Patent ID: 12247593

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a solenoid valve manifold will now be described with reference toFIGS.1to6.

Solenoid Valve Manifold10

As shown inFIG.1, the solenoid valve manifold10includes a solenoid valve11. The solenoid valve11includes a main valve portion12, a first pilot solenoid valve50, and a second pilot solenoid valve60. Thus, the solenoid valve manifold10includes the main valve portion12, the first pilot solenoid valve50, and the second pilot solenoid valve60. The solenoid valve11is a pilot solenoid valve of a double solenoid type. The solenoid valve manifold10includes a control unit40and a base30.

Main Valve Portion12

The main valve portion12includes a valve casing13. The valve casing13has a rectangular block shape. The valve casing13includes a valve body14, a first coupling block15, and a second coupling block16. The valve body14has a rectangular block shape. The first coupling block15is coupled to a first end of the valve body14in a longitudinal direction. The second coupling block16is coupled to a second end of the valve body14in the longitudinal direction. The valve body14includes a body facing surface14afacing the base30.

The valve casing13has a spool valve bore17. The spool valve bore17is formed in the valve body14. The spool valve bore17is circular. The spool valve bore17extends in the longitudinal direction of the valve body14. A first end of the spool valve bore17opens in a first end face of the valve body14in the longitudinal direction. A second end of the spool valve bore17opens in a second end face of the valve body14in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the spool valve bore17extends through the valve body14in the longitudinal direction.

The solenoid valve11includes a spool valve18. The spool valve18is accommodated in the spool valve bore17. The spool valve18is accommodated in the spool valve bore17in a state in which the axial direction of the spool valve18coincides with the axial direction of the spool valve bore17. The spool valve18is accommodated in the spool valve bore17so as to reciprocate therein.

The solenoid valve11has a supply port P, a first output port A, a second output port B, a first discharge port R1, and a second discharge port R2. Thus, the solenoid valve11of the present embodiment is a five-port solenoid valve. The supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2are formed in the valve body14. Each of the supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2connect to the spool valve bore17.

The first discharge port R1, the first output port A, the supply port P, the second output port B, and the second discharge port R2are arranged in this order from the first end toward the second end of the valve body14in the longitudinal direction. A first end of each of the supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2connects to the spool valve bore17. A second end of each of the supply port P, the first output port A, the second output port B, the first discharge port R1, and the second discharge port R2opens in the body facing surface14aof the valve body14.

The solenoid valve11includes a first piston19and a second piston20. The first piston19has a disc shape. The first piston19is coupled to a first end of the spool valve18. The first piston19moves integrally with the spool valve18. The second piston20has a disc shape. The second piston20is coupled to a second end of the spool valve18. The second piston20moves integrally with the spool valve18.

The first coupling block15has a first piston accommodating recess21having a circular hole shape. The first piston19is accommodated in the first piston accommodating recess21so as to reciprocate therein. The first piston accommodating recess21and the first piston19define a first pilot pressure acting chamber22. Thus, the main valve portion12includes the first pilot pressure acting chamber22. A pilot fluid is supplied to and discharged from the first pilot pressure acting chamber22.

The second coupling block16includes a second piston accommodating recess23having a circular hole shape. The second piston20is accommodated in the second piston accommodating recess23so as to reciprocate therein. The second piston accommodating recess23and the second piston20define a second pilot pressure acting chamber24. Thus, the main valve portion12includes the second pilot pressure acting chamber24. The pilot fluid is supplied to and discharged from the second pilot pressure acting chamber24.

Base30

The base30includes a manifold block31. The manifold block31has a rectangular block shape. The manifold block31has a mount surface31a. The solenoid valve11is mounted on the mount surface31a. The longitudinal direction of the manifold block31coincides with the longitudinal direction of the valve casing13.

The manifold block31includes a supply passage32, a first output passage33, a second output passage34, a first discharge passage35, and a second discharge passage36. The supply passage32, the first output passage33, the second output passage34, the first discharge passage35, and the second discharge passage36open in the mount surface31a.

The end of the supply passage32that opens in the mount surface31aconnects to the supply port P. The end of the first output passage33that opens in the mount surface31aconnects to the first output port A. The end of the second output passage34that opens in the mount surface31aconnects to the second output port B. The end of the first discharge passage35that opens in the mount surface31aconnects to the first discharge port R1. The end of the second discharge passage36that opens in the mount surface31aconnects to the second discharge port R2.

