KR20030039064A - Multiple Way Valve Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

It is suitable for use in the gas flow control system. It is low in noise and does not require a separate electric control device, which has a simple structure, a small self-resistance on the flow path, and a self-cleaning function.

In the valve device, the communication state between the plurality of ports is periodically changed by a spool which periodically reciprocates by a motor drive inside the cylinder. In the three-way valve according to one embodiment, the through-hole is formed in the center of the cylinder in the longitudinal direction, the first to third ports connected to the through-hole in the outer wall are sequentially formed in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the spools inserted into the cylinder through-holes for fluidly blocking the second port from at least one of the first and third ports such that the second port does not communicate with the first and third ports at the same time. The seal is formed. The motor drives the spool to provide power for causing the second port to communicate with the first and third ports alternately, and the power transmission means converts the rotational power of the motor into linear motion power for the spool.

Description

Multiple Way Valve Apparatus

The present invention relates to a valve device, and more particularly to a multi-path valve device suitable for use in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) type gas generator.

In PSA gas generators, the compressed source gas is alternately injected into two molecular sieve beds (hereinafter referred to as "beds"), whereby the desired specific gas components pass through each other and To be adsorbed. While the desired specific gas component is passed in one bed and the other components are adsorbed, the other bed will discharge the gas component adsorbed in the previous cycle. Examples of PSA gas generators include oxygen generators described in the specification and drawings of Patent Application No. 10-2001-7004753, filed October 15, 1999 (International Application No .: PCT / US99 / 24196), assigned to the present applicant. And the oxygen generator described in the registered patent publication of Patent No. 275209, issued to Oxycure Inc. on September 20, 2000.

In such a PSA type gas generator, a three-path valve is typically used for each bed to inject a compressed source gas into the bed and to discharge adsorbed gas components from the bed. For example, in the oxygen generators exemplified above, a three-way valve is provided for injecting compressed air into the inlet side of each bed and discharging the nitrogen component adsorbed in the bed. In the prior art, a solenoid valve was generally used as such a three-way valve.

By the way, the solenoid valve when used in the gas generator has the following disadvantages. First, the solenoid valve is often a shock and noise occurs during the operation, this noise can be a major problem in home appliances. In addition, in order to operate a plurality of solenoid valves synchronously, a complicated electronic circuit for controlling them is required. On the other hand, the plunger in the solenoid valve can cause a problem that the valve itself generates resistance to gas flow and thus lowers the gas pressure because its stroke is so short. On the other hand, since the valve gap may be partially filled by dust or the like, which may prevent the valve from operating normally, a filter for filtering the source gas (eg, air) on the valve inlet side is required. In addition, the O-ring employed to increase the airtightness in the valve wears as the friction with the metal member, the performance is lowered, there is a problem that the life of the O-ring to the valve is short. O-ring wear also increases the chance of contaminating the adsorbent itself in the gas generator.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is suitable for use in a gas flow control system, which is low in noise and does not require a separate electric control device, and thus has a simple structure, a small self-resistance on a flow path, and a self-cleaning function. It is the technical problem to provide a valve device with a long service life.

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cylinder and the spool employed in the valve device of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve device of FIG. 1.

4a and 4b show an operating state of the valve device of FIG.

5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve device according to the present invention;

6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve device of FIG. 5.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: housing 20: motor

30: bracket 40: cylinder

50, 52, 54, 56, 58: indent 51, 53, 55, 57, 59: orifice

60: Spool 70: Spool Arm

According to the valve device of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem, the communication state between the plurality of ports is periodically changed by the spool periodically reciprocating by the motor drive inside the cylinder.

In the three-way valve according to the embodiment of the present invention, the through hole is formed in the center of the cylinder in the longitudinal direction, and the first to third ports connected to the through hole in the outer wall are sequentially formed in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the spools inserted into the cylinder through-holes for fluidly blocking the second port from at least one of the first and third ports such that the second port does not communicate with the first and third ports at the same time. The seal is formed. The motor drives the spool to provide power for causing the second port to communicate with the first and third ports alternately, and the power transmission means converts the rotational power of the motor into linear motion power for the spool.

