Solenoid valve manifold

Abstract

To enable discharging fluid remaining in a fluid pressure device to the outside, and easily perform specification changes while maintaining the existing structures of a solenoid valve and a manifold base with respect to a solenoid valve manifold.SOLUTION: A spacer 51 has a first branch flow passage 61 communicated to a first output port A, and a second branch flow passage 62 communicated to a second output port B. A residual pressure exhaust valve 70 can be switched between a first switching state of blocking external discharge of fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch flow passage 61 and fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch flow passage 62, and a second switching state of permitting external discharge of fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch flow passage 61 and fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch flow passage 62. The spacer 51 has a connection port 63 to which the residual pressure exhaust valve 70 is connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a solenoid valve manifold.

Background Art

[0002] A solenoid valve manifold includes a solenoid valve and a manifold base. The solenoid valve has a first output port and a second output port. The manifold base has a first output flow path and a second output flow path. The first output flow path communicates with the first output port. The second output flow path communicates with the second output port. And the solenoid valve manifold controls the drive of a fluid pressure device by the fluid output from the first output port through the first output flow path and the fluid output from the second output port through the second output flow path.

[0003] By the way, for example, when performing maintenance of a fluid pressure device, etc., it is necessary to discharge the fluid remaining in the fluid pressure device to the outside. Therefore, a solenoid valve manifold provided with a residual pressure discharge valve for discharging the fluid remaining in the first output port and the second output port to the outside is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, the residual pressure discharge valve is provided in the solenoid valve. And when it is necessary to discharge the fluid remaining in the fluid pressure device to the outside, the residual pressure discharge valve is manually operated to discharge the fluid remaining in the first output port and the second output port to the outside. Thereby, the fluid remaining in the fluid pressure device is discharged to the outside from the residual pressure discharge valve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, as described in Patent Document 1, providing a residual pressure release valve to a solenoid valve requires changing the configuration of the solenoid valve from its existing configuration. Similarly, even when providing a residual pressure release valve to a manifold block, it is necessary to change the configuration of the manifold block from its existing configuration. Therefore, in solenoid valve manifolds, it is desirable to discharge the fluid remaining in the fluid pressure equipment to the outside while maintaining the existing configurations of the solenoid valve and manifold block.

[0006] Furthermore, consider the case where the solenoid valve manifold is equipped with a manually operated residual pressure release valve, as described in Patent Document 1. In this case, the solenoid valve manifold may be installed in a location where it is difficult for an operator to approach it in the operating environment. In such a case, the operator would be unable to manually operate the residual pressure release valve, making it impossible to use a solenoid valve manifold equipped with a manually operated residual pressure release valve, as described in Patent Document 1. As a result, it becomes necessary to replace it with, for example, a solenoid valve manifold equipped with a remotely operated residual pressure release valve. Therefore, in order to accommodate the operating environment of the solenoid valve manifold, it is necessary to replace the entire solenoid valve manifold, which leads to problems such as increased costs. Thus, changing the specifications of a solenoid valve manifold is difficult. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A solenoid valve manifold that solves the above problem comprises a solenoid valve having a first output port and a second output port, a manifold base having a first output passage communicating with the first output port and a second output passage communicating with the second output port, and a residual pressure relief valve that discharges the fluid remaining in the first output port and the second output port to the outside, wherein the solenoid valve manifold controls the drive of a fluid pressure device by the fluid output from the first output port through the first output passage and the fluid output from the second output port through the second output passage, and an interposed between the solenoid valve and the manifold base The device includes a spacer, the spacer having a first branch passage communicating with the first output port and a second branch passage communicating with the second output port, the residual pressure release valve is switchable between a first switching state that blocks the discharge to the outside of the fluid flowing from the first output port to the first branch passage and the fluid flowing from the second output port to the second branch passage, and a second switching state that allows the discharge to the outside of the fluid flowing from the first output port to the first branch passage and the fluid flowing from the second output port to the second branch passage, and the spacer has a connection port to which the residual pressure release valve is connected.

[0008] In the above-described solenoid valve manifold, the spacer has one connection port, the connection port is in communication with the end of the first branch passage opposite to the first output port and the end of the second branch passage opposite to the second output port, the first branch passage is provided with a first check valve that allows fluid flow from the first output port to the first branch passage and blocks fluid flow from the first branch passage to the first output port, and the second branch passage is provided with a second check valve that allows fluid flow from the second output port to the second branch passage and blocks fluid flow from the second branch passage to the second output port.

[0009] In the above-described solenoid valve manifold, the residual pressure relief valve has a discharge port for discharging fluid to the outside, and it is preferable that a sealing member be connectable to the discharge port. In the above-described solenoid valve manifold, the residual pressure relief valve has a discharge port for discharging fluid to the outside, and it is preferable that a sound-absorbing member be connectable to the discharge port.

