EP0624831B1 - Controlsystem to be used in cooperation with fluid actuated systems - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a control device for use in Connection with fluid-operated devices, for example Working cylinders, with a valve station that has multiple valves and associated with it, with the participation of an electronic Control unit for electrically actuated valve drives contains, and with at least one signal connection for one leading away from the valve station to an external object Signal conductor is equipped, the at least one signal connection as an input for control signals coming from the object serves.

A control device of this type is, for example, from the DE-U-92 11 109 or EP-A-0 606 048. It contains one Valve station, which has an assembly-like structure. A plate-like fluid distributor is with several pneumatic valves equipped, which have a valve drive which for Switching the associated valve is operated electrically. As Valve drives come in particular electromagnets or so-called Solenoid valves in question. Devices can be attached to the valves connect that can be operated fluidically, for example Working cylinder.

The actuation signals for the valve drives provide a electronic control unit that is part of the valve station can be. The valve station also has several Signal connections serving as inputs to the external objects like monitoring devices e.g. Sensors, leading Signal conductors can be connected to electrical control signals to receive, which the control unit can process.

So far, only so-called reed contacts are provided Use sensors and the control signals supplied by them electrically to one of the signal connections of the valve station to transmit, in this case as a digital signal input is trained. However, this is becoming increasingly the case Requirement to control complex systems or machines, so that with the previous equipment of the valve stations has certain limits. It is therefore the task of the present Invention, a control device of the aforementioned Art to create, which is versatile with little installation effort can be used.

This object is achieved in that the at least one Signal connection of the input of a component of the valve station forming signal converter is the incoming non-electrical Control signals in processable by the control unit converts electrical signals.

In this way, practically integrated in the valve station Signal converter before that from outside the valve station non-electrical control signals originating from arranged objects received and this in processable by the control unit can convert electrical signals. The user only has the required signal conductors between the valve terminal and relocate the external object without the requirement would exist at the location of the object away from the valve station install a suitable signal converter. Act it for example, one between fluid pressure control signals and electrical signals converting signal converter, so Fluid lines starting from an object to be monitored directly laid to the valve station and there to the assigned Signal connection can be connected without it electrical connection would be required. The same applies, for example too for an integrated signal converter that is between optical Control signals and electrical control signals converted. In this case, it may be sufficient to have one Optical fiber as a signal conductor to the object to be monitored and in this way, for example, a reflex light barrier to realize.

Since the signal converters are part of the valve station, they are placed together with this in a place that is not exposed to any significant interference. A single placement at each surveillance site could be significant cause more disturbances caused by environmental influences, especially when analog signals are to be processed.

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the subclaims listed.

For the control signals, the signal connection of a signal converter are supplied, it is in particular Monitoring signals used in monitoring the operation fluid-actuated devices or other components of a Machine or system can be used. Most often one movements or positions of objects or fluid pressures monitor. Based on the monitoring signals, the connected electronic control unit actuation as required of the valves.

The valve station can also have at least one signal converter be equipped, which was influenced by the control unit electrical signals in outgoing non-electrical control signals converts. Here there is the possibility of the assigned Use signal connection as non-electrical output, to according to the control by the electronic control unit for example pneumatic pulses or light signals to be sent out, which will be used elsewhere.

It is advantageous if the valve station has a modular structure has, so that the user to install only those components that he really needs in individual cases. In In this context, it is advantageous if carrier modules are present, which are equipped with signal converters, and releasable in number as required, battery-like at the Have the valve station attached. It is possible to single the Carrier modules only as input modules or as output modules to be interpreted only as an input or as an output have functioning signal connections. This simplifies the Clarity of the overall arrangement. It is also expedient if a fluid distributor carrying the valves is provided, which is also multi-part and consists of several distribution modules composed with which the valve station as required in the desired number and order. Advantageous in this context is the valve station with a Control block to which the carrier modules on the one hand and the distribution modules are installed on the other hand. As a control block comes in particular a fieldbus communication unit, an electronic one equipped with a control program Control unit or a combination of both in question.