The end of the supply passage32on a side opposite to the mount surface31ais connected to a fluid supply source (not shown) by, for example, a pipe or the like. The end of the first output passage33on the side opposite to the mount surface31aand the end of the second output passage34on the side opposite to the mount surface31aare connected to a fluid pressure device (not shown) by, for example, a pipe or the like. The end of the first discharge passage35on the side opposite to the mount surface31aand the end of the second discharge passage36on the side opposite to the mount surface31aare exposed to the atmosphere by, for example, a pipe or the like.

The solenoid valve manifold10includes an annular gasket37. The gasket37has the form of, for example, a thin plate. The gasket37seals a section between the valve body14of the solenoid valve11and the manifold block31.

Control Unit40

The control unit40is built in the manifold block31. Thus, the base30includes the control unit40. The control unit40includes a circuit board41. For example, the circuit board41is supplied with power from an external control device such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is not illustrated in the drawings. The circuit board41is built in the manifold block31. The circuit board41controls driving of each of the first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60.

First Pilot Solenoid Valve50

The first pilot solenoid valve50includes a first solenoid portion51. The first pilot solenoid valve50supplies and discharges a pilot fluid to and from the first pilot pressure acting chamber22. When a voltage is applied to the first solenoid portion51from the circuit board41, the first pilot solenoid valve50supplies, to the first pilot pressure acting chamber22as the pilot fluid, a compressed fluid supplied from the fluid supply source (not shown). When the application of a voltage to the first solenoid portion51from the circuit board41is stopped, the first pilot solenoid valve50stops supplying, to the first pilot pressure acting chamber22, the compressed fluid supplied from the fluid supply source. Then, the first pilot solenoid valve50discharges the pilot fluid from the first pilot pressure acting chamber22to the atmosphere.

Second Pilot Solenoid Valve60

The second pilot solenoid valve60includes a second solenoid portion61. The second pilot solenoid valve60supplies and discharges a pilot fluid to and from the second pilot pressure acting chamber24. When a voltage is applied to the second solenoid portion61from the circuit board41, the second pilot solenoid valve60supplies, to the second pilot pressure acting chamber24as the pilot fluid, a compressed fluid supplied from the fluid supply source. When the application of a voltage to the second solenoid portion61from the circuit board41is stopped, the second pilot solenoid valve60stops supplying, to the second pilot pressure acting chamber24, the compressed fluid supplied from the fluid supply source. Then, the second pilot solenoid valve60discharges the pilot fluid from the second pilot pressure acting chamber24to the atmosphere.

The first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60are integrated with each other and arranged side by side. Specifically, the first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60are located on a side of the first coupling block15opposite to the valve body14. The first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60are arranged adjacent to the first coupling block15.

First Position and Second Position of Spool Valve18

The spool valve18is switchable between a first position and a second position. For example, it is assumed that a voltage is applied to the first solenoid portion51from the circuit board41and a voltage is not applied to the second solenoid portion61from the circuit board41. Then, the compressed fluid supplied from the fluid supply source is supplied to the first pilot pressure acting chamber22as the pilot fluid by the first pilot solenoid valve50. The pilot fluid in the second pilot pressure acting chamber24is discharged to the atmosphere by the second pilot solenoid valve60. This moves the spool valve18toward the second piston accommodating recess23. As a result, the spool valve18is switched to the first position at which the supply port P connects to the first output port A and the second output port B connects to the second discharge port R2. When the spool valve18is switched to the first position, the supply port P is disconnected from the second output port B and the first output port A is disconnected from the first discharge port R1.

For example, it is assumed that a voltage is not applied to the first solenoid portion51from the circuit board41and a voltage is applied to the second solenoid portion61from the circuit board41. Then, the compressed fluid supplied from the fluid supply source is supplied to the second pilot pressure acting chamber24as the pilot fluid by the second pilot solenoid valve60. The pilot fluid in the first pilot pressure acting chamber22is discharged to the atmosphere by the first pilot solenoid valve50. This moves the spool valve18toward the first piston accommodating recess21. As a result, the spool valve18is switched to the second position at which the supply port P connects to the second output port B and the first output port A connects to the first discharge port R1. When the spool valve18is switched to the second position, the supply port P is disconnected from the first output port A and the second output port B is disconnected from the second discharge port R2.

