Valve device

Abstract

This helps to suppress the increase in size of valve devices equipped with pressure sensors. [Solution] The valve device 10 includes a mounting wall 22B attached to the installation wall 204, a first port 31 connected to the actuator 101, a second port 32 opening into the mounting wall 22B, a spool chamber 51 housing the spool 60, a first relay passage 33 and a second relay passage 34 connecting the first port 31 and the second port 32 to the spool chamber 51, a pressure sensor 81 for detecting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the second port 32, and a first leg 27 protruding from the mounting wall 22B. The pressure sensor 81 is positioned in the second port 32 in a manner that protrudes from the mounting wall 22B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device.

Background Art

[0002] A valve device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing and a spool. The housing includes a passage communicating with an actuator, a passage communicating with a pump, and a passage communicating with a tank. The spool is accommodated in the housing and is movable within the housing. The communication state of the other two passages relative to the passage communicating with the actuator is switched according to the position of the spool.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In techniques such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pressure sensor may be installed in the valve device to detect the pressure of hydraulic oil flowing through the passage connected to the actuator. At that time, it is desirable to suppress an increase in the size of the valve device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A valve device for solving the above problem includes a mounting wall to be attached to an installation target, a first port connected to an actuator, a second port opening to the mounting wall, a spool, a spool chamber accommodating the spool, a supply / discharge passage connecting the first port, the second port and the spool chamber, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of hydraulic oil in the supply / discharge passage, and legs protruding from the mounting wall. The pressure sensor is arranged in the second port in a state of protruding from the mounting wall.

[0006] In the above configuration, there is a space between the installation target and the mounting wall that is equal in height to the protruding length of the legs. The part of the pressure sensor that protrudes from the mounting wall is positioned in this space. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pressure sensor protrudes from a different location than the mounting wall, the valve device is less likely to become large.

[0007] The valve device, when the supply and discharge passage is designated as the first supply and discharge passage and the pressure sensor as the first pressure sensor, further comprises a third port connected to the actuator, a fourth port opening into the mounting wall, a second supply and discharge passage connecting the third port and the fourth port to the spool chamber, and a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the second supply and discharge passage, wherein the second pressure sensor may be positioned in the fourth port so as to protrude from the mounting wall.

[0008] The valve device further comprises a pair of legs, the pair of legs being positioned on either side of the first and second pressure sensors, with the first and second pressure sensors in the center, in the direction of arrangement of the first and second pressure sensors.

[0009] The valve device further comprises a pump port connected to a pump that discharges hydraulic fluid, a pump passage connecting the spool chamber and the pump port, and a check valve that restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the spool chamber through the pump passage to the pump port, wherein the check valve is located between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor in the arrangement direction and may protrude from the mounting wall.

[0010] The valve device is a valve unit comprising the mounting wall, the first port and the second port, the spool and the spool chamber, the supply and discharge passage and the pressure sensor, further comprising a plurality of the valve units arranged along a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the legs, wherein the plurality of valve units may include at least two first valve units having the legs and a second valve unit without the legs positioned between the two first valve units.

[0011] The valve device may further comprise a plurality of the preceding second valve units. The valve device further comprises a power supply line including a common line connected to a power source, a plurality of branch connectors arranged on the common line, and branch lines connecting each of the branch connectors to the pressure sensor, wherein each of the branch connectors may be attached to the mounting wall of a different second valve unit.

[0012] The valve device further comprises a pilot valve for adjusting the pilot pressure acting on the spool, the leg has a bolt hole recessed from its protruding end face for mounting the valve device to the installation object, and the pilot valve may include a movable portion positioned between the spool chamber and the bolt hole on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The above technological concept can suppress the need for larger valve devices equipped with pressure sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of the valve device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the valve device, seen from the opposite side compared to Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] <Overall Structure> The following describes one embodiment of a valve device, using its application to construction machinery as an example. For simplicity and clarity, the components shown in the drawings are schematic representations, and the components shown in each drawing are not necessarily drawn to a consistent scale.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the excavator 200, a construction machine, is equipped with multiple actuators 101. The actuators 101 are hydraulic drive devices. As shown in Figure 2, the actuator 101 comprises a cylinder 102 and a piston rod 103. The cylinder 102 is a hollow columnar shape. The piston rod 103 comprises a piston 103A located inside the cylinder 102 and a rod 103B extending from the piston 103A and protruding to the outside of the cylinder 102. The piston 103A divides the inside of the cylinder 102 into two. As a result, the inside of the cylinder 102 is divided into a first oil chamber 102A and a second oil chamber 102B. The portion of the rod 103B located outside the cylinder 102 is attached to the object to be driven. Examples of the object to be driven include the boom, arm, or attachment of the excavator 200. The piston rod 103 moves in accordance with the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to and discharged from the first oil chamber 102A and the second oil chamber 102B. Simultaneously, the piston rod 103 moves the object to be driven.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the excavator 200 is equipped with a tank 106, a pump 108, and a valve device 10. The tank 106 stores hydraulic fluid. The pump 108 discharges the hydraulic fluid from the tank 106. The valve device 10 is located in the hydraulic fluid flow path from the pump 108 to the tank 106. The valve device 10 distributes the hydraulic fluid supplied from the pump 108 to each actuator 101 and combines the hydraulic fluid discharged from each actuator 101 and returns it to the tank 106.

[0018] The valve device 10 includes a control unit 12, a base unit 14, and a plurality of valve units 20. Both the control unit 12 and the base unit 14 are generally in the shape of a rectangular cuboid. Details of the control unit 12 and the base unit 14 will be described later.

