Attachment structure for actuator-specific solenoid valve and actuator-equipped valve

An attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve and an actuator-quipped valve. The attachment structure can be easily applied to or released from any actuator and a solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve can be easily attached to and removed from any position in a side-surface circumferential direction without impairing compactability of the actuator. The attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve includes a base body provided on a lower part of a cylindrical actuator and an attachment member removably attachable externally from a main body of the actuator, the attachment member having a fixing part formed as being extended at a position close to a side surface of the main body of the actuator and a solenoid valve for fluid control attached to the fixing part, and the attachment member fixing the solenoid valve being provided rotatably about a side surface of the main body of the actuator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to attachment structures for actuator-specific solenoid valves and actuator-equipped valves and in particular an attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve and an actuator-equipped valve exceptionally suitable for ALD process.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, as semiconductor manufacture process, the introduction of ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) process has been developed. In the ALD process, in an atmosphere at high temperatures (approximately 200 degrees Celsius), gases of a plurality of types such as a precursor, an inert gas, and an oxidizing species gas are alternately supplied from a gas supply system to a chamber by high-speed switching of an extremely short cycle, and atomic layers are homogeneously and uniformly stacked one by one at a nano level on a wafer in the chamber to form a thin film. As a valve for use in this gas supply system, in view of advantages in air operation and valve characteristics and so forth, a direct diaphragm valve including a pneumatic actuator is often adopted.

On the other hand, in the above-described valve open/close operation (air pressure operation by the actuator), a solenoid valve for switching a compressed air flow path with excitation of the solenoid by electrification is interposed between an air supply source for supplying compressed air and the actuator, and air operation is often performed by this solenoid valve. Generally in this case, the solenoid valve is connected via a long air ductwork such as an air tube at a position away from the actuator (cylinder), and the actuator and the solenoid valve are separately and individually configured away from each other.

With the interposition of the long air ductwork linking between the actuator and the solenoid valve, a loss occurs in time by a volume in this long ductwork until the operation air reaches the actuator, thereby degrading responsivity of the actuator with respect to switching operation of the solenoid valve. It particular, this problem is significant in the ALD process in which extremely high quick reaction is required with high-speed switching and also the gas flow rate per switching is small.

By contrast, Japanese Patent Nos. 5054904 and No. 6166855 are suggested as prior arts in which an air operated actuator (cylinder) and a solenoid valve for switching this actuator are made into an integrally adjacent and integrated structure via a predetermined solenoid valve attachment structure, thereby minimizing or eliminating a ductwork distance provided therebetween, improving responsivity between the actuator and the solenoid valve and valve maintainability and, in particular, providing favorable characteristics to the ALD process.

Japanese Patent No. 5054904 (refer to FIG. 1 and paragraph 0036) discloses a diaphragm valve including an attachment structure in which for the purpose of enhancing responsivity of open/close operation of a valve by more decreasing a space part of a fluid passage for driving, a solenoid valve for controlling circulation of a fluid (air) for driving to be supplied into a pneumatic actuator is directly fixed to the upper surface of the actuator to eliminate an air ductwork.

Japanese Patent No. 6166855 discloses an attachment structure for an operation-specific solenoid valve for supplying an operation fluid. In this suggested attachment structure, with an attachment screw in a predetermined structure having an inner flow path, an attachment block in a predetermined structure can be directly fixed via a seal member to an operation port which is open to a cylinder upper surface side, thereby closely fixing the solenoid valve on the cylinder upper surface side.

In addition to the above, there is also a valve product with an attachment structure capable of rotatably fixing a solenoid valve to a side surface of an actuator via a fixture for fixing the solenoid valve to the actuator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in Japanese Patent No. 5054904, since the solenoid valve is fixed to the upper surface of the actuator, the overall height of the actuator is greatly increased, thereby significantly impairing compactability as a valve or gas supply system or a semiconductor manufacturing device. In semiconductor manufacturing devices for which integration and compactability have been increasingly demanded in recent years, an increase in overall height to a degree of the height of the solenoid valve can be an extremely crucial drawback. Moreover, on the upper surface of the actuator of this type, an open/close sensor which senses opening/closing of a piston or the like is often required. In this case, since the sensor or the like and the solenoid valve are integrated together on the upper surface of the actuator, there is no flexibility at all in the attachment position, the direction and the orientation of the solenoid valve when attached, thereby significantly impairing usability of the actuator and making it impossible to use the actuator depending on the condition.

Also, with reference to the fixing structure of the solenoid valve and the upper surface of the cylinder in Japanese Patent No. 5054904, a dedicated fixing structure is required which can directly fix both of the solenoid valve side and the cylinder side in a communication state, and thus cost performance, usability, and versatility as a product are quite low. For example, when any solenoid valve selected from commercially available ones is fixed to the cylinder at appropriate time, a unique structure for fixing both of the solenoid valve and the cylinder has to be processed and formed, thereby inviting an enormous increase in cost and extremely decreasing flexibility in the direction of attaching the solenoid valve. Moreover, replacement by a solenoid valve with a connection of a different type cannot be made, and thus maintainability is also low. In addition, returning to the normal structure after process cannot be made.

