KR20130143573A - Electrofluidic control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrofluidic control device (1) having a controller (2) constructed in a modular manner. The controller 2 comprises an electrotechnical assembly 5 and a fluidtechnical assembly 6, between which the diagnostic module 7 is arranged. The diagnostic module 7 can detect the operating states of the controller 2 and transmit them to the control module 15 of the electrotechnical assembly 5 via an internal electric bus 25. The diagnostic module 7 is also used to close the main fluid channels 33 through the fluid technology assembly 6.

Description

Electro-fluidic control device {ELECTROFLUIDIC CONTROL DEVICE}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electrofluidic control device having a modularly configured controller, wherein the controller comprises an electrotechnical assembly having no fluidic function, and then in the axial direction of the instrument spindle. A fluid technical assembly disposed wherein the electrotechnical assembly has a bus interface that enables connection of an external electric bus, and a control module having a bus station electrically connected to the bus interface, and Wherein the fluidic assembly is penetrated by a plurality of primary fluid channels in the axial direction of the instrument spindle, and has at least one electro-fluid working unit in communication with at least one of the primary fluid channels, and the control The device has a diagnostic module, the diagnostic module Sensor means for detecting at least one operating state of the controller, and the diagnostic module is connected to the bus station via an internal electric bus passing through the two assemblies, such as the at least one electrofluidic work unit. It is connected.

An electrofluidic control device of this type known from DE 103 16 129 B4 comprises two assemblies arranged side by side, one of which is formed as an electrotechnical assembly and the other as a fluidic assembly. It is. The electrotechnical assembly includes a control module in communication with an external electronic control unit, the control module being coupled with the electrofluidic working units of the hydrotechnical assembly via an internal electric bus. The electrofluidic working units are electrically controlled pre-controlled multiway valves, the multiway valves being connected to a plurality of main fluid channels through the fluidic assembly. In addition, the hydrotechnical assembly is equipped with at least one diagnostic module, the diagnostic module monitors the operating status of at least one multiway valve disposed adjacently, and controls corresponding monitoring information via an internal bus. You can report it to the module.

In EP 2 026 156 A1 a module arrangement with a plurality of valve modules is known, the valve modules being attached to an electrotechnical assembly, the electrotechnical assembly having a plurality of control modules, connections with connections to an external control device. An electrical module and a safety module with a switching arrangement. The safety module may, via a control and / or diagnostic device, suspend the supply of voltage to the valve modules if a safety related condition is recognized.

In EP 1 573 210 B1 a fluid technical control device is disclosed, the control device having a modular assembly, which assembly consists of a plurality of valve modules and diagnostic modules arranged one after the other. The diagnostic modules may detect and report at least one operating state of one or two neighboring valve modules to the control electronics.

In EP 1 491 862 A1 a valve battery is known which has valve modules and a controller for controlling the valve modules. In addition, there are position detection modules coupled with the controller, the position detection modules being arranged next to the valve modules, and the valve members of the valve modules for monitoring the correct operation of the valve modules. Can detect the switching position.

In EP 1 184 611 B1 a valve arrangement is known which is equipped with at least one sensor for detecting and monitoring the switching position of the valve member.

It is an object of the present invention to create an electrofluidic control device of the type mentioned in the introduction, which enables a reliable monitoring of at least one operating state of the control unit in a compact dimension.

To achieve this object, a diagnostic module is arranged as a transition module between an electrotechnical assembly on the one hand and a fluid technical assembly on the other, and penetrated by an internal electric bus, wherein the diagnostic The module simultaneously forms a closure module for the frontal closure of the main fluid channels of the hydrotechnical assembly leading to the diagnostic module.