In a preferred embodiment, the spool has a shaft and at least one seal mounted on the shaft. The seal has a flange formed integrally with the shaft on the shaft and provided with a groove at an outer end thereof, and an O-ring made of rubber material provided in the groove.

In one embodiment, the power transmission means is axially coupled to the rotational axis of the motor and having a symmetrical shape around the motor rotational axis, one end is rotatably coupled to one point on the rotational drive and the other An end portion has a spool arm rotatably coupled to a point on the spool, whereby the spool arm transmits rotational power of the rotary drive to the spool arm. However, in another embodiment, the rotational drive is axially coupled to the rotational axis of the motor but has an asymmetrical shape about the rotational axis of the motor. In this embodiment, it is preferable to have a cap defining the end of the cylinder on the opposite side of the rotary driving body, and a return spring provided inside the cap direction cylinder. Accordingly, the other end of the spool is in contact with the rotary drive while one end of the spool is supported by the return spring, and the spool is moved in the first direction by contact from the rotary drive that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor. The linear motion power is transmitted, and the restoring force of the return spring acts as the linear motion power in the second direction.

The valve device according to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented in the form of a multipath valve suitable for use in a gas generator such as an oxygen generator. Through holes are formed in the center of the cylinder in the longitudinal direction, and the first to fifth ports connected to the through holes are sequentially formed in the outer wall thereof in the longitudinal direction. The spool inserted into the cylinder through hole includes first to third seals. The first seal allows the first port to selectively communicate with the second port, and the second seal connects the third port to at least one of the second and fourth ports such that the third port is not simultaneously communicated with the second and fourth ports. In fluid communication with the third seal, causing the fifth port to selectively communicate with the fourth port. The motor provides power for driving the spool in the longitudinal direction in the cylinder, and the power transmission means converts the rotational power of the motor into linear kinetic power with respect to the spool.

The third port communicates alternately with the second and fourth ports. When the third port is in communication with the second port, the first port is isolated from the other port and the fourth port is in communication with the fifth port. On the other hand, when the third port is in communication with the fourth port, the second port is in communication with the first port and the fifth port is blocked from other ports.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows one embodiment of a valve arrangement according to the invention. The valve device shown in FIG. 1 includes a housing 10 and a motor 20 mounted on one side of the housing 10. The housing 10 is in the form of a lying rectangular pillar, and a through hole 12 is formed in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of fastening holes 14 are formed at the side surface of the housing 10 to communicate with the through holes 12 from the lateral outer circumferential surface thereof. The motor 20 is fastened to the housing 10 using the bracket 30, the bolts 32, 36 and the nut 34.

A cylinder 40 is fitted into the longitudinal through hole 12 of the housing 10, and a spool (not shown in FIG. 1) is inserted into the cylinder 40. 2 specifically shows the cylinder 40 and the spool 60.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the cylinder 40 is made of Teflon, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a through hole 42 for receiving the spool 60 along its central axis is formed. The valve device according to the present embodiment has five ports, and indentations 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 40 in correspondence with the ports to form an indentation 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58. have. In each of the indents 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, orifices 51, 53, 55, 57, 59 are formed through the cylinder sidewalls so that gas can pass therethrough. Preferably, the spacing between the first to fifth orifices 51, 53, 55, 57, 59 arranged sequentially is the same. In this embodiment, eight orifices are provided for each port.

In this embodiment, the spool 60 includes a shaft 62 and a spool arm 72 coupled by a pin 70 to one end of the shaft 62. On the shaft 62, three flanges 64, 66, 68 are provided integrally with the shaft 62 main body, with grooves (not shown in FIG. 2) at their outer ends, each of which has a rubber. O-rings 65, 67 and 69 are made of material. The shaft 62 and the spool arm 72 are preferably machined using metal such as stainless steel. In the state where the O-ring is installed, the spool 60 is movable in the front-rear direction inside the cylinder 40.

This spool 60 selectively blocks or opens the fluid flow path between successive orifices while reciprocating in the cylinder. Here, the spaces between the flanges 64, 66, and 68 are slightly smaller than twice the spacing of each of the cylinder orifices 51, 53, 55, 57, and 59 so that the first to fifth orifices 51, 53 are smaller. , 55, 57, 59, it is desirable to avoid the case that a plurality of simultaneously blocked, because the internal pressure suddenly increases when the flanges (64, 66, 68) can be blocked at the three orifices at the same time This is because the fatigue of the valve device increases.