In this manner, the pilot fluid is supplied and discharged to and from the first pilot pressure acting chamber22by the first pilot solenoid valve50, and the pilot fluid is supplied and discharged to and from the second pilot pressure acting chamber24by the second pilot solenoid valve60. As a result, the spool valve18reciprocates in the spool valve bore17between the first position and the second position. When the spool valve18is switched between the first position and the second position, the connected ports are switched. Thus, the main valve portion12switches the connected ports when the pilot fluid is supplied to and discharged from each of the first pilot pressure acting chamber22and the second pilot pressure acting chamber24.FIG.1shows a state in which the spool valve18is located at the second position.

First Conductive Member52

As shown inFIG.2, the first pilot solenoid valve50includes first conductive members52. The first conductive members52are electrically connected to the first solenoid portion51. The first pilot solenoid valve50includes two first conductive members52. One of the two first conductive members52defines a positive electrode line, and the other one of the two first conductive members52defines a negative electrode line. Each first conductive member52is, for example, columnar.

First Tubular Portion53

The first pilot solenoid valve50includes a first tubular portion53. The first tubular portion53surrounds the two first conductive members52. Specifically, the first tubular portion53surrounds the tips (ends) of the two first conductive members52on a side opposite to the first solenoid portion51. The first tubular portion53is tubular. The tip of each first conductive member52protrudes outward from the first tubular portion53through the opening of the first tubular portion53. The axial direction of the first tubular portion53is identical with the extending direction of the tip of each first conductive member52. The first pilot solenoid valve50is disposed with respect to the base30such that the opening of the first tubular portion53opens toward the base30. Thus, the tip of each first conductive member52extends toward the base30.

The outer circumferential surface of the first tubular portion53has a first mount groove53a. The first mount groove53ais annular. A first lip packing54is mounted in the first mount groove53a. The first lip packing54is made of rubber. The first lip packing54is annular.

Second Conductive Member62

The second pilot solenoid valve60includes second conductive members62. The second conductive members62are electrically connected to the second solenoid portion61. The second pilot solenoid valve60includes two second conductive members62. One of the two second conductive members62defines a positive electrode line, and the other one of the two second conductive members62defines a negative electrode line. Each second conductive member62is, for example, columnar.

Second Tubular Portion63

The second pilot solenoid valve60includes a second tubular portion63. The second tubular portion63surrounds the two second conductive members62. Specifically, the second tubular portion63surrounds the tips (ends) of the two second conductive members62on a side opposite to the second solenoid portion61. The second tubular portion63is tubular. The tip of each second conductive member62protrudes outward from the second tubular portion63through the opening of the second tubular portion63. The axial direction of the second tubular portion63is identical with the extending direction of the tip of each second conductive member62. The second pilot solenoid valve60is disposed with respect to the base30such that the opening of the second tubular portion63opens toward the base30. Thus, the tip of each second conductive member62extends toward the base30.

The axial direction of the second tubular portion63is identical with the axial direction of the first tubular portion53. The extending direction of the tips of the second conductive members62is identical with the extending direction of the tips of the first conductive members52.

The outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion63has a second mount groove63a. The second mount groove63ais annular. A second lip packing64is mounted in the second mount groove63a. The second lip packing64is made of rubber. The second lip packing64is annular.

Connector Member70

The solenoid valve manifold10includes a connector member70. The connector member70includes a base portion71, a first connector portion80, and a second connector portion90. The connector member70is located on the base30. Thus, the base30is provided with the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90. The connector member70is formed by integrating the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90with the base portion71.

Base Portion71

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the base portion71is flat. Specifically, the base portion71has the form of a thin plate. The base portion71is made of resin. The base portion71is rectangular in plan view of the base portion71in the thickness direction. The base portion71has a first surface711and a second surface712. The first surface711is located at a first end of the base portion71in the thickness direction. The first surface711is flat. The second surface712is located at a second end of the base portion71in the thickness direction. The second surface712is flat. The first surface711and the second surface712extend in parallel with each other.