[0019] The plurality of valve units 20 are located between the control unit 12 and the base unit 14. The plurality of valve units 20 are arranged in a line between the control unit 12 and the base unit 14. The plurality of valve units 20, the control unit 12, and the base unit 14 are fixed to each other and integrated. Hereinafter, the direction in which the base unit 14 is positioned as viewed from the control unit 12 is referred to as the first X direction. The direction opposite to the first X direction is referred to as the second X direction. The first X direction and the second X direction are collectively referred to as the X direction. The X direction is the direction in which the plurality of valve units 20 are arranged. One of the specific directions orthogonal to the X direction is referred to as the first Y direction, and the other is referred to as the second Y direction. The first Y direction and the second Y direction are collectively referred to as the Y direction. As shown in Figure 2, one of the directions orthogonal to both the Y direction and the X direction is referred to as the first Z direction, and the other is referred to as the second Z direction. The first Z direction and the second Z direction are collectively referred to as the Z direction. In the second Z direction relative to the valve device 10, an installation wall 204, which is the installation target of the valve device 10, is positioned. As shown in Figure 1, when the valve device 10 is viewed facing the second Z direction, the area of the installation wall 204 is larger than the area of the entire valve device 10.

[0020] The plurality of valve units 20 are provided for each actuator 101. The plurality of valve units 20 include a first valve unit 20A and a second valve unit 20B. In the present embodiment, there are two first valve units 20A. The two first valve units 20A are positioned at both ends of a group of the plurality of valve units 20. The plurality of second valve units 20B are arranged between the two first valve units 20A. Hereinafter, the structure of the first valve unit 20A will be described first, and then the second valve unit 20B will be described.

[0021] <Housing> As shown in Figure 2, the first valve unit 20A includes a housing 22. The housing 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Of the outer walls of the housing 22, the wall portion facing the first Z direction constitutes a top wall 22A. Of the outer walls of the housing 22, the wall portion facing the second Z direction constitutes a mounting wall 22B. The mounting wall 22B faces the installation wall 204. Of the outer walls of the housing 22, the wall portion facing the first Y direction constitutes a first side wall 22C. Of the outer walls of the housing 22, the wall portion facing the second Y direction constitutes a second side wall 22D. The outer walls of the housing 22 can also be referred to as the outer surfaces of the housing 22.

[0022] The housing 22 is provided with a spool chamber 51. The spool chamber 51 is configured by a hole penetrating through the housing 22. The spool chamber 51 is positioned approximately at the center of the housing 22 in the Z direction. The spool chamber 51 extends linearly in the Y direction as a whole. The spool chamber 51 opens at both the first side wall 22C and the second side wall 22D.

[0023] The housing 22 is provided with a first port 31. The first port 31 is located in the first Z direction relative to the spool chamber 51. The first port 31 is located in the first Y direction relative to the center of the housing 22 in the Y direction. The first port 31 is a passage defined in the housing 22. The first port 31 opens to the top wall 22A. The first port 31 is connected to the first oil chamber 102A of the actuator 101 via the first connection passage 111. The first connection passage 111 is constituted by a pipe or the like, and is fixed to the top wall 22A. Although detailed descriptions are omitted, each port described later, similarly to the first port 31, is a passage defined in the housing 22.

[0024] The housing 22 is equipped with a first relay passage 33. The first relay passage 33 is located between the first port 31 and the spool chamber 51. The first relay passage 33 connects the first port 31 and the spool chamber 51. The first relay passage 33 extends linearly in the Z direction as a whole. In Figure 2, for convenience, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first relay passage 33 is depicted as larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first port 31.

[0025] The housing 22 is equipped with a second port 32. The second port 32 is provided approximately symmetrically to the first port 31, with the spool chamber 51 in between. The second port 32 opens into the mounting wall 22B.

[0026] The housing 22 is equipped with a second relay passage 34. The second relay passage 34 is located between the second port 32 and the spool chamber 51. The second relay passage 34 connects the second port 32 and the spool chamber 51. The second relay passage 34 extends linearly in the Z direction overall. The second relay passage 34 is located approximately on the same line as the first relay passage 33. In Figure 2, for convenience, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second relay passage 34 is drawn to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second port 32. The second relay passage 34, together with the first relay passage 33, constitutes the first supply and exhaust passage. The first supply and exhaust passage connects the first port 31 and the second port 32 to the spool chamber 51.

[0027] The housing 22 includes a first tank passage 37 and a first tank port. The first tank port is not shown in Figure 2. The first tank passage 37 is located in the first Z direction relative to the spool chamber 51. The first tank passage 37 is located in the first Y direction relative to the first relay passage 33. The first tank passage 37 connects the spool chamber 51 and the first tank port. The first tank port penetrates the housing 22 in the X direction. The first tank port is connected to the tank 106 via the base unit 14.

[0028] The housing 22 is equipped with a first pilot passage 39. The first pilot passage 39 is located in the second Z direction relative to the spool chamber 51. The first pilot passage 39 is located in the first Y direction relative to the second relay passage 34. One end of the first pilot passage 39 is connected to the spool chamber 51.

[0029] The housing 22 is configured symmetrically with respect to its center in the Y direction. The housing 22 is provided with passages in the second Y direction relative to its center that correspond to each of the ports and passages described above. Specifically, the housing 22 is provided with a third port 41, a third relay passage 43, a fourth port 42, and a fourth relay passage 44, which correspond to the first port 31, the first relay passage 33, the second port 32, and the second relay passage 34. The housing 22 is also provided with a second tank passage 47, a second tank port, and a second pilot passage 49, which correspond to the first tank passage 37, the first tank port, and the first pilot passage 39. The configuration of each port and passage located in the second Y direction relative to the center of the housing 22 will be briefly described below.

