Valve device

Abstract

To provide a miniaturized valve device.SOLUTION: A valve device 10 includes: a plurality of blocks 16 respectively including a first surface 16L on which an inflow port 18 of fluid is formed, and a second surface 16R on which an outflow port 20 through which the fluid flowing from the inflow port 18 flows is formed and which is provided on a side different from the first surface 16L; a control unit which is provided at least in one of the blocks 16, provided between the inflow port 18 and the outflow port 20, and controls the flow of the fluid; an inflow side passage 32 which communicates the inflow port 18 with the control unit; and an outflow side passage 33 which communicates the outflow port 20 with the control unit. A dimension from a lower surface of the block 16 to the inflow port 18 is set to be the same as a dimension from the lower surface to the outflow port 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a flow rate adjusting device for controlling the flow of a fluid, there are an on-off valve, a flow rate adjusting valve, etc. (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As an on-off valve or a flow rate adjusting valve, a solenoid valve or an electric valve is used, and in order to control the flow of a fluid, a plurality of solenoid valves or electric valves may be connected to form a valve device. In a solenoid valve or an electric valve, the heights of the inlet and the outlet are different. For example, when aligning and connecting a solenoid valve and an electric valve horizontally, it is necessary to connect the outlet of the solenoid valve and the inlet of the electric valve with a pipe. However, when connecting a solenoid valve and an electric valve via a pipe, a space for arranging the pipe is required, the size of the valve device becomes large, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve device with a reduced size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The valve device according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of blocks, each having a first surface on which a fluid inlet is formed and a second surface on a side different from the first surface on which an outlet is formed through which the fluid that has flowed in from the inlet flows out; a control unit provided in at least one of the blocks for controlling the flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet; an inlet-side passage connecting the inlet and the control unit; and an outlet-side passage connecting the outlet and the control unit, wherein in the plurality of blocks, the dimension from a third surface, which serves as a reference portion perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, to the inlet and the dimension from the third surface to the outlet are set to the same dimension.

[0007] In the valve device according to the first embodiment, the dimension from the third surface of one block to the outlet is the same as the dimension from the third surface of the other block to the inlet. Therefore, by aligning the positions of the third surface of one block and the third surface of the other block and facing the first surface of one block and the second surface of the other block, it becomes possible to connect the outlet of one block and the inlet of the other block facing each other. This makes it possible to discharge fluid that has been introduced into the inlet of one block from the outlet of the other block.

[0008] Furthermore, if the distance from the third face of one block to the outlet differs from the distance from the third face of the other block to the inlet, and the positions of the third faces of one block and the first face of one block and the second face of the other block are aligned, the outlet of one block and the inlet of the other block cannot be aligned. In this case, to connect the outlet and the inlet, it becomes necessary to connect them using piping or the like, which requires space for the piping.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one block is equipped with a control unit that controls the fluid flow between the inlet and outlet. By controlling the fluid flow with the control unit, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of fluid discharged from the outlet when fluid is introduced into the inlet of one block and discharged out of the outlet of the other block.

[0010] The valve device according to the second embodiment is a valve device according to the first embodiment, comprising: a first pin hole provided on the inlet side of the block; a second pin hole provided on the outlet side of the block; and a seal ring mounting portion provided on either the second surface of one of the blocks or the first surface of the other block, and fitted with an elastic seal ring that can be tightly fitted to either the first surface of the other block or the second surface of one of the blocks. The two blocks are connected by inserting a connecting pin into the second pin hole of one of the blocks and the first pin hole of the other block, the outlet of one of the blocks and the inlet of the other block are in communication, and the elastic seal ring is compressed between the surface facing the seal ring mounting portion.

[0011] In the valve device according to the second embodiment, when a connecting pin is inserted into the second pin hole of one block and the first pin hole of the other block, the one block and the other block are connected, the outlet of one block and the inlet of the other block are in communication, and the elastic seal ring is compressed between the seal ring mounting portion and the surface facing it.