The base portion71includes two long side edges71aextending in a longitudinal direction X1of the base portion71and two short side edges71bextending in a lateral direction W1of the base portion71. The two long side edges71aextend in parallel with each other. The two short side edges71bextend in parallel with each other. One of the two short side edges71bconnects the first ends of the two long side edges71ain the longitudinal direction X1to each other. The other one of the two short side edges71bconnects the second ends of the two long side edges71ain the longitudinal direction X1to each other. Each of the two long side edges71ahas a curved portion71c. The two curved portions71care each curved in an arcuate shape to be recessed in a direction in which the curved portions71capproach each other at the central part of a corresponding long side edge71a.

Through-Hole72

The base portion71has a through-hole72. The through-hole72extends through the base portion71in the thickness direction. The through-hole72is located at a central part of the base portion71. The through-hole72is rectangular in plan view of the base portion71in the thickness direction. The longitudinal direction of the through-hole72coincides with the longitudinal direction X1of the base portion71. In plan view of the base portion71in the thickness direction, the through-hole72is located between the two curved portions71cin the lateral direction W1of the base portion71. Thus, each curved portion71cis curved in an arcuate shape to be recessed from a corresponding long side edge71atoward the through-hole72. Since the base portion71has the two curved portions71c, elastic deformation of the periphery of the through-hole72in the base portion71occurs readily in the lateral direction W1of the base portion71.

The base portion71has extension holes73,74. The extension hole73extends in the longitudinal direction X1to be bifurcated from a first end of the through-hole72in its longitudinal direction. The extension hole74extends in the longitudinal direction X1to be bifurcated from a second end of the through-hole72in its longitudinal direction. Since the base portion71has the two extension holes73,74, elastic deformation of the periphery of the through-hole72in the base portion71occurs more readily in the lateral direction W1of the base portion71.

First Connector Portion80

As shown inFIG.2, the first connector portion80includes a first terminal accommodating portion81and a first connection terminal82. As shown inFIG.4, the first terminal accommodating portion81is tubular, and protrudes from the first surface711of the base portion71. The first terminal accommodating portion81has, for example, a square tubular shape. The first terminal accommodating portion81is located closer to the first end of the base portion71in the longitudinal direction than the through-hole72in the first surface711of the base portion71. The first terminal accommodating portion81is adjacent to the through-hole72of the base portion71in the longitudinal direction in plan view of the base portion71in the thickness direction of the base portion71.

As shown inFIG.2, the first terminal accommodating portion81has two first terminal accommodating chambers83. The two first terminal accommodating chambers83are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first terminal accommodating portion81. The two first terminal accommodating chambers83are divided from each other by a first partition wall84, which is a part of the first terminal accommodating portion81. Each first terminal accommodating chamber opens in the second surface712of the base portion71through a corresponding first terminal insertion hole85in the base portion71. A tip surface of the first terminal accommodating portion81has two first conductive member insertion holes86. Each first terminal accommodating chamber83opens in the tip surface of the first terminal accommodating portion81through a corresponding first conductive member insertion hole86.

The first connector portion80includes two first connection terminals82. The two first connection terminals82are each accommodated in a corresponding first terminal accommodating chamber83. The first conductive member52inserted into the first terminal accommodating chamber83through the first conductive member insertion hole86can be inserted and connected to each first connection terminal82. Thus, each first connection terminal82is accommodated in a corresponding first terminal accommodating chamber83such that the first conductive member52inserted into the first terminal accommodating chamber83through the first conductive member insertion hole86can be inserted and connected to the first connection terminal82.

The end of each first connection terminal82on a side opposite to the first conductive member52is electrically connected to the circuit board41by a corresponding first terminal insertion hole85. Thus, each first connection terminal82electrically connects a corresponding first conductive member52to the circuit board41. Thus, the first conductive member52is inserted into and connected to the first connector portion80, and the first connector portion80electrically connects the first conductive members52and the circuit board41to each other.

Second Connector Portion90

The second connector portion90includes a second terminal accommodating portion91and second connection terminals92. As shown inFIG.4, the second terminal accommodating portion91is tubular, and protrudes from the first surface711of the base portion71. The second terminal accommodating portion91has, for example, a square tubular shape. The second terminal accommodating portion91is located closer to the second end of the base portion71in the longitudinal direction than the through-hole72in the first surface711of the base portion71. The second terminal accommodating portion91is adjacent to the through-hole72of the base portion71in the longitudinal direction in plan view of the base portion71in the thickness direction of the base portion71.