[0030] The third port 41 opens into the top wall 22A. The third port 41 is connected to the second oil chamber 102B of the actuator 101 via the second connecting passage 112. The third relay passage 43 connects the third port 41 to the spool chamber 51. The fourth port 42 opens into the mounting wall 22B. The fourth relay passage 44 connects the fourth port 42 to the spool chamber 51. The fourth relay passage 44, together with the third relay passage 43, constitutes the second supply and discharge passage. The second supply and discharge passage connects the third port 41 and the fourth port 42 to the spool chamber 51. The second tank passage 47 connects the spool chamber 51 to a second tank port (not shown). The second tank port is connected to the tank 106 via the base unit 14. The second pilot passage 49 is connected to the spool chamber 51.

[0031] The housing 22 includes a pump passage 55 and a pump port 54. The pump passage 55 is located in the second Z direction relative to the spool chamber 51. The pump passage 55 is located between the second relay passage 34 and the fourth relay passage 44. The pump passage 55 includes a common passage, a first branch passage, and a second branch passage. The common passage opens into the mounting wall 22B. The first and second branch passages branch off from the common passage from the end opposite the opening in the mounting wall 22B. The first and second branch passages connect to other locations in the spool chamber 51. The end of the common passage opposite the opening in the mounting wall 22B connects to the pump port 54. The pump port 54 penetrates the housing 22 in the X direction. The pump port 54 connects to the pump 108 via the base unit 14.

[0032] <Other configurations> The first valve unit 20A includes a spool 60. The spool 60 is housed in a spool chamber 51. The spool 60 includes a plurality of land portions 60A and a plurality of connecting shafts 60B. For example, in this embodiment, there are four land portions 60A and three connecting shafts 60B. The four land portions 60A are spaced apart. The connecting shafts 60B connect adjacent land portions 60A. The land portions 60A are cylindrical. The connecting shafts 60B are cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the land portions 60A. The central axes of the land portions 60A and the central axes of the connecting shafts 60B are approximately coincident. The spool 60 is reciprocating within the spool chamber 51. The spool 60 switches the flow path of the hydraulic fluid by moving within the spool chamber 51.

[0033] The first valve unit 20A includes a first relief valve 64. The first relief valve 64 is mounted on the first side wall 22C. The first relief valve 64 comprises a first portion 64A located outside the housing 22 and a second portion 64B located inside the housing 22. The first relief valve 64 is positioned in the first Z direction relative to the spool chamber 51. The first relief valve 64 opens and closes the first tank passage 37. At the same time, the first relief valve 64 switches between communication and disconnection between the first tank passage 37 and the first tank port.

[0034] The first valve unit 20A includes a second relief valve 74. The second relief valve 74 is mounted on the second side wall 22D. The second relief valve 74 has the same configuration as the first relief valve 64, but is installed targeting the second tank passage 47. The second relief valve 74 includes a first part 74A located outside the housing 22 and a second part 74B located inside the housing 22. The second relief valve 74 switches between communication and disconnection between the second tank passage 47 and the second tank port.

[0035] The first valve unit 20A comprises a first cover 62 and a second cover 72. The first cover 62 is attached to the first side wall 22C. The first cover 62 covers the opening in the first side wall 22C in the spool chamber 51. The second cover 72 is attached to the second side wall 22D. The second cover 72 covers the opening in the second side wall 22D in the spool chamber 51. Although not shown in the figures, for example, a spring is arranged inside the first cover 62 and the second cover 72. The spring provides a biasing force to the spool 60.

[0036] The first valve unit 20A includes a first pilot valve 66. The first pilot valve 66 is a pilot-operated solenoid proportional valve. The first pilot valve 66 is mounted on the first side wall 22C. The first pilot valve 66 is positioned in the second Z direction relative to the spool chamber 51. The first pilot valve 66 comprises a first part 66A located outside the housing 22 and a second part 66B located inside the housing 22. The second part 66B includes a movable part 66C. Through the operation of this movable part 66C, the first pilot valve 66 introduces pilot pressure into the spool chamber 51 via the first pilot passage 39. The pilot pressure acts on the spool 60 in the spool chamber 51, causing the spool 60 to move. The first pilot valve 66 adjusts the magnitude of this pilot pressure.

[0037] The first valve unit 20A includes a second pilot valve 76. The second pilot valve 76 is mounted on the second side wall 22D. The second pilot valve 76 has the same configuration as the first pilot valve 66, but is installed targeting the second pilot passage 49. The second pilot valve 76 includes a first part 76A located outside the housing 22 and a second part 76B located inside the housing 22. The second part 76B includes a movable part 76C. The second pilot valve 76 introduces pilot pressure into the spool chamber 51 via the second pilot passage 49. The second pilot valve 76 adjusts the magnitude of the pilot pressure acting on the spool 60 in the spool chamber 51.