[0010] In the above-described solenoid valve manifold, the spacer has a third branch passage that branches off from the portion of the first branch passage between the first check valve and the first output port and communicates with the outside, and a fourth branch passage that branches off from the portion of the second branch passage between the second check valve and the second output port and communicates with the outside, wherein the third branch passage is provided with a third check valve that blocks the flow of fluid from the first branch passage to the outside via the third branch passage and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to the first branch passage via the third branch passage, and the fourth branch passage is provided with a fourth check valve that blocks the flow of fluid from the second branch passage to the outside via the fourth branch passage and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to the second branch passage via the fourth branch passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this invention, in a solenoid valve manifold, while maintaining the existing configuration of the solenoid valve and manifold base, it is possible to discharge the fluid remaining in the fluid pressure equipment to the outside, and the specifications can be easily changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid valve manifold in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid valve manifold. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid valve manifold. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid valve manifold. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified portion of the solenoid valve manifold. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified portion of the solenoid valve manifold. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a solenoid valve manifold in another embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a solenoid valve manifold in another embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid valve manifold in another embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 in FIG. 9.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a solenoid valve manifold is embodied will be described according to FIGS. 1 to 6. <Overall Configuration of Solenoid Valve Manifold 10> As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the solenoid valve manifold 10 includes a solenoid valve 11, a manifold base 31, a spacer 51, and a residual pressure discharge valve 70. The spacer 51 is interposed between the solenoid valve 11 and the manifold base 31. The solenoid valve 11 is mounted on the mounting surface 31a of the manifold base 3 through each spacer 51. Therefore, the manifold base 31 mounts the solenoid valve 11. The residual pressure discharge valve 70 is provided on the spacer 51.

[0014] <Solenoid Valve 11> The solenoid valve 11 has a valve casing 12. The valve casing 12 is in the shape of a long rectangular block. The valve casing 12 has a casing body 13, a first connection block 14, and a second connection block 15. The casing body 13 is in the shape of a long rectangular block. The first connection block 14 is connected to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 13. The second connection block 15 is connected to the second end in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 13. The casing body 13 has a body facing surface 13a facing the spacer 51.

[0015] The valve casing 12 has a valve hole 16. The valve hole 16 is formed in the casing body 13. The valve hole 16 is circular. The valve hole 16 extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 13. The first end of the valve hole 16 opens to the first end face in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 13. The second end of the valve hole 16 opens to the second end face in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 13. Therefore, the valve hole 16 penetrates the casing body 13 in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] The solenoid valve 11 has a spool valve 17. The spool valve 17 is inserted into the valve hole 16. The spool valve 17 is inserted into the valve hole 16 in a state where the axial direction of the spool valve 17 coincides with the axial direction of the valve hole 16. The spool valve 17 is inserted into the valve hole 16 so as to be reciprocally movable.

[0017] The solenoid valve 11 has a supply port P, a first output port A, a second output port B, a first discharge port R1, and a second discharge port R2. Therefore, the solenoid valve 11 of the present embodiment is a 5-port solenoid valve. The supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2 are formed in the casing body 13. The supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2 communicate with the valve hole 16 respectively.

[0018] The first discharge port R1, the first output port A, the supply port P, the second output port B, and the second discharge port R2 are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction of the casing body 13 from the first end to the second end of the casing body 13 and are formed in the casing body 13. The first ends of the supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2 communicate with the valve hole 16 respectively. The second ends of the supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2 open to the main body facing surface 13a of the casing body 13.

[0019] The solenoid valve 11 has a first piston 18 and a second piston 19. The first piston 18 is disc-shaped. The first piston 18 is connected to the first end of the spool valve 17. The first piston 18 moves integrally with the spool valve 17. The second piston 19 is disc-shaped. The second piston 19 is connected to the second end of the spool valve 17. The second piston 19 moves integrally with the spool valve 17.

[0020] The first connecting block 14 has a circular hole-shaped first piston housing recess 20. The first piston 18 is housed in the first piston housing recess 20 so as to be able to reciprocate. The first piston housing recess 20 and the first piston 18 divide the first pilot pressure chamber 21. Pilot fluid is supplied to and discharged from the first pilot pressure chamber 21.

[0021] The second connecting block 15 has a circular hole-shaped second piston housing recess 22. The second piston 19 is housed in the second piston housing recess 22 so as to be able to reciprocate. The second piston housing recess 22 and the second piston 19 divide the second pilot pressure chamber 23. Pilot fluid is supplied to and discharged from the second pilot pressure chamber 23.

[0022] A spring housing chamber 24 is formed in the second connecting block 15. The spring housing chamber 24 opens to the end face of the second connecting block 15 on the casing body 13 side. The spring housing chamber 24 communicates with the valve hole 16. A communication hole 25 is formed in the second connecting block 15. The communication hole 25 communicates the spring housing chamber 24 with the inside of the second piston housing recess 22. The first piston housing recess 20, the valve hole 16, the spring housing chamber 24, the communication hole 25, and the second piston housing recess 22 are formed in the valve casing 12 in this order from the first end to the second end of the valve casing 12. The spool valve 17 extends from the inside of the first piston housing recess 20, through the valve hole 16, the spring housing chamber 24, and the communication hole 25, to the inside of the second piston housing recess 22.

