Power supply cable connection structure for solenoid valve

Abstract

A power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve is provided. [Solution] A power supply cable connection structure 10 for a solenoid valve for connecting a power supply cable 60 to a solenoid coil 52 of a solenoid valve 24, in which a contact 64 is attached to the end of a power supply line 62, the contact is inserted into an end 52a of the solenoid coil 52, the power supply cable 60 is supported by a mounting fixture 12, and the mounting fixture is connected to a protective tube 58 connected to the solenoid valve 24.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve, for connecting a power supply cable to a solenoid coil of the solenoid valve. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A structure in which a power supply cable is connected to a solenoid coil of a solenoid valve using a terminal box is known in the art. In this case, a member for supporting the power supply cable is attached to the terminal box.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-195526 describes a solenoid valve power supply device including a valve installation body and a terminal block. The valve installation body includes a connector accommodating chamber and a terminal block accommodating chamber, with a first connector disposed in the connector accommodating chamber and a second connector disposed in the terminal block accommodating chamber. A lead wire is disposed between a first socket attached to the first connector and a second socket attached to the second connector, and a solenoid valve power receiving terminal is connected to the first socket. When the terminal block is inserted into the terminal block accommodating chamber, a contact of the power supply terminal connected to the power supply line is inserted into the second socket.

[0004] However, a solenoid valve power supply device using a terminal box has a complex structure and requires a certain amount of space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-195526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to the present invention is a structure for connecting a power supply cable to a solenoid coil of a solenoid valve, in which a contact is attached to the end of the power supply line or to the end of a lead wire connected to the power supply line via a relay terminal, the contact is inserted into the end of the solenoid coil, the power supply cable is supported by a mounting fixture, and the mounting fixture is connected to a protective tube connected to the solenoid valve or a bushing attached to the protective tube. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve of the present invention, a contact is attached to the end of the power supply line or to the end of the lead wire connected to the power supply line via a relay terminal, and the contact is inserted into the end of the solenoid coil. This simplifies the structure for connecting the power supply cable to the solenoid coil, making it possible to reduce the size. In addition, since structures such as a terminal box that are an obstacle to improving waterproofing are no longer necessary, high waterproofing can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply cable connection structure for an electromagnetic valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the power supply cable connection structure for the solenoid valve of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an external view of the vicinity of the contact of the power supply cable for the solenoid valve of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply cable connection structure for an electromagnetic valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following, the power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to the present invention will be described with reference to several preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when words related to directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, they refer to the directions in the drawings for convenience, and do not limit the actual arrangement of components, etc.

[0011] (First embodiment) A power supply cable connecting structure 10 for a solenoid valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The power supply cable connecting structure 10 for a 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 mounting fixture 12.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the mounting tool 12 includes a lock nut 14, a seal nut 16, a pressure sleeve 18, a first packing 20, and a second packing 22. The lock nut 14 is cylindrical. A gripping portion 14a is formed in the axial center of the lock nut 14. The outer shape of the gripping portion 14a when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the lock nut 14 is polygonal (see Fig. 2). The lock nut 14 can be easily rotated by engaging a tool with the gripping portion 14a.

[0013] The lock nut 14 has a first cylindrical portion 14b extending from the gripping portion 14a in one axial direction (to the right) and a second cylindrical portion 14c extending from the gripping portion 14a in the other axial direction (to the left). The first cylindrical portion 14b and the second cylindrical portion 14c have male threads on their outer peripheries. An annular convex portion 14d is formed on the inner surface at the axial center of the lock nut 14. The first packing 20 is made of a rubber material in a ring shape and has a predetermined elasticity. The first packing 20 is attached to the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 14b of the lock nut 14. One end face (left end face) of the first packing 20 abuts against the gripping portion 14a of the lock nut 14.

[0014] The seal nut 16 is cylindrical and has a female thread on its inner circumference. The female thread of the seal nut 16 screws into the male thread of the second cylindrical portion 14c of the lock nut 14. This connects the seal nut 16 to the lock nut 14. The seal nut 16 is thick-walled at one end (the left end), and a conical tapered surface 16a is formed on the inner circumference of the end. The tapered surface 16a inclines in a direction away from the axis of the seal nut 16 as it approaches the axial center of the seal nut 16. The seal nut 16 has a gripping portion 16b on its outer surface. When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the seal nut 16, the outer shape of the gripping portion 16b is polygonal (see FIG. 2).