It is of course possible, in addition to the non-electrical ones Inputs and / or outputs electrical inputs and / or Provide outputs that are analog and / or can act digitally. This way too Feed in or send out electrical signals.

Figur 1

eine bevorzugte Bauform der erfindungsgemäßen Steuereinrichtung, wobei verschiedene Möglichkeiten zur Verwendung der Signalanschlüsse aufgezeigt sind,

Figur 2

ein mit zwei Signalwandlern ausgestattetes Trägermodul in Stirnansicht gemäß Schnittlinie II-II aus Figur 1 und

Figur 3

ein weiteres Trägermodul in einer der Figur 2 vergleichbaren Darstellungsweise gemäß Schnittlinie III-III aus Figur 1, das mit anderen Typen von Signalwandlern ausgestattet ist.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. In this show:

Figure 1

a preferred design of the control device according to the invention, various options for using the signal connections being shown,

Figure 2

a carrier module equipped with two signal converters in front view according to section line II-II from Figure 1 and

Figure 3

a further carrier module in a representation comparable to FIG. 2 according to section line III-III from FIG. 1, which is equipped with other types of signal converters.

In Figure 1, a control device 1 is shown, the example for controlling a fluid-actuated device 2 in Shape of a pneumatic cylinder 3 is used. The main component is a valve station 4, which is simplified in Top view is shown. The same represents one of several Assemblies constitute a unit, which is a whole transport, assemble or otherwise handle leaves. The valve station 4 and the devices to be operated 2 can be any distance from each other and stand Connected to one another via suitable lines. That special An advantage of a valve station 4 is that from it central supply of the devices to be controlled with Operating energy is possible, which is the overall installation Plants or machines considerably simplified.

The valve station 4 according to the example has a fluid distributor 5, which is a one-piece plate-like Component can act. Run inside the fluid distributor 5 central fluid channels 6 for supplying and / or discharging the pneumatic Working medium, here compressed air. One flanged on the end Connection module 7 allows the connection of more suitable external fluid lines or silencers, the individual are not shown, but you can see the corresponding Channel openings forming connection openings 8.

The top of the fluid distributor facing the viewer in FIG. 1 5 forms an assembly surface 12 on which one A plurality of generally designed as multi-way valves Working valves 13 in the longitudinal direction 11 of the fluid distributor 5 is successively arranged transversely aligned. They stand Via transverse channels of the fluid distributor 5, which are not shown in detail with the fluid channels 6 in connection.

Laterally on the fluid distributor 5, in particular in one to the assembly area 12 right-angled connecting surface 14, there are several consumer connections 15, which are in the Fluid distributor 5 extending and not shown distribution channels communicate with the working valves 13. Each Working valve 13 is at least one such consumer connection 15 assigned, usually it is two pieces. Depending on the switching position of the working valves 13, the assigned Consumer connections 15 via the working valves 13 for feeding or venting with one or the other of the Fluid channels 6 connected.

For the sake of simplicity, the exemplary embodiment is merely a fluid-operated device 2 shown, which is is a double-acting cylinder 3. He is over two pressure medium lines 16 on two one of the working valves 13 assigned consumer connections 15 connected. Depending on Switch position of the relevant work valve 13 can be Extend stroke, a retract stroke or the standstill of the piston 17 or a piston rod 18 of the working cylinder connected to it 3 cause.

The fluid distributor 5 is on a working side 22 of a control block 23 flanged. The latter is therefore on the side of the fluid distributor opposite the connection module 7 5. The control block 23 forms an example electronic control unit 24, which has a program memory contains, in which a control program is stored. Prefers it is a programmable logic controller. An interface (not shown) can be connected via an interface 25 Connect computer (PC) to program control unit 24. At least one further interface 26 forms a fieldbus connection, on the bus lines not shown downstream further valve stations 4 are connected can either depend on the exemplary valve station 4 work or in the form of your own intelligence a control unit.