[0023] The solenoid valve 11 includes a return spring 26, a first spring receiving portion 27, and a second spring receiving portion 28. The return spring 26, the first spring receiving portion 27, and the second spring receiving portion 28 are housed in a spring housing chamber 24.

[0024] The first spring support portion 27 is annular. The spool valve 17 passes inside the first spring support portion 27. The spool valve 17 has a first contact portion 29 against which the first spring support portion 27 abuts. The first contact portion 29 is, for example, a step formed on the outer circumferential surface of the spool valve 17. The first spring support portion 27 can also abut around the valve hole 16 on the end face of the casing body 13 on the second connecting block 15 side.

[0025] The second spring support portion 28 is annular. The spool valve 17 passes inside the second spring support portion 28. The second spring support portion 28 faces the first spring support portion 27 in the axial direction of the spool valve 17. The spool valve 17 has a second contact portion 30 against which the second spring support portion 28 abuts. The second contact portion 30 is, for example, an annular flange extending from the outer circumferential surface of the spool valve 17. The second spring support portion 28 can also abut around the communication hole 25 in the second connecting block 15.

[0026] The return spring 26 is interposed between the first spring support portion 27 and the second spring support portion 28. The first end of the return spring 26 is supported by the first spring support portion 27. The second end of the return spring 26 is supported by the second spring support portion 28.

[0027] The solenoid valve 11 comprises a first pilot valve V1 and a second pilot valve V2. Therefore, the solenoid valve 11 is a double solenoid type pilot-operated solenoid valve. Voltage is applied to the first pilot valve V1 and the second pilot valve V2 by an external control device, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) (not shown).

[0028] <Manifold Base 31> The manifold base 31 has a supply channel 32, a first output channel 33, a second output channel 34, a first discharge channel 35, and a second discharge channel 36. The supply channel 32, the first output channel 33, the second output channel 34, the first discharge channel 35, and the second discharge channel 36 are open to the mounting surface 31a.

[0029] The end of the supply channel 32 opposite to the mounting surface 31a is connected to a fluid supply source (not shown) via, for example, piping. The fluid supplied from the fluid supply source to the supply channel 32 is compressed air. The end of the first output channel 33 opposite to the mounting surface 31a is connected to an actuator 40, which is a fluid pressure device, via the first piping 37. The end of the second output channel 34 opposite to the mounting surface 31a is connected to the actuator 40 via the second piping 38. The end of the first discharge channel 35 opposite to the mounting surface 31a and the end of the second discharge channel 36 opposite to the mounting surface 31a are in communication with the atmosphere, respectively.

[0030] The actuator 40 is equipped with a cylinder tube 41. A piston 42 is housed inside the cylinder tube 41 so as to be reciprocable. A piston rod 43 is integrally provided with the piston 42. The piston rod 43 can extend and retract relative to the cylinder tube 41. The inside of the cylinder tube 41 is divided by the piston 42 into a first pressure chamber 44 and a second pressure chamber 45. The piston rod 43 is integrally provided with the piston 42. The first output passage 33 communicates with the first pressure chamber 44 via the first pipe 37. The second output passage 34 communicates with the second pressure chamber 45 via the second pipe 38.

[0031] <Spacer 51> The spacer 51 is a rectangular block. The spacer 51 has a first facing surface 51a that faces the valve casing 12 and a second facing surface 51b that faces the manifold base 31. The longitudinal direction of the spacer 51 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the valve casing 12.

[0032] The spacer 51 has a mounting surface 51c. The mounting surface 51c is an end face located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 51. The spacer 51 also has a supply communication channel 52, a first output communication channel 53, a second output communication channel 54, a first discharge communication channel 55, and a second discharge communication channel 56.

[0033] The supply communication channel 52 connects the supply channel 32 and the supply port P. The first output communication channel 53 connects the first output channel 33 and the first output port A. Therefore, the first output channel 33 is in communication with the first output port A via the first output communication channel 53. The second output communication channel 54 connects the second output channel 34 and the second output port B. Therefore, the second output channel 34 is in communication with the second output port B via the second output communication channel 54. The first discharge communication channel 55 connects the first discharge channel 35 and the first discharge port R1. The second discharge communication channel 56 connects the second discharge channel 36 and the second discharge port R2.

[0034] The spacer 51 has a first branch channel 61, a second branch channel 62, and a connection port 63. In this embodiment, the spacer 51 has one connection port 63. The connection port 63 opens onto the mounting surface 51c of the spacer 51. Most of the connection port 63 is a female screw hole 63h. The female screw hole 63h opens onto the mounting surface 51c of the spacer 51.

[0035] The first end of the first branch channel 61 is in communication with the first output port A. The second end of the first branch channel 61 is in communication with the connection port 63. The first branch channel 61 has a first valve housing chamber 61a. A first check valve 65 is housed in the first valve housing chamber 61a. Therefore, the first branch channel 61 is provided with a first check valve 65. The first check valve 65 allows fluid flow from the first output port A to the first branch channel 61 and blocks fluid flow from the first branch channel 61 to the first output port A.