[0012] As a result, the elastic seal ring adheres tightly to the seal ring mounting portion and the block opposite the seal ring, sealing the portion connecting the inlet and outlet, and suppressing fluid leakage from that portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the rebound force of the compressed elastic seal ring (the force that tries to return it to its original shape before compression) causes the outer surface of the connecting pin to press against the inner surface of the first pin hole and the inner surface of the second pin hole. This generates frictional forces between the outer surface of the connecting pin and the inner surface of the first pin hole, and between the outer surface of the connecting pin and the inner surface of the second pin hole. These frictional forces prevent the connecting pin from coming out of the first and second pin holes.

[0014] In the third embodiment, the valve device is such that, in the valve device according to the first or second embodiment, the inlet passage and the outlet passage are inclined in the same direction with respect to the third surface.

[0015] In the valve device according to the third embodiment, by inclining the inlet passage and the outlet passage in the same direction with respect to the third surface, the dimensions of the inlet and outlet from the third surface can be made the same in a configuration in which the control unit is located in the middle of the fluid passage.

[0016] The fourth embodiment of the valve device is a valve device according to the first embodiment, wherein at least one of the blocks is provided with a second outlet different from the outlet on a fourth surface different from the first and second surfaces, the dimension from the third surface to the second outlet is set to the same dimension as the dimension from the third surface to the outlet, and the fluid that flows in from the inlet can also flow out from the second outlet.

[0017] In the fourth embodiment, at least one block of the valve device is provided with a second outlet on a fourth surface, which is different from the first and second surfaces, and the dimension from the third surface to the second outlet is set to be the same as the dimension from the third surface to the outlet, so that fluid flowing in from the inlet can also flow out from the second outlet. For this reason, by facing the first surface on which the inlet of another block is formed toward the fourth surface, the second outlet provided on the fourth surface mouth This can be connected to an inlet located on the first face of another block, facing each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As explained above, the valve device of this disclosure can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a portion of the block of the valve device according to the first embodiment, in cross-section. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a block of an on-off valve according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing a block of an on-off valve according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a block of a valve device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a block of an on-off valve according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing a block of an on-off valve according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing a block according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a longitudinal sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8) showing a block according to another embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0020] [First Embodiment] The valve device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The valve device 10 of the present embodiment is configured to include one on-off valve 12 and one flow rate adjustment valve 14. In this specification, descriptions indicating positions and directions such as up, down, left, and right are for convenience according to the drawings to avoid cumbersome explanations, and do not necessarily refer to the positions and directions in the actual use state. In this specification, the side where the drive unit 44 described later is disposed is defined as the upper side, and the side where the block 16 is disposed is defined as the lower side.

[0021] [On-Off Valve] As shown in FIG. 1, the on-off valve 12 of the present embodiment is a so-called solenoid valve and includes a block 16 as a valve body.

[0022] Block 16 has an inlet 18 on the first surface 16L in the direction of arrow L in the drawing, into which fluid flows, and an outlet 20 on the second surface 16R in the direction of arrow R in the drawing (opposite to the first surface 16L). The first surface 16L and the second surface 16R are both smooth planes and are parallel to each other.

[0023] The lower surface 16D of block 16 is 、 It is a smooth plane, perpendicular to the first surface 16L and the second surface 16R, and is an example of the third surface (reference portion) of this disclosure.

[0024] The vertical dimension La from the bottom surface 16D to the inlet 18 and the vertical dimension Lb from the bottom surface 16D to the outlet 20 are the same. That is, the inlet 18 and the outlet 20 have the same diameter and are at the same height from the bottom surface 16D.

[0025] A stepped hole 22 is formed in the center of block 16, extending from the upper surface 16T to the lower surface 16D.

[0026] An annular guide member 26 is attached to the upper part of the stepped hole 22 to guide the valve stem 24. The lower part of the stepped hole 22 of the guide member 26 is designated as the valve chamber 28, and a valve hole member 29 with a valve hole 29A is attached to the lower part of the valve chamber 28. The lower part of the valve hole member 29 is designated as the vertical passage 30. The valve stem 24, valve chamber 28, and valve bore member 29 are examples of the control unit of this disclosure.

[0027] The inlet 18 and the valve chamber 28 are connected by an inlet-side passage 32 inclined at an angle θa with respect to the direction parallel to the lower surface 16D (horizontal direction), and the outlet 20 and the vertical passage 30 are connected by an outlet-side passage 33 inclined at an angle θb with respect to the direction parallel to the lower surface 16D. In this embodiment, angles θa and θb are set to the same angle. The inlet passage 32 and the outlet passage 33 are formed in a straight line by machining (cutting) a block 16 made of metal or the like. By making the inlet passage 32 and the outlet passage 33 in a straight line, they can be formed more easily compared to when they are not made in a straight line (e.g., bent shape, curved shape).

