JP2007078028A - Valve gear - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a reduction in size without using an electromagnet and provide a structure with high degree of freedom for disposing a valve drive mechanism in a valve gear in which a valve is electrically operated. <P>SOLUTION: When a second wire actuator 109 is energized to contract, an engagement pin 108 is rotated around a shaft 110 against an energizing force in the direction of an arrow 111, retreated from the inside of a cylinder 104, and comes out of the large diameter part 106b of a head pin 106. Since the engagement of the engagement pin 108 is released, the head pin 106 is moved in the direction reverse to the Z-axis direction by the biasing force of a spring 105. Therefore, the end 106a of the head pin 106 presses the rear of the projected part 102a of a diaphragm 102. As a result, the diaphragm 102 is deformed to be projected downward, and a projected part 102a at the center portion of the diaphragm 102 abuts on an inflow port 101a to close it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a valve device provided in a flow path of liquid or fluid, and more particularly to a technique for achieving downsizing and improving the degree of design freedom.

  As a configuration for electrically controlling a valve device disposed in the middle of a flow path, for example, a configuration described in Patent Document 1 is known. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a valve is held in an open state or a closed state by a combination of a biasing force of a spring and a latch mechanism operated by an electromagnet. Such a valve device has an advantage that the power consumption can be reduced because the open or closed state of the valve is maintained by the latch mechanism even when the energization to the electromagnet is stopped.

JP2001-132419A

  However, the valve drive mechanism described in Patent Document 1 is disadvantageous for miniaturization because a space for an electromagnet is required and the structure is complicated. Further, since the position where the electromagnet is disposed is limited to the vicinity of the latch mechanism, the design of the valve drive mechanism is restricted.

  Therefore, the present invention can reduce the power consumption by maintaining the open or closed state of the valve by the latch mechanism, and can reduce the size without using an electromagnet. An object of the present invention is to provide a valve device having a high degree of freedom in designing the drive mechanism.

  The valve device of the present invention is provided with an inflow port and an exhaust port on one side and a diaphragm having a flexible diaphragm on the other side, and is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the diaphragm. By pressing, a pressing means for closing at least one of the inflow port and the discharge port with the same diaphragm, a first urging means for urging this pressing means toward the diaphragm side, and by expanding and contracting according to the temperature A first linear actuator that moves the pressing means in a direction opposite to the diaphragm against the urging force of the urging means, and is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the pressing means and detachably engage with the pressing means. An engaging means for engaging the pressing means when the pressing means moves in the opposite direction to the diaphragm and holding the pressing means in its position; A second urging means that urges the urging force and a second linear actuator that expands and contracts depending on the temperature and separates the engaging means from the pressing means against the urging force of the second urging means. And opening / closing the valve by changing the expansion / contraction state by energizing the first and second linear actuators.

  In the present invention, the pressing means presses and deforms the diaphragm by the first biasing means, and the diaphragm closes the inflow port and / or the discharge port provided on one side of the valve chamber. As a result, the fluid cannot flow through the valve device. Next, when the temperature of the first linear actuator is changed by energizing the first linear actuator, the length of the first linear actuator changes, and the pressing means is resisted against the urging force of the first urging means. Move in the opposite direction of the diaphragm. Then, the engaging means urged by the second urging means moves to the pressing means side and engages, and the pressing means is held at that position. As a result, the inflow port and the exhaust port are opened, and the fluid can flow through the valve device. Further, in that state, energization to the first linear actuator is stopped. Next, when the second linear actuator is energized to change its temperature, the length of the second linear actuator changes, and the engaging means is pressed against the urging force of the second urging means. Separate from the means. Thereby, the pressing means moves to the diaphragm side by the urging force of the first urging means, and presses the diaphragm to close the inflow port and / or the discharge port. In this state, the energization to the second linear actuator is stopped.

  Therefore, in the present invention, since the valve device can be held in an open state or a closed state in a state where energization to the first and second actuators is stopped, power consumption can be reduced. Further, in the present invention, since the pressing means and the engaging means are moved by expansion and contraction of the first and second linear actuators, the electromagnet is not necessary, and the valve device has a linear shape. It can arrange | position in the clearance gap between each part. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the valve device and to freely design the drive mechanism of each part.

