Doc no.

DOC1080021

Product Name

Hand Lever Valve

Model / Series / Product Number

VHL
Contents
1. Safety Instructions 2～ 3
2. Specific Product Precautions 4～ 8
3. Installation 8～11
4. Application 11
5. Specifications 11
6. Troubleshooting 12
7. Construction 13～15

-1-
 Hand Lever Valve / VHL Series
Safety Instructions
These safety instructions are intended to prevent hazardous situations and/or equipment damage.
These instructions indicate the level of potential hazard with the labels of “Caution,” “Warning” or “Danger.”
They are all important notes for safety and must be followed in addition to International Standards (ISO/IEC) *1),
and other safety regulations.
*1) ISO 4414: Pneumatic fluid power - General rules and safety requirements for systems and their components
ISO 4413: Hydraulic fluid power - General rules and safety requirements for systems and their components
IEC 60204-1: Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines - Part 1: General requirements
ISO 10218-1: Robots and robotic devices - Safety requirements for industrial robots - Part 1:Robots
etc.

Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result
Danger in death or serious injury.
Warning indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, could
Warning result in death or serious injury.
Caution indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, could result
Caution in minor or moderate injury.

Warning
1. The compatibility of the product is the responsibility of the person who designs the
equipment or decides its specifications.
Since the product specified here is used under various operating conditions, its compatibility with specific
equipment must be decided by the person who designs the equipment or decides its specifications based on
necessary analysis and test results. The expected performance and safety assurance of the equipment will
be the responsibility of the person who has determined its compatibility with the product. This person should
also continuously review all specifications of the product referring to its latest catalog information, with a view
to giving due consideration to any possibility of equipment failure when configuring the equipment.
2. Only personnel with appropriate training should operate machinery and equipment.
The product specified here may become unsafe if handled incorrectly. The assembly, operation and
maintenance of machines or equipment including our products must be performed by an operator who is
appropriately trained and experienced.
3. Do not service or attempt to remove product and machinery/equipment until safety is
confirmed.
1. The inspection and maintenance of machinery/equipment should only be performed after measures to
prevent falling or runaway of the driven objects have been confirmed.
2. When the product is to be removed, confirm that the safety measures as mentioned above are
implemented and the power from any appropriate source is cut, and read and understand the specific
product precautions of all relevant products carefully.
3. Before machinery/equipment is restarted, take measures to prevent unexpected operation and malfunction.
4. Our products cannot be used beyond their specifications. Our products are not developed,
designed, and manufactured to be used under the following conditions or environments.
Use under such conditions or environments is not covered.
1. Conditions and environments outside of the given specifications, or use outdoors or in a place exposed to
direct sunlight.
2. Use for nuclear power, railways, aviation, space equipment, ships, vehicles, military application, equipment
affecting human life, body, and property, fuel equipment, entertainment equipment, emergency shut-off
circuits, press clutches, brake circuits, safety equipment, etc., and use for applications that do not conform
to standard specifications such as catalogs and operation manuals.
3. Use for interlock circuits, except for use with double interlock such as installing a mechanical protection
function in case of failure. Please periodically inspect the product to confirm that the product is operating
properly.

-2-
 Hand Lever Valve / VHL Series
Safety Instructions

Caution
We develop, design, and manufacture our products to be used for automatic control equipment, and
provide them for peaceful use in manufacturing industries.
Use in non-manufacturing industries is not covered.
Products we manufacture and sell cannot be used for the purpose of transactions or certification specified in the
Measurement Act.
The new Measurement Act prohibits use of any unit other than SI units in Japan.

Limited warranty and Disclaimer/Compliance Requirements

The product used is subject to the following “Limited warranty and Disclaimer” and “Compliance
Requirements”.
Read and accept them before using the product.

Limited warranty and Disclaimer

1. The warranty period of the product is 1 year in service or 1.5 years after the product is delivered, whichever is
first.∗2)
Also, the product may have specified durability, running distance or replacement parts. Please consult your
nearest sales branch.
2. For any failure or damage reported within the warranty period which is clearly our responsibility, a
replacement product or necessary parts will be provided.
This limited warranty applies only to our product independently, and not to any other damage incurred due to
the failure of the product.
3. Prior to using SMC products, please read and understand the warranty terms and disclaimers noted in the
specified catalog for the particular products.

