JPH0249424Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a switching valve, and more particularly to a switching valve that is effective when applied to control transmission and release of negative pressure in piping.

[Conventional technology]

For example, in the movement of articles using a robot arm or the like, vacuum suction force is sometimes used as a means for detachably holding articles such as electronic components or paper or boards cut to predetermined dimensions.

In other words, a suction cup or the like connected to a predetermined vacuum piping is provided at the tip of the robot arm, and a switching valve is further inserted in the middle of the vacuum piping to control transmission and release of negative pressure to the suction cup. It is.

Then, by operating the switching valve appropriately and transmitting the negative pressure in the vacuum piping to the suction cup, the article is held against the suction cup, and at the same time, the transmission of negative pressure from the vacuum piping to the suction cup is cut off, and at the same time, the vacuum on the suction cup side is By introducing air pressure into the piping, the holding operation of the article by the suction cup is quickly released.

By the way, in the switching valve used for such applications, as mentioned above, the operation of transmitting the negative pressure of the vacuum source to the suction cup side through the vacuum piping, and the operation of shutting off the suction cup and the vacuum source while simultaneously It is common to perform only two operations: connecting the vacuum piping on the side to the pneumatic piping.

[Problem that the invention attempts to solve]

However, when using a switching valve that performs two operations as described above, the vacuum piping on the suction cup side is always connected to either the vacuum source or the air pressure source. There is a problem in that the loss of power in the source etc. increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide a switching valve capable of reducing power loss in a vacuum source, an air pressure source, etc. connected to piping.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention includes a vacuum flow path that transmits negative pressure applied to a vacuum input port to an output port, a first valve body that is interposed in the path of the vacuum flow path and opens and closes the vacuum flow path, and an output port. an air flow path having one end connected to the air flow path and the other end forming an air input port, and a second valve body interposed in the path of the air flow path and opening and closing the air flow path independently of the first valve body. A first operation of opening the first valve body to communicate the vacuum input port to the output port, and opening the second valve body to communicate the air input port to the output port via the air flow path. The present invention provides a switching valve capable of a second operation of closing the first and second valve bodies to cut off the output port from the vacuum input port and the air input port.

[Effect]

According to the above-mentioned means, in addition to the first and second operations, the third operation of closing the first and second valve bodies and isolating the output port from the vacuum input port and the air input port is performed as necessary. By doing so, it is possible to avoid unnecessary negative pressure and air pressure from acting on the output port from the vacuum source, air pressure source, etc. connected to the vacuum input port and air input port. power loss can be reduced.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a switching valve that is an embodiment of the present invention.

A vacuum input port VIN, which is connected to a vacuum source (not shown) to which negative pressure is applied, and an output port OUT, which is connected to a vacuum suction cup (not shown), etc., are opened on opposite sides of the main body 1. They are connected via a vacuum flow path 2 provided inside the main body 1.

A U-shaped frame member 6 that holds a bobbin 4 around which a solenoid 3 (first solenoid) is wound via a column 5 inserted into the bobbin 4 is closely attached to the end face of the main body 1. A valve body chamber A is formed between the valve body A and the recess formed in the end face of the valve body A.

The vacuum flow path 2 formed inside the main body 1 opens into the valve body chamber A, and a valve seat 2a is protruded from the opening.

One end of the column 5 on the valve body chamber A side, which is inserted into the bobbin 4, has a valve seat 2a in the valve body chamber A.
A plunger 7 (first plunger) protruding opposite to is held movably in the axial direction.

On the end face of the plunger 7 facing the valve seat 2a,
Due to the axial displacement of the plunger 7, the valve seat 2
A valve body 8 (first valve body) that is moved toward and away from a is locked.

In the valve body chamber A, a plunger spring 9 is interposed between the reduced diameter portion at the end of the plunger 7 and the frame member 6, and the valve body 8, which is engaged with the end face of the plunger 7, is attached to the valve seat 2a. It is biased in the direction that it comes into close contact with the

Then, power supply cable 1 is connected to solenoid 3.
Due to the magnetic force generated when electricity is passed through 0,
The plunger 7 resists the biasing force of the plunger spring 9.
is pulled into the inside of the column 5, and the valve body 8 is pulled into the valve seat 2.
When the solenoid 3 is removed from the valve a and the energization to the solenoid 3 is stopped, the valve body 8 is brought into close contact with the valve seat 2a by the biasing force of the plunger spring 9, and the vacuum passage 2 is opened and closed. , vacuum input port
Communication or disconnection between VIN and output port OUT is controlled.