An assembling process of the valve device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3, where FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the valve device in the assembled state in a horizontal direction.

First, the spool 60 is inserted into the cylinder 40, and then the cylinder 40 is coupled to the longitudinal through hole 12 of the housing 10 by interference fit. In the engaged state, each indentation 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 of the cylinder 40 will correspond to the fastening holes 14a, 14d, 14b, 14e, 14c of the housing 10 in position. . Then, the motor 20 is installed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 10 by using the bracket 30, the bolts 32, 36 and the nut 34. Finally, the front and rear positions of the spool 60 are appropriately adjusted, and then one end of the spool arm 70 is coupled to the rotary drive body 22 axially coupled to the rotation shaft of the motor 20. Joining of the spool arm 70 and the rotary drive 22 can be done using rivets or pins, but other fastening methods can be used as long as a hinge can be formed.

When the assembly of the valve device itself is completed in this way, the valve device is installed in the application system. In installing the valve device in the application system, a tube, a pipe or a connection corresponding to each port is coupled to the fastening holes 14a-14e of the valve housing 10. In a preferred embodiment, a screw structure is formed inside the fastening holes 14a-14e of the housing 10 to fasten a tube, a pipe, or a connector by screwing. However, in the embodiment in which this embodiment is modified, it is also possible to fit the tube or the connector to the fastening holes 14a-14e.

As an example, a case of installing a valve device in the above-described oxygen generator will be described. Here, the fastening holes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e will be referred to as port A, port C, port E, port B, and port D, respectively. When installed in the valve device on the oxygen generator, port C is connected to the air compressor to receive compressed air. Ports B and D are connected to the first and second beds, respectively, to supply compressed air received through port C to the bed and to receive waste gas from the bed. Ports A and C are connected to the muffler via a cleaning valve or directly to discharge the waste gas received through port B or port D to the outside.

The operation of the valve device will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the PSA type oxygen generator as described in the specification and drawings of the applicant's prior patent application 10-2001-7004753 mentioned above, compressed air is alternately injected into two beds, and nitrogen is adsorbed in the bed into which the compressed air is injected. And while the oxygen passes, the other adsorbed nitrogen is discharged from the other bed. Oxygen filtered in each bed accumulates in the mixing tank installed at the rear end of the bed. In these oxygen generators, oxygen evolution and adsorbed nitrogen discharge must occur periodically and at an appropriate timing. To this end, in the valve device of the present invention, the motor 20 is rotated at an appropriate speed suitable for the nitrogen adsorption rate and capacity of each bed, so that the spool 60 reciprocates between the state of FIG. 4A and the state of FIG. 4B. Will be repeated. For example, in one application, the motor rotates at a rate of four revolutions per minute (4 rpm), so that the spool reciprocates back and forth four times per minute.

First, the state shown in FIG. 4A will be described. In the state of FIG. 4A, the first flange 64 of the spool 60 is positioned between the first and second orifices 51, 53 to seal and block between these orifices, and the second flange 66 is Located between the third and fourth orifices 55 and 57 to block between these orifices, the third flange 68 is located behind the fifth orifice 59. Since the second and third orifices 53, 55 communicate with each other through the space between the first and second flanges 64, 66 of the spool 60, the ports C and B communicate with each other. Because the fourth and fifth orifices 57, 59 communicate with each other through the space between the second and third flanges 66, 68 of the spool 60, the ports D and E communicate with each other.

Accordingly, the compressed air flowing through the port C is supplied to the first bed connected to the port B. In the first bed, nitrogen adsorption is performed under pressure and oxygen is separated and supplied to the mixing tank of the rear stage. On the other hand, the nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent of the second bed such as zeolite in the previous step is quickly discharged to the outside via the port D, the inside of the cylinder and the port E by the high pressure inside the bed together with the remaining air in the second bed. . As the motor rotates, the spool 60 transitions to the state shown in FIG. 4B.