Similarly, in Japanese Patent No. 6166855, the solenoid valve is fixed to the upper surface of the actuator with the occupied space as it is, and therefore the above-described problems also occur. Furthermore, in the attachment structure of Japanese Patent No. 6166855, attachment screws and attachment blocks necessary as dedicated components have an extremely complex and special structure. Requirement of these components extremely deteriorate cost performance and productivity as a product, and the structure may not be able to be used depending on the user conditions of the solenoid valve and the product. Still further, while the suggested structure is such that the fixed solenoid valve is rotatable with respect to the actuator, a structure to achieve this is also quite special and complex.

On the other hand, a bracket (fixture) provided to the above-described product is configured to be completely incorporated in advance in the actuator and the valve having the actuator mounted thereon, and is, not configured to be attachable to and detachable from the actuator and the valve. Therefore, every time this fixture (solenoid valve) is retrofitted to or removed from a normal actuator, it is required to disassemble the actuator to attach or remove the fixture. Thus, convenience is quite low as a solenoid valve attachment structure, and maintainability of the actuator is impaired.

That is, as for the above-described product, when the solenoid valve is retrofitted or replaced, disassembling operation is required, such as once removing the actuator and the valve. However, the operation of retrofitting the solenoid valve at the site is often difficult and burdensome, and there is a possibility of requiring an action such as removing the entire actuator-equipped valve from the installation site. Moreover, while the actuator and the valve as being assembled are often subjected to some adjustment such as stroke adjustment of the valve body, this adjustment may go wrong once they are dissolved, and they may become unusable. Thus, when the solenoid valve in the above-described product is replaced, there is a possibility of requiring adjusting operation and so forth in addition to disassembling operation, there possibly significantly degrading workability.

The present invention has been developed to solve the above-described problems, and has an object of providing an attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve and an actuator-equipped valve, in which a solenoid valve can be easily attached to or detached from any actuator-equipped valve as being intact, the whole is extremely simply configured, and the solenoid valve can be easily attached to and removed from any position in a side-surface circumferential direction without impairing compactability of the actuator or taking up space.

To achieve the above-described object, one aspect of the present invention is directed to an attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve, the structure comprising a base body provided on a lower part of a cylindrical actuator and an attachment member removably attachable externally from a main body of the actuator, the attachment member having a fixing part formed as being extended at a position close to a side surface of the main body of the actuator and a solenoid valve for fluid control attached to the fixing part, and the attachment member fixing the solenoid valve being provided rotatably about a side surface of the main body of the actuator.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve, the structure including a base body provided on a lower part of an actuator and an attachment member removably attachable externally from a main body of the actuator, the attachment member having a fixing part formed as being extended at a position close to a side surface of the main body of the actuator and a solenoid valve for fluid control attached to the fixing part, the attachment member being a member having an L-shaped cross section formed of an attachment part with an insertion groove and a fixing part, and a holding part formed on an axial attachment part of the base body being inserted into the insertion groove to hold the attachment member by the base body.

Still another aspect of the present invention is directed to the attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid, in which a bolt is screwed from below the attachment part toward an annular groove formed in a lower surface of the base body to make the attachment member rotatable without disconnection.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid valve, in which a washer is interposed between the fixing part and the solenoid valve when the solenoid valve is bolted to the fixing part.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to an actuator-equipped valve with the attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid valve applied to a valve for fluid control.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the actuator-equipped valve, in which the valve is an ALD valve.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the attachment member for attaching the solenoid valve can be attached, as it is, to the actuator mounted on the valve. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve is detached, the valve and the actuator can be detached as they are without being disassembled. Therefore, compared with the prior arts, very high maintainability can be provided. Furthermore, the solenoid valve can be installed at any position on the circumference of the side surface of the actuator, and can thus be compactly provided without taking up space.