  As the linear actuator, a shape memory alloy wire is preferably used. The shape memory alloy wire is heated and contracted by Joule heat when energized, and the displacement due to the contraction acts as an actuator. In addition, it is preferable to employ a material having flexibility (flexibility) that can be bent as the linear actuator. In this case, the linear actuator can be arranged by being routed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally so as to sew the gaps between the respective parts of the device, and has a high degree of freedom in designing a mechanism for transmitting a driving force for operating the valve. Can be obtained. In particular, a large displacement length can be secured in a small space by bending and expanding a linear actuator three-dimensionally via a guide roller. This is advantageous when it is desired to reduce the size of the apparatus and at the same time secure a large movable range (stroke) of the movable member such as the pressing means and the engaging means, and to freely set the movable direction.

  By the way, if a large gap exists between the diaphragm and the valve seat in the closed state of the valve, a large amount of fluid stays there. If the fluid is corrosive or easily denatured, this accumulated fluid may cause damage to the valve material, or the denatured fluid will be mixed into the fluid being conveyed when the next valve is opened. . Therefore, it is preferable that a valve seat is provided in the valve chamber at a position facing the diaphragm, and the valve seat has a cross-sectional shape in which the axial cross-sectional area decreases toward the side facing the diaphragm. According to such an aspect, the shape of the valve seat is along the shape of the diaphragm deformed by the pressing member, and the space between the two becomes small. Therefore, the above inconvenience due to the fluid staying in the space can be reduced. It is also a preferable aspect that one of the inflow port and the discharge port is formed in the central portion of the valve seat and the other of the inflow port and the discharge port is formed in the peripheral portion thereof.

  According to the present invention, since the pressing means and the engaging means are moved by the expansion and contraction of the first and second linear actuators, the electromagnet is not necessary, and the valve device has a linear shape. Therefore, the valve device can be reduced in size and the drive mechanism of each part can be freely designed.

1. Outline of Embodiment (1) Configuration of Valve Device First, an outline of an embodiment will be described, and an outline configuration and an operation principle will be described. 1A and 1B are sectional views conceptually showing a valve device using the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a valve in an open state, and FIG. 1B shows a valve in a closed state. A valve device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is schematically configured from a valve function unit 103 having a diaphragm 102 and a valve chamber 101 inside, and a cylinder 104 having a cylindrical space inside. A head pin (pressing member) 106 is accommodated in the cylinder 104 so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

  A lid 104a that closes the opening is attached to the end of the cylinder 104, and a coil spring (first coil) that biases the head pin 106 in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction in the figure between the lid 104a and the head pin 106. Urging member) 105 is disposed. The head pin 106 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which a first small-diameter portion 106a, a large-diameter portion 106b, and a second small-diameter portion 106c are formed from the lower side in the figure, and a coil spring 105 is fitted to the second small-diameter portion 106c, so The portion 106b slides in the cylinder 104. A hole 104d is formed at the other end of the cylinder 104, and the tip of the first small diameter portion 106a protruding from the hole 104d presses the diaphragm 102. In addition, an end of a first wire actuator (first linear actuator) 107 that moves the head pin 106 in the Z-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 105 is connected to the end of the second small diameter portion 106c. Has been.

  One end of an L-shaped engagement pin (engagement means) 108 is rotatably supported by a shaft 110 on the outer periphery of the cylinder 104. The other end portion of the engagement pin 108 is bent toward the cylinder 104 side, and can enter and leave the cylinder 104 through a hole 104 b formed in the cylinder 104. The side surface of the engagement pin 108 is pressed in the direction of arrow 111 in the figure by a coil spring (second urging member) (not shown). The tip of the engagement pin 108 protrudes into the cylinder 104, so that it engages with the end surface of the large-diameter portion 106b of the head pin 106 and holds it in that position against the biasing force of the spring 105 applied to the head pin 106 (see FIG. 1 (A) state). Further, on the other end side of the engagement pin 108, an end portion of a second wire actuator (second linear actuator) 109 that rotates the engagement pin 108 to release the engagement state with the head pin 106. Is connected.

  The first wire actuator 107 and the second wire actuator 109 are self-heated by Joule heat when energized, and the shape memory function is expressed by the heat. In this example, a fibrous actuator (for example, Biometal (registered trademark) of Toki Corporation) developed for applications such as artificial muscle using a shape memory alloy that contracts at a predetermined rate when energized is used. To do. This fibrous actuator is flexible and functions as an actuator even when it is bent and arranged. The wire actuator is not limited to the method using energization, and can be contracted by a method such as applying hot air or heating with a nearby heater.