[0038] The first valve unit 20A includes a first pressure sensor 81. The first pressure sensor 81 is mounted on the mounting wall 22B. The first pressure sensor 81 is located in the first Y direction with respect to the center in the Y direction of the housing 22. The first pressure sensor 81 includes a first portion 81A located outside the housing 22 and a second portion 81B located inside the housing 22. The first portion 81A is mounted on the mounting wall 22B. The first portion 81A protrudes from the mounting wall 22B toward the installation wall 204 in the second Z direction. The second portion 81B is located in the second port 32. That is, the first pressure sensor 81 has the first portion 81A protruding from the mounting wall 22B and the second portion 81B located in the second port 32. The first pressure sensor 81 detects the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the second port 32. The hydraulic fluid pressure at the second port 32 is approximately the same as the hydraulic fluid pressure at the second relay passage 34, the first relay passage 33, and the first port 31. Furthermore, the hydraulic fluid pressure at the first port 31 is approximately the same as the hydraulic fluid pressure at the first oil chamber 102A of the actuator 101. In other words, the first pressure sensor 81 substantially detects the hydraulic fluid pressure at the first oil chamber 102A by detecting the hydraulic fluid pressure at the first supply and discharge passage.

[0039] The first valve unit 20A is equipped with a second pressure sensor 82. The second pressure sensor 82 is mounted on the mounting wall 22B. The second pressure sensor 82 has the same configuration as the first pressure sensor 81, but is installed targeting the fourth port 42. That is, the external shape and dimensions of the second pressure sensor 82 are the same as those of the first pressure sensor 81. The second pressure sensor 82 comprises a first part 82A located outside the housing 22 and a second part 82B located inside the housing 22. Similar to the first pressure sensor 81, the second pressure sensor 82 is positioned at the fourth port 42 with the first part 82A protruding from the mounting wall 22B toward the installation wall 204. The second pressure sensor 82 detects the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the fourth port 42. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the fourth port 42 is approximately the same as the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the fourth relay passage 44, the third relay passage 43, and the third port 41. Furthermore, the hydraulic fluid pressure at the third port 41 is approximately the same as the hydraulic fluid pressure in the second oil chamber 102B of the actuator 101. Therefore, the second pressure sensor 82 substantially detects the hydraulic fluid pressure in the second oil chamber 102B by detecting the hydraulic fluid pressure in the second supply and discharge passage. Note that the second pressure sensor 82 is aligned with the first pressure sensor 81 in the Y direction, corresponding to the direction in which the fourth port 42 and the second port 32 are aligned. That is, the Y direction corresponds to the alignment direction of the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82.

[0040] The first valve unit 20A includes a check valve 85. The check valve 85 is mounted on the mounting wall 22B. In the Y direction, the check valve 85 is located between the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82. The check valve 85 comprises a first portion 85A located outside the housing 22 and a second portion 85B located inside the housing 22. The first portion 85A is mounted on the mounting wall 22B. The first portion 85A protrudes in the second Z direction from the mounting wall 22B toward the installation wall 204. The second portion 85B is located in the common passage of the pump passage 55. The check valve 85 restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the spool chamber 51 through the pump passage 55 to the pump port 54. The dimensions of the first portion 85A of the check valve 85 in the Z direction are approximately the same as the dimensions of the first portion 81A of the first pressure sensor 81 in the Z direction.

[0041] <legs> The first valve unit 20A comprises a pair of legs, a first leg 27 and a second leg 28. The first leg 27 and the second leg 28 protrude from the mounting wall 22B in the second Z direction. In this embodiment, the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 are integrally molded with the housing 22. In Figure 2, for convenience, a dashed line is drawn at the boundary between the mounting wall 22B and the first leg 27. The same applies to the boundary between the mounting wall 22B and the second leg 28.

[0042] The first leg 27 is located at the end of the mounting wall 22B in the first Y direction. The first leg 27 is located in the first Y direction relative to the first pressure sensor 81. The first leg 27 is located in approximately the same position as the first pressure sensor 81 in the X direction. The first leg 27 is rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figure 3, the end of the first leg 27 in the first Y direction is located in approximately the same position as the end of the housing 22 in the first Y direction. The end of the first leg 27 in the first X direction is located in approximately the same position as the end of the housing 22 in the first X direction. The end of the first leg 27 in the second X direction is located in approximately the same position as the end of the housing 22 in the second X direction. For convenience, the first leg 27 is drawn with a thick solid line in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 2, the dimensions of the first leg 27 in the Z direction are larger than the dimensions of the first part 81A of the first pressure sensor 81 in the Z direction. In other words, the protrusion length of the first leg 27 from the mounting wall 22B is greater than the protrusion length of the first pressure sensor 81 from the mounting wall 22B. Similarly, the protrusion length of the first leg 27 from the mounting wall 22B is greater than the protrusion length of the second pressure sensor 82 from the mounting wall 22B.

[0043] The second leg 28 is located at the end of the mounting wall 22B in the second Y direction. The second leg 28 is located in the second Y direction relative to the second pressure sensor 82. In the X direction, the second leg 28 is located in approximately the same position as the second pressure sensor 82. In other words, in the Y direction, the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 are positioned on both sides of the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82, with the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82 in the center. In this embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the second leg 28 are approximately the same as those of the first leg 27. As shown in Figure 3, the second leg 28 is positioned to align with the ends of the housing 22 in the second Y direction, the first X direction, and the second X direction. In Figure 3, for convenience, the second leg 28 is drawn with a thick solid line. As shown in Figure 2, the protrusion length of the second leg 28 from the mounting wall 22B is greater than the protrusion length of the second pressure sensor 82 from the mounting wall 22B. Similarly, the protrusion length of the second leg 28 from the mounting wall 22B is greater than the protrusion length of the first pressure sensor 81 from the mounting wall 22B.

