Positive pressure flow path switching valve and positive pressure flow path switching system including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a remotely controllable positive pressure flow path switching valve and a positive pressure flow path switching system including the same. [Solution] The device includes a first cylinder 11 connected to a positive / negative pressure input port IN, a second cylinder 12 connected to a first positive pressure output port OUT1 and having a first iron ball 12a located close to and parallel to the first cylinder 11, and a third cylinder 13 connected to a second positive pressure output port OUT2 and having a second iron ball 13a located close to and parallel to the first cylinder 11. A first permanent magnet 15 is slidably housed inside the first cylinder 11, a second permanent magnet 16 is located outside the right open end of the first cylinder 11, and a third permanent magnet 17 is located outside the left open end of the first cylinder 11. A first flow path 18 is connected between the first and second cylinders 11 and 12, and a second flow path 19 is connected between the first and third cylinders 11 and 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a positive pressure flow path switching valve for branching one positive air pressure flow path having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure (hereinafter referred to as positive pressure) into two positive pressure flow paths, and a positive pressure flow path switching system including the same. Background Art

[0002] Figure 5 shows a conventional positive pressure flow path switching system including a positive pressure flow path switching valve for branching one positive pressure flow path into two positive pressure flow paths.

[0003] In Figure 5, the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 has a positive pressure input port IN' connected to a positive pressure source 200 (such as a compressor, a regulator, etc.), and two positive pressure output ports OUT1 and OUT2, and is configured with a built-in manually operated three-way valve or solenoid valve. That is, switching between the two positive pressure output ports OUT1 and OUT2 is performed by the manually operated three-way valve or the solenoid valve.

[0004] The operation of the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 in Figure 5 will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0005] In Figure 6(A), it is assumed that the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 connects the positive pressure input port IN' to the positive pressure output port OUT1. Accordingly, the positive pressure air flow P from the positive pressure source 200 flows from the positive pressure input port IN' to the positive pressure output port OUT1, and the positive pressure output port OUT1 is pressurized.

[0006] In Figure 6(A), if the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 is configured as a manually operated three-way valve, an operator goes to the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 and switches the positive pressure input port IN' from the positive pressure output port OUT1 to the positive pressure output port OUT2 by switching operation performed by the operator. On the other hand, if the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 is configured as a solenoid valve, the switching operation of the solenoid valve switches the positive pressure input port IN' from the positive pressure output port OUT1 to the positive pressure output port OUT2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(B), the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 connects the positive pressure input port IN' to the positive pressure output port OUT2. As a result, the positive pressure airflow P from the positive pressure source 200 flows from the positive pressure input port IN' to the positive pressure output port OUT2, and as a result, the positive pressure output port OUT1 is depressurized and the positive pressure output port OUT2 is pressurized. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the conventional positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 shown in Figure 5 has the problem that, when using a manually operated three-way valve, it cannot be used in environments where workers cannot reach it. Also, when using a solenoid valve, it cannot be used in environments where electricity cannot be used, such as explosion-proof areas. Furthermore, when using a manually operated three-way valve or a solenoid valve, the positive pressure flow path switching valve 100 cannot be made smaller or lighter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the positive pressure flow path switching valve according to the present invention is a positive pressure flow path switching valve having a positive / negative pressure input port and first and second positive pressure output ports, comprising: a linear first cylinder having a positive / negative pressure input port connected to its side surface and first and second open ends at both ends; a linear second cylinder provided close to and parallel to the first cylinder and having a side surface on which a first positive pressure output port is provided, a third open end at one end and a first closed end at the other end; and a linear third cylinder provided close to and parallel to the first cylinder and having a side surface on which a second positive pressure output port is provided, a fourth open end at one end and a second closed end at the other end, wherein the direction from the third open end to the first closed end of the second cylinder and the direction from the fourth open end to the second closed end of the third cylinder are relative to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the first cylinder. The magnets are in opposite directions and further comprise a first permanent magnet slidably housed within the first cylinder and having a magnetization direction in the axial direction of the first cylinder; a second permanent magnet located on the extension of the first central axis of the first cylinder outside the first open end of the first cylinder and having the same magnetization direction as the first permanent magnet; a third permanent magnet located on the extension of the second central axis of the first cylinder outside the second open end of the first cylinder and having the same magnetization direction as the first permanent magnet; a first flow path connected between the first open end of the first cylinder and the third open end of the second cylinder; a second flow path connected between the second open end of the first cylinder and the fourth open end of the third cylinder; a first magnetic sphere slidably housed within the second cylinder; and a second magnetic sphere slidably housed within the third cylinder. This allows for the pressure to be increased or decreased at either the first or second positive pressure output port until negative pressure is applied to the positive / negative pressure input port.