[0028] On the second surface 16R, a seal ring mounting portion 34, which is an annular groove, is formed to surround the outlet 20, and an O-ring 36 is fitted into this seal ring mounting portion 34 as an example of an elastic seal ring. When the O-ring 36 is fitted into the seal ring mounting portion 34, a portion of it protrudes from the second surface 16R.

[0029] Block 16 has a pair of first pin holes 38 that are spaced apart vertically on the first surface 16L side, and a pair of second pin holes 40 that are spaced apart vertically on the second surface 16R side.

[0030] When Lc is the dimension measured vertically from the bottom surface 16D to the lower first pin hole 38, Ld is the dimension measured vertically between the lower first pin hole 38 and the upper first pin hole 38, Le is the dimension measured vertically from the bottom surface 16D to the lower second pin hole 40, and Lf is the dimension measured vertically between the lower second pin hole 40 and the upper second pin hole 40, then Lc = Le and Ld = Lf are set.

[0031] Furthermore, when Lg is the dimension measured horizontally from the first surface 16L to the first pin hole 38, and Lh is the dimension measured horizontally from the second surface 16R to the second pin hole 40, the dimension Lg is set to equal dimension Lh.

[0032] In addition, 1 Pin hole 38, and 2nd The pin holes 40 are all the same diameter and are arranged parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 2, 1 Pin hole 38, and 2ndA connecting pin 42 of a certain diameter can be inserted (fitted) into the pin hole 40. Figure 2 shows only the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the block 16 of the flow control valve 14, and other components are omitted from the illustration.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, a drive unit 44 for driving the valve stem 24 is provided at the top of the block 16. The drive unit 44 of the on-off valve 12 moves the valve stem 24 along the axial direction of the stepped hole 22. In other words, the drive unit 44 of the on-off valve 12 causes the valve stem 24 to reciprocate linearly. The lower end of the valve stem 24 is a tapered valve portion 24A, which moves between a first state (open valve state) in which the valve portion 24A is spaced a predetermined distance from the valve hole 29A, as shown in Figure 1, and a second state (closed valve state; not shown) in which the valve portion 24A of the valve stem 24 is inserted into the valve hole 29A and tightly sealed.

[0034] The drive unit 44 of the on-off valve 12 has a structure similar to that of a normal solenoid valve drive unit, and includes a solenoid coil, plunger, spring, etc. (all not shown) for moving the valve stem 24.

[0035] (Flow control valve) The flow control valve 14 in this embodiment is a so-called electric valve capable of adjusting the flow rate, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it includes a block 16 with the same configuration as the on-off valve 12.

[0036] In the flow control valve 14, a drive unit 46, which includes a motor, a screw mechanism, etc., is provided on the upper part of the block 16. The drive unit 46 moves the valve stem 24 along the axial direction of the stepped hole 22, adjusts the distance between the valve portion 24A of the valve stem 24 and the valve hole 29A, and can adjust the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve hole 29A.

[0037] (Method of connecting the on / off valve 12 and the flow control valve 14) Next, the method of connecting the on-off valve 12 and the flow control valve 14 will be explained. In this embodiment, the valve device 10 is composed of one on-off valve 12 and one flow control valve 14. In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the on-off valve 12 and the flow control valve 14 are integrated as follows, such that the outlet 20 of the on-off valve 12 and the inlet 18 of the flow control valve 14 are connected.

[0038] First, the second surface 16R of the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the first surface 16L of the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are brought into contact with each other (for example, the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are placed on a smooth plane, and the lower surfaces of each block 16 are in close contact with the plane). The second surface 16R of the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the first surface 16L of the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are brought into contact so as to compress the O-ring 36 which is mounted on the seal ring mounting portion 34 and has a portion protruding from the second surface 16R, and the second pin hole 40 of the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the first pin hole 38 of the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are aligned.