[0036] The first end of the second branch channel 62 is in communication with the second output port B. The second end of the first branch channel 61 is in communication with the connection port 63. Therefore, the connection port 63 is in communication with the end of the first branch channel 61 opposite to the first output port A, and with the end of the second branch channel 62 opposite to the second output port B. The second branch channel 62 has a second valve housing chamber 62a. A second check valve 66 is housed in the second valve housing chamber 62a. Therefore, the second branch channel 62 is provided with a second check valve 66. The second check valve 66 allows fluid flow from the second output port B to the second branch channel 62 and blocks fluid flow from the second branch channel 62 to the second output port B.

[0037] <Residual pressure release valve 70> As shown in Figure 4, the residual pressure relief valve 70 is connected to the connection port 63. Therefore, the residual pressure relief valve 70 is connected to the connection port 63. The residual pressure relief valve 70 discharges the fluid remaining in the first output port A and the second output port B to the outside.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the residual pressure relief valve 70 has a flow path forming housing 71 and a valve housing 72. The flow path forming housing 71 has a housing body 73, a connecting portion 74, and a discharge portion 75. The housing body 73 is rectangular block-shaped. The connecting portion 74 extends cylindrically from the housing body 73. The outer circumferential surface of the end of the connecting portion 74 opposite to the housing body 73 is a male thread 74a. The discharge portion 75 extends cylindrically from the housing body 73. The direction of extension of the discharge portion 75 from the housing body 73 is opposite to the direction of extension of the connecting portion 74 from the housing body 73. The residual pressure relief valve 70 is connected to the connection port 63 by the male thread 74a of the connecting portion 74 being screwed into the female threaded hole 63h of the connection port 63.

[0039] The housing body 73 has a mounting recess 76. The mounting recess 76 is circular in shape. The axial direction of the mounting recess 76 is perpendicular to the direction of extension from the housing body 73 at the connection portion 74 and the direction of extension from the housing body 73 at the discharge portion 75.

[0040] The flow path forming housing 71 has an inlet flow path 77 and an outlet 78. Therefore, the residual pressure release valve 70 has an outlet 78. The inside of the connection portion 74 is the inlet flow path 77. The first end of the inlet flow path 77 opens to the end face of the connection portion 74 opposite to the housing body 73. The second end of the inlet flow path 77 opens to the inner circumferential surface of the mounting recess 76.

[0041] The inside of the discharge section 75 forms an outlet 78. The first end of the outlet 78 opens to the inner surface of the mounting recess 76. The opening position of the outlet 78 relative to the inner surface of the mounting recess 76 is 180 degrees away in the circumferential direction of the mounting recess 76 from the opening position of the mounting recess 76 relative to the inner surface of the mounting recess 76 in the introduction channel 77. A cylindrical fitting 79 is attached to the outlet 78. The inside of the fitting 79 functions as the outlet 78.

[0042] The valve housing 72 has a cylindrical portion 80 and an operating portion 81. The cylindrical portion 80 has an end wall 80a and a peripheral wall 80b. The end wall 80a is disc-shaped. The peripheral wall 80b extends cylindrically from the outer circumference of the end wall 80a. The operating portion 81 is flat. The operating portion 81 rises from the end face of the end wall 80a opposite to the peripheral wall 80b. The thickness direction of the operating portion 81 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the peripheral wall 80b.

[0043] The valve housing 72 is attached to the flow path forming housing 71 with the peripheral wall 80b of the cylindrical portion 80 inserted inside the mounting recess 76. The valve housing 72 is rotatable around the axis of the peripheral wall 80b as the center of rotation relative to the mounting recess 76. The rotation of the valve housing 72 is performed, for example, by an operator operating the operating part 81. The space between the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 80b and the inner circumferential surface of the mounting recess 76 is sealed by an annular sealing member 82. The sealing member 82 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0044] The peripheral wall 80b has a pair of connecting passages 83. The pair of connecting passages 83 are positioned 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 80b. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 80b has a hole 84. The hole 84 is positioned 90 degrees apart from both connecting passages 83 in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 80b.

[0045] The peripheral wall 80b has a mounting groove 85. The mounting groove 85 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 80b. The mounting groove 85 is annular. The mounting groove 85 is located 180 degrees away from the hole 84 in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 80b. The axis of the mounting groove 85 coincides with the axis of the hole 84. An annular sealing member 86 is fitted into the mounting groove 85. The sealing member 86 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the residual pressure relief valve 70 can be switched to a first switching state in which the vent hole 84 communicates with the outlet 78. At this time, the sealing member 86 is in close contact with the periphery of the introduction passage 77 on the inner surface of the mounting recess 76. As a result, the sealing member 86 prevents fluid from the introduction passage 77 from entering the inside of the mounting recess 76 and leaking out to the outside of the valve housing 72.