[0009] Furthermore, the positive pressure flow path switching system according to the present invention comprises the positive pressure flow path switching valve described above, a positive pressure source, a negative pressure source, and a positive / negative pressure switching valve connected between the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source and the positive pressure / negative pressure input port of the positive pressure flow path switching valve, and is configured to switch between the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source and connect to the positive pressure / negative pressure input port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it can be used in environments inaccessible to workers, as well as in environments where electricity cannot be used, such as explosion-proof areas, and can also be made smaller and lighter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a positive pressure flow path switching system including an embodiment of the positive pressure flow path switching valve according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows details of the positive pressure flow path switching valve, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a rear view, (C) is a longitudinal section of line CC of (D), (D) is a section of line DD of (C), and (E) is a cross-sectional section of line EE of (C). [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the positive pressure flow switching valve, where (A) shows the first positive pressure preparation state, (B) shows the first positive pressure pressurized state, (C) shows the negative pressure pressurization start state, (D) shows the negative pressure pressurization end state, (E) shows the second positive pressure pressurization preparation state, and (F) shows the second positive pressure pressurized state. [Figure 4] This figure shows the experimental results from the negative pressure pressurization start state (C) to the positive pressure pressurization preparation state (E) shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows a positive pressure flow path switching system including a conventional positive pressure flow path switching valve. [Figure 6] Figure 5 illustrates the operation of the positive pressure flow path switching valve. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Figure 1 shows a positive pressure flow path switching system including an embodiment of the positive pressure flow path switching valve according to the present invention.

[0013] In Figure 1, the positive pressure flow path switching valve 10 has a positive / negative pressure input port IN and first and second positive pressure output ports OUT1 and OUT2. The positive / negative pressure input port IN is connected to a positive pressure source 20 consisting of a compressor, regulator, etc., and a negative pressure source 30 for generating air pressure lower than atmospheric pressure (hereinafter referred to as negative pressure), consisting of a vacuum pump, etc. The positive / negative pressure switching valve 40 may be, for example, a manually operated three-way valve or a solenoid valve. The positive pressure source 20 and the negative pressure source 30 are switched according to manual operation or a control signal C from the control unit 50 to supply a positive pressure airflow P or a negative pressure airflow N to the positive pressure flow path switching valve 10. In this case, the control unit 50 is configured, for example, by a computer, and when the control signal C is at a low level, the positive / negative pressure switching valve 40 selects the positive pressure source 20, and when the control signal C is at a high level, the positive / negative pressure switching valve 40 selects the negative pressure source 30. The high level of the control signal C depends on the size of the device, the operating environment, etc., but is, for example, a pulse signal longer than 12 ms (see Figure 4). The positive / negative pressure switching valve 40 can also be operated manually without using the control unit 50. In this way, the positive pressure flow path switching valve 10 can be operated by remote control of the positive / negative pressure switching valve 40.

[0014] Figure 2 shows details of the positive pressure flow path switching valve 10 of Figure 1, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a rear view, (C) is a longitudinal section view along line CC of (D), (D) is a section view along line DD of (C), and (E) is a cross-sectional view along line EE of (C).