O-rings 11 are provided between the end surface of the main body 1 and the frame material 6, between the frame material 6 and the bobbin 4, and further between the inner circumference of the bobbin 4 and the outer circumference of the column 5.
Also, an O-ring 12 and an O-ring 13 are installed to prevent outside air from entering the valve body chamber A, which is connected to the vacuum input port VIN and has a negative pressure inside.

A cover 14, which is secured to the main body 1 by bolts (not shown), is in contact with the outer end surface of the frame member 6, so that the frame member 6 is stably maintained in close contact with the main body 1.

Between the cover 14 and the end surface of the main body 1, the space around the frame member 6, solenoid 3, etc.
It is filled with resin 15 to protect the solenoid 3 and the like from external moisture and dust.

Further, inside the main body 1, there is a push pin 16 whose outer end is exposed to the outside and whose inner end, which has a conical shape, projects to the side of the end of the plunger 7 inside the valve body chamber A. The O-ring 16b prevents outside air from entering the valve body chamber A.

The push pin 16 is urged in a direction to project outward by a return spring 17, and is stopped at a position where the reduced diameter portion is locked by a stopper pin 18 inserted from the end surface of the main body 1.

By pushing the push pin 16 into the main body 1 against the biasing force of the return spring 17, the conical inner end of the push pin 16 is locked to the end of the plunger 7. is displaced in the direction of disengaging the valve body 8 from the valve seat 2a, and at any time, regardless of whether or not the solenoid 3 is energized.
The opening operation of the vacuum flow path 2 is performed manually.

On the other hand, inside the main body 1, one end is the output port O.
An air flow path 19 is formed which is connected to the ring OUT and whose other end forms an air input port IN adjacent to the vacuum input port VIN.

Furthermore, in the main body 1, on the end face on the opposite side from the valve body chamber A, a column 5a that holds a bobbin 4a around which a solenoid 3a (second solenoid) is wound is held via a column 5a inserted into the bobbin 4a. A frame member 6a in the shape of a square is closely attached, and a valve body chamber B is formed between the frame member 6a and the recess formed in the end face of the main body 1.

The air flow path 19 formed inside the main body 1 is opened to this valve body chamber B, and the opening has the following:
A valve seat 19a is provided protrudingly.

Valve body chamber B of column 5a inserted into bobbin 4a
A plunger 7a, one end of which protrudes opposite the valve seat 19a in the valve body chamber B, is held at the end of the plunger 7a so as to be freely displaceable in the axial direction.

On the end face of the plunger 7a facing the valve seat 19a, there is a valve body 8a (second valve body) that is moved toward and away from the valve seat 19a by displacement of the plunger 7a in the axial direction.
is locked.

In the valve body chamber B, a plunger spring 9a is interposed between the reduced diameter portion at the end of the plunger 7a and the frame member 6a, and the valve body 8a, which is engaged with the end face of the plunger 7a, is moved against the valve seat 19a. It is biased in the direction that it comes into close contact with the

Then, due to the magnetic force generated when the solenoid 3a is energized via the power supply cable 10a, the plunger 7a is pulled into the column 5a against the biasing force of the plunger spring 9a, and the valve body 8a is pushed into the valve seat. When the solenoid 3a is separated from the solenoid 19a and the current supply to the solenoid 3a is stopped, the valve body 8a is brought into close contact with the valve seat 19a by the biasing force of the plunger spring 9a, so that the air flow path 19
Opening/closing operations are performed to control communication or cutoff between the air input port IN and the output port OUT.

Between the end surface of the main body 1 and the frame material 6a, and the frame material 6
a and the bobbin 4a, and further between the inner circumference of the bobbin 4a and the outer circumference of the column 5a.
Ring 11a, O-ring 12a, O-ring 1
3a is attached to the valve body chamber B, which is communicated with the air input port IN and where a predetermined air pressure is applied.
airtightness is maintained.

A cover 14a, which is secured to the main body 1 with bolts (not shown), is in contact with the outer end surface of the frame member 6a, and the frame member 6a is stably held relative to the main body 1.