  The valve chamber 101 has an inner side surface (a wall in the Z-axis direction in the figure) by a diaphragm 102, and includes a substantially conical valve seat 112 on the side facing the diaphragm 102. Diaphragm 102 is a disk-shaped member made of an elastic member such as rubber, and has a convex portion 102a that protrudes toward the valve seat 112 at the center. An inflow port 101a for allowing a fluid such as a gas or a fluid to flow into the valve chamber 101 from the outside is formed at the center of the valve seat 112, and flows into the valve chamber 101 at a location away from the inflow port 101a. A discharge port 101b through which the fluid is discharged to the outside is formed.

(2) Operation of Valve Device In the state shown in FIG. 1A, the valve function unit 103 is in an open state, and the fluid that flows in from the inflow port 101 passes through the valve chamber 101 and is discharged from the discharge port 101b. The In this open state, the head pin 106 is urged by the spring 105 in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction (downward) in the figure, but the engagement pin 108 is engaged with the large diameter portion of the head pin 106. Unable to move in that direction.

  In the state shown in FIG. 1A, when the second wire actuator 109 is energized and contracted, the engagement pin 108 rotates around the shaft 110 against the biasing force in the direction of the arrow 111. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1B, the engaging pin 108 is retracted from the cylinder 104 and is disengaged from the large-diameter portion 106 b of the head pin 106. When the engagement pin 108 is disengaged, the head pin 106 is moved in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction by the biasing force of the spring 105. As a result, the tip 106a of the head pin 106 is behind the convex portion 102a of the diaphragm 102. Press. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1 (B), the diaphragm 102 is deformed so as to protrude downward, and the convex portion 102a at the central portion of the diaphragm 102 abuts against the inflow port 101a to close it. In this way, a closed state of the valve function unit 103 is obtained, and this state is maintained even when the energization of the second wire actuator 109 is stopped.

  In order to shift from the closed state of the valve in FIG. 1B to the open state of the valve in FIG. 1A, the first wire actuator 107 is energized and contracted. When the first wire actuator 107 contracts, the head pin 106 moves in the Z-axis direction (upward), and accordingly, the spring 105 is compressed. At the same time, the tip of the head pin 106 is separated from the diaphragm 102, and the inflow port 101a is closed. Canceled. Then, when the compression of the spring 105 has advanced to the position shown in FIG. 1A, the engagement pin 108 rotates so as to protrude into the cylinder 104 by the biasing force in the direction of arrow 111 by the coil spring. And the front-end | tip part protrudes in the cylinder 104, it engages with the head pin 106 and the engagement state shown to FIG. 1 (A) is obtained. In this engaged state, even if energization to the first wire actuator 107 is stopped, the head pin 106 does not move further in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction (downward), and the valve function unit 103 is opened. Is maintained. In this way, the open state (A) and the closed state (B) of the valve can be electrically controlled.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the valve device can be held in an open state or a closed state in a state where energization to the first and second wire actuators 107 and 109 is stopped, so that power consumption can be reduced. . Further, since the head pin 106 and the engagement pin 108 are moved by the contraction of the first and second wire actuators 107 and 109, the electromagnet is not necessary and the shape of the valve device is linear. It can arrange | position in the clearance gap between each part. Such configuration, operation, and effect will be described in detail in the description of specific embodiments.

2. Specific Embodiment (1) Wire Actuator Stretching Structure The above is the description of the schematic configuration and operation of the valve device in the present embodiment. Next, a more specific structure of the valve device according to the present embodiment, in particular, a stretched structure of a wire actuator will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of a drive unit in the valve device using the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the drive unit of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the driving unit 300 has a basic structure in which a cylinder 303 is sandwiched between a first frame 301 and a second frame 302. The cylinder 303 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is formed with four grooves 303a, 303b, and 303c (only three are shown) extending in the axial direction over the entire length of both side surfaces thereof. A cylindrical space 303 d is formed inside the cylinder 303, and a part of the upper end opening of the cylindrical space 303 d is closed by a lid 304. The lid 304 is formed with four grooves 304a, 304b, 304c (only three are shown) continuous with the grooves 303a,.

