Pilot Control Valve Check Valve for Faster Pressure Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The responsiveness of check valves is deteriorated due to pressure retention in the spacer portion when the pilot pressure is switched between the first and second pilot chambers, leading to inhibited valve opening operations.
Innovation Solution
A movement regulating portion, comprising a projecting portion on the spacer and a taper on the spool, regulates the spacer's movement towards the poppet, preventing pressure retention and ensuring immediate valve opening when the pilot pressure is applied to the second pilot chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the base end portion of the rod is screwed and fastened to the one end portion of the spool, then the check valve structure is simplified, but pressure retention occurs in the space between the rear surface of the spacer portion and the end surface of the base end portion of the rod, deteriorating valve responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a communication passage that segments the pressure retention space by providing a separate drainage path from the space between the spacer portion and base end portion to the first pilot chamber. This allows the pressure to be drained independently without affecting the overall check valve structure, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication passage acts as an intermediary element that connects the pressure retention space to the first pilot chamber. This intermediary pathway enables pressure equalization without requiring structural changes to the rod or spacer portion, effectively mediating between the simplified fastening structure and the need for rapid pressure release.
2Ease of operation
If the spacer portion is allowed to move freely in the axial direction, then the check valve allows complete opening operation, but pressure in the space between the rear surface of the spacer portion and the end surface of the base end portion of the rod rises and presses the poppet portion onto the seat portion, inhibiting valve opening
Solution Approach 1:
The communication passage segments the pressure control function from the spacer portion movement function. The spacer portion can move freely to allow complete valve opening, while the communication passage separately manages pressure drainage, preventing pressure buildup from interfering with valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure drainage function is extracted from the spacer portion movement mechanism by introducing a separate communication passage. This allows the spacer to perform its primary function of regulating poppet movement without being constrained by pressure retention issues, while the communication passage handles pressure management independently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the responsiveness of the check valve by preventing pressure retention and ensuring timely valve opening operations, even when the pilot pressure is switched, thus improving the control valve's performance.
Implementation Method 1
A centering spring configured to apply a spring force to one end portion of the spool is accommodated in the first pilot chamber
Implementation Method 2
a check valve interposed in the communication hole and configured to allow only the flow from the second pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve has a first and second pilot chambers facing both ends of a spool, a signal pressure passage configured to lead a pilot pressure of the first and second pilot chambers to another device other than the control valve as a signal pressure, a communication groove configured to allow the first pilot chamber and the signal pressure passage to communicate with each other, a communication hole configured to allow the second pilot chamber and the signal pressure passage to communicate with each other, and a check valve interposed in the communication hole, and the check valve has a poppet portion configured to open or close the communication hole and a spacer portion configured to regulate a moving amount of the poppet portion in an open direction, and the control valve further includes a movement regulating portion configured to regulate movement of the spacer portion toward the poppet portion.