*2) Vacuum pads are excluded from this 1 year warranty.

A vacuum pad is a consumable part, so it is warranted for a year after it is delivered.
Also, even within the warranty period, the wear of a product due to the use of the vacuum pad or failure due to
the deterioration of rubber material are not covered by the limited warranty

Compliance Requirements
1. The use of SMC products with production equipment for the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction
(WMD) or any other weapon is strictly prohibited.
2. The exports of SMC products or technology from one country to another are governed by the relevant
security laws and regulations of the countries involved in the transaction. Prior to the shipment of a SMC
product to another country, assure that all local rules governing that export are known and followed.

-3-
2. Specific Product Precautions
Design/ Selection Design/ Selection
Warning Warning
(1) Confirm the specifications. (7) Release of residual pressure
This product is designed to be used only in a For maintenance purposes install a system for
compressed air system (including vacuum). releasing residual pressure. Especially in the
Do not operate at pressures, temperatures, etc., case of 3-position closed center valve type,
beyond the range of specifications, as this can ensure that the residual pressure between the
cause damage or malfunction. (Refer to the valve and the cylinder is released.
specifications.)
We do not guarantee against any damage if the (8) 3-position type
product is used outside of the specifications When using the 3-position type for the first time,
range. actuators may travel in an unexpected direction
depending on the switching position of the valve.
(2) Do not disassemble the product or make Implement measures to prevent any danger
any modifications, including additional from occurring when operating the actuator.
machining. Check that the actuator moves in the intended
Doing so may cause human injury and/or an direction by operation of the product (handle).
accident.
Note that the handle of the spring return type (9) Sonic conductance (C) and critical pressure
and detent type is detachable. ratio (b) values for products are
The handle of the shift prevention lock type is representative values.
not detachable. Therefore, do not disassemble
it. (10) Operation
The valve must be switched to each position
(3) Actuator drive instantly and securely. Stopping the handle
When an actuator, such as a cylinder, is to be between the extreme positions may cause
driven using a valve, take appropriate malfunction.
measures to prevent potential danger caused This product is a directional control valve and
by actuator operation. not intended to be used for flow rate control. If
this product is used to control the drive speed
(4) Intermediate stops of an actuator or for any other unintended
For 3-position closed center type, it is difficult to purpose without fully shifting the handle, the
make a piston stop at the required position product may be damaged.
accurately due to the compressibility of air.
Furthermore, since valves and cylinders are not (11) Switch the valve by hand.
guaranteed for zero air leakage, it may not be If a hammer or other tools are used, or it is
possible to hold a stopped position for an operated mechanically through the use of a
extended period of time. cylinder or the like, the product could be
When it is necessary to hold a stopping position, damaged.
select an equipment to prevent displacement
and design the circuit. (12) Move the handle in the correct direction
(longitudinal direction of the product).
(5) Holding pressure (including vacuum). Attempting to shift the handle in an unintended
Since the valve is subject to air leakage, it direction may damage the product.
cannot be used for applications such as holding
pressure (including vacuum) in a pressure (13) Ensure that the product is unlocked before
vessel. moving the handle.
The shift prevention lock type has a shift lock.
(6) Not suitable for use as an emergency shut- Attempting to move the handle with the lock
off valve, etc. engaged may damage the product.
The valves listed in this instruction manual are
not designed for safety applications such as an
emergency shutoff valve. If the valves are used
for the mentioned applications, additional
safety measures should be adopted.