  The first frame 301 is substantially U-shaped, and its inner portion 301 a is fitted into the groove 303 a of the cylinder 303 and the groove 304 a of the lid 304. Similarly, the inner part 301b opposite to the inner part 301a is fitted into the groove 304b and the groove 303b, whereby the cylinder 303 and the lid 304 are sandwiched between the inner part 301a and the inner part 301b. The second frame 302 is formed in the same shape and size as the first frame 301, and the inner portion 302 a thereof is fitted in the groove 303 c of the cylinder 303 and is fitted in the groove 304 c of the lid 304. Similarly, the inner portion 302b facing the inner portion 302a is fitted into a groove (not shown) of the cylinder 303 and the lid 304, whereby the cylinder 303 and the lid 304 are sandwiched between the inner portion 302a and the inner portion 302b. Yes.

  In addition, guide rollers 307, 308, 309, and 310 are rotatably sandwiched between the first frame 301 and the second frame 302. Each guide roller 307 has the same shape and the same size. If the guide roller 307 is described as an example, the guide roller 307 is composed of a drum 307b in which a shaft 307a and a circumferential groove 307c are formed. In addition, the code | symbol 302c in a figure is a hole which supports the axis | shaft 307a rotatably. Each of these guide rollers 307,... Is wound with a first wire actuator (first linear actuator) 404, which will be described in detail later. The first wire actuator 404 and a second wire actuator (second linear actuator) 501 described later use Biometal (registered trademark) manufactured by Toki Corporation.

  Support grooves 303e orthogonal to the grooves 303a are formed on both side surfaces of the cylinder 303. A substantially U-shaped stopper 311 is fitted into the support groove 303e, and the bent tip 311a is fitted into the support hole 301c of the first frame 301. Similarly, the other tip of the stopper 311 is fitted into the support groove of the cylinder 303 and the first frame 301. In this state, the stopper 311 is fixed to the cylinder 303 by brazing or bonding, so that the first frame 301 does not come out of the cylinder 303.

  A cylindrical space 303d is formed inside the cylinder 303, and a head pin 305 is accommodated therein so as to be slidable in the axial direction. In FIG. 3, the head pin 305 is shown outside the cylinder 303 for illustration. The head pin 305 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which a first small diameter portion 305a, a large diameter portion 305b, and a second small diameter portion 305c are formed from the lower side in the figure. A coil spring 601 (shown only in FIG. 6) is disposed between the lid 304 of the cylinder 303 and the head pin 305. The coil spring 601 is fitted into the second small diameter portion 305 c, and the large diameter portion 305 b slides in the cylindrical space 303 d of the cylinder 303. A hole 303m (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is formed in the lower end portion of the cylinder 303, and a first small diameter portion 305a protrudes from the hole 303m. A hole 305d is formed in the second small diameter portion 305c, and the first wire actuator 404 is inserted therethrough.

  On the side surface of the cylinder 303, an arm 312 is rotatably supported by a shaft 312a. An engagement pin (engagement means) 313 protruding in a direction orthogonal to the arm 312 is attached to one end of the arm 312 and a hole through which the second wire actuator 501 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) is inserted. 312c is formed. Hereinafter, the configuration of the arm 312 will be described in detail.

  Mounts 303f and 303g protrude and are integrally formed on one side of the cylinder 303, and shaft holes 303h are formed in the mounts 303f and 303g, respectively. The arm 312 is fitted between the gantry 303f and 303g, and the arm 312 can be rotated around the shaft 312a by inserting the shaft 312a inserted into the shaft hole 303h into one end of the arm 312. It is said that.

  A circular counterbore 312b is formed on the arm 312, and one end of the coil spring 314 is accommodated therein. The other end of the coil spring 314 is pressed by a substantially U-shaped spring presser 315 fixed to the cylinder 303. That is, the both side portions 315a and 315b bent at the end of the spring retainer 315 are fitted into the groove portions 303j and 303k formed in the mounts 303f and 303g, and are fixed there by brazing or bonding. With such a configuration, the coil spring 314 is compressed between the spring retainer 315 and the arm 312, and biases the arm 312 in the direction of the cylinder 303. This urging force acts as an urging force that causes the engaging pin 313 to protrude from the hole 303 i formed in the cylinder 303 into the cylindrical space 303 d in the cylinder 303.