According to another aspect of the present invention, attachment can be made only by inserting the plate-shaped attachment member having a substantially L-shaped cross section into the lower surface of the actuator for easy handling. Also, it is possible to attach the attachment member for attaching the solenoid valve, as it is, to the actuator mounted on the valve. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve is detached, the valve and the actuator can be detached as they are without being disassembled. Therefore, compared with the prior arts, very high maintainability can be provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the attachment member can be rotatably and reliably installed without disconnection only with a bolt being screwed thereinto.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, since the washer is interposed between the attachment member and the solenoid valve to allow reliable attachment, the area of contact between the attachment member and the solenoid valve can be reduced to a minimum. Therefore, for example, when the valve is heated, heat transmitted from the attachment member to the solenoid valve can be reduced as much as possible, contributing to durability of the solenoid valve.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid valve is applied to a valve for fluid control. Therefore, for example, when the attachment structure is applied to a pneumatic-actuator-equipped diaphragm valve, a durable actuator-equipped valve with ease of handling can be provided.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, in particular, an ALD valve excellent in responsivity, conforming to high-temperature specifications, keeping a stable and reproducible flow rate, and also excellent in durability can be acquired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, the structure of a specific embodiment (example) of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings.FIG. 1is a front view of the external appearance of an actuator-equipped valve of the present example in a state in which a solenoid valve1is fixed to complete attachment of an attachment member2.FIG. 2is a side view ofFIG. 1viewed from a left side.FIG. 3is a longitudinal sectional view ofFIG. 1cut at an axial center position of an actuator main body3, depicting a valve full-open state.

As depicted inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, in the actuator-equipped valve of the present example, the pneumatic actuator main body3including a base body4of the present example on a lower part and having an external appearance in a substantially cylindrical external appearance is mounted on a valve main body5of the present example, and the attachment member2of the present example is attached to the base body4. Also, as depicted inFIG. 3, the valve main body5of the present example is a direct-touch type diaphragm valve in which a metal diaphragm28is directly seated on a valve seat26. The actuator main body3has a housing configured of a cylinder34, a casing35, and the base body4, and is provided therebelow with the valve main body5having a valve body27via a nut40. However, the external appearance of the actuator main body is not limited to be in a cylindrical shape, and an actuator main body having an external appearance in any shape can be used. Specific structure and operation of the actuator main body3and the valve main body5will be described further below.

InFIG. 1toFIG. 3, the solenoid valve1is the one for operating, a pneumatic actuator in the present example, although not limited thereto. The solenoid valve1has a compact form fitting in a substantially rectangular plate shape as a whole, and is interposed as being connected between an air supply source side (air cylinder) not depicted and the actuator main body3via an air ductwork. The solenoid valve1has a function of controlling supply (or exhaust) of compressed air to the actuator main body3by energisation which causes an inner solenoid valve not depicted to operate to switch open/close of a flow path of the air ductwork as appropriate under predetermined control bar control means such as a speed controller. InFIG. 2, la denotes a power supply cable for supply current to the solenoid valve1.

As depicted inFIG. 1, an input port6and a discharge port7connected to the air supply source side not depicted are open to, a side surface of the solenoid valve1. As depicted inFIG. 2, an output port8is open to an opposite side surface via the inside of the main body of the solenoid valve1where air flow path switching is performed. To this output port, one end of a supply line10(resin-made transparent tube) is connected via a coupling9. Another end10aof this supply line10is connected to the coupling11at a minimum distance. This coupling11is coupled to a connection part33open to an upper surface side of the actuator main body3, allowing compressed air to be supplied (or exhausted) as appropriate to air chambers42inside the actuator main body3, as will be described further below.

InFIG. 1andFIG. 2, when the coupling11is a universal joint (elbow) rotatable about the axial center of the actuator main body3as being in a connected state, the attachment member2as having the solenoid valve1being attached thereto is rotatable about the actuator main body3, as will be described further below. Therefore, with the combination of these, the attachment position of the solenoid valve1can be suitably adjusted at any side surface position completely freely without being restricted even by the direction of the coupling11. More suitably, for example, if the end of the supply line10can be connected with one-touch operation and the connection can be released by pressing a release ring11a,handling and usability of the attachment structure of the present invention are enhanced more.

Also, as depicted inFIG. 3, a proximity sensor12which can sense valve opening/closing is connected to an upper surface side of the actuator main body3. A lower end of the proximity sensor12is provided so as to be able to be in the proximity of the upper surface of a piston31described further below. With the piston31approaching, its vertical movements (open/close operation of the valve) can be sensed. With this, data usable for controlling equipment such as the actuator main body3and the valve.

Next, the structure of the attachment member2is described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 5. Firstly, as depicted inFIG. 1toFIG. 3, the attachment structure of the present invention includes the attachment member2removable attachable externally from the actuator main body3. This attachment member2has a fixing part13formed being extended at a position close to the side surface of the actuator main body3and the solenoid valve1for fluid control attached to this fixing part13.

As described above, as the fixing pan13of the present invention, any part that can attach and fix the, solenoid valve1and is formed as being extended at a position close to the side surface of the actuator main body3can be selected in accordance with implementation. With this structure, the solenoid valve1in a fixed state can be integrated in a compact manner in a space not on the upper surface side where the proximity sensor12or the like is present to possibly restrict the fixed position but on the side surface side of the actuator where there is often enough space to effectively utilize foot space and reduce an increase in the entire occupying volume, thereby avoiding an increase in overall height and size of the actuator.