[0047] When the residual pressure release valve 70 is switched to the first switching state, it blocks the discharge to the outside of the fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 and the fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62. When the residual pressure release valve 70 is switched to the first switching state, any fluid remaining inside the peripheral wall 80b is discharged to the outside through the vent hole 84 and the outlet 78.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the residual pressure relief valve 70 is switchable to a second switching state in which one of the pair of communication passages 83 communicates with the inlet passage 77 and the other of the pair of communication passages 83 communicates with the outlet 78. When the residual pressure relief valve 70 is switched to the second switching state, the connection port 63 communicates with the outlet 78 via the inlet passage 77, one of the pair of communication passages 83, the inside of the peripheral wall 80b, and the other of the pair of communication passages 83. Therefore, when the residual pressure relief valve 70 is switched to the second switching state, the fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 and the fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62 are discharged to the outside from the outlet 78. Thus, the outlet 78 discharges fluid to the outside. When the valve housing 72 is switched to the second switching state, the residual pressure release valve 70 allows the discharge of fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 and fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62 to the outside.

[0049] The switching between the first and second switching states of the residual pressure release valve 70 is performed by an operator rotating the valve housing 72 by operating the control unit 81. Therefore, the residual pressure release valve 70 in this embodiment is a manually operated type.

[0050] [Effect of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the spool valve 17 is switchable between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position. For example, suppose that voltage is applied to the first pilot valve V1, while the voltage applied to the second pilot valve V2 is stopped. Then, the first pilot valve V1 supplies compressed fluid from the fluid supply source to the first pilot pressure chamber 21 as pilot fluid. On the other hand, the second pilot valve V2 discharges the pilot fluid in the second pilot pressure chamber 23 to the atmosphere. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the pilot pressure in the first pilot pressure chamber 21 overcomes the spring force of the return spring 26, and the spool valve 17 moves toward the second piston housing recess 22. Consequently, the spool valve 17 switches to the first position, which connects the supply port P and the first output port A, and connects the second output port B and the second discharge port R2. Furthermore, when the spool valve 17 is switched to the first position, the connection between the supply port P and the second output port B is blocked, and the connection between the first output port A and the first discharge port R1 is blocked. At this time, the residual pressure discharge valve 70 is in the first switching state.

[0051] When the spool valve 17 is switched to the first position, fluid from the fluid supply source is supplied to the first pressure chamber 44 via the supply passage 32, supply communication passage 52, supply port P, first output port A, first output communication passage 53, first output passage 33, and first piping 37. Also, the fluid in the second pressure chamber 45 is discharged to the outside via the second piping 38, second output passage 34, second output communication passage 54, second output port B, second discharge port R2, second discharge communication passage 56, and second discharge passage 36. As a result, the piston 42 inside the cylinder tube 41 moves to one end of the axial stroke of the cylinder tube 41. Consequently, the piston rod 43 of the actuator 40 protrudes from the cylinder tube 41.

[0052] Furthermore, a portion of the fluid flowing through the first output port A passes through the first check valve 65 and flows into the first branch passage 61. At this time, the residual pressure release valve 70 is in the first switching state. Therefore, the discharge of the fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 to the outside is blocked. The fluid that has flowed into the first branch passage 61 then flows into the second branch passage 62 via the connection port 63. At this time, the second check valve 66 blocks the flow of fluid from the second branch passage 62 to the second output port B. Therefore, it is prevented that the fluid flowing through the first output port A will flow back into the second output port B via the first branch passage 61, the connection port 63, and the second branch passage 62.

[0053] Furthermore, suppose, for example, that the voltage applied to the first pilot valve V1 is stopped, while the voltage applied to the second pilot valve V2 is being used. In this case, the second pilot valve V2 supplies compressed fluid from the fluid supply source to the second pilot pressure chamber 23 as pilot fluid. On the other hand, the first pilot valve V1 discharges the pilot fluid in the first pilot pressure chamber 21 to the atmosphere. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the pilot pressure in the second pilot pressure chamber 23 overcomes the spring force of the return spring 26, causing the spool valve 17 to move toward the first piston housing recess 20. Consequently, the spool valve 17 switches to a second position in which the supply port P and the second output port B are connected, and the first output port A and the first discharge port R1 are connected. When the spool valve 17 switches to the second position, the connection between the supply port P and the first output port A is blocked, and the connection between the second output port B and the second discharge port R2 is blocked. At this time, the residual pressure release valve 70 is in the first switching state.

[0054] When the spool valve 17 switches to the second position, fluid from the fluid supply source is supplied to the second pressure chamber 45 via the supply passage 32, supply communication passage 52, supply port P, second output port B, second output communication passage 54, second output passage 34, and second piping 38. Also, the fluid in the first pressure chamber 44 is discharged to the outside via the first piping 37, first output passage 33, first output communication passage 53, first output port A, first discharge port R1, first discharge communication passage 55, and first discharge passage 35. As a result, the piston 42 in the cylinder tube 41 moves to the other axial stroke end of the cylinder tube 41. Consequently, the piston rod 43 of the actuator 40 becomes retracted from the cylinder tube 41.