[0039] Subsequently, when a connecting pin 42 of a certain diameter is inserted so as to penetrate the first pin hole 38 and the second pin hole 40, the O-ring 36 is held in a compressed state. As a result, the O-ring 36 is in close contact with the bottom of the groove of the seal ring mounting portion 34 and the first surface 16L of the block 16 of the flow control valve 14, sealing the portion connecting the inlet 18 and the outlet 20, and suppressing fluid leakage from that portion.

[0040] Furthermore, due to the repulsive force of the compressed O-ring 36 (the force that tries to return it to its original shape before compression), the outer surface of the connecting pin 42 is pressed against the inner surface of the first pin hole 38 and the inner surface of the second pin hole 40. As a result, frictional forces are generated between the outer surface of the connecting pin 42 and the inner surface of the first pin hole 38, and between the outer surface of the connecting pin 42 and the inner surface of the second pin hole 40. This frictional force prevents the connecting pin 42 from coming out of the first pin hole 38 and the second pin hole 40.

[0041] The connecting pin 42 may also be a spring pin. Alternatively, male threads (not shown) may be formed on both ends of the connecting pin 42, and nuts (not shown) may be tightened onto these male threads to secure the connecting pin 42 to the block 16 and prevent it from coming loose.

[0042] When the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are connected in this manner, the outlet passage 33 of the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the inlet passage 32 of the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are connected in a straight line. Compared to the case where the outlet passage 33 and the inlet passage 32 are connected at an angle, the resistance to the fluid discharged from the on-off valve 12 flowing into the flow control valve 14 can be reduced.

[0043] In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the outlet 20 of the on-off valve 12 and the inlet 18 of the flow control valve 14 are not connected using piping, and the lower surface 16D of the block 16 is aligned horizontally. Therefore, the valve device 10 can be made smaller compared to cases where piping is used and where the lower surface 16D of the block 16 is not aligned horizontally. Furthermore, if the dimension from the bottom surface 16D of one block 16 to the outlet 20 is different from the dimension from the bottom surface 16D of the other block 16 to the inlet 18, then when attempting to connect the inlet 18 and the outlet 20 facing each other, the bottom surface 16D of one block 16 and the bottom surface 16D of the other block 16 will not coincide, making it impossible to connect the two blocks 16 without a step, and thus increasing the space required for installing the valve device 10.

[0044] In the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the block 16 of the on-off valve 12 and the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 are connected using a connecting pin 42, so the on-off valve 12 and the flow control valve 14 can be easily separated by simply removing the connecting pin 42.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] Next, the block 48 of the on-off valve 12 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0046] Block 48 is formed in a roughly T-shape in plan view, and as shown in Figure 4, the vertical passage 30 is connected to a mutually orthogonal outflow passage 33 and a second outflow passage 35, with the outflow passage 33 extending in the direction of arrow R, similar to the first embodiment, and the second outflow passage 35 extending in the direction of arrow B.

[0047] In this embodiment, block 48 distributes the fluid flowing in from the inlet 18 in two directions, allowing it to flow out from the outlet 20 and the second outlet 21.

[0048] Furthermore, the outlet 20 in the direction of arrow B of block 48 is an example of the second outlet of this disclosure, and the side of block 48 on which the second outlet 21 is open is the fourth surface 16B, which is an example of the fourth surface of this disclosure.

[0049] Although not shown in the diagram, the height dimension from the bottom surface of the block 48 of the outlet 20 on the side of arrow R and the second outlet 21 on the side of arrow B is the same as the height dimension of the inlet 18, and on the side of arrow B 2nd The outflow passage 35 is also inclined in the same way as the outflow passage 33 in the direction of arrow R.

[0050] In this embodiment, the block 16 of the flow control valve 14 can be connected to the outlet 20 side and the second outlet 21 side of the block 48 of the on-off valve 12 using a connecting pin 42, similar to the first embodiment. Thus, in this embodiment, the valve device 10 is composed of one on-off valve 12 and two flow control valves 14.

[0051] [Third Embodiment] Next, the valve device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Components identical to those in the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] The valve device 10 of this embodiment includes an on-off valve 12 having a block 50 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Block 50 is formed in a roughly L-shape in plan view, and is shaped by removing the portion that protrudes in the direction of arrow R from block 48, which is T-shaped in plan view as described in the second embodiment. The block 50 of the on-off valve 12 in this embodiment can also be connected to the block 16 of the flow control valve 14, similar to the second embodiment.