The attachment structure for the actuator-dedicated solenoid valve includes a base body provided on a lower part of a cylindrical actuator and an attachment member removably attachable externally from a main body of the actuator. Therefore, the attachment structure that can be quite easily applied to any of actuators of various types provided with a base body can be configured. Also, since the attachment member is removably attachable externally from the actuator, only removal of this attachment member can quite easily release this attachment structure from the actuator to be returned to an actuator structure of normal specifications, thereby enhancing convenience as an attachment structure.

FIG. 4andFIG. 5depict a specific structure of the attachment member2of the present example. The attachment member2of the present example is a member having an L-shaped cross section formed of a disc-shaped attachment part14having an insertion groove15and the fixing part13.FIG. 4is a bottom view of the attachment member2of the present example when viewed from its bottom surface, andFIG. 5is a right side view ofFIG. 4when viewed from the right. The outer shape of the attachment part14is not limited to a disc shape, any shape can be selected in accordance with implementation, for example, a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral shape or rectangular shape. In view of compactization, however, the attachment part14is preferable formed in a shape and size in accordance with the external appearance of the actuator.

InFIG. 4, the bottom surface of the attachment member2of the present example, serves as the attachment part4formed in a thin disc shape. At the axial center position, the insertion groove15is formed in a notched shape to assume a substantially U shape. As will be described further below, in order to be able to rotatably fit in to be fixed to a holding part16of the base body4as appropriate, this insertion groove15has an inner diameter part15aformed in a circular shape having a diameter substantially equal to that of an outer circumferential part16aof a holding part16on a depth side formed to have a substantially circular cross section. Also, the thickness of at least a portion of the attachment part14near the insertion groove15is formed to be substantially equal to the groove width of the holding part16. However, it goes without saying that this structure can be formed as appropriate in accordance with implementation. Also, as will be described further below, a hole part18into which a hexagon socket bolt17can be inserted and screwed is formed at one location at the axial center position. A plurality of such hole parts18may be formed in accordance with implementation and, for example, three hole parts18in total may be provided at symmetrical positions.

InFIG. 5, the side surface of the attachment member2of the present example serves as the fixing part13formed in a thin rectangular plate shape. As will be described further below, the fixing part13is provided with two hole parts29into which two bolts17that can fix the solenoid valve1by insertion can be inserted. These hole parts29are also provided as appropriate in accordance with implementation. As depicted inFIG. 5, the fixing part13of the present example is connected substantially in a right angle direction with respect to the attachment part14andFIG. 3is a longitudinal sectional view of a state in which this attachment member2is attached to the actuator main body3. As depicted inFIG. 3, the attachment member2of the present example has a substantially L-shaped cross section. Thus, even in a state in which the attachment structure of the present example is attached to the actuator, the solenoid valve1can be integrated in a very close state, with excess space hardly occurring at a position on the side surface of the actuator main body3.

Also, in the attachment member2, the fixing part13and the attachment part14are not required to be integrally formed of a single member, and can be configured in any manner in accordance with implementation. For example, the fixing part13and the attachment part14may be each formed of a separate member in a flat plate shape, and then coupled by welding or screws to form the attachment member2having a substantially L-shaped cross section.

Next, the structure of the base body4of the present example is described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3andFIG. 6. The base body of the present invention is provided on a lower part of a cylindrical actuator, and is a portion positioned at least a bottom surface part of the actuator main body (cylinder part or casing part). In the present example, as depicted inFIG. 1toFIG. 3andFIG. 6, the attachment member2can be held to the base body4by inserting the annular holding part16formed on an axial attachment part19into the insertion groove15of the attachment member2.

FIG. 6Ais a longitudinal sectional view of the base body4of the present example, andFIG. 6Bis a sectional view ofFIG. 6Aalong an A-A line. The base body4of the present example is a member incorporated in the base surface part of the actuator main body3, with an upper side formed in a cylindrical shape having a diameter substantially equal to that of the casing35and formed with a male screw that can be screwed and fastened to a female screw on a lower part of the casing35and with a lower side formed with a male screw that can be screwed and fastened to a female screw formed on the inner circumferential side of the nut40. At an axial center position at the center of the base body4, an attachment hole48is open, which is formed in a vertically-elongated shape and is vertically slidable with a rod47as a stem fitted thereinto.

Furthermore, as thermal insulation measurements against a high-temperature fluid, an axial attachment part19between the lower part side and the upper part side is provided in a bottleneck shape to decrease the cross-sectional area to decrease thermal conductivity therebetween.

As depicted inFIG. 6A, in the present example, the annular holding part16is formed at an upper end position of the axial attachment part19of the base body4. The holding part16of the present example is an annular groove having the outer circumferential part16adefined by an annular flange part16band having the outer circumferential part16aon the depth side. To this groove, the insertion groove15of the attachment member2can be fitted and attached. Also as depicted inFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B, an annular groove20is concentrically formed on the lower surface of the base body4. This annular groove20serves as a screw escape groove for the bolts17, since the diameter, groove width, and depth of this annular groove20are set as appropriate in accordance with the position of the hole parts18of the attachment part14and the bolts17to be inserted into these hole parts18. As depicted inFIG. 6B, a recessed part19afor clamping the axial attachment part19is formed as being notched in a two-surface shape. As will be described further below, the outer shape of the holding part16(outer circumferential part16a) is not limited to an annular shape, but any shape can be selected in accordance with implementation.