The control block 23 of the exemplary embodiment can also be of a pure fieldbus communication unit, which does not contain its own control program. In this case it would be on elsewhere to provide an electronic control unit that takes over control, which is a separate control unit or one in the control block 23 of another Valve station 4 integrated control unit can act.

A control block 23 would also be a pure distribution block for electrical signals conceivable, in which case an additional one Control unit would be provided, the connection now not via a fieldbus but via multipole lines would.

The control block 23 is equipped with a further mounting surface, the opposite of the working side 22 in the embodiment and is referred to below as control side 27 becomes. A carrier 28 is attached to it, on which at least one and preferably a plurality of signal connections to be explained 32 are provided and also with one or more further signal connections 33 can be equipped, the digital and / or analog inputs and / or outputs for electrical Form control signals. To the signal connections 32, 33 can in particular detachable signal conductors 34 are connected via the control signals arrive and / or are transmitted. Incoming Signals are mainly surveillance signals, the information give about certain operating states of the to be controlled Devices 2 or other parameters, their knowledge for the control of a device, in particular a fluid-actuated device 2 are required.

Each working valve 13 is an electrically actuated valve drive 35 assigned, in particular directly to the relevant working valve 13 is attached. It is preferred are solenoid valves that have at least one electromagnet contain. They receive their electrical actuation signals via at least one electrical conductor 36, which in particular within a housing in the longitudinal direction of the fluid distributor 5 runs into which the valve actuators 35 have electrical access to have. Said housing can be formed separately, preferably however, it is formed directly by the fluid distributor 5, which can contain suitable conductor channels. The electrical Conductors 36 are connected to the control block 23, from where coming from the actuation signals taking into account in particular those at the signal connections 32, 33 Control signals are generated.

The valve station 4 of the embodiment has several Signal connections 32, each of the input 32 'of a signal converter Form 37, which is part of the valve station 4. Furthermore there are signal connections 32 which provide the output 32 "each form a signal converter 38, which is also used for Valve station 4 belongs. The signal converters 37 convert on the assigned Input 32 'incoming non-electrical control signals into electrical signals that the electronic control unit 24 can process. Those communicating with an output 32 ' Signal converters 38 are capable of being controlled by the control unit 24 coming electrical signals into non-electrical control signals convert, which are removed at the associated output 32 ' can.

This eliminates the need for control signals based on non-electrical processes, an electrical one Wiring to the object to be monitored. You wanted to a certain pressure in a pressure vessel or in a Monitor working cylinders, one would have to do so without the integrated solution according to the invention on said pressure vessel or working cylinder install a signal converter that acts as a pressure sensor acts and converts the pressure signals into an electrical signal, that then via electrical cables to one analog input of the valve station is brought up. In the present Trap is such a signal converter 37 ', which in the Is able to convert fluid pressure control signals into electrical signals immediate components of the valve station 4, so that as signal conductor 34 only easy to install pressure medium lines 39 - rigid lines, hoses, other pressure medium channels containing components - must be installed. This is can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3. The signal converter 37 ' electrical signal generated from pressure signals is above at least an electrical conductor 43 is fed into the control block 23, the necessary electrical conductors 43 are expedient run inside the carrier 28.

As another example of equipment, valve station 4 1 and 2, a signal converter 37 "is provided, which is capable of optical at the input 32 ' Convert control signals to electrical signals, too are guided to the control block 23 via electrical conductors 43. In this case, the signal conductors 34 can be used as light guides 44 be carried out that enable optical object detection and can be laid very easily. Let it this way For example, reflex photoelectric sensors are realized.