-4-
 Design/ Selection Mounting
Warning Warning
(14) If the product is not operated for a (1) Operation Manual
prolonged period, it may take some time for Install the product and operate it only after
the valve to recover due to sticking of the reading the Operation Manual carefully and
seal. understanding its contents. Also, keep the
Take due care when keeping the product in one Manual where it can be referred to as
energisation state for an extended period of necessary.
time.
(2) Ensure sufficient space for maintenance
(15) Avoid applying vibration or impact to the activities.
product. When installing the product, allow access for
Vibration and impact may cause the product to maintenance.
malfunction.
(3) Tighten threads with the proper tightening
Design/ Selection torque.
When installing the product, follow the torque
Caution specifications given by the fitting manufacturer
used.
(1) Operation in a low temperature condition
Take appropriate measures to avoid freezing of (4) Use R external threads with Rc internal
drainage, moisture etc. in low temperature. threads and NPT external threads with NPT
internal threads and G external threads with
(2) Do not supply air pressure from other ports G internal threads.
than port 1(P).
Air leakage may occur when the pressure is (5) If air leakage increases or equipment does
supplied from other ports. not operated properly, stop operation.
Check mounting conditions when air and power
(3) Mounting orientation supplies are connected. Initial function and
Mounting orientation is unrestricted. leakage tests should be performed after
The product can be directly mounted or fixed by installation.
means of set nut. A set nut comes with all of the An unexpected movement may cause injury or
models of this series. break the product.
(4) Grease is applied to the inner parts of the (6) Painting and coating
valve. Grease may enter into the Warnings or specifications printed or affixed to
downstream side of the valve. the product should not be erased, removed or
covered up.
(5) Repetitive use of this product may cause Do not paint resin parts, as this may have an
the thread of the handle to come loose. In adverse effect due to the solvent in the paint.
this case, first tighten the threaded
portion of the handle by hand, and then (7) Do not drop the product or apply impact to
tighten further using the width across it during transport or installation. This could
flats of a tool. damage the product.
Tighten with a torque of 2 to 3 Nm as
reference. (8) Use a panel with the specified applicable
(Approximately 1/4 turns after tightening by thickness only.
hand) For the panel cutout dimensions and applicable
panel thicknesses, refer to the product catalog
or SMC website
(URL http://www.smcworld.com).

-5-
 Piping Air Supply

Caution Warning
(1) Refer to the Fittings and Tubing (2) When there is a large amount of drainage
Precautions for handling one-touch Compressed air containing a large amount of
fittings. drainage can cause the malfunction of
pneumatic equipment. An air dryer or water
(2) Preparation before piping separator should be installed upstream from
Before piping is connected, it should be filters.
thoroughly blown out with air (flushing) or
washed to remove chips, cutting oil and other (3) Drain flushing
debris from inside the pipe. If condensation in the drain bowl is not emptied
When screwing together pipes and fittings, etc., on a regular basis, the bowl will overflow and
be certain that chips from the pipe threads and allow the condensation to enter the
sealing material do not get inside the pipe. compressed air lines. This causes the
malfunction of pneumatic equipment.
(3) When using a closed center type, If the drain bowl is difficult to check and remove,
sufficiently check the piping between the the installation of a drain bowl with an auto
product and cylinder for air leakage. drain option is recommended.
For compressed air quality, refer to SMC
(4) When piping to the product, refer to the catalog "Compressed Air Purification System".
symbols and labels on the product to
ensure correct piping to the supply and (4) Use clean air
other ports. Do not use compressed air that contains
chemicals, synthetic oils that include organic
(5) Follow the procedures of the manufacturer solvents, salt, corrosive gases, etc., as it can
when fittings other than SMC are used. cause damage or malfunction.
Confirm that no problem will occur in the
operating conditions. Air Supply

Lubrication Caution
(1) If ultra-dry air is used as the fluid, the
Warning lubrication characteristics inside the
product will degrade, possibly affecting the
(1) The product has been lubricated for life by
reliability (service life) of the product.
the manufacturer, and does not require
lubrication in service.
(2) Install air filters.
(2) Use turbine oil Class 1, ISO VG32 (with no Install air filters close to the valves on the
additives), if lubricated. Use turbine oil upstream side. A filtration degree of 5
Class 1, ISO VG32 (with no additives), if micrometers or less should be selected.
lubricated. Besides, if the lubrication is
suspended halfway, the original lubricant (3) Ensure that the fluid and ambient
will be lost and may result in a malfunction. temperatures are within the specified range.
Be sure to keep lubricating continuously. If the fluid temperature is 5℃ or less, the
For details about lubricant manufacturers’ moisture in the circuit could freeze, causing
brands, refer to the SMC website. damage to the seals or leading to equipment
malfunction. Therefore, take appropriate
measures to prevent freezing.
Air Supply For compressed air quality, refer to SMC
catalog "Compressed Air Purification System".
Warning (4) If excessive carbon powder is seen, install
(1) Type of fluids a mist separator on the upstream side of
Use compressed air as the fluid used. the valve.
If excessive carbon powder is generated by
the compressor, it may adhere to the inside of
the valve and cause malfunction.