As shown inFIG.2, the second terminal accommodating portion91has two second terminal accommodating chambers93. The two second terminal accommodating chambers93are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the second terminal accommodating portion91. The two second terminal accommodating chamber93are divided from each other by a second partition wall94, which is a part of the second terminal accommodating portion91. Each second terminal accommodating chamber opens in the second surface712of the base portion71through a corresponding second terminal insertion hole95in the base portion71. A tip surface of the second terminal accommodating portion91has two second conductive member insertion holes96. Each second terminal accommodating chamber93opens in the tip surface of the second terminal accommodating portion91through a corresponding second conductive member insertion hole96.

The second connector portion90has two second connection terminals92. The two second connection terminal92are each accommodated in a corresponding second terminal accommodating chamber93. The second conductive member62inserted into the second terminal accommodating chamber93through the second conductive member insertion hole96can be inserted and connected to each second connection terminal92. Thus, each second connection terminal92is accommodated in a corresponding second terminal accommodating chamber93such that the second conductive member62inserted into the second terminal accommodating chamber93through the second conductive member insertion hole96can be inserted and connected to the second connection terminal92.

The end of each second connection terminal92on a side opposite to the second conductive member62is electrically connected to the circuit board41by a corresponding second terminal insertion hole95. Thus, each second connection terminal92electrically connects a corresponding second conductive member62to the circuit board41. Thus, the second conductive member62is inserted into and connected to the second connector portion90, and the second connector portion90electrically connects the second conductive member62and the circuit board41to each other.

Attachment Wall Portion42

As shown inFIGS.2and5, the base30includes an attachment wall portion42. The connector member70is attached to the attachment wall portion42. The attachment wall portion42faces the first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60. The attachment wall portion42has an outer surface42aand an inner surface42b. The outer surface42aof the attachment wall portion42faces the first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60. The inner surface42bof the attachment wall portion42is a surface which is opposite to the outer surface42aand to which the connector member70is attached.

First Connection Port43

As shown inFIG.2, the base30has a first connection port43. The first connection port43extends through the attachment wall portion42. The first terminal accommodating portion81is disposed in the first connection port43. Thus, the first connector portion80is disposed in the first connection port43. The first tubular portion53is inserted into the first connection port43. In this state, the first terminal accommodating portion81is inserted into the first tubular portion53. Accordingly, the first pilot solenoid valve50includes the first tubular portion53, into which the first connector portion80is inserted. A first lip packing54is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular portion53and the inner circumferential surface of the first connection port43. The first lip packing54seals a section between the first tubular portion53and the first connection port43.

Second Connection Port44

The base30has a second connection port44. The second connection port44extends through the attachment wall portion42. The second terminal accommodating portion91is disposed in the second connection port44. Thus, the second connector portion90is disposed in the second connection port44. The second tubular portion63is inserted into the second connection port44. In this state, the second terminal accommodating portion91is inserted into the second tubular portion63. Accordingly, the second pilot solenoid valve60includes the second tubular portion63into which the second connector portion90is inserted. A second lip packing64is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion63and the inner circumferential surface of the second connection port44. The second lip packing64seals a section between the second tubular portion63and the second connection port44.

Insertion Direction Z1

When the first tubular portion53is inserted into the first connection port43, each first conductive member52is inserted into a corresponding first terminal accommodating chamber83through the first conductive member insertion hole86, and is inserted into and connected to the first connection terminal82. In this manner, each first conductive member52is inserted into and connected to the first connector portion80. Further, when the second tubular portion63is inserted into the second connection port44, each second conductive member62is inserted into the second terminal accommodating chamber93through the second conductive member insertion hole96, and is inserted and connected to the second connection terminal92. In this manner, each second conductive member62is inserted into and connected to the second connector portion90.

The insertion direction of the first conductive members52into the first connector portion80is identical with the insertion direction of the second conductive members62into the second connector portion90. In the following description, the insertion direction of the first conductive members52into the first connector portion80and the insertion direction of the second conductive members62into the second connector portion90may be simply referred to as an insertion direction Z1.

Protrusion45

The base30includes a protrusion45. The protrusion45is columnar. The protrusion45protrudes from the attachment wall portion42. As shown inFIG.5, the protrusion45is rectangular in plan view of the base portion71in the thickness direction. The protrusion45has two long side surfaces45aextending in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion45and two short side surfaces45bextending in the lateral direction of the protrusion45. The two long side surfaces45aextend in parallel with each other. The two short side surfaces45bextend in parallel with each other. One of the two short side surfaces45bconnects first ends of the two long side surfaces45ain the longitudinal direction to each other. The other one of the two short side surfaces45bconnects the second ends of the two long side surfaces45ain the longitudinal direction to each other.