Between the cover 14a and the end surface of the main body 1,
The space around the frame member 6a, the solenoid 3a, etc. is filled with resin 15a, and the solenoid 3a etc. are protected from external moisture, dust, etc.

Furthermore, inside the main body 1, an outer end portion is exposed to the outside and a conical inner end portion is provided in the valve body chamber B.
A push pin 16a is provided that projects to the side of the end of the plunger 7a inside the plunger 7a, and the valve body chamber B is kept airtight by an O-ring 16b.

This push pin 16a is urged in a direction to project outward by a return spring 17a, and is stopped at a position where the reduced diameter portion is locked by a stopper pin 18a inserted from the end surface of the main body 1.

By pushing the push pin 16a into the main body 1 against the biasing force of the return spring 17a, the conical inner end of the push pin 16a is locked to the end of the plunger 7a.
a is displaced in a direction to separate the valve body 8a from the valve seat 19a, and the air flow path 19 is manually operated at any time regardless of whether or not the solenoid 3a is energized.
The opening operation is performed.

In addition, the air flow path 19 between the valve body chamber B and the output port OUT includes an insert 20 that is screwed onto the side surface of the main body 1, and an insert 20 that is screwed coaxially with the insert 20 and has an inner end needle portion. An orifice hole 21a is formed in the gap between the air passages 19, and a flow rate control mechanism Q is interposed at the outer end thereof, which includes an adjustment shaft 22 to which a knob 22a is engaged.

Then, by appropriately rotating the adjusting shaft 22 and adjusting the gap between the air flow path 19 and the inner end needle portion of the adjusting shaft 22 to change the opening degree of the orifice hole 21a, the valve body 8a was separated from
Air input port when air flow path 19 is opened
The flow rate of air flowing from IN to output port OUT is set to a desired value.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained below.

First, when only the solenoid 3 on the left side of the figure is energized via the power supply cable 10, the plunger 7 is pulled into the column 5 by the magnetic force generated in the solenoid 3 against the biasing force of the plunger spring 9. The valve body 8, which is displaced to the end portion of the plunger 7 and is locked to the end of the plunger 7, is separated from the valve seat 2a of the vacuum flow path 2, and the vacuum flow path 2 is placed in an open state.

Negative pressure applied to the vacuum input port VIN connected to a vacuum source (not shown) is transmitted to the output port OUT via the vacuum flow path 2 and the valve body chamber A, and is connected to the output port OUT (not shown). An operation is performed in which the article is vacuum suctioned and held by a vacuum suction cup or the like. (First Operation) After the first operation, when the energization of the solenoid 3 is stopped, the state in which the article is attracted to a vacuum suction cup (not shown) or the like connected to the output port OUT is maintained.

Next, the solenoid 3 is de-energized, and the solenoid 3a on the air flow path 19 side is energized.

At this time, on the side of the solenoid 3, the magnetic force against the plunger 7 is cut off, and the valve body 8 locked to the plunger 7 is brought into close contact with the valve seat 2a of the vacuum flow path 2 by the biasing force of the plunger spring 9, and the vacuum Flow path 2 is closed and the vacuum input port VIN to output port
At the same time as the effect of negative pressure on OUT is cut off,
On the side of the solenoid 3a, the plunger 7a is displaced in the direction of being drawn into the column 5a by the magnetic force from the energized solenoid 3a, and the valve body 8a locked by the plunger 7a is moved into the air flow path 19. from the valve seat 19a of the air flow path 1.
9 is open and air input port IN and output port
OUT is in communication state, and the air supplied to the air input port IN from an air pressure source (not shown) flows into the output port OUT, and the air is connected to the output port OUT.
The negative pressure state on the OUT side is released, and the holding operation of the article by vacuum suction in a vacuum suction cup (not shown) connected to this output port OUT is forcibly canceled. (Second operation) Furthermore, when the power supply to both the solenoid 3 and the solenoid 3a is stopped, the vacuum flow path 2 and the air flow path 19 are simultaneously closed, and the output port OUT is the vacuum input port. Isolated from both VIN and air input port IN.
(Third operation) In this way, in this embodiment, the output port
Since it is possible to simultaneously shut off OUT from both the vacuum input port VIN and the air input port IN, for example, either the vacuum input port VIN or the air input port IN is always connected to the output port OUT. A vacuum source (not shown) connected to the vacuum input port VIN or air input port IN
It is possible to reduce loss of power in a pneumatic source (not shown) connected to the air pressure source, etc.