-6-
 Operating environment Maintenance

Warning Warning
(1) Do not use in an atmosphere containing (1) Perform maintenance and inspection
corrosive gases, chemicals, sea water, according to the procedures indicated in the
water, water steam, or where there is direct operation manual.
contact with any of these. If handled improperly, malfunction or damage
of machinery and equipment may occur.
(2) Do not use this product in an environment
where flammable or volatile gases are (2) Maintenance work
present; there is a risk of fire or explosion. If handled improperly, compressed air can be
dangerous.
(3) Do not operate in a location subject to Assembly, handling, repair and element
vibration or impact. replacement of pneumatic systems should be
performed by a knowledgeable and
(4) Do not expose the product to direct sunlight experienced person.
for an extended period of time.
(3) Removal of equipment, and supply/exhaust
(5) Do not mount the product in locations where of compressed air
it is exposed to radiant heat. Before components are removed, first confirm
that measures are in place to prevent
(6) Employ suitable protective measures in a workpieces from dropping, run-away
location where there is contact with oil or equipment, etc. Then, cut the supply pressure
welding spatter, etc. and electric power, and exhaust all compressed
air from the system using the residual pressure
(7) When the valve is exposed to a large release function.
amount of dust, install a silencer into the In the closed center type, compressed air
port "5(EA)" and "3(EB)". remains between the valve and the cylinder.
When dust enters the valve from the port Therefore, exhaust the pressure in the same
"5(EA)" or "3(EB)", it may cause air leakage. manner.
When machinery is restarted, proceed with
(8) To prevent malfunction of this product due caution after confirming that appropriate
to water, oil, or dust entering the product measures are in place to prevent sudden
through the lever opening, install the movement.
supplied dust boot before using the
product. (4) If the air leakage increases or the product
Note that the dust boot is intended to does not function properly, stop operating
prevent entry of large foreign matter and is it. Periodically conduct maintenance of the
not intended to provide a protective valve to check for air leakage and
enclosure. operation conditions.

For how to install the dust boot, refer to “3. Maintenance

Installation of accessories”
Caution
(1) Drain flushing
Remove drainage from air filters regularly.

(2) Lubrication
Once lubrication has been started, it must be
continued. Apply class 1 turbine oil (ISO
VG32) as a lubricant. Use of other lubricants
may cause malfunction.

-7-
 One-touch Fittings

Caution
When fittings are used, they may interfere with one another depending on their types and sizes.
Therefore, the dimensions of the fittings to be used should first be confirmed in their respective
catalogs. Fittings whose compliance with the VHL series is already confirmed are stated below. If
the fitting within the applicable range is selected, there will not be any interference.

Applicable Fittings：Series KQ2H, KQ2S

Applicable tubing O.D.
Series Model Piping port Port size
φ3.2 φ4 φ6 φ8 φ10 φ12 φ16
4(A),2(B) 1/4
VHL200 VHL21□□-□02 P:1/4
1(P),5(EA),3(EB)
EA,EB:1/8

3．Installation of accessories
Install the supplied accessories following the instructions below.
The accessories should be installed in accordance with the product being used.

A) For spring return or detent type

A) 3-1 Set nut installation (panel mounted)

Rotation Panel rotation

stopper stopper cut out (1) Mount the product to the panel.
(red) Mount the product to the panel, aligning the rotation stopper on the
product with the panel rotation stopper cut-out.
Panel

(2) Tighten the set nut to fix the product to the panel.
Tighten the set nut by hand, additionally tighten it by using a tool,
and then check that the product is securely installed.

