the second fluid channel 26b and the pilot chamber 38 is blocked via the hole section 32a of the diaphragm support body 32. A first spring 44 is arranged between the movable iron core 34 and the diaphragm support body 32.

[0020] The fixed iron core 42, with a cylindrical column shape, is arranged above the movable iron core 34 and is attached to an upper part of the sleeve 50 by press-fitting or similar means. A spring support body 40 is inserted into the upper part of the movable iron core 34, and a second spring 46 is arranged between the spring support body 40 and the fixed iron core 42. The movable iron core 34 is biased downwards by the second spring 46. The housing 48 has an annular plate section 48a and a cylindrical section 48b extending downwards from an outer circumference of the plate section 48a. The housing 48 is connected to the upper end of the fixed iron core 42 at the central section of the plate section 48a. The cylindrical magnetic coil 52, which surrounds the outer circumference of the fixed iron core 42, is arranged inside the housing 48.

[0021] When the solenoid coil 52 is not energized, the movable iron core 34, the diaphragm support body 32, and the diaphragm 30 are biased downwards by the second spring 46. The diaphragm 30 is biased downwards by the pressure of the fluid introduced from the first fluid channel 26a through the perforated section 30c of the diaphragm 30 into the pilot chamber 38. Therefore, the valve element 33 attached to the movable iron core 34 abuts the diaphragm support body 32, and the diaphragm 30 abuts the valve seat 26c, thus blocking the second fluid channel 26b from the first fluid channel 26a.

[0022] When the solenoid coil 52 is energized, the movable iron core 34 is displaced upwards against the preload force of the second spring 46 by the magnetic force acting between the solenoid coil 52, the stationary iron core 42, and the movable iron core 34. As the movable iron core 34 is displaced upwards, the valve element 33 is separated from the diaphragm support body 32, and the fluid in the pilot chamber 38 flows through the perforated section 32a of the diaphragm support body 32 to the second fluid channel 26b. This reduces the pressure in the pilot chamber 38, and the diaphragm 30 is displaced upwards by the pressure of the fluid in the first fluid channel 26a and separated from the valve seat 26c. When the diaphragm 30 is separated from the valve seat 26c, the fluid in the first fluid channel 26a flows to the second fluid channel 26b at a predetermined flow rate.The first spring 44 serves to reliably move the diaphragm 30 upwards when the movable iron core 34 is moved upwards, even if the pressure in the first fluid channel 26a is low.

[0023] The connector body 54 is attached to the cylindrical section 48b of the housing 48. The connector body 54 includes a base section 56 that receives end sections of power supply lines 62 of the power supply cable 60. As shown in Fig. As shown in detail in Figure 3, a contact 64 is attached by crimping to an end section of each of the power supply lines 62. The contact 64 includes an elastic engagement tab 64a. The base section 56 is provided with a convex section 56a that can be engaged with the engagement tab 64a of the contact 64.

[0024] The end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52 extends from the housing 48 to the connector body 54 and is located in the base section 56. The contact 64 can be inserted into the end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52. When the contact 64 is inserted into the end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52, the engagement tab 64a of the contact 64 engages in the convex section 56a of the base section 56, thus preventing the contact 64 from being pulled out.

[0025] A cylindrical protective tube 58 is integrally connected to the connector body 54 as required. The protective tube 58 has an internal thread on its inner circumference. The external thread of the first cylindrical section 14b of the lock nut 14 is screwed into the internal thread of the protective tube 58. This connects the fastening tool 12 to the protective tube 58. The other end face (right end face) of the first seal 20 can rest against the end face of the protective tube 58. When the lock nut 14 is screwed onto the protective tube 58 by a predetermined amount, the first seal 20 is clamped and held between the handle section 14a of the lock nut 14 and the end face of the protective tube 58.

[0026] Next, a method for connecting the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 using the fastening tool 12 is described. The components of the fastening tool 12 are pre-assembled in such a way that they cannot be separated.

[0027] First, the power supply cable 60 is inserted from the opening side of the sealing nut 16 of the fastening tool 12 into the second seal 22. The power supply leads 62 of the power supply cable 60 are guided through the interior of the locking nut 14 and the interior of the protective tube 58, and the distal end of each of the power supply leads 62 is inserted into the base section 56 of the connector body 54. This inserts the contact 64 into the end section 52a of the solenoid 52, and the engagement tab 64a of the contact 64 engages with the convex section 56a of the base section 56.