[0015] The pressure sleeve 18 is cylindrical and disposed inside the seal nut 16. The pressure sleeve 18 is configured to be able to reduce its diameter over the entire axial length, for example, by having a notch extending from one axial end to the other axial end. An annular protrusion 18a is formed on the inner surface of the pressure sleeve 18. One end (left end) of the pressure sleeve 18 can abut against the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16.

[0016] The second packing 22 is made of a rubber material and has a cylindrical shape, and has a predetermined elasticity. The second packing 22 fits inside the pressure sleeve 18. When the second packing 22 is not deformed, the inner diameter of the second packing 22 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the power supply cable 60. An annular groove 22a is formed on the outer surface of one end (left end) of the second packing 22. The protrusion 18a of the pressure sleeve 18 engages with the groove 22a of the second packing 22. This positions the pressure sleeve 18 in the axial direction with respect to the second packing 22. The other end (right end) of the second packing 22 has a flange 22b that protrudes radially outward.

[0017] When the seal nut 16 is screwed into the lock nut 14 by a predetermined amount, the flange portion 22b of the second packing 22 abuts against the convex portion 14d of the lock nut 14, and one end (left end) of the second packing 22 abuts against the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16. As a result, the second packing 22 is positioned in the axial direction by the seal nut 16 and the lock nut 14. At this time, one end (left end) of the pressure sleeve 18 also abuts against the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16. When the amount of screwing of the seal nut 16 into the lock nut 14 becomes even larger, the pressure sleeve 18 is pressed by the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16 and the second packing 22 fitted inside the pressure sleeve 18 also reduces in diameter.

[0018] The solenoid valve 24 includes a valve body, a movable part, a fixed core 42, a solenoid coil 52, a housing 48, and a connector body 54. The valve body is composed of a first valve body 26 and a second valve body 28. The first valve body 26 includes a first fluid passage 26a and a second fluid passage 26b, and includes a valve seat 26c at a position where the first fluid passage 26a and the second fluid passage 26b communicate with each other. The second valve body 28 is disposed above the first valve body 26 and is connected to the first valve body 26 by a bolt 36.

[0019] The movable part includes a diaphragm 30, a diaphragm support 32, and a movable iron core 34. The diaphragm 30 has a circular main body 30a that can abut against the valve seat 26c, and a diaphragm part 30b that extends from the outer periphery of the main body 30a. The outer periphery of the diaphragm part 30b is sandwiched between the first valve body 26 and the second valve body 28. A pilot chamber 38 is formed above the diaphragm 30. The diaphragm part 30b has a hole 30c that connects the first fluid passage 26a to the pilot chamber 38. The main body 30a of the diaphragm 30 is connected to the diaphragm support 32. The diaphragm support 32 has a hole 32a that connects the second fluid passage 26b to the pilot chamber 38. The hole 32a penetrates the center of the diaphragm support 32 from top to bottom.

[0020] A cylindrical sleeve 50 is attached to the second valve body 28. The sleeve 50 extends upward from the second valve body 28. The columnar movable core 34 fits inside the sleeve 50 and is guided by the sleeve 50 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction. A valve body 33 made of a rubber material is attached to the lower end of the movable core 34. When the valve body 33 abuts against the upper end of the diaphragm support 32, communication between the second fluid passage 26b and the pilot chamber 38 via the hole 32a of the diaphragm support 32 is blocked. A first spring 44 is disposed between the movable core 34 and the diaphragm support 32.

[0021] The cylindrical fixed core 42 is disposed above the movable core 34 and fixed to the upper part of the sleeve 50 by press-fitting or the like. The spring support 40 is inserted into the upper part of the movable core 34, and a second spring 46 is disposed between the spring support 40 and the fixed core 42. The movable core 34 is biased downward by the second spring 46. The housing 48 has a circular plate portion 48a and a cylindrical portion 48b extending downward from the outer periphery of the plate portion 48a. The housing 48 is connected to the upper end of the fixed core 42 at the center of the plate portion 48a. A cylindrical solenoid coil 52 surrounding the outer periphery of the fixed core 42 is disposed inside the housing 48.