In this way, the diagnostic module meets multiple functions at the same time. In addition to its main function, namely monitoring of at least one operating state of the controller, the diagnostic module has the function of an adapter called a transition module, with the help of which the electrotechnical assembly and the fluidtechnical assembly are arranged safely and stably side by side. It is. The diagnostic module sits between these two assemblies, with an electrotechnical assembly attached to one side and a fluidic assembly attached to the other. An internal electric bus extends through the diagnostic module to couple all electrical and electronic components of the controller at low cost to the control module belonging to the electrotechnical assembly. In addition, the diagnostic module functions as a closing module for fluidly separating the main fluid channels leading to the diagnostic module from the electrotechnical assembly connected in the opposite direction. Therefore, an additional separate closure module can be omitted. In addition to this, the possibility of centrally monitoring the operating state of the fluid in the main fluid channels is provided.

Preferred developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

For the purpose, the electrotechnical assembly has a plurality of electrical inputs and / or outputs connected to and through the bus station, in addition to a bus interface that enables connection of an external electric bus. I have wealth. To the electrical inputs, connecting cables guiding towards external sensors can be connected, in order to receive the return signals in this way, the return signals being in particular externally operated under the intermediary of at least one electro-fluidic work unit. Occurs when monitoring consumers. Such external consumers are realized, for example, in the form of drives driven by a fluid. Electrical outputs are useful, for example, to provide electrical signals and / or electrical operating energy required for an external consumer, such as external valve units or external electrical drives.

The controller is suitably in its electrotechnical assembly for at least one input module with one or multiple electrical inputs and / or at least one output module and / or electrical inputs with one or multiple electrical outputs as well as electrical. At least one combined input and output module with outputs. All existing input and / or output modules are arranged in series with the control module and the diagnostic module. At least one input and / or output module is seated between the control module and the diagnostic module for purpose, whereby all existing input and / or output modules are present on the one hand and the control module on the other hand. It is considered particularly desirable if they are arranged between modules.

For the purpose, the sensor means of the diagnostic module are arranged and configured to detect at least one state variable of the fluid in at least one of the main fluid channels. In this way, the entire main fluid channels can be monitored for this purpose. The sensor means can preferably detect the pressure and / or temperature and / or moisture of the fluid. Using pressure detection, for example, it can be found whether a leak occurs and / or whether the perfusion values sought are achieved.

It is suitable for the purpose to equip the sensor means per main fluid channel to be monitored with at least one own sensor unit, which is connected to the internal electric bus. The sensor units present can be optimally arranged inside the diagnostic module with respect to the main fluid channels closed through the diagnostic module.

In order to enable optimal condition monitoring, there is a blind hole in the diagnostic module aligned with the main fluid channel per main fluid channel to be monitored for the purpose, the blind hole and the sensor Means communicate. Therefore, this blind hole almost forms a monitoring space, in which the desired condition monitoring can be performed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controller has an electrically actuated valve unit, the valve unit being disposed directly at or next to the diagnostic module, and for monitoring the valve unit. Sensor means are formed. In particular, the sensor means can detect at least one switching position of the valve unit in order to be able to monitor the operation according to certain principles of the valve unit.

The valve unit disposed next to the diagnostic module may be formed by, for example, an electrofluidic working unit of a hydrotechnical assembly disposed adjacent to the diagnostic module. However, particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the valve unit monitored by the diagnostic module does not belong to the hydrotechnical assembly but is individually assembled to the diagnostic module.

The valve unit, arranged at or next to the diagnostic module and monitored by its sensor means, suitably serves to connect the fluid connection between two of the main fluid channels through the hydrotechnical assembly. Can be controlled. The valve unit can, in particular, selectively connect two such main fluid channels to one another or to one another.

In particular, in a control unit having electrofluid working units in the form of pre-controlled multiway valves, the pressure medium is selectively provided to a pre-controlled supply channel in communication with the entire pilot valves. There is a desirable possibility of doing or releasing with respect to pressure. Therefore, the pre-control medium can be selectively connected or disconnected.

The valve unit, which can be monitored via the diagnostic module, is adapted to cause a gradual rise in pressure within the electrotechnical assembly, in particular during its start-up, and thereby to prevent malfunction of the connected consumers. It may be configured as a lift valve or a soft start valve.