[0028] The locknut 14 is then turned by a tool engaging the handle section 14a of the locknut 14, and the external thread of the first cylindrical section 14b of the locknut 14 is screwed into the internal thread of the protective tube 58. When the locknut 14 is screwed into the protective tube 58 by a predetermined amount, the first seal 20 between the handle section 14a of the locknut 14 and the end face of the protective tube 58 is compressed. This establishes the connection between the locknut 14 and the protective tube 58 and seals the gap between the locknut 14 and the protective tube 58.

[0029] The sealing nut 16 is then rotated by engaging the handle section 16b of the sealing nut 16 with a tool to screw the internal thread of the sealing nut 16 onto the external thread of the second cylindrical section 14c of the locking nut 14. When the sealing nut 16 is screwed onto the locking nut 14 by a predetermined amount or more, the pressure sleeve 18 and the second seal 22 are each reduced in diameter, and the second seal 22 is compressed radially between the pressure sleeve 18 and the power supply cable 60. This brings the second seal 22 into close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 60 to create a seal between these two parts, and the power supply cable 60 is held firmly by the fastening tool 12.

[0030] When the sealing nut 16 is screwed onto the lock nut 14 by a predetermined amount or more, the second seal 22 is compressed axially between the convex section 14d of the lock nut 14 and the conical surface 16a of the sealing nut 16. This brings the flanged section 22b of the second seal 22 into close contact with the convex section 14d of the lock nut 14, thus completing the seal between the second seal 22 and the lock nut 14. The connection of the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 is completed by the above procedure.

[0031] According to the present embodiment, the contact 64, which is attached to the end section of each of the power supply lines 62, is inserted into the end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52. Therefore, the structure for connecting the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52 is simplified.

[0032] The first seal 20 is compressed between the lock nut 14 and the protective tube 58, and the second seal 22 is brought into close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 60 and compressed between the convex section 14d of the lock nut 14 and the conical surface 16a of the sealing nut 16. Therefore, the space in which the power supply lines 62, the contacts 64, and the end sections 52a of the solenoid coil 52 are arranged is advantageously sealed from the outside world, and the water resistance is excellent. Second embodiment

[0033] A power supply cable connection structure 70 for a solenoid valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig.4 described. The power supply cable connection structure 70 for the solenoid valve is a structure suitable for connecting a power supply cable 80, with a diameter larger than that of the power supply cable 60, to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24. The components that are identical or equivalent to those of the power supply cable connection structure 10 for the solenoid valve according to the first embodiment are identified by the same reference numerals, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0034] A cylindrical bushing 72 is arranged between the locknut 14 and the protective tube 58. The bushing 72 has an internal thread 72b at one end section (the left end section). The external thread on the first cylindrical section 14b of the locknut 14 is screwed into the internal thread 72b of the bushing 72. In this way, the fastening tool 12 is connected to the bushing 72. The other end section (right end section) of the bushing 72 has a small-diameter section 72a. An annular groove section 72c is formed on the outer surface of the bushing 72 at the root of the small-diameter section 72a. One side surface (left side surface) 72d of the groove section 72c is radially wider outwards than the other side surface (right side surface) of the groove section 72c. A third seal 74 made of a rubber material in ring form is attached to the groove section 72c of the bushing 72.

[0035] The bushing 72 is attached to the protective tube 58 by screwing an external thread formed on the outer circumference of the small-diameter section 72a into an internal thread of the protective tube 58. When the bushing 72 is attached to the protective tube 58, the third seal 74 is compressed between the side surface 72d of the groove section 72c of the bushing 72 and the end surface of the protective tube 58. This seals the gap between the bushing 72 and the protective tube 58. The lock nut 14 is connected to the protective tube 58 via the bushing 72.

[0036] A relay terminal 76 is located inside the socket 72. One end section of each of the power supply lines 82 of the power supply cable 80 is connected to one end section (left end section) of the relay terminal 76, and one end section (left end section) of each of the supply lines 78 is connected to another end section (right end section) of the relay terminal 76. That is, the supply lines 78 are connected to the power supply lines 82 via the relay terminal 76. The diameter of the power supply lines 82 is larger than the diameter of the power supply lines 62 in the first embodiment, and the diameter of the supply lines 78 is the same as the diameter of the power supply lines 62 in the first embodiment.

[0037] The contact 64 is crimped to the other end section of each of the connecting leads 78. The contact 64 can be inserted into the end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52. When the contact 64 is inserted into the end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52, the engagement tab 64a of the contact 64 engages in the convex section 56a of the base section 56, thus preventing the contact 64 from being pulled out.