Engagement Projection46

The base30includes two engagement projections46. The two engagement projections46protrude from the two long side surfaces45aof the protrusion45, respectively. Thus, the two long side surfaces45aare two side surfaces of the protrusion45from which the two engagement projections46protrude, respectively.

As shown inFIG.6, the two engagement projections46respectively include side surfaces46a. The side surfaces46aare inclined to extend away from each other as extending away from the tip of the protrusion45. Each engagement projection46has a step surface46b. Each step surface46bconnects a corresponding long side surface45aof the protrusion45to an end edge of the side surface46aof the engagement projection46on the side opposite to the tip of the protrusion45. The step surfaces46bare orthogonal to the long side surfaces45aof the protrusion45. A part of the base portion71around the through-hole72is engageable with the two engagement projections46. The first surface711of the base portion71faces the inner surface42bof the attachment wall portion42.

Guide Surface75

The through-hole72has two guide surfaces75. When the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72, the two guide surfaces75are each guided by the side surface46aof a corresponding engagement projection46. The two guide surfaces75are inclined to approach each other as extending away from the first surface711, which is a surface of the base portion71facing the attachment wall portion42.

Relationship Between Connector Member70and Base30

As shown inFIGS.5and6, the connector member70is disposed relative to the base30such that the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72with the longitudinal direction of the through-hole72coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the protrusion45. In this state, the thickness direction of the base portion71coincides with the insertion direction Z1. The base portion71is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the insertion direction Z1when the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72. Specifically, when the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72, elastic deformation of the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72readily occurs in the lateral direction W1of the base portion71.

When the two engagement projections46pass through the through-hole72, the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72returns to its original shape prior to the elastic deformation. Then, the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72engages with the step surfaces46bof the two engagement projections46. When the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72engages with the two engagement projections46in this manner, the connector member70is attached to the base30. In a state in which the connector member70is attached to the base30, the connector member70is allowed to slightly move in each of the longitudinal direction X1of the base portion71and the lateral direction W1of the base portion71.

Operation of Embodiment

The operation of the present embodiment will now be described.

The connector member70, which is formed by integrating the base portion71with the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, is attached to the base30. Thus, the relative position between the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90does not deviate from a predetermined position. This allows the first conductive members52and the second conductive members62to be readily inserted into and connected to the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, respectively.

For example, when a voltage is applied to the first solenoid portion51from the circuit board41and a voltage is not applied to the second solenoid portion61from the circuit board41, the spool valve18is switched to the first position. When the spool valve18is switched to the first position, the fluid supplied to the supply port P is output to the fluid pressure device through the first output port A and the first output passage33. Then, the pressurized fluid from the fluid pressure device is discharged out of the second discharge passage36through the second output passage34, the second output port B, and the second discharge port R2.

In contrast, as shown inFIG.1, when a voltage is not applied to the first solenoid portion51from the circuit board41and a voltage is applied to the second solenoid portion61from the circuit board41, the spool valve18is switched to the second position. When the spool valve18is switched to the second position, the fluid supplied to the supply port P is output to the fluid pressure device through the second output port B and the second output passage34. Then, the pressurized fluid from the fluid pressure device is discharged out of the first discharge passage35through the first output passage33, the first output port A, and the first discharge port R1.

Advantages of Embodiment

The above embodiment provides the following advantages.

(1) The connector member70, which is formed by integrating the flat base portion71with the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, is attached to the base30. In this configuration, the relative position between the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90does not deviate from a predetermined position. This allows the first conductive members52and the second conductive members62to be readily inserted into and connected to the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, respectively.

Furthermore, when the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72, the base portion71is elastically deformable in the direction intersecting the direction in which the first conductive member52and the second conductive member62are inserted into the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, respectively. Thus, to attach the connector member70to the base30, for example, the connector member70does not need to have an elongated plate-shaped engagement projection that is engageable with a recess of the base30.