[0015] As shown in Figure 2(A), a first positive pressure output port OUT1 and a second positive pressure output port OUT2 are provided on the front, and as shown in Figure 2(B), a positive / negative pressure input port IN is provided on the rear.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2(C), (D), and (E), the device includes a linear first cylinder 11 with a positive / negative pressure input port IN connected to its side, a second cylinder 12 with a first positive pressure output port OUT1 connected to its side and positioned close to and parallel to the first cylinder 11, and a third cylinder 13 with a second positive pressure output port OUT2 connected to its side and positioned close to and parallel to the first cylinder 11. The first cylinder 11 has open ends at both ends, and first and second O-rings (cushion packings) 14a and 14b are provided at the open ends. The second cylinder 12 has one open end and the other closed end, and a third O-ring (cushion packing) 14c is provided at the open end. The third cylinder 13 has one open end and the other closed end, and a fourth O-ring (cushion packing) 14d is provided at the open end. Furthermore, the direction from the open end to the closed end of the second cylinder 12 and the direction from the open end to the closed end of the third cylinder 13 are opposite to each other when viewed from the central axis direction of the first cylinder 11. In addition, in the second and third cylinders 12 and 13, the side to which the first and second positive pressure output ports OUT1 and OUT2 are connected is closer to the closed end, but is not limited to being closer to the closed end. Note that the first, second, and third cylinders 11, 12, and 13 are provided on one plane, but do not have to be on one plane.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2(C) and (D), a first permanent magnet 15 having a magnetization direction in the axial direction of the first cylinder 11 is slidably housed within the first cylinder 11. A second permanent magnet 16 having the same magnetization direction as the first permanent magnet 15 is provided on the extension of the central axis of the first cylinder 11, outside the right open end (first O-ring 14a) of the first cylinder 11. Furthermore, a third permanent magnet 17 having the same magnetization direction as the first permanent magnet 15 is provided on the extension of the central axis of the first cylinder 11, outside the left open end (fourth O-ring 14b) of the first cylinder 11.

[0018] A first flow path 18 is connected between the first O-ring 14a of the first cylinder 11 and the third O-ring 14c of the second cylinder 12, while a second flow path 19 is connected between the second O-ring 14b of the first cylinder 11 and the fourth O-ring 14d of the third cylinder 13. The first and second flow paths 18 and 19 are located outside the first and second cylinders 11 and 12, and outside the first and third cylinders 11 and 13, respectively, but they may also be located between the first and second cylinders 11 and 12, or between the first and third cylinders 11 and 13. In this case, the distance between the first and second cylinders 11 and 12, and the distance between the first and third cylinders 11 and 13 are reduced so that the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a, described later, are subjected to the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet 15. Furthermore, although the first and second flow paths 18 and 19 are located on the surface formed by the first, second, and third cylinders 11, 12, and 13, they may also be located outside the surface formed by the first, second, and third cylinders 11, 12, and 13.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(C) and (E), a first magnetic sphere, such as a first iron ball 12a, is slidably provided in the second cylinder 12, which acts as a valve seat to open / close the first positive pressure output port OUT1. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2(C), a second magnetic sphere, such as a second iron ball 13a, is slidably provided in the third cylinder 13, which acts as a valve seat to open / close the second positive pressure output port OUT2.

[0020] Since the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 are in close proximity, the first iron ball 12a is affected by the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet 15 and can slide along with the sliding of the first permanent magnet 15. In this case, since the first and second cylinders 11 and 12 are parallel, the first iron ball 12a also slides along the sliding direction of the first permanent magnet 15. Similarly, since the first cylinder 11 and the third cylinder 13 are in close proximity, the second iron ball 13a is affected by the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet 15 and can slide along with the sliding of the first permanent magnet 15. In this case, since the first and third cylinders 11 and 13 are parallel, the second iron ball 13a also slides along the sliding direction of the first permanent magnet 15.

[0021] Note that arrows P in (C), (D) and (E) of FIG. 2 indicate positive pressure air flow.

[0022] The operation of the positive pressure flow path switching valve 10 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0023] (A) and (B) in FIG. 3 show a first positive pressure pressurizing operation.

[0024] Referring to the first positive pressure preparation state (A) before pressurizing positive pressure, the first permanent magnet 15 is in close contact with the second O-ring 14b on the left side inside the first cylinder 11. Accordingly, the first and second iron balls 12a, 13a are positioned on the left side of the second and third cylinders 12, 13 by the first permanent magnet 15. As a result, in the second cylinder 12, the first iron ball 12a is in close contact with the third O-ring 14c, bringing the second cylinder 12 into a closed state; on the other hand, in the third cylinder 13, the second iron ball 13a does not contact the fourth O-ring 14d, bringing the third cylinder 13 into an open state.