[0055] Furthermore, a portion of the fluid flowing through the second output port B passes through the second check valve 66 and flows into the second branch passage 62. At this time, the residual pressure release valve 70 is in the first switching state. Therefore, the discharge of the fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62 to the outside is blocked. The fluid that has flowed into the second branch passage 62 then flows into the first branch passage 61 via the connection port 63. At this time, the first check valve 65 blocks the flow of fluid from the first branch passage 61 to the first output port A. Therefore, it is prevented that the fluid flowing through the second output port B will flow back into the first output port A via the second branch passage 62, the connection port 63, and the first branch passage 61.

[0056] In this way, the solenoid valve manifold 10 controls the drive of the actuator 40 by the fluid output from the first output port A through the first output flow path 33, and the fluid output from the second output port B through the second output flow path 34.

[0057] When the voltage applied to both the first pilot valve V1 and the second pilot valve V2 is stopped, the pilot fluid in the first pilot pressure chamber 21 is discharged to the atmosphere, and the pilot fluid in the second pilot pressure chamber 23 is also discharged to the atmosphere. As shown in Figure 1, the spool valve 17 returns to the neutral position due to the return force of the return spring 26. This disconnects the supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2. Then, fluid is filled between the first pressure chamber 44 and the first output port A, and between the second pressure chamber 45 and the second output port B. As a result, the reciprocating motion of the piston rod 43 of the actuator 40 is brought to an emergency stop at the intermediate position of its stroke. Therefore, the spring force of the return spring 26 is set to hold the spool valve 17 in the neutral position. Thus, the solenoid valve 11 of this embodiment is a three-position switching valve that can be switched to three positions: first position, second position, and intermediate position.

[0058] Incidentally, when performing maintenance on the actuator 40, for example, it is necessary to discharge any fluid remaining in the actuator 40 to the outside. As shown in Figure 4, with the spool valve 17 in the neutral position, the operator rotates the valve housing 72 by operating the control unit 81, thereby switching the residual pressure discharge valve 70 from the first switching state to the second switching state. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the connection port 63 communicates with the discharge port 78 via the introduction passage 77, one of the pair of communication passages 83, the inside of the peripheral wall 80b, and the other of the pair of communication passages 83. This allows the fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 and the fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62 to be discharged to the outside via the discharge port 78. Therefore, with the residual pressure discharge valve 70 in the second switching state, the fluid remaining in the first output port A and the second output port B is discharged to the outside. As a result, the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 is discharged to the outside through the residual pressure discharge valve 70.

[0059] In the solenoid valve manifold 10 of this embodiment, the spacer 51 has a connection port 63 to which a residual pressure relief valve 70 is connected. Therefore, the type of residual pressure relief valve 70 connected to the connection port 63 can be changed as appropriate. Thus, as in this embodiment, it is possible to connect a manually operated residual pressure relief valve 70 to the connection port 63, or to connect a remotely operated residual pressure relief valve 70, such as an electric or fluid type, to the connection port 63.

[0060] [Effects of the Embodiment] The above embodiment can be achieved to obtain the following effects. (1) When the residual pressure relief valve 70 is in the first switching state, the discharge of fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 and the fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62 to the outside is blocked. Therefore, when the residual pressure relief valve 70 is in the first switching state, the drive of the actuator 40 is controlled by the fluid output from the first output port A via the first output passage 33 and the fluid output from the second output port B via the second output passage 34. On the other hand, when the residual pressure relief valve 70 is in the second switching state, the discharge of fluid flowing from the first output port A to the first branch passage 61 and the fluid flowing from the second output port B to the second branch passage 62 to the outside is permitted. Therefore, when the residual pressure relief valve 70 is in the second switching state, the fluid remaining in the first output port A and the second output port B is discharged to the outside. As a result, the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 is discharged to the outside from the residual pressure relief valve 70. In this way, the solenoid valve manifold 10 allows the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 to be discharged to the outside while maintaining the existing configuration of the solenoid valve 11 and the manifold base 31.

[0061] Furthermore, the spacer 51 has a connection port 63 to which the residual pressure relief valve 70 is connected. Therefore, the type of residual pressure relief valve 70 connected to the connection port 63 can be changed as appropriate. Thus, for example, a manually operated residual pressure relief valve 70 can be connected to the connection port 63, or a remotely operated residual pressure relief valve 70 can be connected to the connection port 63. As a result, a residual pressure relief valve 70 that corresponds to the operating environment of the solenoid valve manifold 10 can be appropriately selected, eliminating the need to replace the entire solenoid valve manifold 10. Therefore, specification changes can be easily made without replacing the entire solenoid valve manifold 10. In this way, the solenoid valve manifold 10 allows for the discharge of fluid remaining in the actuator 40 to the outside while maintaining the existing configuration of the solenoid valve 11 and manifold base 31, and also allows for easy specification changes.

[0062] (2) When the residual pressure release valve 70 is in the first switching state, for example, when fluid is output from the first output port A to the actuator 40 via the first output passage 33, a portion of the fluid flowing through the first output port A passes through the first check valve 65 and flows into the first branch passage 61. The fluid that has flowed into the first branch passage 61 flows into the second branch passage 62 via the connection port 63. At this time, the second check valve 66 blocks the flow of fluid from the second branch passage 62 to the second output port B. Therefore, the fluid flowing through the first output port A does not flow back into the second output port B via the first branch passage 61, the connection port 63, and the second branch passage 62.

