WO2006091037A1

WO2006091037A1 - Flow switching valve

Info

Publication number: WO2006091037A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000645
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung Gu Kim
Original assignee: C & S Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-02-25
Filing date: 2006-02-24
Publication date: 2006-08-31
Also published as: KR200383518Y1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical agent for treating Avellino corneal dystrophy, and more particularly, to a pharmaceutical composition for treating Avellino corneal dystrophy comprising pharmaceutically effective amount of blood plasma or serum as an active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention has an effect of improving symptoms by dissolving away hyaline granules in the cornea of a patient with severe Avellino corneal dystrophy due to LASIK surgery.

Description

FLOW SWITCHING VALVE

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a flow switching valve having the functions of controlling the flow rate of fluid, achieving selective discharge of fluid through a plurality of outlets, and mixing two kinds of fluids by a predetermined ratio, whereby these three effects including regulation of flow rate, switching of a flow path, and mixing of fluids can be accomplished by use of the single flow switching valve.

[Background Art]

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating a conventional flow switching valve, the conventional flow switching valve includes a disk-shaped valve body 230, and a disk-shaped valve seat 300 configured to come into close contact with the valve body 230 by use of an elastic supporting force of a spring 220. The valve body 230 is formed with a fluid flow through-aperture 235 having a predetermined acute triangular shape. The valve seat 300 is formed with a pair of fluid outlets 310 at radial positions, and a pair of arched flow rate regulation grooves 315. The arched flow rate regulation grooves 315 are symmetrically formed along the edge of the respective outlets. Also, a stepping motor 100 is provided as means for rotating the valve body 230. With this configuration, as the valve body 230 is rotated by the stepping motor 100, the flow rate regulation grooves 315 of the valve seat 300 experience a variation in intersection area with the through-aperture 235 of the valve body 230, and therefore, the flow rate of fluid is able to be regulated in proportion to the variation of intersection area. Also, the fluid outlets 310 that communicate with the flow rate regulation grooves 315 serve to achieve selective creation of a flow path.

As can be understood from the above description, the conventional flow switching valve is characterized in that it accomplishes regulation of flow rate and switching of a flow path based on the position of the fluid through-aperture formed at the valve body. However, the conventional flow switching valve has no function of mixing two kinds of fluids, Le. mixing first fluid with second fluid, and therefore, it requires installation of a separate fluid mixing valve at a front end or rear end thereof. This results in an increase in manufacturing costs and a complicated overall configuration of the flow switching valve.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a flow switching valve capable of achieving efficient regulation of flow rate, switching of a flow path, and mixing of first and second fluids by use of a single valve.

[Technical Solution]

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a flow switching valve having the following effects. First, the flow switching valve of the present invention can regulate the flow rate of first fluid via an increase or reduction of an open area in accordance with an angle of rotation of a distributor plate. Also, in accordance with the present invention, when second fluid is introduced into a lower end of a valve base, the second fluid is guided to pass a second fluid distribution groove formed inside the distributor plate and second fluid regulation grooves formed at the valve base in sequence, whereby regulation in the flow rate of second fluid can be accomplished in accordance with an open fluid passage area of the second fluid regulation grooves. Furthermore, the first and second fluids are able to be mixed in a first mixing bore or second mixing bore by a predetermined ratio, to discharge the mixed fluid through mixed fluid outlets.

Now, the configuration and operation of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the flow switching valve of the present invention includes a stepping motor 10 provided at an upper end thereof to apply rotation drive force. The flow switching valve is also formed, below the stepping motor 10, with a first fluid inlet 21, a second fluid inlet 750, first and second mixed fluid outlets 771 and 772 to discharge mixed fluid, and a third outlet 760 to selectively discharge first fluid.

FIG.4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the stepping motor 10 provided at the upper end of the flow switching valve to generate rotation drive force, the flowing switching valve includes a drive shaft 30 to transmit the rotation drive force of the stepping motor 10, a distributor plate 50 to rotate at a constant velocity upon receiving the rotation drive force transmitted by the drive shaft 30 so as to perform regulation in flow rates of first and second fluids and switching of a flow path, and a valve base 700 installed to come into close contact with the distributor plate 50.