For example, if the connector member70includes an elongated plate-shaped engagement projection, the engagement projection needs to be elastically deformed. Thus, the engagement projection needs to have a certain length. This necessitates the arrangement of a space for disposing the engagement projection, and accordingly increases the size of the solenoid valve manifold10. However, the connector member70of the present embodiment is attached to the base30when the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72engages with the two engagement projections46. Thus, since the connector member70can be attached to the base30without arranging an elongated plate-shaped engagement projection on the connector member70, the size of the solenoid valve manifold10is reduced. The above configuration allows the first conductive members52and the second conductive members62to be readily inserted into and connected to the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, respectively. Additionally, the configuration reduces the size of the solenoid valve manifold10.

(2) The two engagement projections46respectively include the side surfaces46a, which are inclined to extend away from each other as extending away from the tip of the protrusion45. The two guide surfaces75of the through-hole72are inclined to approach each other as extending away from the surface of the base portion71facing the attachment wall portion42. In this configuration, when the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72, each guide surface75of the through-hole72is guided by the side surface46aof a corresponding engagement projection46. This facilitates insertion of the two engagement projections46into the through-hole72, and thus allows the connector member70to be readily attached to the base30.

(3) The first lip packing54, which is made of rubber and seals the section between the first tubular portion53and the first connection port43, is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular portion53and the inner circumferential surface of the first connection port43. The second lip packing64, which is made of rubber and seals the section between the second tubular portion63and the second connection port44, is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion63and the inner circumferential surface of the second connection port44. In this configuration, the dimensional tolerance between the base30and each of the first and second pilot solenoid valves50,60is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the first lip packing54and the second lip packing64. This allows the first conductive members52and the second conductive members62to be more readily inserted into and connected to the first connector portion80and the second connector portion90, respectively.

Modifications

The above embodiment may be modified as follows. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined as long as the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each other.

In the embodiment, the two engagement projections46do not have to respectively protrude from the two long side surfaces45aof the protrusion45. Instead, for example, the two engagement projections46may respectively protrude from the two short side surfaces45bof the protrusion45. In this case, when the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72, elastic deformation of the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72occurs in the longitudinal direction X1of the base portion71. In short, the base portion71only needs to be configured such that the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72is elastically deformable in the direction intersecting the insertion direction Z1when the two engagement projections46are inserted into the through-hole72. The connector member70only needs to be attached to the base30when the part of the base portion71around the through-hole72engages with the two engagement projections46.

In the embodiment, the side surfaces46aof the two engagement projections46do not have to be inclined to extend away from each other as extending away from the tip of the protrusion45. For example, the side surfaces46aof the two engagement projections46may be flat surfaces extending in the same direction as the protruding direction of the protrusion45from the attachment wall portion42. In this case, the two guide surfaces75of the through-hole72does not have to be inclined to approach each other as extending away from the surface of the base portion71facing the attachment wall portion42. For example, the two guide surfaces75of the through-hole72may be flat surfaces extending in the same direction as the thickness direction of the base portion71.

In the embodiment, an annular gasket may be disposed between the base30and each of the first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60. The gasket may seal the section between the base30and each of the first pilot solenoid valve50and the second pilot solenoid valve60. In this case, the solenoid valve manifold10does not have to include the first lip packing54or the second lip packing64.

In the embodiment, the number of first conductive members52is not particularly limited.

In the embodiment, the number of second conductive members62is not particularly limited.

In the embodiment, the first pilot solenoid valve50does not have to include the first tubular portion53.

In the embodiment, the second pilot solenoid valve60does not have to include the second tubular portion63.

In the embodiment, the base portion71does not have to include the extension holes73,74.

In the embodiment, the shape of the protrusion45is not particularly limited. The shape of the through-hole72may be changed depending on the shape of the protrusion45.

In the embodiment, the solenoid valve11may be, for example, a four-port solenoid valve that does not include the second discharge port R2. In short, the solenoid valve11only needs to have at least one discharge port. Alternatively, the solenoid valve11may be a three-port solenoid valve that has a supply port, an output port, and a discharge port.

The term “annular” as used in this description may refer to any structure that forms a loop, or a continuous shape with no ends, as well as a generally loop-shaped structure with a gap, such as a C-shape. “Annular” shapes include but are not limited to a circular shape, an elliptic shape, and a polygonal shape with sharp or rounded corners. Likewise, “tubular” shapes include but are not limited to any structure having a circular cross-sectional shape, an elliptic cross-sectional shape, and a polygonal cross-sectional shape with sharp or rounded corners.