[0022] When the solenoid coil 52 is not energized, the movable core 34, the diaphragm support 32, and the diaphragm 30 are urged downward by the second spring 46. The diaphragm 30 is also urged downward by the pressure of the fluid introduced from the first fluid passage 26a through the hole 30c of the diaphragm 30 into the pilot chamber 38. As a result, the valve element 33 attached to the movable core 34 abuts against the diaphragm support 32, and the diaphragm 30 abuts against the valve seat 26c, blocking the second fluid passage 26b from the first fluid passage 26a.

[0023] When the solenoid coil 52 is energized, the magnetic force acting between the solenoid coil 52, the fixed core 42, and the movable core 34 displaces the movable core 34 upward against the biasing force of the second spring 46. When the movable core 34 displaces upward, the valve body 33 moves away from the diaphragm support 32, and the fluid in the pilot chamber 38 flows through the hole 32a of the diaphragm support 32 to the second fluid passage 26b. As a result, the pressure in the pilot chamber 38 decreases, and the diaphragm 30 moves upward and away from the valve seat 26c due to the pressure of the fluid in the first fluid passage 26a. When the diaphragm 30 moves away from the valve seat 26c, the fluid in the first fluid passage 26a flows to the second fluid passage 26b at a predetermined flow rate. The first spring 44 plays a role in reliably displacing the diaphragm 30 upward when the movable core 34 displaces upward, even when the pressure in the first fluid passage 26a is low.

[0024] The connector body 54 is attached to the cylindrical portion 48b of the housing 48. The connector body 54 has a socket portion 56 that receives an end of a power feeder line 62 of the power feeder cable 60. As shown in detail in Fig. 3, a contact 64 is attached to the end of the power feeder line 62 by crimping. The contact 64 has an elastic locking piece 64a. The socket portion 56 has a protrusion 56a that can be engaged with the locking piece 64a of the contact 64.

[0025] An end 52a of the solenoid coil 52 extends from the housing 48 toward the connector body 54 and is disposed in the socket portion 56. A contact 64 can be inserted into the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52. When the contact 64 is inserted into the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52, a locking piece 64a of the contact 64 engages with a protrusion 56a of the socket portion 56, preventing the contact 64 from coming off.

[0026] A cylindrical protective tube 58 is appropriately joined integrally with the connector body 54. The protective tube 58 has a female thread on its inner circumference. The male thread of the first cylindrical portion 14b of the lock nut 14 screws into the female thread of the protective tube 58. This connects the mounting fixture 12 to the protective tube 58. The other end face (right end face) of the first packing 20 can abut against the end face of the protective tube 58. When the lock nut 14 is screwed into the protective tube 58 by a predetermined amount, the first packing 20 is clamped between the gripping portion 14a of the lock nut 14 and the end face of the protective tube 58.

[0027] Next, a procedure for connecting the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 using the mounting fixture 12 will be described. Note that the components constituting the mounting fixture 12 are pre-assembled so as not to be separated from each other.

[0028] First, the power supply cable 60 is inserted from the open end of the seal nut 16 of the mounting fixture 12 into the inside of the second packing 22. The power supply line 62 of the power supply cable 60 passes through the internal space of the lock nut 14 and the internal space of the protective tube 58, and its tip is inserted into the socket portion 56 of the connector body 54. As a result, the contact 64 is inserted into the end portion 52a of the solenoid coil 52, and the locking piece 64a of the contact 64 engages with the protrusion 56a of the socket portion 56.

[0029] Thereafter, a tool is engaged with grip portion 14a of lock nut 14 to rotate lock nut 14, and the male thread of first cylindrical portion 14b of lock nut 14 is screwed into the female thread of protective tube 58. When lock nut 14 is screwed into protective tube 58 a predetermined amount, first packing 20 is compressed between grip portion 14a of lock nut 14 and the end face of protective tube 58. This completes the connection of lock nut 14 to protective tube 58, and seals the gap between lock nut 14 and protective tube 58.

[0030] Thereafter, a tool is engaged with the gripping portion 16b of the seal nut 16 to rotate the seal nut 16, and the female thread of the seal nut 16 is screwed into the male thread of the second cylindrical portion 14c of the lock nut 14. When the seal nut 16 is screwed into the lock nut 14 by a predetermined amount or more, the pressure sleeve 18 and the second packing 22 are reduced in diameter, and the second packing 22 is compressed in the radial direction between the pressure sleeve 18 and the power supply cable 60. As a result, the second packing 22 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 60, completing the seal between them, and the power supply cable 60 is firmly supported by the mounting fixture 12.