The valve base 700 is formed with the second fluid inlet 750 for the introduction of second fluid. Once the second fluid is introduced, the second fluid is guided to pass through a second fluid inlet conduit 751 and a second fluid through-aperture 780 in sequence, thereby being introduced into a second fluid communication passage 781. The second fluid communication passage 781 is connected to a second fluid passage 56 that is formed at a lower portion of the distributor plate 50, and in turn, the second fluid passage 56 is connected to a second fluid distribution groove 57, resulting in a sequential flow path of the second fluid.

The second fluid distribution groove 57, formed at the lower portion of the distributor plate 50, is positioned to intersect with second fluid regulation grooves, which are formed at an upper surface of the valve base that comes into close contact with a lower surface of the distributor plate 50. Thereby, the flow rate of the second fluid is able to be regulated in proportion to the intersection area between the second fluid distribution groove 57 and the second fluid regulation grooves prior to being moved into first and second mixing bores 731 and 732.

The distributor plate 50 is elastically supported by a spring 40 to be pressed toward the valve base 700. The flow switching valve further includes a valve housing 20 to receive the distributor plate 50, drive shaft 30, and spring 40 therein. The valve housing 20 is formed at a peripheral location thereof with the first fluid inlet 21.

Once first fluid is introduced into the first fluid inlet 21, the first fluid is guided to pass through a first fluid distribution hole 53 formed at the distributor plate 50, thereby being moved into first fluid regulation grooves that are formed at the upper surface of the valve base 700.

Thereby, the flow rate of the first fluid is able to be regulated in proportion to an open fluid passage area of the first fluid regulation grooves prior to being moved into the first and second mixing bores 731 and 732.

After being moved into the first mixing bore 731 or the second mixing bore 732, the first and second fluids are discharged through the first mixed fluid outlet 771 or the second mixed fluid outlet 772.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow switching valve is characterized in that it includes: the stepping motor 10 to provide rotation drive force; the drive shaft 30 to transmit the rotation drive force of the stepping motor 10; the distributor plate 50 to rotate by the rotation drive force of the drive shaft 30 so as to perform regulation of flow rates of first and second fluids or switching of a flow path; the valve base 700 mounted underneath the distributor plate 50 to perform regulation of flow rate via a variation in an open fluid passage area of an intersection flow path in accordance with an angle of rotation of the distributor plate; the spring 40 interposed between the drive shaft 30 and the distributor plate 50 to elastically press the distributor plate 50 toward the valve base 700; and the valve housing 20 to receive the drive shaft 30, spring 40, and distributor plate 50 therein while supporting the stepping motor 10 fixed thereon.

The drive shaft 30 is formed at an upper end thereof with a stepping motor insertion recess 32 such that a shaft 11 of the stepping motor is inserted into the drive shaft 30 to rotate at a constant velocity. Although not shown, a first seal is inserted in the center of the drive shaft 30, to prevent the first fluid from leaking out of a valve chamber 22 along an outer circumference of the drive shaft 30.

The drive shaft 30 is also formed with a rotary stopper 31 at an outer peripheral location thereof. The rotary stopper 31 is configured to be caught by a stationary stopper 23 that is formed at the valve housing 20, so as to restrict rotation of the drive shaft 30. In addition, the drive shaft 30 has a plurality of coupling slots 33 formed at a lower portion thereof, and a shaft 34 protruding downward from the coupling slots 33 by a predetermined length.

The distributor plate 50, having a disk shape, has a plurality of axial coupling protrusions 51 formed at an upper end thereof, a through-aperture 52 vertically perforated through the center thereof, a circular spring mounting rib 58 formed underneath the coupling protrusions 51, a rotary sealing plane 54 formed at the lower surface thereof, the first fluid distribution hole 53 perforated through the rotary sealing plane 54, the second fluid passage 56 formed at the center of the rotary sealing plane 54, and the second fluid distribution groove 57 formed at a peripheral location of the second fluid passage 56 to communicate with the second fluid passage 56. The valve base 700 has a circular stationary sealing plane 710 formed at the upper surface thereof, first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid and a third through-aperture 740 formed at the stationary sealing plane 710, and another first and second regulation grooves 711 and 712 for the second fluid formed inward of the first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid. The first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid and the third through-aperture 740 are formed along the same circumference as each other, and the first and second regulation grooves 711 and 712 for the second fluid are formed along the same circumference as each other.