In the state of FIG. 4B, the first flange 64 of the spool 60 is positioned in front of the first orifice 51, and the second flange 66 is between the second and third orifices 53, 55. And seal between the orifices to seal, and a third flange 68 is positioned between the fourth and fifth orifices 57, 59 to block between these orifices. Since the first and second orifices 51, 53 communicate with each other through the space between the first and second flanges 64, 66 of the spool 60, the ports A and B communicate with each other. Because the third and fourth orifices 55, 57 communicate with each other through the space between the second and third flanges 66, 68 of the spool 60, the ports C and D communicate with each other.

Accordingly, the compressed air flowing through the port C is supplied to the second bed connected to the port D, in which the nitrogen is adsorbed in the pressurized state and the oxygen is separated and supplied to the mixing tank of the rear stage. On the other hand, the nitrogen adsorbed to the adsorbent of the first bed such as zeolite in the previous step is rapidly discharged to the outside via the port B, the cylinder inside and the port A by the high pressure inside the bed together with the remaining air in the first bed. . As the motor rotates, the spool 60 again transitions to the state shown in FIG. 4A.

5 and 6 show another embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention. The valve device according to the present embodiment is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, except that the fastening structure of the motor 120 with respect to the housing 110 and the support and drive structure of the spool 160 are different.

First, unlike FIG. 1, in FIG. 5, the motor 120 is directly fastened to the housing 110 using only the bolt 132 without using a separate bracket.

On the other hand, in Figs. 1 to 4, the rotational drive of the motor is symmetrically coupled to the rotational axis of the motor and the spool is directly coupled to the rotational drive of the motor via the spool arm. The rotary driver 122 of 120 is asymmetrically coupled to the rotary shaft 121 of the motor, and one end of the spool 160 is configured to be simply supported by the rotary driver 122. The other end of the spool 160 is supported by a return spring 180 supported by the housing cap 122 in a state installed in the cylinder 40. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the rotary drive body 122 of the motor 120 acts like a cam.

When the motor 120 rotates to reach a state as shown in FIG. 6, the rotary drive body 122 of the motor 120 presses the spool 160 such that the spool 160 overcomes the elasticity of the spring and is rearward (in FIG. 6). To the right). On the other hand, when the motor 120 is further rotated in the state of FIG. 6, the spool 160 is restored to its original position by the action of the return spring 180. Accordingly, the operation of the valve device is the same as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features.

For example, the above description focuses on a five-port valve arrangement suitable for use with a two-bed PSA oxygen generator, but a three-path valve by reducing the number of ports to three and providing only two flanges on the spool It is also possible to implement the valve device of the present invention in the form. Although it demonstrated on the basis that the indentation part cut | disconnected and processed inward was formed in the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder, this indentation part is not necessarily required. Although described based on fabricating and assembling the cylinder and housing separately, it is also possible to form a fastening hole in the cylinder itself to connect the pipe of an external application system to the fastening hole. Of course, the tube or pipe may be connected to the cylinder or the housing by other means without forming the fastening hole. In addition, in the above description, the rotary drive is directly connected to the rotary shaft of the motor, but in another embodiment of the present invention, in order to make the number of strokes per hour of the spool smaller than the rotational speed of the motor, between the rotary shaft and the rotary drive of the motor. Gearboxes can also be installed in the

Therefore, the above-described embodiments are to be understood as illustrative in all respects and not as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

As described above, the valve device of the present invention can be employed in a system for controlling the periodic inflow and outflow of gas, and does not generate mechanical shock and noise as in a solenoid valve. In other words, unlike the solenoid valve, the spool reciprocating during the valve operation does not move abruptly but moves slowly according to the rotation of the motor, so that little shock and noise are generated.

In addition, since the number of components of the valve device is small and especially complicated electronic circuits are not required to control the operation of the spool, there is an advantage in that the structure is simple and the assembly is excellent. In particular, according to the structure for applying to the PSA type oxygen generator as in the preferred embodiment, since both three-path valves and splitters for alternately providing compressed air to these three-path valves are integrated, The simplification of the structure is even more pronounced. Three-path valves for use in simpler applications can be implemented by omitting two ports and one or two flangers from the preferred embodiment described above, which also have a simpler structure than conventional valves. Of course.