In a corresponding manner, 32 "pressure signals can be output or decrease optical signals if the assigned Signal converters 38 are able to pass through electrical conductors 45 Electrical signals obtained from the drive block 23 in, for example pneumatic pressure signals (signal converter 38 ') or in convert optical signals (signal converter 38 "). The electrical Heads 45 are conveniently in accordance with the electrical conductors 43 laid.

It goes without saying that the signal connections 32 are expedient trained so that you have the corresponding pressure medium conductor 39 or light guide 44 connect detachably can.

The valve station 4 of the embodiment can also be incoming Process electrical control signals. These are in the fed further signal connections 33, which no signal converter is assigned, and which amplifies the control signals or unreinforced as electrical signals Pass on to the control block 23 via suitable electrical conductors. In this way, in particular electrical control signals capacitive, inductive or based on reed contact working sensors 46 are processed.

It is understood that the valve station 4 with any Number of signal connections 32 equipped of any kind can be. In particular, the valve station would be possible 4 can only be equipped with those signal converters that are in are able to input non-electrical signals in electrical convert signals that can be processed. The rule is likely however, be that at least at least one more Signal connection 33 is present, without prior signal conversion can receive or emit electrical signals.

The exemplary valve station 4 has a modular structure. This allows the user to adapt the scope of equipment to the Adjust as necessary and later extensions if necessary to make.

The modular structure shows up in the fact that the Carrier 28 preferably from a plurality of individual carrier modules 47 composed, which are releasably connected. According to the example it is block-like carrier modules 47, which in a series are arranged in succession, the first Carrier module 47 'is attached to the control block 23 and the remaining carrier modules 47 on the opposite of the control block 23 Connect the end face to the carrier module 47 '. Each Carrier module 47 can have one or more signal connections 32 and equipped with one or more of the signal converters 37, 38 be. It is expedient here if the signal converters 37, 38 protected inside the assigned carrier module 47 are, in particular such that only the assigned signal connection 32 is visible and accessible.

The electrical connection between the individual carrier modules 47 and the control block 23 is expediently carried out in such a way that within each carrier module 47 sections of the electrical Conductors 43, 45 are formed, which form a wiring harness put together, at the subdivision points between immediately adjacent carrier modules 47 suitable connectors 48 are provided, which are adjacent when attached to each other Carrier modules 47 in particular automatically with one another Intervention.

It is possible to use individual ones of the carrier modules 47 exclusively as Form input modules 49 or as output modules 50, the Signal connections 32, 33 exclusively as inputs or as outputs are trained. It is also possible to have at least one Carrier module to provide that only through such signal connections 32, to which a signal converter 37, 38 is assigned is, the corresponding signal converter in the relevant Carrier module are integrated, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, the possible mixture is shown there, according to which at least one carrier module 47 exclusively of the same type Signal converter 37, 38 contains only in terms of occupancy Differentiate output and input. It can be seen that any combinations are possible to make one possible to allow flexible construction of the valve station.

In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible structure also contributes to that the fluid distributor 5 consists of a plurality of distributor modules 54 composed, which corresponds to the carrier modules 47 in one Row are arranged in succession, and each at least wear one of the working valves 13. In the embodiment is each distributor module 54 with two working valves 13 equipped. The first distributor module 54 'is located directly on Control block 23, the further distribution modules 54 close on the end face opposite the control block 23 to the first distributor module 54 '. It is understood that in in this case the fluid channels 6 as well as the at least one electrical conductors 36 can be divided into individual sections can, which run in the respective distribution module 54 and in the assembled state of the distributor modules 54 into one complete the continuous strand.

There is therefore a total of one valve station or valve terminal before, which has an extremely modular structure. The assembly can be adapted to the respective task and subsequently changed will. The control block 23 expediently contains the central control electronics, in particular as a fieldbus communication unit (Fieldbus node) or as an electronic control unit (Control node) be designed for programming can. On one side of the control block 23 can be Arrange valve-equipped manifold modules 54, one at Equipped with pneumatic valves in total from pneumatic modules could speak from a basic unit in the form of the Carrier modules 47 and the working valve or valves sitting thereon put together. The electrical control of the electromagnets the valve actuators 35 take place via the control block 23.