  The spring retainer 315 is made of an insulating material, and guide grooves 315c and 315d are formed at the top thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the second wire actuator 501 is stretched over an electrode 321, which is described later, a guide groove 315 d, a hole 312 c, a guide groove 315 c, and an electrode 322. In this case, when the second wire actuator 501 is not energized and is not contracted, the arm 312 is pressed toward the cylinder 303 by the biasing force of the coil spring 314. When energization is performed and the second wire actuator 501 contracts, a tension component in the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction in the drawing is generated in the hole 312c with the guide grooves 315c and 315d of the spring retainer 315 as fulcrums, and the arm 312 is A force to rotate about the shaft 312a is applied. According to this configuration, the movable range of the engagement pin 313 can be efficiently ensured even if the dimension in the Y-axis direction in the drawing is small.

  Next, the first frame 301 is made of an insulating material, and an electrode plate 316 to which electrodes 317 and 318 are attached is attached by screws 319 and 320 on one surface thereof. The electrodes 317 and 318 are electrodes for allowing a current to flow through the first wire actuator 404, and an appropriate DC or AC voltage is applied between the electrodes when energized. Screw holes 316a and 316b through which the screws 319 and 320 are inserted are formed as long holes, and the electrode plate 316 can be moved in the vertical direction in the figure. Thereby, the electrode plate 316 can be moved up and down with respect to the first frame 301 to adjust the tension of the first wire actuator 404.

  The second frame 302 is also made of an insulating material, and an electrode plate 320 to which the electrodes 321 and 322 are attached is attached by screws 323 and 324 on one side thereof. The electrodes 321 and 322 are electrodes for allowing a current to flow through the second wire actuator, and an appropriate DC or AC voltage is applied between the two electrodes when energized. The screw holes 320a and 320b for passing the screws 323 and 324 are formed as long holes, and there is an allowance in the dimension in which the electrode plate 320 can be moved in the vertical direction in the figure. By utilizing the allowance of the screw holes, The electrode plate 320 can be moved. Thereby, the electrode plate 320 can be moved up and down with respect to the second frame 302, and the tension of the second wire actuator 501 can be adjusted.

  Next, the deployed state (the routed state) of the first wire actuator 404 will be described. FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view showing a complete assembly state of the valve device in the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped upper case 401 and a lower case 402 that form the exterior structure of the valve device are vertically fitted, and the drive unit 300 shown in FIGS. A valve function unit 400 is shown in which a diaphragm 406 driven by the unit 300 is housed. In FIG. 4, most of the other components are omitted in order to mainly explain the deployed state of the first wire actuator 404 and the valve function unit 400.

  As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the first wire actuator 404 is fixed to the electrode 317. From there, the guide roller 309 → the guide roller 308 → the hole 305d of the head pin 305 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) → the guide roller 307 → hangs on the guide roller 310, and the other end is fixed to the electrode 318.

  When energization is performed between the electrodes 317 and 318, a current flows through the first wire actuator 404, and the first wire actuator 404 itself generates heat and contracts due to resistance heating. Since each guide roller 308 is rotatable, the contraction of the first wire actuator 404 is smoothly performed without any resistance as a whole, whereby the head pin 305 is moved upward in the figure (in the Z-axis direction) in the cylinder 303. ). In this way, in the internal cylindrical space 304d of the cylinder 303, a driving force is generated that pulls the head pin 305 upward against the biasing means without the coil spring 601.

  In the deployed state of the first wire actuator 404 as shown in FIG. 4, since the first wire actuator 404 is folded back and disposed, the stroke during contraction is lengthened while being a narrow occupied space (deployment space). Can be secured. At this time, since the folded structure is maintained by the rotatable guide rollers 308,..., The entire movement (shrinkage) can be transmitted smoothly. Further, since the head pin 305 is pulled by the same action as the single pulley, a force twice the contraction force of the wire actuator 404 can be applied to the head pin 305.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of the second wire actuator and the appearance of the drive unit 300, and is a perspective view of the drive unit 300 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, one end of the second wire actuator 501 is fixed to the electrode 322, from which the guide groove 315 c at the top of the spring retainer 315 → the hole 312 c of the arm 312 → the guide groove at the top of the spring retainer 315. The other end is fixed to the electrode 321. In this unfolded structure, a force that pulls the arm 312 obliquely away from the cylinder 303 acts on the arm 312 depending on the height of the spring retainer 315 (the dimension in the Y-axis direction in the drawing). In addition, since the deployment length of the second wire actuator 501 can be secured, a large movable range of the arm 312 can be secured. That is, by performing the deployment of the second wire actuator 501 three-dimensionally, it is possible to ensure a large movable range of the engagement pin 313 in FIG. 3 without increasing the dimension in the Y-axis direction in the drawing. it can.