As described above, the attachment member2of the present example has a quite simple structure as a whole. In particular, when the attachment member2is a single member (made of SUS304), the attachment member2can be easily formed and processed. Thus, productivity of this attachment structure and convenience when applied to the actuator can also be significantly enhanced. Furthermore, usability and maintainability after application is significantly favorable, and the range of applicable actuators is quite wide. Also, since this attachment member2is held by the base body4, even in a use state with the solenoid valve1fixed, the stress from the attachment member2is received by the holding part16(base body4) via the insertion groove20, and thus the stress is not loaded directly onto an actuator main body3side via the solenoid valve1and the attachment member2. Therefore, damage on the actuator can be avoided to enhance valve stability.

The solenoid value may be required to be attached afterward, for example, only the solenoid valve becomes out of order and is required to he replaced, or the solenoid valve not initially attached is required after delivery. In particular, in an ALD valve in which operation is performed exceptionally many number of times as tens of millions of times, replacement of only the solenoid valve often occurs. Also in this case, according to the above-described attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid valve of the present invention, only the structure of the actuator (the holding part and the annular groove) are of a common structure of the valve, and the solenoid valve can thereby be quite easily attached and detached only with a simple fixture to the valve having attached thereto the actuator. Thus, the solenoid valve can be easily and quickly attached and removed at the site without removing the actuator-equipped valve itself from the installation site.

Also, in valve manufacture, an operation test of the actuator-equipped valve may be performed. At that time, if the fixture and the solenoid valve are left fixed to the actuator, these members may obstruct the test operation or inadvertently make contact with another member to cause damage and failure. By contrast, according to the above-described attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid valve of the present invention, the fixture and the solenoid valve can be quite easily retrofitted. Therefore, by attaching or removing the fixture and the solenoid valve as appropriate in accordance with the test, risks of damage and failure before shipment can also be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the attachment structure for the actuator-specific solenoid valve of the present invention, quite advantageous effects can be provided compared with a product configured with the bracket (fixture) completely incorporated in advance into the actuator and the actuator-equipped valve. For example, as described above, in retrofitting, replacement, and so forth of the solenoid valve, not only the attachment operation or the like itself is facilitated, but also adjustment of the valve and the actuator again is not required.

Next, the operation (operation procedure) of the present example including the attachment member2and the base body4is described.

In the present example, firstly, when the solenoid valve1is bolted to the fixing part13, a washer21is interposed between the fixing part13and the solenoid valve1.FIG. 1depicts the state in which the solenoid valve1is attached to the fixing part13via this washer21. In the present example, two flat washers made of stainless steel and stacked for each bolt17are used as the washer21, and two bolts17are used to attach the solenoid valve1to the fixing part13. Alternatively, for example, the washer21may be made of resin, and any washer can be selected in accordance with implementation. Between each of the two bolts17and the side surface of the solenoid valve1, one spring washer22is interposed.

Even if high temperatures are transmitted from the base body4side for some reason to increase the temperature of the attachment member2to a degree not allowable by the solenoid valve1, the washer21interposed between the fixing part13and the solenoid valve1can effectively decrease the contact area, thereby attenuating or blocking heat conduction to appropriately reduce the amount of heat flowing into the solenoid valve1to allow the solenoid valve1to be easily protected against heat. Furthermore, this washer21can stop looseness of the bolt17fastening the solenoid valve1to the fixing part13.

Next, the attachment member2having this solenoid valve1attached thereto is attached to the actuator main body3. Here, the holding part6of the base body4is inserted into the insertion groove15of the attachment part14to make the base body4hold the attachment member2. In this holding state, as described above, the outer circumferential part16aand the inner diameter part15aare rotatably formed in contact with each other, and the groove width of the holding part16is formed in accordance with the thickness of the attachment part14so that the holding part16is rotatable. Therefore, the attachment part14becomes in a state of appropriately fitting in the holding part16, and the attachment member2is in a state of being rotatable about the side surface of the base body4(the actuator main body3). More specifically, with the attachment part14being placed on the flange part16b,the insertion groove15is rotatable as sliding about the outer circumferential part16a.Here, the attachment member2is favorably formed to fit so as to stably rotate without backlash (play).