The first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid are formed at symmetrical positions to have a symmetrical shape. Similarly, the first and second regulation grooves 711 and 712 for the second fluid are formed at symmetrical positions to have a symmetrical shape. The third through-aperture 740 is located between the first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid.

Specifically, each of the first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid has a semi-circular shape forming a flow path that gradually decreases in width and depth toward the third through-aperture 740. Accordingly, an end of each of the first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid opposite to the third through-aperture 740 has a maximum width and depth. The widest ends of the first and second regulation grooves 721 and 722 for the first fluid are connected to first and second mixing bores 731 and 732, respectively. Also, the first and second regulation grooves 711 and 712 for the second fluid gradually increase in width and depth in a direction opposite to the third through-aperture 740, and the first and second connection passages 741 and 742 are formed at the widest ends of the first and second regulation grooves 711 and 712 for the second fluid.

The first and second connection passages 741 and 742 are also connected to the first and second mixing bores 731 and 732, respectively, to allow the first and second fluids to be mixed in the bores 731 and 732. Then, the mixed fluid is guided to be discharged through the first and second mixed fluid outlets 771 and 772.

The spring 40 is interposed between the drive shaft 30 and the distributor plate 50 to elastically press the distributor plate 50 toward the valve base 700. With the use of the spring 40, the rotary sealing plane 54 of the distributor plate 50 and the stationary sealing plane 710 of the valve base 700 are adapted to come into close contact with each other while pressing against each other.

When the rotary sealing plane 54 comes into contact with the stationary sealing plane 710, accordingly, the flow paths, formed at the stationary sealing plane 710, are closed by the rotary sealing plane 54, resulting in complete interruption in flow of the first and second fluids through the flow paths. In this case, an intersection flow path between the first fluid distribution hole 53 and the second fluid distribution groove 57 is opened, to achieve switching of a flow path and regulation of flow rate.

As the coupling protrusions 51, formed at the upper end of the distributor plate 50, are inserted into the coupling slots 33 of the drive shaft 30, the drive shaft 30 is able to slide axially while transmitting the rotation drive force of the stepping motor 10 to the distributor plate 50.

Thereby, the distributor plate 50 is elastically supported by the spring 40 to be pressed toward the valve base 700.

A second seal 60 is interposed between the valve housing 20 and the valve base 700, to prevent leakage of the first and second fluids.

Referring to FIG. 7 illustrating the flow switching valve of the present invention in plan view, relative positions of the stationary sealing plane 710 of the valve base 700, stationary stopper

23 formed in the valve housing 20, rotary sealing plane 54 formed at the lower surface of the distributor plate 50, and rotary stopper 31 formed at the upper end of the drive shaft 30 are illustrated. FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams illustrating flow path switching and flow rate regulation functions of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention. In

FIGS. 8A to 8C, the valve base is in a fixed state, and the distributor plate is rotated on the basis of the stationary stopper. An angle of rotation of the distributor plate is indicated by the position of the rotary stopper 31.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8A to 8C, if the distributor plate 50 is rotated counterclockwise opposite to an arrow 852, and thus, the rotary stopper 31 is caught by the stationary stopper 23 to thereby stop at a position as shown in FIG. 8A, the first fluid distribution hole 53 intersects with the first mixing bore 731 of the valve base 700, and the second fluid distribution groove 57 intersects with the first connection passage 741. This allows both the first and second fluids to discharge through the first mixed fluid outlet 771 with a maximum flow rate.

In succession, if the distributor plate 50 is rotated clockwise along the arrow 852 to reach a position as shown in FIG. 8B, the first fluid distribution hole 53 intersects with the first regulation groove 721 for the first fluid of the valve base 700, and the second fluid distribution groove 57 intersects with the first regulation groove 711 for the second fluid. This results in a reduction in flow rates of both the first and second fluids. Then, if the distributor plate 50 is further rotated clockwise along the arrow 852 to reach a position as shown in FIG. 8C, the first fluid distribution hole 53 and the second fluid distribution groove 57 intersect with the stationary sealing plane 710. Thereby, the first fluid is discharged through the third outlet 760 by passing through the third through-aperture 740, and a flow path of the second fluid is closed by the stationary sealing plane 710.