(2) Configuration of Valve Function Unit Next, the configuration of the valve function unit 400 will be described. The valve function unit 400 is provided in the lower case 402. Circular grooves 401a and 402a are formed opposite to each other on the lower end surface of the upper case 401 and the upper end surface of the lower case 402, and the ridges 406b formed on the diaphragm 406 are fitted into these grooves 401a and 402a. ing. A conical valve seat 409 is formed at the center of the lower case 402, and an inflow port 407 protruding downward is formed at the center of the valve seat 409. In addition, a discharge port 408 is formed at a position away from the inflow port 407 of the valve seat 409. A convex portion 406 a that abuts against the inflow port 407 is formed at the center of the lower surface of the diaphragm 406.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the diaphragm 406 is pressed downward in the drawing by the head pin 305, whereby the diaphragm 406 is deformed and the convex portion 406 a at the center closes the inflow port 407. In this closed state, the diaphragm 406 is deformed along the conical (substantially bowl-shaped) valve seat 409. For this reason, the volume of the gap 410 between the diaphragm 406 and the valve seat 409 can be reduced.

  In the state shown in FIG. 4, when the first wire actuator 404 contracts, the head pin 305 is lifted into the cylinder 303, the state where the head pin 305 presses the diaphragm 406 is released, and the inflow port 407 is opened. When the inflow port 407 is opened, a flow path is secured between the inflow port 407 and the valve can be opened. The diaphragm 406 can be made of an elastic material other than rubber, for example, a deformable resin or a thin metal. In the state where the head pin 305 is retracted upward (the valve is in an open state), the gap between the diaphragm 406 and the conical valve seat 409 is enlarged, which becomes a valve chamber.

(3) Operation of Valve Device FIG. 6 is a partially broken sectional view of the driving device 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 as viewed from the X-axis direction. In FIG. 6, the head pin 305 housed in the cylinder 303 is urged in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction by the coil spring 601 that is urging means, and is engaged with the engagement pin 313, thereby A state where the position is held against the urging force of 601 is shown.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6, when the second wire actuator 501 is energized and contracted, the top of the spring retainer 315 serves as a fulcrum, and the tension of the Y-axis component and the Z-axis component is applied to the hole 312c. Acts from 501. With this force, the arm 312 rotates in the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction with the shaft 312a as a fulcrum, and the engagement pin 313 is removed from the engagement pin entry port 303i, and at the same time, the engagement pin 313 is engaged with the head pin 305. Is released. As a result, there is no restriction on the movement of the head pin 305 in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction, and the head pin 305 moves in the same direction by the biasing force of the spring 601, and the first small diameter portion 305a at the tip of the head pin 305 protrudes. . When the head pin 305 protrudes and presses the diaphragm 406, the diaphragm 406 closes the inflow port 407 of the valve seat 409. In addition, after the head pin 305 protrudes, the power supply to the second wire actuator 501 is stopped. In this case, the arm 312 is rotated toward the head pin 305 by the biasing force of the coil spring 314, and the tip of the engagement pin 313 contacts the large diameter portion 305 b of the head pin 305.

  In order to return the head pin 305 to its original position (open the valve), the first wire actuator 404 is energized. As a result, the first wire actuator 404 contracts, and the head pin 305 moves in the Z-axis direction within the cylinder 303 against the biasing force of the spring 601. When the first small diameter portion 305a reaches the engagement pin 313, the engagement pin 313 engages with the large diameter portion 305b. Thereafter, energization to the first wire actuator 404 is stopped.

  In the above embodiment, since the first and second wire actuators 404 and 501 are used and are stretched by being folded or bent, the first and second wire actuators 404 and 501 are achieved while achieving miniaturization. A large movable range of 501 can be secured. Further, the first wire actuator 404 can be stretched so as to sew gaps between the respective members such as the cylinder 303 as described above, or can be stretched three-dimensionally like the second wire actuator 501. Therefore, the degree of freedom in design is improved.