Next, the bolt17is screwed toward the annular groove formed on the lower surface of the base body4from below the attachment part14, thereby making the attachment member2rotatable without disconnection. As described above, the annular groove20is formed in the lower surface of the base body4in accordance with the position in accordance with the hole part18of the attachment part14. Therefore, in the above-described holding state, when the bolt17is screwed into the hole part18, a screw part17aof the bolt17is accommodated as protruding inside the annular groove20, thereby locking the disconnecting operation of the attachment part14. Thus, the attachment member2fixing the solenoid valve1is provided rotatably about the side surface of the actuator main body3. Here, if the attachment part14is configured so that the diameter of the screw part17ais set to be close to the groove width of the annular groove20as much as possible or the screw part17ain the holding state is at a position close to the outer diameter side as much as possible, backlash of the screw part17acan be favorably stopped inside the annular groove20even if the attachment part14performs operation in a disconnecting direction (operation in a horizontal direction inFIG. 1toFIG. 3). Also, the bolt17that is slightly long may be used to allow the screw part17ato make contact with the depth side of the annular groove20when screwed into the hole part18to stop rotation of the attachment member2by screwing. Here, the spring washer22is used also for the bolt17.

In the present example, the bolt17is screwed as fixing means from below the attachment part14toward the annular groove20, thereby allowing rotation but preventing disconnection of the attachment member2. Any means that can restrict movement of the attachment member2to a sideward direction (horizontal direction) by protruding inside the annular groove20can also be selected as this fixing means in accordance with implementation. For example, although not depicted, a pin may be used for locking, or a protrusion may be provided on an upper surface side of the attachment part14for locking.

As described above, the rotation structure of the attachment member of the present invention can be very simply configured. Therefore, processability and cost performance are high when the structure is applied to an actuator, the range of actuators to be processed is wide. Furthermore, since disconnection can be prevented (or rotatable fixation can be made) only with one bolt, an attachment structure with quite favorable handling usability and maintainability can be provided.

Finally, the other end10aside of the supply line10connected to the output port8if the solenoid valve1in advance and becoming in an open end state is connected to the coupling11. As described above, if the coupling11is a one-touch-type universal joint, the coupling can be freely adjusted to any rotating direction, and the position on the side surface of the solenoid valve1can be freely adjusted. Therefore, the positions of the solenoid valve1and the entire supply line10connected thereto can be adjusted to any position on the side surface. Also, the supply line10can be easily removed and attached. Thus, convenience is significantly improved, and it is possible to provide an attachment structure for an actuator-specific solenoid valve with a wide range of application and high versatility and usability.

Normally, the solenoid valve1is attached to a position close to the actuator main body3by using the attachment member2in the above-described procedure. However, it goes without saying that the procedure is not particularly restrictive, and the processes in the procedure including bolting the solenoid valve1to the fixing part13, attachment of the attachment member2attached with the solenoid valve1to the actuator main body3, prevention of disconnection of the attachment member2, and connection of the supply line1to the coupling11can be combined in any manner in accordance with implementation.

In the present example, the attachment member2fixing the solenoid valve1is provided rotatably about the side surface of the actuator main body3. However, this rotatability is not necessarily required, and the attachment structure of the present invention can also be used when rotation is fixed as described below.

In the present example, as depicted inFIG. 4andFIG. 6, the outer shape of the attachment part14is a circular shape, and the inner diameter part15a(inner shape of the insertion groove15) and the outer circumferential part15a(outer shape of the holding part16) are both formed in a circular shape for fitting, thereby allowing the attachment part14to rotate as being held by the holding part16. By contrast, when rotation of the attachment member in a held state about the side surface of the actuator is fixed, the inner diameter part15a(inner shape of the insertion groove15) and the outer circumferential part16amay be each formed in a mutually rotation-lockable shape.

For example, although not depicted, when the outer circumferential part has a cross section formed by cutting out a width across flat with respect to a circular shape, the groove width of the insertion groove may be formed so as to match this width across flat. When the outer circumferential part with this width across flat is inserted in the insertion groove, the attachment member can be held by the holding part with rotation about the side surface of the actuator being locked, and the attachment position of the solenoid valve is in two directions at a 180-degree interval with respect to the actuator main body. Similarly, if the outer circumferential part has a hexagonal cross section and is inserted in the insertion groove formed to have a groove width capable of fitting this shape, the attachment member can be held by the holding part with rotation being locked, and the attachment position of the solenoid valve is in six directions at 60-degree intervals with respect to the actuator main body. Furthermore, similarly, if the outer circumferential part has a quadrilateral cross section, the attachment position of the solenoid valve is in four directions at 90-degree intervals with respect to the actuator main body. In any case, after the attachment part is held by the holding part, the direction of the attachment member is not changed. Therefore, this is advantageous when, for example, the solenoid valve is desired to be stably fixed by preventing wobbling.

Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that the insertion direction to the insertion groove15and the position of the fixing part13be aligned with the same direction as depicted inFIG. 4. For example, although not depicted, the position of the fixing part may be provided as being shifted by 90 degrees or 120 degrees from the insertion direction. This may be advantageous when, for example, the attachment member is inserted and fixed to the actuator main body while avoiding an obstacle around the valve.