[0031] Furthermore, when the seal nut 16 is screwed onto the lock nut 14 to a predetermined degree or more, the second packing 22 is axially pressurized between the protrusion 14d of the lock nut 14 and the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16. This brings the flange portion 22b of the second packing 22 into close contact with the protrusion 14d of the lock nut 14, completing the sealing between the second packing 22 and the lock nut 14. Through the above procedure, the connection of the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 is completed.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the contact 64 attached to the end of the power supply cable 62 is inserted into the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52. This simplifies the structure for connecting the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52.

[0033] Furthermore, the first packing 20 is compressed between the lock nut 14 and the protective tube 58, and the second packing 22 is in close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 60 and is compressed between the protrusion 14d of the lock nut 14 and the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16. Therefore, the space in which the power supply cable 62, the contact 64, and the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52 are disposed is well sealed from the outside, providing excellent waterproofing.

[0034] Second embodiment A power supply cable connecting structure 70 for a solenoid valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The power supply cable connecting structure 70 for a solenoid valve is a structure suitable for connecting a power supply cable 80 having a larger diameter than the power supply cable 60 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the power supply cable connecting structure 10 for a solenoid valve according to the first embodiment are given the same reference symbols, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0035] A cylindrical bushing 72 is disposed between the lock nut 14 and the protective tube 58. The bushing 72 has a female thread 72b at one end (left end). The male thread of the first cylindrical portion 14b of the lock nut 14 screws into the female thread 72b of the bushing 72. This connects the mounting tool 12 to the bushing 72. The other end (right end) of the bushing 72 has a small diameter portion 72a. An annular groove portion 72c is formed on the outer surface of the bushing 72 at the base of the small diameter portion 72a. One side surface (left side surface) 72d of the groove portion 72c is wider radially outward than the other side surface (right side surface) of the groove portion 72c. A third packing 74 made of a rubber material and shaped like a ring is fitted into the groove portion 72c of the bushing 72.

[0036] The bushing 72 is attached to the protective tube 58 by screwing the male thread formed on the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 72a into the female thread of the protective tube 58. When the bushing 72 is attached to the protective tube 58, the third packing 74 is compressed between the side surface 72d of the groove portion 72c of the bushing 72 and the end face of the protective tube 58. This forms a seal between the bushing 72 and the protective tube 58. The lock nut 14 is connected to the protective tube 58 via the bushing 72.

[0037] A relay terminal 76 is housed inside the bush 72. An end of a power feed line 82 of a power feed cable 80 is connected to one end (left end) of the relay terminal 76, and one end (left end) of a lead wire 78 is connected to the other end (right end) of the relay terminal 76. That is, the lead wire 78 is connected to the power feed line 82 via the relay terminal 76. The diameter of the power feed line 82 is larger than the diameter of the power feed line 62 in the first embodiment, and the diameter of the lead wire 78 is the same as the diameter of the power feed line 62 in the first embodiment.

[0038] A contact 64 is attached by crimping to the other end of the lead wire 78. The contact 64 can be inserted into the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52. When the contact 64 is inserted into the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52, the locking piece 64a of the contact 64 engages with the protrusion 56a of the socket portion 56, preventing the contact 64 from coming off.

[0039] Next, a procedure for connecting the power supply cable 80 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 using the mounting fixture 12 will be described. It is assumed that the lead wire 78 has been previously attached to the power supply line 82 via the relay terminal 76. It is also assumed that the bush 72 has been previously attached to the protective tube 58.

[0040] First, the power supply cable 80 is inserted from the open end of the seal nut 16 of the mounting fixture 12 into the inside of the second packing 22. The lead wire 78, relay terminal 76 and power supply line 82 are housed in the internal space of the bush 72, and the other end (right end) of the lead wire 78 is inserted into the socket portion 56 of the connector body 54. As a result, the contact 64 is inserted into the end portion 52a of the solenoid coil 52, and the locking piece 64a of the contact 64 engages with the protrusion 56a of the socket portion 56.