[0044] The first leg 27 is provided with a bolt hole 27A. The bolt hole 27A is recessed in the 1Z direction from the protruding end face of the first leg 27. The protruding end face of the first leg 27 is the face of the first leg 27 facing the mounting wall 204. The bolt hole 27A is for attaching the first valve unit 20A and, consequently, the valve device 10, to the mounting wall 204. The outer shape of the bolt hole 27A is cylindrical. The movable part 66C of the first pilot valve 66 is located on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole 27A. A bolt B1 is inserted into the bolt hole 27A, penetrating the mounting wall 204. The bolt B1 is fixed in the bolt hole 27A. The first leg 27 is attached to the mounting wall 204 by the fixing of the bolt B1 in the bolt hole 27A.

[0045] The second leg 28 is equipped with a bolt hole 28A similar to that of the first leg 27. The bolt hole 28A is recessed in the 1Z direction from the protruding end face of the second leg 28. The movable portion 76C of the second pilot valve 76 is located on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole 28A. A bolt B2 is inserted into the bolt hole 28A, penetrating the mounting wall 204. The second leg 28 is attached to the mounting wall 204 via this bolt B2.

[0046] As described above, the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 are attached to the mounting wall 204. These first leg 27 and second leg 28 protrude from the mounting wall 22B. In other words, the mounting wall 22B is attached to the mounting wall 204 via the first leg 27 and the second leg 28. Due to the positional relationship between the bolt hole 27A and the first pilot valve 66 described above, the movable part 66C of the first pilot valve 66 is positioned between the spool chamber 51 and the bolt hole 27A on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole 27A. Similarly, the movable part 76C of the second pilot valve 76 is positioned between the spool chamber 51 and the bolt hole 28A on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole 28A.

[0047] <Second valve unit> As shown in Figure 3, the second valve unit 20B does not have the legs described for the first valve unit 20A. Except for this, the configuration of the second valve unit 20B is the same as that of the first valve unit 20A. Multiple such second valve units 20B are arranged between the two first valve units 20A. This group of valve units 20, including the second valve units 20B and the first valve units 20A, is arranged in a line along the X direction. Here, the X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction in which the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 of the first valve unit 20A protrude from the mounting wall 22B. In other words, the multiple valve units 20 are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 protrude from the mounting wall 22B.

[0048] As described above, the valve unit 20 is a component comprising a housing 22 having a mounting wall 22B, a first port 31 and a second port 32, a spool 60 and a spool chamber 51, a first supply and discharge passage, and a first pressure sensor 81. Furthermore, the valve unit 20 is a component comprising a third port 41 and a fourth port 42, a second supply and discharge passage, and a second pressure sensor 82. The valve unit 20 is also a component comprising a pump passage 55, a pump port 54, each tank passage, each tank port, each pilot passage, each pilot valve, each relief valve, and a check valve 85, etc.

[0049] As described above, each valve unit 20 is equipped with a pump port 54, a first tank port, and a second tank port that penetrate the housing 22 in the X direction. Although not shown in the illustration, the pump ports 54 of adjacent valve units 20 are connected to each other. Similarly, the first tank ports of adjacent valve units 20 are connected to each other. Similarly, the second tank ports of adjacent valve units 20 are connected to each other.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the base unit 14 includes a base pump passage 14A and a base tank passage 14B. The base pump passage 14A is connected to the pump 108 via a passage such as piping. The base pump passage 14A is connected to the pump port 54 of the first valve unit 20A located at the far end in the first X direction. The base tank passage 14B is connected to the tank 106 via a passage such as piping. The base tank passage 14B is connected to both the first tank port and the second tank port of the first valve unit 20A located at the far end in the first X direction.

[0051] <Electrical System> As shown in Figure 3, the valve device 10 includes a first power supply line 150. The first power supply line 150 includes a first common line 152, a plurality of first branch connectors 154, and a plurality of first branch lines 156.

[0052] The first common wire 152 is located between the mounting wall 22B of each valve unit 20 and the installation wall 204. Overall, the first common wire 152 is located in the first Y direction relative to the first pressure sensors 81 of the multiple second valve units 20B. Although not shown in the diagram, one end of the first common wire 152 is connected to the control unit 12. The other end of the first common wire 152 is connected to the first pressure sensor 81 of the first valve unit 20A located at the furthest end in the first X direction. The first common wire 152 supplies power to this first pressure sensor 81.

[0053] Multiple first branch connectors 154 are located along the first common line 152. The multiple first branch connectors 154 are spaced apart from each other. Multiple first branch connectors 154 are provided for each second valve unit 20B. Each first branch connector 154 is attached to the mounting wall 22B of a different second valve unit 20B. The first branch connector 154 is located in the first Y direction with respect to the first pressure sensor 81 of the second valve unit 20B to which it is attached. In other words, the first branch connector 154 is located on the opposite side of the check valve 85 from the first pressure sensor 81.

[0054] Multiple first branch lines 156 are provided for each second valve unit 20B. Each first branch line 156 connects a first branch connector 154 to a first pressure sensor 81 for each second valve unit 20B. In other words, each first branch line 156 individually connects each first branch connector 154 to each first pressure sensor 81 of the second valve unit 20B. The first branch line 156 supplies power from the first common line 152 to the first pressure sensor 81 via the first branch connector 154.

[0055] Although not shown in the diagram, the first power supply line 150 includes a power line connecting the first pressure sensor 81 of the first valve unit 20A, located at the furthest end in the second X direction, to the control unit 12. As shown in Figure 3, the valve device 10 is equipped with a second power supply line 160. The second power supply line 160 comprises a second common line 162, a plurality of second branch connectors 164, and a plurality of second branch lines 166. The second power supply line 160 has the same configuration as the first power supply line 150, and is provided for the second pressure sensor 82 of each valve unit 20. The second power supply line 160 is provided symmetrically with respect to the first power supply line 150, with the center in the Y direction of the valve device 10 in between.