[0063] When the residual pressure release valve 70 is in the first switching state, for example, when fluid is output from the second output port B to the actuator 40 via the second output passage 34, a portion of the fluid flowing through the second output port B passes through the second check valve 66 and flows into the second branch passage 62. The fluid that has flowed into the second branch passage 62 flows into the first branch passage 61 via the connection port 63. At this time, the first check valve 65 blocks the flow of fluid from the first branch passage 61 to the first output port A. Therefore, it is prevented that the fluid flowing through the second output port B will flow back into the first output port A via the second branch passage 62, the connection port 63, and the first branch passage 61.

[0064] When the residual pressure release valve 70 is in the second switching state, the fluid flowing from the first output port A through the first check valve 65 to the first branch passage 61, and the fluid flowing from the second output port B through the second check valve 66 to the second branch passage 62 are permitted to be discharged to the outside. Therefore, the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 can be discharged to the outside without providing residual pressure release valves 70 at the end of the first branch passage 61 opposite to the first output port A, and at the end of the second branch passage 62 opposite to the second output port B.

[0065] [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.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, a sealing member 91 may be connected to the discharge port 78. The sealing member 91 is attachable to the joint 79. The sealing member 91 is, for example, a plug. This allows, for example, when it is not necessary to discharge the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 to the outside through the residual pressure discharge valve 70, to connect the sealing member 91 to the discharge port 78, thereby preventing the actuator 40 from malfunctioning.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, a sound-absorbing member 92 may be connected to the discharge port 78. The sound-absorbing member 92 can be attached to the joint 79. The sound-absorbing member 92 is, for example, a muffler. With this, when the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 is discharged to the outside from the residual pressure discharge valve 70, the sound of the fluid discharged from the discharge port 78 can be reduced by the sound-absorbing member 92. Therefore, the quietness of the solenoid valve manifold 10 can be improved.

[0068] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the spacer 51 may have a third branch passage 93 and a fourth branch passage 94. Note that in Figure 10, the first check valve 65 and the second check valve 66 are omitted from the illustration for illustrative purposes. As shown in Figure 9, the third branch passage 93 branches off from the portion of the first branch passage 61 between the first check valve 65 and the first output port A and communicates with the outside. The first end of the third branch passage 93 communicates with the portion of the first branch passage 61 closer to the first output port A than the sealing portion of the first check valve 65. The second end of the third branch passage 93 communicates with the atmosphere. The fourth branch passage 94 branches off from the portion of the second branch passage 62 between the second check valve 66 and the second output port B and communicates with the outside. The first end of the fourth branch channel 94 communicates with a portion of the second branch channel 62 closer to the second output port B than the sealing point of the second check valve 66. The second end of the fourth branch channel 94 communicates with the atmosphere.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, a third check valve 95 is provided in the third branch passage 93. The third check valve 95 blocks the flow of fluid from the first branch passage 61 to the outside through the third branch passage 93, and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to the first branch passage 61 through the third branch passage 93. A fourth check valve 96 is provided in the fourth branch passage 94. The fourth check valve 96 blocks the flow of fluid from the second branch passage 62 to the outside through the fourth branch passage 94, and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to the second branch passage 62 through the fourth branch passage 94.

[0070] As shown in Figure 9, for example, when the spool valve 17 is in the neutral position, the residual pressure release valve 70 is switched from the first switching state to the second switching state, causing the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 to be discharged to the outside through the residual pressure release valve 70. In this state, for example, an operator attempts to manually operate the piston rod 43 of the actuator 40 so that the piston rod 43 protrudes from the cylinder tube 41. In this case, the third check valve 95 allows fluid to flow from the outside to the first branch passage 61 via the third branch passage 93, and fluid is supplied to the first pressure chamber 44 via the first output port A, the first output communication passage 53, the first output passage 33, and the first piping 37. Meanwhile, the fluid in the second pressure chamber 45 is discharged to the outside via the second piping 38, the second output passage 34, the second output communication passage 54, the second output port B, the second branch passage 62, and the outlet 78. This allows the operator to manually manipulate the piston rod 43 so that it protrudes from the cylinder tube 41.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, an operator may attempt to manually manipulate the piston rod 43 of the actuator 40 so that the piston rod 43 is retracted from the cylinder tube 41. In this case, the fourth check valve 96 allows fluid to flow from the outside to the second branch passage 62 via the fourth branch passage 94, and fluid is supplied to the second pressure chamber 45 via the second output port B, the second output communication passage 54, the second output passage 34, and the second piping 38. Meanwhile, the fluid in the first pressure chamber 44 is discharged to the outside via the first piping 37, the first output passage 33, the first output communication passage 53, the first output port A, the first branch passage 61, and the outlet 78. This makes it possible for an operator to manually manipulate the piston rod 43 so that the piston rod 43 is retracted from the cylinder tube 41.