On the side of the control block opposite the carrier modules 47 23 different control modules can be arranged the order and design of which can be freely selected, so that you can have both pure input modules and output modules or but can use combined input and output modules.

By integrating signal converters 37, 38 into the valve station or valve island results in a reduction in costs and an easy installation for the user at the same time reduced trouble. Signal converter 37, at which the or the existing signal connections 32, 32 'as Input can act practically one on non-electrical Base working sensor included, for example a pressure sensor or an optical sensor, whereby only one Lay non-electrical signal conductors to the monitoring point and in the signal converter 37 itself the conversion into from the control unit 24 is processed electrical signals. Since signal converters also regularly supply electrical energy need to be operated, you not only save electrical signal conductors replaced by the non-electrical ones but also electrical supply lines that can now also be integrated in the carrier 28.

Claims (16)

1. Control device for use in connection with fluid-operated equipment (2), such as working cylinders, with a valve station (4) comprising several valves (13) and valve drives (35) associated therewith and electrically controllable with the aid of an electronic control unit (24), and equipped with at least one signal port (32) for a signal conductor (34) leading from the valve station (4) to an external object, said at least one signal port (32) permitting the input of control signals from the object, characterized in that the at least one signal port (32) is the input (32') of a signal converter (37) forming part of the valve station (4) and converting the incoming non-electrical control signals into electrical signals which can be processed by the control unit (24).
2. Control device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the valve station (4) is equipped with at least one signal converter (38) with at least one signal port (32) serving as output (32') and converting the electrical signals influenced by the control unit (24) into outgoing non-electrical control signals.
3. Control device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one signal converter (37, 37', 38, 38') is designed to convert fluid pressure control signals into electrical signals and vice versa.
4. Control device according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one signal converter (37, 37', 38, 38') is designed to convert pneumatic control signals into electrical signals and vice versa.
5. Control device according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one signal conductor (34) designed as a fluid line (39) is directly connected to the signal port (32) of the associated signal converter (37, 37'; 38, 38').
6. Control device according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one signal converter (37, 37', 38, 38') is provided to convert optical control signals into electrical signals and vice versa.
7. Control device according to Claim 6, characterized in that at least one signal conductor (34) designed as an optical fibre (44) is directly connected to the signal port (32, 32', 32") of the associated signal converter (37, 37'; 38, 38').
8. Control device according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control signals fed to a signal port (32) serving as input (32') are monitoring signals.
9. Control device according to any of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one signal converter (37, 38) is located in or on a carrier module (47) which can be releasably fitted to the valve station (4).
10. Control device according to Claim 9, characterized in that several carrier modules (47) can be fitted to the valve station (4) in a consecutive row.
11. Control device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one carrier module (47) is an output module (50) fitted exclusively with signal ports (32) designed as outputs (32).
12. Control device according to any of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that at least one carrier module (47) is an input module (49) fitted exclusively with signal ports (32) designed as inputs (32').
13. Control device according to any of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that all carrier modules (47) can be mounted consecutively on a control side (27) of a selector block (23), which is in particular designed as a field bus communications unit and/or as an electronic control unit (24) provided with an in particular programmable memory, and which communicates with the signal converters (37, 38).
14. Control device according to any of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the valves (13) are arranged on a fluid distributor (5) expediently consisting of several distributor modules (54), each of which carries at least one valve (13).
15. Control device according to Claim 14 in combination with Claim 13, characterized in that the fluid distributor (5) is mounted on the side of the selector block (23) which is opposite the carrier modules (47).
16. Control device according to any of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the valve station (4) is provided with further signal ports (33) forming digital and/or analog inputs and/or outputs for electrical control signals.

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