Set nut * When retightening

Please use a hook wrench on the grooves of the set nut.
After hand tightening, follow the values in the table below for
retightening.

Amount of Reference
Model Tool size
retightening torque
VHL200 Series 34/38 2 to 5 notch 2.0±0.2 N・m
Grooves for applying wrench

-8-
A) 3-2 Dust boot installation

(1) Install the dust boot before use.

Dust boot Install the dust boot so that it is hooked at the step of
the lever and the head cover, shown in blue.
After installation, shift the lever to ensure that the dust
boot is securely in the groove.
If the dust boot flips up during lever shift, re-install it so
that it is caught in the groove.
Install in the
groove portion ※The dust boot is intended to prevent entry of large
(blue) foreign matter and is not intended to provide a
protective enclosure.
Take appropriate protective measures according to the
operating environment.

A) 3-3 Handle installation

Handle
(1) Install the handle.
Install the handle on the lever.
Tighten the handle by hand, additionally tighten it by using a tool,
Width across flats and then check that the product is securely installed.

* When tightening by hand only, the handle may come loose during
operation.
When retightening the handle after hand tightening, tighten the
Lever
handle by using the width across flats shown in blue to a tightening
torque indicated in the table below.

Tool size Amount of Reference

Model
(Width across flats) retightening torque
VHL200 Handle : 22mm Approximately 1/4 turns
2.0 to 3.0 Nm
Series Lever : 14mm after tightening by hand

-9-
B) For Shift prevention lock
B) 3-1 Remove the set nut

Moving the dust boot

(1) Remove the dust boot from the groove and move it
to the position shown.
If the dust boot remains installed in the groove,
Removed from groove portion subsequent actions will be difficult.
Allow the top and bottom edges of the dust boot to be
removed from the groove respectively.

Remove the set nut (2) Remove the set nut.

Remove the dust boot by deforming it with your fingers
and passing the dust boot inside the set nut.
Be careful not to damage the dust boot by using tools or
forcibly stretching it.

B) 3-2 Set nut installation (panel mounted)

Panel rotation
Rotation
stopper
stopper cut out (1) Mount the product to the panel.
(red) Mount the product to the panel, aligning the rotation stopper on the
product with the panel rotation stopper cut-out.
Install the dust boot by deforming it with your fingers and passing
the dust boot through the panel cut diameter.
Panel (2) Tighten the set nut to fix the product to the panel.
Install the dust boot by deforming it with your fingers and passing
the dust boot inside the set nut.
Tighten the set nut by hand, additionally tighten it by using a tool,
and then check that the product is securely installed.

Set nut * When retightening

Please use a hook wrench on the grooves of the set nut.
After hand tightening, follow the values in the table below for
retightening.

Amount of Reference
Model Tool size
retightening torque
VHL200 Series 34/38 2 to 5 notch 2.0±0.2 N・m

Grooves for applying wrench

- 10 -
B) 3-3 Dust boot installation

(1) Install the dust boot before use.

Install the dust boot so that it is hooked at the step of
the lever and the head cover shown in blue.
After installation, shift the lever to ensure that the dust
boot is securely in the groove.
Dust boot If the dust boot flips up during lever shift, re-install it so
that it is caught in the groove.

Install in the ※The dust boot is intended to prevent entry of large

groove portion foreign matter and is not intended to provide a
(blue) protective enclosure.
Take appropriate protective measures according to the
operating environment.

4. Application
This product is a valve for signal transmission used for a pneumatic control circuit of machining
equipment or general industrial machinery, etc.

5. Specifications
Model VHL21*S* VHL21*(D,W)*
Operation type Spring return type Detent type
Fluid Air
Operating pressure -0.1 to 1.0MPa
Operating temperature -10 to 60 ℃ (No freezing)
Port size 1(P),4(A),2(B) : 1/4, 5(EA),3(EB) : 1/8
Option With Shift prevention lock

- 11 -
6. TROUBLE SHOOTING
Should any trouble be found during operation, trace the source of the trouble in the following order
and take corrective action.