[0072] In this way, with the spool valve 17 in the neutral position, after the fluid remaining in the actuator 40 has been discharged to the outside through the residual pressure release valve 70, it becomes possible to manually operate the piston rod 43 of the actuator 40 to a predetermined position.

[0073] In one embodiment, for example, a tube may be connected to the connection port 63, and the residual pressure relief valve 70 may be connected to the end of the tube opposite to the connection port 63. Therefore, the residual pressure relief valve 70 may be connected to the connection port 63 via a tube. This makes it possible to manually operate the residual pressure relief valve 70 from a location away from where the solenoid valve manifold 10 is installed, even if the solenoid valve manifold 10 is installed in a location where it is difficult for an operator to approach it. Thus, even if the residual pressure relief valve 70 is manually operated, it can be adapted to the operating environment of the solenoid valve manifold 10.

[0074] In this embodiment, the residual pressure release valve 70 was configured to be switched between a first switching state and a second switching state by an operator operating the control unit 81 to rotate the valve housing 72, but it is not limited to this configuration. The residual pressure release valve 70 may also be a push-button type, for example, which is switched between the first switching state and the second switching state by an operator pressing the control unit. In short, even if the residual pressure release valve 70 is manually operated, its specific configuration is not particularly limited.

[0075] In this embodiment, the residual pressure relief valve 70 connected to the connection port 63 may be a remotely operated residual pressure relief valve 70, such as an electric or fluid type. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve manifold 10 may be configured such that a residual pressure relief valve 70 is provided at the end of the first branch passage 61 opposite to the first output port A, and at the end of the second branch passage 62 opposite to the second output port B. In this case, the spacer 51 has a connection port communicating with the end of the first branch passage 61 opposite to the first output port A, and a connection port communicating with the end of the second branch passage 62 opposite to the second output port B. A residual pressure relief valve 70 is connected to each of these connection ports. In this configuration, the first check valve 65 is not required in the first branch passage 61, and the second check valve 66 is not required in the second branch passage 62.

[0076] In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 11 may be a two-position switching valve that can be switched between two positions, a first position and a second position. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 11 may be, for example, a 4-port solenoid valve with the second discharge port R2 omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10...Solenoid valve manifold, 11...Solenoid valve, 31...Manifold base, 33...First output channel, 34...Second output channel, 40...Actuator as a fluid pressure device, 51...Spacer, 61...First branch channel, 62...Second branch channel, 63...Connection port, 65...First check valve, 66...Second check valve, 70...Residual pressure release valve, 78...Discharge port, 91...Sealing member, 92...Sound-absorbing member, 93...Third branch channel, 94...Fourth branch channel, 95...Third check valve, 96...Fourth check valve, A...First output port, B...Second output port.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve having a first output port and a second output port, A manifold base having a first output channel communicating with the first output port and a second output channel communicating with the second output port, The system includes a residual pressure relief valve for discharging the fluid remaining in the first output port and the second output port to the outside, A solenoid valve manifold that controls the drive of a fluid pressure device by a fluid output from the first output port through the first output channel and a fluid output from the second output port through the second output channel, A spacer is interposed between the solenoid valve and the manifold base, The previous spacer is A first branch channel communicating with the first output port, It has a second branch channel that communicates with the second output port, The residual pressure release valve is switchable between a first switching state that blocks the discharge to the outside of the fluid flowing from the first output port to the first branch passage and the fluid flowing from the second output port to the second branch passage, and a second switching state that allows the discharge to the outside of the fluid flowing from the first output port to the first branch passage and the fluid flowing from the second output port to the second branch passage. The spacer has a connection port to which the residual pressure release valve is connected. The spacer has one of the connection ports, The aforementioned connection port is in communication with the end of the first branch channel opposite to the first output port, and with the end of the second branch channel opposite to the second output port. The first branch channel is provided with a first check valve that allows fluid flow from the first output port to the first branch channel and blocks fluid flow from the first branch channel to the first output port. A solenoid valve manifold characterized in that the second branch channel is provided with a second check valve that allows fluid flow from the second output port to the second branch channel and blocks fluid flow from the second branch channel to the second output port.

2. The residual pressure release valve has a discharge port for discharging fluid to the outside. The solenoid valve manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that a sealing member can be connected to the discharge port.

3. The residual pressure release valve has a discharge port for discharging fluid to the outside. The solenoid valve manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that a sound-absorbing member can be connected to the aforementioned discharge port.

4. The previous spacer is A third branch channel that branches off from the portion of the first branch channel between the first check valve and the first output port and communicates with the outside, The system includes a fourth branch channel that branches off from the portion of the second branch channel between the second check valve and the second output port and communicates with the outside, The third branch channel is provided with a third check valve that blocks the flow of fluid from the first branch channel to the outside through the third branch channel, and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to the first branch channel through the third branch channel. The solenoid valve manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth branch channel is provided with a fourth check valve that blocks the flow of fluid from the second branch channel to the outside through the fourth branch channel and allows the flow of fluid from the outside to the second branch channel through the fourth branch channel.

Images