In the preferred embodiment, the teflon used as the cylinder material has the advantage of low wear and also has a high self-lubrication action, that is, a high self-cleaning action, so that dust and the like do not accumulate in the valve device unlike the solenoid valve. Do not. Therefore, the possibility of failure of the valve device is low and maintenance is easy. In addition, in the solenoid valve, the overall force tends to be concentrated in one part, but the O-ring employed in the valve device according to the present invention has a relatively long service life because the force applied due to the frictional force and the pressure during the spool movement is generally dispersed. There is an advantage.

Claims (8)

A through-hole formed at a center thereof in a longitudinal direction and having first to third ports sequentially connected to the through-hole on the outer wall thereof in a longitudinal direction; At least one inserted into the cylinder through hole and for fluidly blocking the second port from at least one of the first and third ports such that the second port does not communicate with the first and third ports simultaneously; A spool in which a seal is formed; A motor for driving the spool to provide power to alternately communicate with the first and third ports; And Power transmission means for converting rotational power of the motor into linear motion power with respect to the spool; Valve device having a. The method of claim 1 wherein the spool is shaft; And The at least one seal installed on the shaft; And the sealing part A flange formed integrally with the shaft on the shaft and having a groove provided at an outer end thereof; And O-ring made of rubber material installed in the groove; Valve device having a. The method of claim 1 wherein the power transmission means A rotating drive shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor and having a symmetrical shape about the rotating shaft of the motor; And A spool arm having one end rotatably coupled to one point on the rotatable body and the other end rotatably coupled to one point on the spool; Valve device having a. The method of claim 1 wherein the power transmission means A rotating drive shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor and having an asymmetrical shape about the rotating shaft of the motor; And The valve device A cap defining an end of the cylinder on the opposite side of the rotary drive; And A return spring installed inside the cap direction cylinder; Further provided, The other end of the spool is in contact with the rotary drive with one end of the spool being supported by the return spring, so that the spool is contacted by the rotary drive with rotation of the motor. The valve device receives the linear motion power in the direction, the restoring force of the return spring acts as the linear motion power in the second direction. A through hole is formed in the center in the longitudinal direction, the first to fifth ports connected to the through hole in the outer wall sequentially formed in the longitudinal direction; A first sealing portion inserted into the cylinder through hole and allowing the first port to selectively communicate with the second port; and the third port such that the third port does not communicate with the second and fourth ports simultaneously. A spool including a second seal fluidly blocking the at least one of the second and fourth ports, and a third seal allowing the fifth port to selectively communicate with the fourth port; A motor for providing power for driving the spool in the longitudinal direction in the cylinder; And Power transmission means for converting rotational power of the motor into linear motion power with respect to the spool; Equipped with The third port communicates alternately with the second and fourth ports, when the third port communicates with the second port the first port is isolated from other ports and the fourth port is connected to the fifth port. A first port in the spool such that the second port is in communication with the first port and the fifth port is isolated from other ports when the third port is in communication with the fourth port. The valve device in which the third seal is positioned. The method of claim 1 wherein the spool is shaft; And The first to third seals installed on the shaft; And each of the first to third seals A flange formed integrally with the shaft on the shaft and having a groove provided at an outer end thereof; And O-ring made of rubber material installed in the groove; Valve device having a. The method of claim 5 wherein the power transmission means A rotating drive shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor and having a symmetrical shape about the rotating shaft of the motor; And A spool arm having one end rotatably coupled to one point on the rotatable body and the other end rotatably coupled to one point on the spool; Valve device having a. The method of claim 5 wherein the power transmission means A rotating drive shaft coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor and having an asymmetrical shape about the rotating shaft of the motor; And The valve device A cap defining an end of the cylinder on the opposite side of the rotary drive; And A return spring installed inside the cap direction cylinder; Further provided, The other end of the spool is in contact with the rotary drive with one end of the spool being supported by the return spring, so that the spool is contacted by the rotary drive with rotation of the motor. The valve device receives the linear motion power in the direction, the restoring force of the return spring acts as the linear motion power in the second direction.