(4) Safety mechanism The above is a description of the structure of the valve. The safety mechanism at the time of power-off due to a power failure or the like will be described below. The valve device of the present embodiment requires power supply power in the opening or closing operation of the valve, and does not require power for maintaining the open state and maintaining the closed state. That is, when the output voltage of the power supply unit decreases or the output is stopped due to a power failure, the state of the valve at that time is maintained as it is. However, depending on the system in which the valve device is used, there is a case where it is desired to set the valve to automatically close at the time of a power failure.

  Therefore, an example of a mechanism that automatically closes the valve when the power supply voltage drops will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a mechanism for automatically closing the valve. In this example, the output voltage of the power supply unit 701 is supplied to the control unit 704 via the voltage detection unit 702, and the control unit 704 receives a valve opening / closing control signal that instructs opening / closing of the valve from the power supply unit 701. The sent voltage is output to the valve device 705 as a valve control voltage. The valve device 705 having the configuration of the above embodiment is used. On the other hand, the power of the power supply unit 701 is stored in the capacitor 703, and the capacitor 703 can supply the stored power to the control unit 704.

  The voltage detection unit 702 monitors the output voltage of the power source 701, and when the value falls below a predetermined level, sends an abnormality detection signal to that effect to the control unit 704. In a state where no abnormality detection signal is output from the voltage detection unit 702, the control unit 704 performs opening / closing control of the valve device 705 with the power supplied from the power supply unit 701. When the output voltage of the power supply unit 701 decreases and its value falls below a predetermined level, this is detected by the voltage detection unit 702, and an abnormality detection signal is output from the voltage detection unit 702 to the control unit 704. Upon receiving this abnormality detection signal, the control unit 704 switches the power supply source from the power supply device 701 to the capacitor 703 and uses the power stored in the capacitor 703 to close the valve with respect to the valve device 705. The valve control voltage is output. As a result, the valve device 705 is forcibly closed. For example, in the example of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 6, the second wire actuator 501 is energized and the valve is forcibly closed. In this way, the valve can be automatically closed when the power supply voltage drops due to a power failure or the like. In addition, although the above is an example which closes a valve automatically, it can also comprise so that a valve may be opened automatically conversely.

  The present invention can be applied to various valve devices that electrically control the flow of fluid, and in particular, miniaturization such as a valve device for supplying fuel gas and oxidizing gas to a small fuel cell. It is suitable for a valve device with a strong demand.

It is sectional drawing which showed notionally the valve apparatus using invention. It is a perspective view which shows the outline | summary of the drive part in the valve apparatus using invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the drive unit of FIG. 2. It is sectional drawing which shows the cross-section of the valve apparatus in embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the unfolded state of a 2nd wire actuator, and the external appearance of a drive part. It is a partially broken sectional view of the drive part in the valve apparatus using invention. It is a control block diagram for controlling the safety mechanism of the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Valve apparatus, 101a ... Inflow port, 101b ... Outlet port, 101 ... Valve chamber, 102 ... Diaphragm, 102a ... Convex part, 103 ... Valve functional part, 104 ... Cylinder, 105 ... Spring, 106 ... Head pin, 107 ... No. 1 wire actuator 108... Engagement pin 109 109 second wire actuator 110 axis 111 111 biasing direction of the engagement pin 108

Claims (2)

  A valve chamber provided with an inflow port and an exhaust port on one side and a flexible diaphragm on the other side, and provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the diaphragm, and the inflow by pressing the diaphragm A pressing unit that closes at least one of the port and the discharge port with the diaphragm, a first biasing unit that biases the pressing unit toward the diaphragm, and the pressing unit that expands and contracts according to temperature. And a first linear actuator that moves in a direction opposite to the diaphragm against the urging force of the urging means; and a detachable engagement with the pressing means. When the pressing means moves in the direction opposite to the diaphragm, the engaging means engages with the pressing means and holds the pressing means in its position. A second urging means for urging the engaging means toward the pressing means, and the engagement means is made to resist the urging force of the second urging means by expanding and contracting according to temperature. And a second linear actuator that is spaced apart from the pressing means, and the opening and closing of the valve is controlled by energizing the first and second linear actuators to change their expansion and contraction states. Valve device.   In the valve chamber, a valve seat is provided at a position facing the diaphragm, and the valve seat has a cross-sectional shape in which an axial cross-sectional area decreases toward the one side portion, and a central portion thereof, 2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein one of the inflow port and the exhaust port is formed, and the other of the inflow port and the exhaust port is formed in a peripheral portion.

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