[0056] Although not shown in the diagram, the valve device 10 is equipped with signal lines. A signal line is provided for each first pressure sensor 81 of each valve unit 20. A signal line is also provided for each second pressure sensor 82 of each valve unit 20. Each signal line is connected to the control unit 12. The first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82 of each valve unit 20 transmit the information they detect to the control unit 12 via the signal lines.

[0057] <Operation of the Embodiment> The control unit 12 is a computer equipped with a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes a CPU and memory. The memory pre-stores various programs that describe the processes to be executed by the CPU. The processing circuit includes a communication circuit for wireless communication with the outside world. The control unit 12 also functions as a power supply to provide power to each pressure sensor.

[0058] The control unit 12 controls each actuator 101. In effect, the control unit 12 controls the first relief valve 64, the second relief valve 74, the first pilot valve 66, and the second pilot valve 76 in each valve unit 20. The control unit 12 controls the controlled objects based on detection signals from the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82 of each valve unit 20, as well as command signals transmitted from a higher level.

[0059] An example of the control content by the control unit 12 will be explained using one valve unit 20 as an example. The control unit 12 adjusts the pilot pressure acting on the spool 60 by controlling the first pilot valve 66 and the second pilot valve 76. As a result, the control unit 12 moves the spool 60. In conjunction with the movement of the spool 60, the control unit 12 controls the first relief valve 64 and the second relief valve 74. Through the control of the first relief valve 64, the control unit 12 switches the communication between the first tank passage 37 and the first tank port and shuts it off. Also, through the control of the second relief valve 74, the control unit 12 switches the communication between the second tank passage 47 and the second tank port and shuts it off.

[0060] The control unit 12 switches between two modes for the hydraulic fluid flow path by moving the spool 60. The first mode connects the pump passage 55 and the first relay passage 33, and blocks the first tank passage 37 and the first relay passage 33. Furthermore, the first mode blocks the pump passage 55 and the third relay passage 43, and connects the second tank passage 47 and the third relay passage 43. In this first mode, the hydraulic fluid from the pump passage 55 is supplied to the first oil chamber 102A of the actuator 101 via the first relay passage 33 and the first port 31. On the other hand, in the first mode, the hydraulic fluid from the second oil chamber 102B of the actuator 101 is discharged to the second tank passage 47 via the third port 41 and the third relay passage 43.

[0061] The second mode is one in which the pump passage 55 and the first relay passage 33 are blocked, and the first tank passage 37 and the first relay passage 33 are connected. Furthermore, the second mode is one in which the pump passage 55 and the third relay passage 43 are connected, and the second tank passage 47 and the third relay passage 43 are blocked. In this second mode, the hydraulic fluid from the pump passage 55 is supplied to the second oil chamber 102B of the actuator 101 via the third relay passage 43 and the third port 41. On the other hand, in the second mode, the hydraulic fluid from the first oil chamber 102A of the actuator 101 is discharged to the first tank passage 37 via the first port 31 and the first relay passage 33.

[0062] <Effects of the Embodiment> (1) The valve device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a first leg 27 and a second leg 28 that protrude from the mounting wall 22B of the housing 22. These first leg 27 and second leg 28 are necessary for purposes such as ensuring the thickness of the bolt holes. When the legs protrude from the mounting wall 22B, there is a space between the mounting wall 22B and the installation wall 204 that is equal in height to the protruding length of the first leg 27 from the mounting wall 22B. In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the first portion 81A of the first pressure sensor 81 that protrudes from the mounting wall 22B is placed in this space. By placing the first pressure sensor 81 in this space, the valve device 10 is less likely to become larger compared to a configuration in which the first pressure sensor 81 protrudes from a location other than the mounting wall 22B. The first pressure sensor 81 has been described here, but the same applies to the second pressure sensor 82.

[0063] (2) The valve device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a first pressure sensor 81 dedicated to the first oil chamber 102A and a second pressure sensor 82 dedicated to the second oil chamber 102B. By providing a pressure sensor dedicated to each oil chamber in this way, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in each oil chamber can be detected with high accuracy. This is effective for performing high-precision position adjustment of the piston rod 103 in the actuator 101.

[0064] (3) In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82 are placed in the center, with the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 positioned on either side of the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82. In this case, with respect to the Y direction, the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82 can be guarded by the first leg 27 and the second leg 28. For example, suppose an object moves toward the first pressure sensor 81 from outside the valve device 10 in the first Y direction. At this time, the object will hit the first leg 27 before hitting the first pressure sensor 81. Thus, it is possible to prevent the object from coming into contact with the first pressure sensor 81. Here, the first leg 27 and the first pressure sensor 81 have been described, but the same applies to the second leg 28 and the second pressure sensor 82.

[0065] (4) In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the check valve 85 is positioned in the empty space between the installation wall 204 and the mounting wall 22B, similar to the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82. This contributes to suppressing the increase in size of the valve device 10. Furthermore, by positioning the check valve 85 between the first leg 27 and the second leg 28, the check valve 85 can be guarded by the first leg 27 and the second leg 28, similar to (3).

[0066] (5) In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, some of the multiple valve units 20 are composed of second valve units 20B that do not have legs. By providing such second valve units 20B, the following becomes possible. That is, the space between the mounting wall 22B of the second valve unit 20B and the installation wall 204 is wider than the space between the mounting wall 22B of the first valve unit 20A and the installation wall 204 because there are no legs. As a result, this wider space can be used as space to place other things. For example, in this embodiment, the space created by the second valve unit 20B not having legs is used as space to place the first power supply line 150 and the second power supply line 160. In this case, the wiring can be neatly arranged compared to when the first power supply line 150 and the second power supply line 160 are routed so that they protrude outwards from each valve unit 20.