Trouble phenomenon Cause expected Remedy

・ In case of ingress of foreign matter,
Intrusion of foreign matter remove foreign matter by air blow of piping
and then replace valve.
Leakage Internal leakage

Poor seal on actuator (cylinders,

・Repair or replace actuators.
etc.) side

Breakage due to application of

- Any of the functional parts inside the
The valve cannot excessive operating force
product may be broken. Replace the part
be switched. Breakage due to application of
with a new one.
excessive moment load

- Avoid using this product by keeping it in

Spring return is Sticking due to prolonged
a single operation state for an extended
disabled. operation in a single position.
period of time.

The detent does

Malfunction Wear of detent part. ・Replace product.
not function.

- Review the installation environment.

The valve is Use of the product in an
- If vibration or impact is applied to the
unintentionally environment with vibrations
product in its operating environment, the use
switched. and/or impact.
of shift prevention lock type is recommended.

The lock plate was broken due

The handle button
to an external force, and the ・Replace product.
does not return.
button was caught.

Handle cannot be
・Replace product.
installed.
Other Thread deformation - Install the nut to the torque indicated in
Set nut cannot be
installed. the Operation Manual.

If the problem persists after the above countermeasures have been implemented, the valve may be
experiencing a failure. In this case, stop using the valve immediately.

- 12 -
7. Construction
VHL21*S-*02 (Spring return type)
- 3-position closed center
- 3-position exhaust center

Spring return
closed center

Spring return
exhaust center

VHL212S-*02 (Spring return type)

- 2-position

Spring return

No. Description Material Note

1 Head Cover PBT Gray
2 Spool valve Aluminum alloy, HNBR,POM
3 Lever Stainless steel
4 Joint Carbon steel
5 Handle POM Gray
6 Handle cap POM Gray
7 Guide plate PBT White
8 End cover Aluminum alloy
9 Body Aluminum die-casted White
10 End cover PA White
11 Return spring Stainless steel
12 Spring seat POM
13 Spacer PBT Gray
14 Pin Stainless steel
15 Pin Stainless steel
Note ) The Set nut is made of POM and the Dust boot is made of CR.

- 13 -
VHL21*D-*02 (Detent type)
- 3-position closed center
- 3-position exhaust center

Detent
closed center

Detent
exhaust center

VHL212D-*02 (Detent type)

- 2-position

Detent

No. Description Material Note

1 Head Cover PBT Gray
2 Spool valve Aluminum alloy, HNBR,POM
3 Lever Stainless steel
4 Joint Carbon steel
5 Handle POM Gray
6 Handle cap POM Gray
7 Guide plate PBT White
8 End cover Aluminum alloy
9 Clip ring Stainless steel
10 Body Aluminum die-casted White
11 End cover PA White
12 Pin Stainless steel
13 Pin Stainless steel
Note ) The Set nut is made of POM and the Dust boot is made of CR.

- 14 -
VHL21*W-*02 (Shift prevention lock type)
- 3-position closed center
- 3-position exhaust center

Shift prevention lock

closed center

Shift prevention lock

exhaust center

VHL212W-*02 (Shift prevention lock type)

- 2-position

Shift prevention lock

No. Description Material Note

1 Head Cover PBT Gray
2 Spool valve Aluminum alloy, HNBR,POM
3 Lever Stainless steel
4 Joint Carbon steel
5 Handle POM Gray
6 Handle button Aluminum alloy Anodized (Blue)
7 Lock plate Stainless steel White
8 Handle spring Stainless steel
9 Guide plate PBT White
10 End cover Aluminum alloy
11 Clip ring Stainless steel
12 Body Aluminum die-casted White
13 End cover PA White
14 Pin Stainless steel
15 Pin Stainless steel
16 Pin Carbon steel
Note ) The Set nut is made of POM and the Dust boot is made of CR.

- 15 -
 Revision history

4-14-1, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 JAPAN

Tel: + 81 3 5207 8249 Fax: +81 3 5298 5362
URL https://www.smcworld.com

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice and any obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
© SMC Corporation All Rights Reserved