Next, the structure and operation of the actuator main body3and the valve main body5of the present example are described with reference toFIG. 3. In the present example, a valve for fluid control is adopted and, in particular, is quite suitable as an ALD valve.

The valve of the present example is a metal diaphragm valve having the body27with a valve chamber25communicating a primary-side flow path23and a secondary-side flow path24provided with a valve seat26, the metal diaphragm28with its center part disposed above the valve chamber25vertically moving to make contact with the valve seat26, and a stem which lowers the center part of the metal diaphragm28, and a flow-path restriction part24ais provided to a part of the secondary-side flow path24.

The actuator main body3is mounted on the body27. In this actuator main body3, a spring30which lowers the stem and the piston31which is raised by supply of compressed air are incorporated, and an adjustment screw32is provided so as to be able to adjust the ascending amount of this piston31by being screwed to serve as stroke adjustment means.

In this adjustment screw32, with a male screw part32ascrewed into a female screw part, the screwing distance of this screwing can be adjusted. In this screwing, rotation can be made by inserting a wrench into a hold part. Also, an upper end of the piston31ascends by air supply to make contact with a lower end of the adjustment screw32to restrict an ascent. Thus, by setting the position of the adjustment screw32at a maximum stroke position of the piston31in accordance with a necessary Cv value of the valve by adjusting screwing, the ascent of the piston31can be restricted and the Cv value of the valve can be adjusted. If a supply source is attached to the connection part33to supply air to the actuator, supplied air can communicate through a flow path formed by penetrating the axial center position of this adjustment screw32.

The cylinder34has a substantially cylindrical outer appearance, and is provided at the axial center position with the connection part33formed of a female screw that can be connected (screwed) to an air supply source externally provided and not depicted. On its depth side, the female screw part is formed that can be screwed to the male screw part32aof the adjustment screw32. On its depth side, a cylindrical fit-in part is formed that can fit in the upper part of the piston31. At a lower end of the cylinder34, a male screw that can be screwed to a female screw of the casing35is provided. Also, inside the cylinder34, a receiving part for biasing the spring30described below is provided so as to be recessed.

The casing35is formed to have a cylindrical external appearance having a diameter substantially equal to that of the cylinder34, having the above-described female screw formed at an upper end and a female screw also formed at a lower end that can be screwed to a male screw at the upper end of the base body4. Also, on the inner circumferential surface of the casing35, a step part that can engage and hold a sub-base36is formed.

The valve main body5is connected to the actuator main body3via the base body4. On the inner circumferential surface side of the body2, a bonnet37which presses the diaphragm28to configure an outer periphery seal part is provided. The bonnet37is formed in a substantially flat cylinder shape. At the axial center position at the center of the bonnet37, an attachment hole is open, which can vertically slide with a diaphragm piece38fitting thereinto. This attachment hole is provided with a step part corresponding to a flange part of the diaphragm piece38. Also, a longitudinal hole37ais also provided in which a jig is inserted at the time of assembling the valve.

The metal diaphragm28is formed in a substantially disc shape by using a plurality of stacked SPRON-made diaphragm members. The outer edges of these members are tightly held between a protrusion39formed on the outer periphery of the valve chamber25of the body2and the outer periphery at the lower end of the bonnet37to configure an outer periphery seal part.

To assemble the valve of the present example, firstly, the metal diaphragm28is placed so that its outer edge is positioned on the protrusion39. Then, the outer periphery of the lower surface of the bonnet37is put on the metal diaphragm28. With the metal diaphragm28vertically interposed, a female screw41of the body27is lightly screwed to a male screw40aof the nut40so that the lower end face of the nut40is in contact with the upper surface of the bonnet37. Next, member not depicted is attached to the longitudinal hole37a,the entirety is vertically interposed by a jig not depicted, thereby ensuring a state in which the bonnet37is prevented from rotating with respect to the body27and the nut40by the pin member via the jig. Next, with this rotation-prevented state maintained, the nut40is rotated and fastened laterally by a torque wrench. With this, even if the contact force between the nut40and the bonnet37is increased when fastening almost ends, the nut40is prevented from rotating together accordingly. Thus, a kink of the metal diaphragm28due to rotation and fastening of the bonnet37does not occur, and durability of the metal diaphragm28can be improved. In this manner, the outer edge of the metal diaphragm28is vertically and tightly pressured by the bonnet37and the protrusion39to be fixed inside the valve chamber25to configure an outer periphery seal part.

Next, the structure of the actuator main body3of the present example is described with reference toFIG. 3. The actuator main body3is provided with at least two air chambers42to ensure an air drive force (valve open force). As depicted inFIG. 3, the sub-base36is arranged, and the piston31is configured in two steps in a compact manner, thereby providing the air chambers42.