[0067] (6) In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of second valve units 20B are arranged between two first valve units 20A. In this case, the distance between these two first valve units 20A becomes longer. This stabilizes the support state of the valve device 10 by the pair of legs of one first valve unit 20A and the pair of legs of the other first valve unit 20A.

[0068] (7) In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, power is supplied to the first pressure sensors 81 of each valve unit 20 by branching multiple first branch lines 156 from the first common line 152. In this case, the number of long wires can be reduced compared to when each first pressure sensor 81 is connected to the control unit 12 with individual wiring. Therefore, the wiring is easier to manage. Here, the first power supply line 150 is used as an example, but the same can be said for the second power supply line 160.

[0069] (8) In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the movable part 66C of the first pilot valve 66 is located between the spool chamber 51 and the bolt hole 27A. When this configuration is adopted, if the wall thickness between the movable part 66C and the bolt hole 27A is made excessively thin, problems may occur such as the movable part 66C not being able to move smoothly due to distortion of the surrounding wall caused by the tightening of the bolt B1. For example, the case forming the outer casing of the second part 66B may be distorted due to distortion of the surrounding wall of the bolt B1, and consequently the movable part 66C located inside the case may become difficult to move. Also, if the wall thickness is reduced by shortening the length of the bolt hole 27A, the fastening force of the bolt B1 will decrease, which may cause the mounting state of the valve device 10 to the mounting wall 204 to become unstable.

[0070] In this regard, the valve device 10 of this embodiment is provided with a bolt hole 27A in the first leg 27 that protrudes from the mounting wall 22B. In this case, the thickness between the movable part 66C and the bolt hole 27A is increased by the amount of the first leg 27, so the aforementioned problems and instability of the mounting state are unlikely to occur. Here, the first leg 27 and the first pilot valve 66 were used as examples, but the same can be said for the second leg 28 and the second pilot valve 76.

[0071] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0072] The positional relationship between the bolt hole 27A of the first leg 27 and the first pilot valve 66 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. In other words, it is not essential that the movable part 66C of the first pilot valve 66 is located on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole 27A. The same applies to the positional relationship between the bolt hole 28A of the second leg 28 and the second pilot valve 76.

[0073] The configuration of the first power supply line 150 is not limited to the example of the embodiment described above. The first power supply line 150 only needs to be configured to supply power from the power source to each first pressure sensor 81. For example, multiple first branch lines 156 and thus multiple first pressure sensors 81 may be connected to one first branch connector 154. Here, the first power supply line 150 is used as an example, but the same applies to the second power supply line 160.

[0074] The power supply is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. A separate power supply may be provided in addition to the control unit 12. The overall configuration of the valve device 10 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the number of first valve units 20A and the number of second valve units 20B may be changed from the example of the above embodiment. There may be only one second valve unit 20B, or the second valve unit 20B may be omitted. There may be three or more first valve units 20A. The valve device 10 only needs to have one or more first valve units 20A. The order of the arrangement of the first valve units 20A and the second valve units 20B may be changed from the example of the above embodiment. The first valve unit 20A may be located in the middle of an arrangement of multiple second valve units 20B. Components having a different function from the valve units 20, such as a base unit 14, may be provided in the middle of an arrangement of multiple valve units 20. Multiple components having a different function from the valve units 20 may be provided in the valve device 10. The valve device 10 only needs to be able to distribute the hydraulic fluid pumped by the pump 108 to each actuator 101 and return the hydraulic fluid discharged from each actuator 101 back to the tank 106.

[0075] The control unit 12 may be treated as a separate component from the valve device 10. In other words, it is not essential that the valve device 10 includes the control unit 12. The same applies to the base unit 14.

[0076] The configuration of the valve unit 20 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiment. The valve unit 20 only needs to be configured to realize the supply and discharge of hydraulic fluid required for the actuator 101. For example, in the valve unit 20, one of the first pressure sensor 81 and the second pressure sensor 82 may be omitted. The arrangement, extension direction, number, etc. of each passage partitioned in the housing 22 may be changed from the examples of the above embodiment. Along with this, the arrangement of each valve provided in pair with each passage may be changed. For example, the pump passage 55 and the pump port 54 may be arranged in the first Z direction with respect to the spool chamber 51. Along with this, the check valve 85 may be attached to the top wall 22A. In the Z direction, the positions of the first tank passage 37 and the first pilot passage 39 may be swapped. Along with this, in the Z direction, the positions of the first relief valve 64 and the first pilot valve 66 may be swapped. The valve unit 20 may include a mounting wall 22B attached to the installation wall 204, a first port 31 and a second port 32, a spool 60 and a spool chamber 51, a first supply and discharge passage, and a first pressure sensor 81.

[0077] The shape of the housing 22 is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above. In other words, the housing 22 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shape of the housing 22 is not limited as long as it can partition the necessary passages within the housing 22.

[0078] The installation target is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The installation target is not limited to a flat wall. Furthermore, the installation target can be any mating surface to which the valve device 10 is to be installed, and is not limited to a wall.

[0079] The actuator 101 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The actuator 101 can be any hydraulically operated device. The number of legs in the first valve unit 20A is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. The number of legs can be one or more. When the valve device 10 has a plurality of first valve units 20A, the number of legs does not need to be the same for all first valve units 20A. The number of legs may differ for each first valve unit 20A, or the number of legs may differ in some of the plurality of first valve units 20A from the others.