[0025] Next, referring to the first positive pressure pressurized state (B) in which positive pressure is applied, positive pressure is supplied to the positive pressure / negative pressure input port IN. As a result, the positive pressure air flow P flows from the positive pressure / negative pressure input port IN through the first cylinder 11 and the first flow path 18 to the first positive pressure output port OUT1 of the second cylinder 12, and is discharged therefrom. In this case, the first iron ball 12a separates from the third O-ring 14c, bringing the second cylinder 12 into an open state, and accordingly the first positive pressure output port OUT1 enters the first positive pressure pressurized state.

[0026] (C) and (D) in FIG. 3 show a negative pressure pressurizing operation.

[0027] Referring to the negative pressure pressurization start state (C), in which negative pressure is applied to the positive / negative pressure input port IN, the first iron ball 12a comes into close contact with the third O-ring 14c due to the pressure reduction in the first cylinder 11 by the first permanent magnet 15. As a result, the second cylinder 12 is closed. On the other hand, the first permanent magnet 15 moves away from the second O-ring 14b and towards the first O-ring 14a due to the pressure difference between the second flow path 19 and the first cylinder 11. At the same time, the negative pressure airflow N begins to flow from the second positive pressure output port OUT2 through the third cylinder 13 and the second flow path 19 to the positive / negative pressure input port IN of the first cylinder 11 due to the open state of the second iron ball 13a. As a result, as shown in the negative pressure pressurization completion state (D), in the second cylinder 12, the first iron ball 12a detaches from the third O-ring 14c, and the second cylinder 12 moves towards the open state. On the other hand, in the third cylinder 13, the second iron ball 13a moves towards the fourth O-ring 14d, and the third cylinder 13 moves towards the closed state. The negative pressure pressurization time should be longer than the time it takes for the first permanent magnet 15 to leave the second O-ring 14b and pass the positive / negative pressure input port IN, and depends on the size of the device, the operating environment, etc., and is, for example, about 12 ms (see Figure 4) as described later. In other words, ultimately, as shown in the second positive pressure pressurization preparation state in Figure 3 (E), the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a move and reach the right side of the second and third cylinders 12 and 13.

[0028] Figures 3(E) and (F) show the second positive pressure pressurization operation.

[0029] Referring to the second positive pressure preparation state (E) before positive pressure is applied, the first permanent magnet 15 is in close contact with the second O-ring 14a on the right side inside the first cylinder 11. Therefore, the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a are positioned on the right side of the second and third cylinders 12 and 13 by the first permanent magnet 15. As a result, in the second cylinder 12, the first iron ball 12a is separated from the third O-ring 14c, and the second cylinder 12 becomes open, while in the third cylinder 13, the second iron ball 13a is in close contact with the fourth O-ring 14d, and the third cylinder 13 becomes closed.

[0030] Finally, referring to the second positive pressure pressurized state (F) in which positive pressure is applied, positive pressure is applied to the positive / negative pressure input port IN. As a result, the positive pressure airflow P flows from the positive / negative pressure input port IN through the first cylinder 11 and the second flow path 19 to the second positive pressure output port OUT2 of the third cylinder 13 and is discharged. In this case, the second iron ball 13a separates from the fourth O-ring 14d, the third cylinder 13 becomes open, and therefore the second positive pressure output port OUT2 enters the second positive pressure pressurized state.

[0031] In this way, the system can switch between a state (B) in which positive pressure is applied or reduced at the positive / negative pressure input port IN and a positive pressure airflow P is discharged from the first positive pressure output port OUT1, and a state (F) in which positive pressure is applied or reduced at the positive / negative pressure input port IN and a positive pressure airflow P is discharged from the second positive pressure output port OUT2, by applying or reducing negative pressure to the positive / negative pressure input port IN.

[0032] Figure 4 shows the experimental results from the negative pressure pressurization start state (C) to the positive pressure pressurization preparation state (E) in Figure 3. In Figure 4, elements other than the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a and the first, second and third permanent magnets 15, 16, and 17 are made of transparent or translucent resin, and the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a and the first permanent magnet 15 were observed.