The piston31has two circular-flange-shaped piston parts43extending in parallel and a cylindrical extending, part which links the center positions of these piston parts43. On an upper end face side of the extending part, a flow path is open which can conduct supplied air inside the piston31to the axial center direction. In this flow path, a flow path44that is open toward the two air chambers42and can supply air thereto are formed as being branched. This, when an air supply source is connected to the connection part33via the coupling11or the like, air from the supply source is conducted through the flow path44to the air chambers42.

The piston part43is provided on the outer edge with an FKM-made O ring45to seal and slide between the inner circumferential surfaces of the casing35and the base body4. Similarly, O rings46are also provided at a plurality of locations of the extending part in the axial direction of the piston31. Furthermore, an O ring45is also provided on the outer edge of the sub-base36. Two O rings46are provided at the upper end of the piston31to enhance an effect of reducing a tilt of the piston31so as to prevent occurrence of damage and operation failure because the cylindrical extending part vertically moves as being slightly tilted with respect to the axial center direction of the cylinder34(the fit-in part) when the piston31ascends and descends to rub the inner circumferential surface of the fit-in part.

The rod47as a stem is provided so as to be able to vertically slide as fitting in the inner circumferential surface of the attachment hole48of the base body4almost without resistance, and is made of SUS304 and formed to be vertically elongated. The rod47has an upper end face in contact with the lower end face of the piston31and a lower end face in contact with the upper end face of the diaphragm piece38.

Also, when the fluid is at high temperatures such as approximately 200 degrees Celsius and this heat transmission increases the temperature of the actuator, operation failure may occur. When an electronic device such as a sensor is attached, a trouble may occur, for example, the device is out of order due to heat. To make heat from the heated body27and so forth difficult to be transmitted to the actuator main body3, predetermined measures against heat are taken. In the present example, the cross-sectional area of a heat conduction route member through which heat is transmitted from the body27, the bonnet37, and so forth as heating members to the actuator main body3is decreased within a range not causing a trouble in the functions of the valve and the actuator.

Specifically, to decrease a cross-sectional area in contact with the upper end face of the diaphragm piece38that can serve as a heating member due to heat conduction from the fluid at high temperatures, the lower end face of the rod47is formed in an arc-shaped curved shape and, similarly, the upper end face of the rod47that can serve as a heating member is formed also in an arc-shaped curved shape, thereby decreasing the contact region in contact with the lower end face of the piston31. This eliminates efficient heat conduction due to a surface contact at least above and below the rod47. Furthermore, a narrowed part is provided to the axial attachment part19of the base body4, and a constricted part is also provided to the rod47. With these constricted parts, the cross-sectional area of heat conduction from the body27side to the actuator main body3side is decreased as much as possible to reduce thermal conductivity.

Next, the operation from a full-open state to a full-closed state of the valve of the present example is described. As described above,FIG. 3depicts a frill-open state. In the following, the case is described in which air is purged from the air chambers42in a full-open state.

In FIG,3, the air chambers42is filled with air, and the piston part43is pulled up by this air pressure against the biasing force of the spring30. On the other hand, the center part of the metal diaphragm28is swelled upward by its own shape recovery force. In this swelled state, the diaphragm piece38placed on the upper surface of the metal diaphragm28and the rod47placed on the diaphragm piece38are raised together. Also, as described above, the ascent of the upper end of the piston31is restricted as being in contact with the lower end of the adjustment screw32by adjustment stroke. Thus, the center part of the metal diaphragm28is not completely swelled to a natural shape but is slightly recessed.

Next, as air is discharged from the air chambers42, the upper surface of the piston part43is pressed downward by the biasing force of the spring30. Accordingly, the lower end of the piston31presses the upper end face of the rod47. Accordingly, the lower end face of the rod47presses the upper end face of the diaphragm piece38. Accordingly, the lower surface of the diaphragm piece38flexibly deforms the metal diaphragm28so as to recess the upper surface of the center part of the metal diaphragm28. Then, when the diaphragm piece38completely descends to cause the center part of the metal diaphragm28to fully make contact with the upper surface of the valve seat26, the valve becomes in a full-closed state, although not depicted.

Operation from this full-closed state to a full-open state is performed in reverse order of the above-described operation. Firstly, air is supplied to the air chambers42via the flow path44from an air supply source connected to the connection part33and not depicted to provide air pressure to the actuator main body3. By this air pressure, the piston31ascends. With this ascent of the piston31, the rod47and the diaphragm piece38are released from being pressed by the piston31, and the shape recovery force of the metal diaphragm28becomes available. Accordingly, the center part of the metal diaphragm28swells to lift up the diaphragm piece38and the rod47for ascent. This ascent ends when the upper end of the piston31makes contact with the lower end of the adjustment screw32, and the valve becomes in a full-open state depicted inFIG. 3.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention described in the claims of the present invention.