As will be appreciated from FIGS. 8A to 8C, the distribution flow paths formed at the rotary sealing plane 54 and the regulation flow paths formed at the stationary sealing plane 710 have a symmetrical shape. Therefore, when the distributor plate 50 is further rotated clockwise along the arrow 852, the same principle as the above description will be applied with respect to regulation of flow rate and interruption of flow paths, and thus, no explanation thereof is given.

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating flow path switching and flow rate regulation characteristics of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 and

9, in a state 861 wherein the rotary stopper 31 is caught by the stationary stopper 23 to exhibit zero angle of rotation, the first and second fluids, which are designated as reference numerals 821 and

831 , have a maximum flow rate, and are discharged through the first mixed fluid outlet 771.

When the distributor plate 50 is rotated clockwise along the arrow 852 to reach the center position of the graph, the second fluid distribution groove 57 intersects with the stationary sealing plane 710 to thereby close the flow path, and the first fluid distribution hole 53 intersects with the third through-aperture 740 to allow the first fluid to be discharged through the third outlet 760 at a flow rate 840.

[Advantageous Effects]

As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a flow switching valve capable of achieving regulation of flow rate, switching of a flow path, and mixing between first and second fluids by use of a single valve body. The flow switching valve of the present invention having the above described advantages, accordingly, can achieve a reduction in manufacturing costs, and can achieve high operational efficiency by virtue of a simplified overall fluid control system thereof. In particular, according to the present invention, a reduced pressure is applied to the first fluid via a first fluid distribution hole of a distributor plate when the first and second fluids are mixed. This has the effect of achieving a predetermined mixing ratio of the first and second fluids.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the flow rates of the first and second fluids can be mixed while being regulated proportional to each other by use of the single distributor plate. Thus, the mixed fluid having a predetermined mixing ratio can be discharged through a selected one of a plurality of outlets in an efficient manner.

In particular, when the flow switching valve is applied to an electronic bidet, it is possible to assume that the first fluid is wash water, and the second fluid is compressed air. In this case, the wash water and the compressed air can be mixed by a predetermined ratio to achieve desired wash water, and the flow rate of the mixed fluid can be easily regulated. Also, the wash water containing the compressed air can be discharged through a selected one of a plurality of nozzles in an efficient manner.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[Description of the Drawings]

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a conventional flow switching valve; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating important parts of the conventional flow switching valve;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention, in particular, the circle A illustrating the important part of the flow switching valve in detailed view;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a valve base and distributor plate of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating different angles of rotation of the flow switching valve in accordance with the present invention.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1] A flow switching valve comprising: a stepping motor to provide rotation drive force; a drive shaft to transmit the rotation drive force of the stepping motor; a distributor plate to rotate by a predetermined angle upon receiving the rotation drive force transmitted by the drive shaft, to perform regulation of flow rate and switching of a flow path; a valve base installed to come into close contact with the distributor plate, and adapted to achieve mixing of first and second fluids and regulation of flow rates of the first and second fluids via a variation in a fluid passage area depending on an angle of rotation of the distributor plate, the valve base also being adapted to selectively open one of a plurality of flow paths so as to discharge the mixed fluid, a second fluid inlet being formed at a lower portion of the valve base; and a valve housing to receive the drive shaft and distributor plate therein, the valve housing having an upper end fixed to the stepping motor to support the stepping motor and a lower end coupled to the valve base, a first fluid inlet being formed at a peripheral location of the valve housing.

[Claim 2] The valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the valve base has a stationary sealing plane formed at an upper surface thereof; and a second fluid communication passage is formed at the center of the stationary sealing plane, and also, first and second regulation grooves for the first fluid and another first and second regulation grooves for the second fluid are concentrically formed at the stationary sealing plane.

[Claim 3] The valve as set forth in claim 2, wherein the first and second regulation grooves for the first fluid have a symmetrical shape, and the first and second regulation grooves for the second fluid have a symmetrical shape.

[Claim 4] The valve as set forth in claim 2, wherein first and second mixing bores are formed at the side of first and second regulation grooves for the first fluid, respectively, and first and second connection passages are formed at the first and second mixing bores, respectively, to connect the first and second mixing bores to the first and second regulation grooves for the second fluid, respectively.

[Claim 5] The valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein the distributor plate has: a second fluid passage formed at the center of a lower surface of the distributor plate; a second fluid distribution groove connected to the second fluid passage; and a first fluid distribution hole spaced apart from the second fluid distribution groove by a predetermined distance.