[0038] Next, a procedure for connecting the power supply cable 80 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 using the fastening tool 12 is described. The connecting leads 78 are first connected to the power supply leads 82 via the relay terminal 76. The socket 72 is first attached to the protective tube 58.

[0039] First, the power supply cable 80 is inserted from the opening side of the sealing nut 16 of the fastening tool 12 into the second seal 22. The supply leads 78, the relay terminal 76, and the power supply leads 82 are placed inside the socket 72, and the other end section (right end section) of each of the supply leads 78 is inserted into the base section 56 of the connector body 54. This inserts the contact 64 into the end section 52a of the solenoid 52, and the engagement tab 64a of the contact 64 engages with the convex section 56a of the base section 56.

[0040] The locknut 14 is then turned, and the external thread on the first cylindrical section 14b of the locknut 14 is screwed into the internal thread 72b of the bushing 72. When the locknut 14 is screwed into the bushing 72 by a predetermined amount, the first seal 20 between the handle section 14a of the locknut 14 and the end face of the bushing 72 is compressed. Thus, the connection between the locknut 14 and the bushing 72 is established, and the gap between the locknut 14 and the bushing 72 is sealed.

[0041] The sealing nut 16 is then turned to engage its internal thread with the external thread of the second cylindrical section 14c of the locking nut 14. When the sealing nut 16 is engaged with the locking nut 14 by a predetermined amount or more, the diameters of the pressure sleeve 18 and the second seal 22 are each reduced, and the second seal 22 is compressed radially between the pressure sleeve 18 and the power supply cable 80. This brings the second seal 22 into close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 80, completing the seal between them, and the power supply cable 80 is held firmly by the fastening tool 12. When the sealing nut 16 is screwed into the locking nut 14 by a predetermined amount or more, the seal between the second seal 22 and the locking nut 14 is complete.The connection of the power supply cable 80 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 is established by the procedure described above.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, contact 64 is attached to the end section of each of the supply lines 78 connected to the power supply lines 82 via the relay terminal 76, and contact 64 is inserted into the end section 52a of the solenoid coil 52. Therefore, the structure for connecting the power supply cable 80 to the solenoid coil 52 is simplified.

[0043] Furthermore, the first seal 20 is compressed between the locking nut 14 and the socket 72, the second seal 22 is in close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 80 and is compressed between the convex section 14d of the locking nut 14 and the conical surface 16a of the sealing nut 16, and the third seal 74 is compressed between the socket 72 and the protective tube 58. Therefore, the space in which the power supply lines 82, the relay terminal 76, the leads 78, the contacts 64, and the end sections 52a of the solenoid 52 are arranged is advantageously sealed from the outside world, and the water resistance is excellent. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP H11-195526 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Power supply cable connection structure (10) for a solenoid valve (24) for connecting a power supply cable (60) to a solenoid coil (52) of the solenoid valve, wherein a contact (64) is attached to an end section of a power supply line (62) or an end section of a supply line connected to the power supply line via a relay connection, the contact is inserted into an end section (52a) of the solenoid coil, the power supply cable is held by a fastening tool (12) and the fastening tool is connected to a protective tube (58) connected to the solenoid valve, or the fastening tool is connected to a socket attached to the protective tube. [2] Power supply cable connection structure for the solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein the end section of the solenoid coil is arranged in a base section of a connector body of the solenoid valve, the end section of the power supply line or the end section of the supply line is received by the base section and the protective tube is integrally connected to the connector body. [3] Power supply cable connection structure for the solenoid valve according to claim 2, wherein an engagement tab formed in the contact engages with a convex section formed on the base section. [4] Power supply cable connection structure for the solenoid valve according to claim 1, wherein the fastening tool comprises a locking nut having a cylindrical shape and a first seal, the locking nut being connected to the protective tube or bushing by screw connection and the first seal being compressed between the locking nut and the protective tube or between the locking nut and the bushing. [5] Power supply cable connection structure for the solenoid valve according to claim 4, wherein the fastening tool comprises a sealing nut having a cylindrical shape, a pressure sleeve having a cylindrical shape and a second seal having a cylindrical shape, wherein the locking nut comprises a handle section, a first cylindrical section extending axially from the handle section to one side, and a second cylindrical section extending axially from the handle section to another side, wherein an external thread of the first cylindrical section is screwed to an internal thread of the protective tube or bushing, an internal thread of the sealing nut is screwed to an external thread of the second cylindrical section, the pressure sleeve is arranged inside the sealing nut and the second seal is placed inside the pressure sleeve.

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