Fluid handling – Systems – With flow control means for branched passages
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-19
2001-04-17
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
With flow control means for branched passages
C137S560000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216740
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a manifold-type solenoid valve in which a solenoid valve for controlling a fluid pressure device and a relay unit for controlling an electrical device are installed on a manifold block thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
In various types of automation apparatuses, a fluid pressure driving actuator such as an air cylinder and an electrical device such as an electrical motor are often used together. In general, such an actuator and an electrical device are each individually controlled by a manifold-type solenoid valve, a relay unit, and the like. In many cases, since such a solenoid valve and a relay unit are typically separately installed at separate places, the installation place for each unit must be secured, resulting in an increase in the size of the entire automation apparatus.
In addition, if the installation places for the solenoid valve and the relay unit are separated, not only is the wiring for feeding power or an operation signal separated and complicated, but also the solenoid valve and the relay unit must be separately handled, with the result that the installation and maintenance, such as checking the operation, are extremely troublesome.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is a technical object of the present invention to provide a manifold-type solenoid valve with a relay unit, in which the manifold-type solenoid valve and the relay unit are integrated in one place so that the number of installation places is reduced, a control system and wiring are simplified, and the solenoid valve and the relay unit can be simultaneously handled.
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a manifold-type solenoid valve including a plurality of solenoid valves for controlling a fluid pressure device by switching channels, at least one relay unit for controlling an electrical device by a relay that is opened and closed, and a plurality of manifold blocks connected together in a combined state, each having substantially the same structure and each having the solenoid valve and the relay unit installed on a mounting surface thereof.
The plurality of manifold blocks each have the mounting surface on which a plurality of channel holes for supplying the solenoid valve with pressure fluids are opened, and a power-feeding connector for connecting a power-receiving connector provided for the solenoid valve. The relay unit has a housing that is formed so as to be mounted on the mounting surface of the manifold block within a width of the block, the relay that is built in the housing and is electrically opened and closed, a power-receiving connector that can be connected to the power-feeding connector of the manifold block, and a sealing section for sealing each channel hole on the mounting surface.
The manifold-type solenoid valve having the foregoing construction according to the present invention is constructed to mount the relay unit on the manifold block for mounting the solenoid valve, thereby enabling the solenoid valve for controlling the fluid pressure device and the relay unit for controlling the electrical device to be integrated in one device. Thus, not only can a separate installation place for the relay unit be omitted, but also an energizing system can be unified so that a control system and wiring can be simplified. Further, by integrating the relay unit and the solenoid valve with respect to the installation place and electricity, the relay unit an the solenoid valve can be simultaneously handled, and the installation and maintenance, such as checking the operation, can be easily performed.
According to the present invention, preferably, the housing of the relay unit is formed to have substantially the same outward shape as the solenoid valve.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing of the relay unit has a hollow section air-tightly sealed by a cover, and the relay is enclosed in the hollow section. One end surface in a longitudinal direction of the housing serves as an output surface for connecting the relay to the electrical device, and a cord or a connector connecting to the relay is led to the outside from the output surface in an air-tightly sealed state.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the manifold blocks each have a plurality of fluid channels which are connected to each channel hole on the mounting surface and are connected together between the blocks by coupling the manifold blocks, and male and female connectors which are electrically connected together for transmitting electrical power and a serial signal for controlling the solenoid valve, wherein the male connector is provided on one side surface of the manifold block and the female connector is provided on the opposite side surface thereof. When the manifold blocks are coupled, the male connector and the female connector of the adjacent manifold block are connected together.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5887623 (1999-03-01), Nagai et al.
Hayashi Bunya
Ishikawa Makoto
Fox John
Oblon & Spivak, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt P.C.
SMC Corporation
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