[0053] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the valve device of the present disclosure has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0054] The valve device 10 described in the above embodiment was a combination of an on-off valve 12, which is a solenoid valve, and a flow control valve 14, which is an electric valve. However, the disclosure is not limited to this, and the valve device 10 only needs to include at least one of the on-off valve 12, which is a solenoid valve, and the flow control valve 14, which is an electric valve. For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the valve device 10 may be configured by combining a block 52 having a branching function and two flow control valves 14. The block 52 has an outlet passage 33 that is linearly connected to the inlet passage 32, and a passage perpendicular to the inlet passage 32. Second exit passage 35 It is equipped with the following features.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the valve device 10 was shown in a position with the drive unit 44 and drive unit 46 facing upwards. However, the valve device 10 may be used with the drive unit 44 facing in a direction other than upwards.

[0056] In the above embodiments, a valve device 10 in which one on-off valve 12 is connected to one flow control valve 14, and a valve device 10 in which one on-off valve 12 is connected to two flow control valves 14 have been described. However, the number of on-off valves 12 and flow control valves 14 connected is not limited to those in the above embodiments, and four or more on-off valves 2 and flow control valves 14 may be connected.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the angle θa of the inclined inlet passage 32 and the angle θb of the inclined outlet passage 33 were set to the same angle, but angles θa and θb do not have to be the same angle. Also, in the above embodiment, the inlet passage 32 and the outlet passage 33 were inclined in the same direction, but the inlet passage 32 and the outlet passage 33 are inclined in different directions.

[0058] In the above embodiment, a block 16 that is in a straight line in plan view, a T-shaped block 48, and an L-shaped block 50 were described, but the plan view shape of the block may be a cross shape or other shapes.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the lower surface (third surface) 16D of the block 16 was used as the reference surface, but the disclosure is not limited to this, and the first pin hole 38 and the second pin hole 40 may also be used as the reference surface, or the upper surface 16T may be used as the reference surface. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 10 Valve device 12. Shut-off valves 14 Flow control valve 16 blocks 16D Bottom surface (3rd surface (reference part)) 16L 1st page 16R 2nd side 16B 4th side 18 Inlet 20 Outlet 21 2nd outlet 24 Valve shaft (control unit) 28 Valve chamber (control unit) 29 Valve hole member (control unit) 32 Inflow side passage 33 Outlet passage 34 Seal ring mounting section 35. Second Outlet Passage 36 O-rings (elastic sealing rings) 38 First pin hole 40 Second pin hole 42 connecting pins 48 blocks 50 blocks

Claims

1. A plurality of blocks, each having a first surface on which a fluid inlet is formed, and a second surface on a side different from the first surface on which an outlet is formed through which the fluid that has flowed in from the inlet flows out, A control unit provided in at least one of the blocks for controlling the flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet, an inlet-side passage connecting the inlet and the control unit, and an outlet-side passage connecting the outlet and the control unit, Equipped with, In multiple of the blocks, the dimension from the third surface, which serves as a reference portion perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, to the inlet, and the dimension from the third surface to the outlet, are set to the same dimension. The inflow passage and the outflow passage are inclined in the same direction with respect to the third surface. Valve device.

2. A first pin hole provided on the inlet side of the aforementioned block, A second pin hole provided on the outlet side of the aforementioned block, A seal ring mounting portion is provided on either the second surface of one of the aforementioned blocks or the first surface of the other aforementioned block, and is fitted with an elastic seal ring that can be in close contact with either the first surface of the other aforementioned block or the second surface of the aforementioned block. Equipped with, By inserting a connecting pin into the second pin hole of one of the blocks and the first pin hole of the other block, one of the blocks and the other block are connected, the outlet of one of the blocks and the inlet of the other block are in communication, and the elastic seal ring is compressed between the surface facing the seal ring mounting portion. The valve device according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the blocks is provided with a second outlet, different from the outlet, on a fourth surface different from the first and second surfaces. The dimension from the third surface to the second outlet is set to the same dimension as the dimension from the third surface to the outlet. The fluid that flows in from the inlet can also flow out from the second outlet. The valve device according to claim 1.

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