JPH0351579Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] A. Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a flow path switching mechanism equipped with flow path switching position detection means.

B. Conventional technology For example, in analytical devices such as high-performance liquid chromatographs, in order to automate analysis work, it is possible to rotate rotary valves based on control signals when switching or supplying reagents or samples. It is being done. For this reason, the valve is provided with a position detection sensor to detect its rotational position.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a rotor A having a flow path switching hole formed therein and a stator B having an inlet and an outlet formed therein are brought into airtight contact.

On the other hand, through holes C and C passing through the rotor A and stator B are provided in alignment with the flow path switching position, and a light emitting element D and a light receiving element E are disposed facing each other on a line connecting these through holes. For this reason, in addition to the passage holes, position detection holes C and C must be drilled in the rotor A and stator B that constitute the valve, which poses the problem of troublesome machining and increased costs. However, since the detection elements D and E are arranged outside the valve body via the support F, there is a problem that the device becomes larger.

C. Purpose In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a flow path switching mechanism with a switching position detector that eliminates the need for a through hole for position detection, thereby reducing cost and downsizing. purpose.

That is, the present invention is characterized in that one member constituting the valve accommodates means for detecting the flow path switching hole of the other member.

E. Embodiments Therefore, details of the present invention will be explained below based on illustrated embodiments.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show an embodiment of a rotary valve to which the present invention is applied. It is joined to the stator 2 by a slotted structure, and is rotatably supported by a drive mechanism such as a motor M. On the mating surface side of the rotor 1, as shown in FIG. A switching channel is formed by drilling a plurality of sets of switching holes and communicating each set of channel switching holes on the other side. On the other hand, stator 2
On the side, flow path switching holes 1a, 1b, 1a, of the rotor 1 are provided.
A pair of accommodation holes 5 and 6 are provided at a position where one pair of 1b communicates with the inlet 2a and the outlet 2b so as not to disturb the flow path configuration, and the light emitted from the light emitting element 7 is transmitted to the rotor. Both 7 and 8 are installed in the receiving holes 5 and 6 so that the light is reflected from one surface and enters the light receiving element 8.

In this embodiment, when the rotor 1 is rotated by the drive mechanism M to switch the flow path, the light emitted from the light emitting element 7 is reflected by the mating surface of the rotor 1 and enters the light receiving element 8 (fourth Figure A). If the rotor 1 further rotates in this state and communicates with the next flow path, the light emitted from the light emitting element 7 will illuminate either the inlet 1a or the outlet 1b.
The irradiation light is applied to the inlet 1a or outlet 1b of the rotor 1.
It gets absorbed. (Figure b). Therefore, no light enters the element 8, and the output signal from this point is inverted, and it is detected that the rotor 1 is facing and communicating with the flow path of the stator 2.

Hereinafter, each time the flow path is switched by rotation of the rotor 1, the output signal of the light receiving element 8 is inverted to notify that communication is established at the switching position.

In this embodiment, the through hole on the rotor side is optically detected, but the operating rod of the limit switch may be moved by the through hole, and the rotor may be made of a magnetic material. In some cases, it can be detected by a magnetic sensor.

F. Effects As explained above, according to the present invention, the hole detector is arranged at the position of the stator opposite to the flow path switching hole on the rotor side, so the flow path switching hole can be used as a mark for position detection. Not only does this eliminate the need for a special position detection hole, reducing costs, but the hole detector can be housed on the stator side, making the entire device more compact, and when using an optical sensor, special light shielding is required. The member can be made unnecessary.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 3 are a perspective view, a front view and a sectional view of a stator of a device showing one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the same device, and FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a conventional rotary valve. 1...Rotor, 1a, 1b...Flow path switching hole, 2
... Stator, 2a, 2b ... Inlet, outlet,
7... Light emitting element, 8... Light receiving element.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] a light emitting element that illuminates the trajectory of a switching hole provided in the rotor on the stator side of the pulp formed by airtightly and rotatably connecting a rotor and a stator;
A flow path switching mechanism with a switching position detector, comprising a light receiving element that receives reflected light from the rotor.