[0080] The shape of the first leg 27 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. When changing the shape of the first leg 27 from the example of the above embodiment, it is preferable that the protrusion length of the first leg 27 from the mounting wall 22B is greater than or equal to the protrusion length of the pressure sensor from the mounting wall 22B. The first leg 27 has been described here, but the same applies to the second leg 28.

[0081] The arrangement of the legs on the mounting wall 22B is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. In other words, it is not essential to position the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 on either side of the pressure sensor in the Y direction. For example, the first leg 27 and the second leg 28 may be positioned at different locations in the X direction.

[0082] It is not mandatory for the first leg 27 to have bolt holes 27A. If the bolt holes 27A are to be eliminated from the first leg 27, the mounting wall 22B can be attached to the installation target using other structures. The first leg 27 can also be used for purposes other than providing bolt holes 27A, for example, for processing purposes when partitioning each passage. The first leg 27 has been described here, but the same applies to the second leg 28.

[0083] It is not essential that the first leg 27 is integrally molded with the housing 22. The first leg 27 may be manufactured separately from the housing 22 in advance and attached to the mounting wall 22B in a later process. The first leg 27 has been described here, but the same applies to the second leg 28.

[0084] If the valve device 10 has a component having a different function from the valve unit 20 and the valve unit 20, the surface of the component having a different function from the valve unit 20 that faces the installation wall 204 may be treated as a mounting wall. Legs may then protrude from this mounting wall. In this case, the valve unit 20 does not need to have legs.

[0085] The object on which the valve device 10 is installed is not limited to the excavator 200. The object on which the valve device 10 is installed may be construction machinery other than the excavator 200, or even non-construction machinery. Furthermore, the valve device 10 does not need to be mounted on anything; it only needs to be attached to the object on which it is installed.

[0086] In each of the above embodiments, if the structure is composed of multiple objects, those multiple objects may be integrated, and conversely, if the structure is composed of a single object, it may be divided into multiple objects. Whether or not the objects are integrated, the structure should be configured in a way that achieves the objective of the invention.

[0087] In the above embodiment, if multiple functions are provided in a distributed manner, some or all of those multiple functions may be consolidated and provided together. Conversely, if multiple functions are consolidated and provided together, some or all of those multiple functions may be distributed and provided together. Regardless of whether the functions are consolidated or distributed, it is sufficient that the device is configured to achieve the objective of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10… Valve device 20… Valve unit 20A…1st valve unit 20B...2nd valve unit 22B…Mounting wall 27…1st leg 27A…Bolt hole 28…Second leg 28A…Bolt hole 31…Port 1 32…Port 2 33…First relay passage (first supply and exhaust passage) 34…Second relay passage (first supply and exhaust passage) 41…Third port 42…Port 4 43…Third relay passage (second supply and exhaust passage) 44…Fourth relay passage (second supply and exhaust passage) 54... Pump port 55... Pump passage 51... Spool Room 60... Spool 66...First pilot valve 66C…Movable parts 76... Second pilot valve 76C…Movable parts 81...First pressure sensor 82...Second pressure sensor 85... Check valve 150...1st power supply line 152…1st common line 154...First branch connector 156...First branch line 160…Second power supply line 162…Second common line 164...Second branch connector 166...Second branch line 101… Actuator 204…Installation wall

Claims

1. The mounting wall to which the object to be installed, The first port connected to the actuator, A second port opening in the aforementioned mounting wall, A spool, and a spool chamber that houses the spool, A supply and discharge passage connecting the first port and the second port to the spool chamber, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the supply and discharge passage, It comprises legs protruding from the aforementioned mounting wall, The pressure sensor is positioned in the second port so as to protrude from the mounting wall. Valve device.

2. When the supply and discharge passage is designated as the first supply and discharge passage, and the pressure sensor is designated as the first pressure sensor, A third port connected to the actuator, A fourth port opening in the aforementioned mounting wall, A second supply and discharge passage connecting the third port and the fourth port to the spool chamber, The system further includes a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the second supply and discharge passage, The second pressure sensor is positioned in the fourth port so as to protrude from the mounting wall. The valve device according to claim 1.

3. The pair of legs further comprises, The pair of legs mentioned above are In the arrangement direction of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are in the center, and the following are arranged on either side of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor: The valve device according to claim 2.

4. A pump port connected to a pump that discharges hydraulic fluid, A pump passage connecting the spool chamber and the pump port, The system further includes a check valve that restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the spool chamber through the pump passage to the pump port, The check valve is located between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor in the arrangement direction and protrudes from the mounting wall. The valve device according to claim 3.

5. A valve unit comprising the mounting wall, the first port and the second port, the spool and the spool chamber, the supply and discharge passage and the pressure sensor, further comprising a plurality of the valve units arranged along a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the leg, The plurality of valve units include at least two first valve units having legs and a second valve unit without legs positioned between the two first valve units. The valve device according to claim 1.

6. Further comprising multiple of the above-mentioned second valve units, The valve device according to claim 5.

7. The power supply line further includes a common line connected to a power source, a plurality of branch connectors arranged on the common line, and branch lines connecting each of the branch connectors to the pressure sensor. Each of the branch connectors is attached to the mounting wall of a different second valve unit. The valve device according to claim 6.

8. The system further includes a pilot valve for adjusting the pilot pressure acting on the spool, The leg has a bolt hole recessed from its protruding end face for attaching the valve device to the object to be installed. The pilot valve includes a movable portion positioned between the spool chamber and the bolt hole on the extension of the axis of the bolt hole. The valve device according to claim 1.

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