Further, a flow rate control mechanism Q, which is interposed in the path of the air flow path 19 and is capable of controlling the flow rate of air flowing from the air input port IN to the output port OUT to a desired value, is integrated with the main body 1. By being attached to the main body, there is no need to provide extra piping, and the structure is simplified.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof.

For example, the valve bodies 8 and 8a may be spool-shaped, and the solenoids 3 and 3a may be mounted with their axes parallel to each other.

Furthermore, a so-called indirect operation type may be used in which the valve bodies 8 and 8a are driven by air pressure applied to the air input port IN.

[Effect of idea]

(1) A vacuum channel that transmits negative pressure applied to the vacuum input port to the output port, a first valve body that is interposed in the path of the vacuum channel and opens and closes the vacuum channel, and the output port. an air flow path whose one end is connected to the port and whose other end forms an air input port; and a second valve body that is interposed in the air flow path and opens and closes the air flow path independently of the first valve body. a first operation of opening the first valve body to communicate the vacuum input port with the output port, and opening the second valve body to communicate the vacuum input port with the output port, and opening the second valve body to communicate the vacuum input port with the output port. a second operation of communicating the air input port with the output port;
A third operation of closing the valve body and isolating the output port from the vacuum input port and the air input port, for example, the first and second valve bodies can be closed as necessary. By performing the third operation of closing the output port and isolating the output port from the vacuum input port and air input port, the vacuum source and air pressure source connected to the vacuum input port and air input port are connected to the output port. Since unnecessary negative pressure and air pressure can be avoided, loss of power in the vacuum source, air pressure source, etc. can be reduced.

(2) A flow rate control mechanism that controls the flow rate of air flowing from the air input port to the output port to a desired value is installed in the air flow path, thereby eliminating the need for unnecessary equipment or complicated equipment. There is no need to provide piping, and the structure of the switching valve can be simplified, as well as the piping work.

(3) Both the vacuum side and pneumatic side solenoids can maintain a vacuum or pneumatic state on the output port side when power is not energized, eliminating the need for extra equipment or complicated piping, simplifying the structure of the switching valve. This makes piping work easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a switching valve that is an embodiment of the present invention. 1... Main body, 2... Vacuum flow path, 2a... Valve seat,
3, 3a... Solenoid, 4, 4a... Bobbin,
5, 5a... Column, 6, 6a... Frame material, 7, 7
a... Plunger, 8... Valve body (first valve body),
8a... Valve body (second valve body), 9, 9a... Plunger spring, 10, 10a... Power supply cable, 1
1, 11a...O ring, 12, 12a...O ring, 13, 13a...O ring, 14, 14a
...Cover, 15, 15a...Resin, 16, 16
a...Push pin, 16b...O ring, 17,1
7a... Return spring, 18, 18a... Stopper pin, 19... Air flow path, 19a... Valve seat, 20...
...insert, 21a...orifice hole, 22...
...adjustment shaft, 22a...knob, A, B...valve body chamber,
Q...Flow rate control mechanism, IN...Air input port,
VIN...Vacuum input port, OUT...Output port.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] (1) A vacuum flow path that transmits negative pressure applied to a vacuum input port to an output port, and a valve that is interposed in the path of this vacuum flow path and opens and closes the vacuum flow path. an air flow path having one end connected to the output port and the other end serving as an air input port; a second valve body that opens and closes a flow path; a first operation that opens the first valve body to communicate the vacuum input port with the output port; and a first operation that opens the second valve body. a second operation of connecting the air input port to the output port via the air flow path; and closing the first and second valve bodies to allow communication between the vacuum input port and the air input port. A switching valve characterized in that a third operation of shutting off an output port is enabled. (2) The first and second valve bodies are respectively latched to the tips of first and second plungers that are driven independently of each other by first and second solenoids, and The utility model registration claim is characterized in that the opening and closing operations of the first and second valve bodies are performed independently by individually controlling whether or not the second solenoid is energized. The switching valve described in scope 1. (3) A utility model registration characterized in that a flow rate control mechanism is provided in the middle of the air flow path to control the flow rate of air flowing from the air input port to the output port to a desired value. A switching valve according to claim 1.