[0041] Thereafter, the lock nut 14 is rotated, and the male threads of the first cylindrical portion 14b of the lock nut 14 are screwed into the female threads 72b of the bush 72. When the lock nut 14 is screwed into the bush 72 by a predetermined amount, the first packing 20 is compressed between the grip portion 14a of the lock nut 14 and the end face of the bush 72. This completes the connection of the lock nut 14 to the bush 72, and seals the gap between the lock nut 14 and the bush 72.

[0042] Thereafter, the seal nut 16 is rotated, and the female thread of the seal nut 16 is screwed into the male thread of the second cylindrical portion 14c of the lock nut 14. When the seal nut 16 is screwed into the lock nut 14 to a predetermined extent or more, the pressure sleeve 18 and the second packing 22 are reduced in diameter, and the second packing 22 is compressed in the radial direction between the pressure sleeve 18 and the power supply cable 80. As a result, the second packing 22 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 80, completing the sealing between them, and the power supply cable 80 is firmly supported by the mounting fixture 12. When the seal nut 16 is screwed into the lock nut 14 to a predetermined extent or more, the sealing between the second packing 22 and the lock nut 14 is completed. Through the above procedure, the connection of the power supply cable 80 to the solenoid coil 52 of the solenoid valve 24 is completed.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the contact 64 is attached to the end of the lead wire 78 connected to the power supply line 82 via the relay terminal 76, and the contact 64 is inserted into the end 52a of the solenoid coil 52. This simplifies the structure for connecting the power supply cable 80 to the solenoid coil 52.

[0044] Furthermore, the first packing 20 is compressed between the lock nut 14 and the bush 72, the second packing 22 is in close contact with the outer surface of the power supply cable 80 and is compressed between the convex portion 14d of the lock nut 14 and the tapered surface 16a of the seal nut 16, and the third packing 74 is compressed between the bush 72 and the protective tube 58. Therefore, the space in which the power supply line 82, the relay terminal 76, the lead wire 78, the contact 64, and the end portion 52a of the solenoid coil 52 are disposed is well sealed from the outside, providing excellent waterproofing.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10, 70...Solenoid valve power supply cable connection structure 12...Mounting fixture 14...Lock nut 14a...Gripping part 14b...First cylindrical part 14c...Second cylindrical portion 16...Seal nut 16a...Tapered surface 18...Pressure sleeve 20...First packing 22...Second packing 24...Solenoid valve 52...Solenoid coil 52a... end portion 54... connector body 56: Socket portion 56a: Protrusion portion 58...Protective tube 60, 80...Power supply cable 62, 82...Power supply line 64...Contact 64a: locking piece 72: bush 76...Relay terminal 78...Lead wire

Claims

1. A power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve for connecting a power supply cable to a solenoid coil of the solenoid valve, A power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve, in which a contact is attached to an end of a power supply line or to an end of a lead wire connected to the power supply line via a relay terminal, the contact is inserted into an end of the solenoid coil, the power supply cable is supported by a mounting fixture, and the mounting fixture is connected to a protective tube connected to the solenoid valve or a bushing attached to the protective tube.

2. 2. The power supply cable connection structure for an electromagnetic valve according to claim 1, An end of the solenoid coil is placed in a socket portion of a connector body of the solenoid valve, an end of the power supply line or an end of the lead wire is received in the socket portion, and the protective tube is integrally connected to the connector body.

3. 3. The power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to claim 2, A power supply cable connection structure for an electromagnetic valve, in which a locking piece formed on the contact engages with a protrusion formed on the socket portion.

4. 2. The power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to claim 1, The mounting fixture includes a cylindrical lock nut and a first gasket, the lock nut is connected to the protective tube or the bush by screwing, and the first gasket is compressed between the lock nut and the protective tube or between the lock nut and the bush.

5. 5. The power supply cable connection structure for a solenoid valve according to claim 4, a lock nut having a gripping portion, a first cylindrical portion extending in one axial direction from the gripping portion, and a second cylindrical portion extending in the other axial direction from the gripping portion, the male threads of the first cylindrical portion screwing into the female threads of the protective tube or the bushing, the female threads of the seal nut screwing into the male threads of the second cylindrical portion, the pressure sleeve being disposed inside the seal nut, and the second packing fitting inside the pressure sleeve, in a power supply cable connection structure for an solenoid valve.

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