[0033] In Figure 4, assuming that in the negative pressure pressurization start state (C) of Figure 3, the first permanent magnet 15 is in contact with one O ring, for example, 14a, of the first cylinder 11, and therefore the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a are located to the right together with the first permanent magnet 15, an experiment was conducted in which a negative pressure of -20kPa was applied to the positive / negative pressure input port IN. As a result, in a time of 12ms, the system changed from the negative pressure pressurization start state (C) of Figure 3 to the positive pressure pressurization preparation state (E), and the first and second iron balls 12a and 13a moved to the left together with the first permanent magnet 15. Thus, it was proven that switching between the positive pressure output ports OUT1 and OUT2 can be achieved by applying negative pressure.

[0034] In the above-described embodiment, the O-rings 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, which serve as cushion packings, may be other packings, such as V-packings, U-packings, Y-packings, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to any modification of the above-described embodiments that falls within the scope of obviousness. [Industrial applicability]

[0036] It can be used in pipe inspection software robots. Specifically, the robot's forward and backward movement can be controlled with a single air supply tube. By reducing the number of air supply tubes that interfere with the pipe wall and hinder movement, it can contribute to the long-distance use of pipe inspection robots. It can also be used in double-acting pneumatic grippers. That is, a gripper that performs both gripping and releasing forces with pneumatic pressure can be driven with a single air supply channel, contributing to space saving and weight reduction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 10: Positive pressure flow path switching valve 11: First cylinder 12: Second cylinder 12a: First iron ball 13: The third cylinder 13a: The second iron ball 14a: First O-ring (cushion packing) 14b: Second O-ring (cushion packing) 14c: Third O-ring (cushion packing) 14d: Fourth O-ring (cushion packing) 15: First permanent magnet 16: Second permanent magnet 17: The third permanent magnet 18: First channel 19: Second channel 20: Positive pressure source 30: Negative pressure source 40: Positive / Negative Pressure Switching Valve 50: Control Unit 100: Positive pressure flow path switching valve 200: Positive pressure source IN': Positive pressure input port IN: Positive / Negative pressure input port OUT1: First positive voltage output port OUT2: Second positive voltage output port P: Positive pressure airflow N: Negative pressure airflow

Claims

1. A positive pressure flow path switching valve having a positive / negative pressure input port and first and second positive pressure output ports, The positive / negative pressure input port is connected to the side of a linear first cylinder having first and second open ends at both ends, A linear second cylinder is provided adjacent to and parallel to the first cylinder, and has a side surface on which the first positive pressure output port is provided, a third open end at one end, and a first closed end at the other end. A linear third cylinder is provided adjacent to and parallel to the first cylinder, and has a side surface on which the second positive pressure output port is provided, a fourth open end at one end, and a second closed end at the other end. It is equipped with, The direction from the third open end to the first closed end of the second cylinder and the direction from the fourth open end to the second closed end of the third cylinder are opposite to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the first cylinder. moreover, A first permanent magnet is slidably housed within the first cylinder and has a magnetization direction in the axial direction of the first cylinder, A second permanent magnet is provided on the extension of the first central axis of the first cylinder, outside the first open end of the first cylinder, and having the same magnetization direction as the first permanent magnet, A third permanent magnet is provided on the extension of the second central axis of the first cylinder, outside the second open end of the first cylinder, and having the same magnetization direction as the first permanent magnet, A first flow path connected between the first open end of the first cylinder and the third open end of the second cylinder, A second flow path is connected between the second open end of the first cylinder and the fourth open end of the third cylinder, A first magnetic sphere is slidably provided within the second cylinder, A second magnetic sphere is slidably provided within the third cylinder and A positive pressure flow path switching valve equipped with the following features.

2. A first cushion packing is inserted between the first open end of the first cylinder and the first flow path. A second cushion packing is inserted between the second open end of the first cylinder and the second flow path. A third cushion packing is inserted between the third open end of the second cylinder and the first flow path. The positive pressure flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein a fourth cushion packing is inserted between the fourth open end of the third cylinder and the second flow path.

3. A positive pressure flow path switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, Positive pressure source and A negative pressure source and A positive pressure source and a negative pressure source are connected to a positive pressure / negative pressure switching valve between the positive pressure / negative pressure input port of the positive pressure flow path switching valve. It is equipped with, A positive pressure flow path switching system that switches between the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source and connects them to the positive / negative pressure input port.

4. The positive pressure flow path switching system according to claim 3, wherein the positive pressure / negative pressure switching valve comprises a manually operated three-way valve or a solenoid valve.

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