The hydrotechnical assembly has a plurality of hydrotechnical modules arranged side by side in the axial direction of the instrument spindle for the purpose, each of which has at least one electrofluidic working unit. The at least one hydrotechnical module may be equipped with multiple electrofluidic work units at the same time.

At least one electro-fluidic working unit of the electrotechnical assembly is formed as a multi-way valve electrically operable for a purpose, with the multi-way valve, the external consumer connected can be fluidically controlled. . At least one electro-fluid working unit may be formed as a vacuum generator unit, and a low pressure may be generated with the vacuum generator unit, the low pressure being operated, for example, to operate a consumer body formed as a suction gripper. Useful in handling techniques.

The plurality of hydrotechnical modules of the electrotechnical assembly are preferably removable units on the distributor unit, which are penetrated by the main fluid channels and by the internal electric bus, respectively, and preferably on the distributor unit. And at least one electrofluidic work unit assembled in a manner, wherein the hydrotechnical modules are arranged side by side with their distributor units, and wherein the hydrotechnical assembly is coupled to the diagnostic module together with an end distributor unit. Attached.

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

1 is a side view, partly open, of a preferred embodiment of an electrofluidic control device according to the invention,
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the control device from FIG. 1 in the eye direction according to arrow II; FIG.
3 is a schematic longitudinal section of the control device according to cut line III-III of FIG. 1.

1 shows an electrofluidic control device, generally designated by reference numeral 1, which is again implied only with the controller 2, also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and only for purpose. It consists of an external electronic control unit 3. The controller 2 is constructed modularly. The controller has a main extension direction defined by the instrument spindle 4 implied by a dashed line.

The controller 2 comprises an electrotechnical assembly 5 and a fluidtechnical assembly 6. In addition, it comprises a diagnostic module 7 arranged between the electrotechnical assembly 5 and the hydrotechnical assembly 6. The electrotechnical assembly 5, the diagnostic module 7, and the hydrotechnical assembly 6 are arranged one after another in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4 and are fixed to each other.

The diagnostic module 7 realizes a transition between the electrotechnical assembly 5 and the fluidic assembly 6. Therefore, the diagnostic module may also be called a transition module or an adapter module. The diagnostic module has a first assembly surface 9a at a first front face 8a oriented in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4 and at a second front face 8b oriented opposite to the first front face 8a. The second assembly surface 9b is provided. The two assembling surfaces 9a and 9b are oriented opposite to each other in the axial direction of the instrument main shaft 4.

The electrotechnical assembly 5 is preferably attached to the first assembly surface 9a and detachably attached thereto. To the second assembly surface 9b, a fluid technical assembly 6 is attached and fixed, in particular detachable.

On the front side opposite to the diagnostic module 7, a blocking module is connected to the two assemblies 5, 6 for the purpose, the blocking module having a first shut-off in the electrotechnical assembly 5 for better discrimination. It is called a module 12 and in the hydrotechnical assembly 6 it is called a second shut-off module 13.

The blocking modules 12, 13 may each be a component of the assigned assembly 5, 6.

The electrotechnical assembly 5 has only electrical and / or electromechanical functions. He does not have fluid functions, ie he is not penetrated by any of the fluid channels, nor is it perfused by the fluid during operation of the controller 2. The fluid technical assembly 6 and preferably the diagnostic module 7 have fluid functions. At this time, it is important for the diagnostic module 7 that he functions as an almost partition for separating the hydrotechnical structures of the hydrotechnical assembly 6 from the electrotechnical assembly 5. Therefore, he may also be called a closed module.

The hydrotechnical assembly 6 has at least one, suitably, a plurality of electrofluidic working units 14, the operation of which is controlled by the control module 15 of the electrotechnical assembly 5. do. The work units 14 are electrically operable, and regulate the flow of fluid, in particular compressed air, in accordance with their electrical operation.

The electrofluidic working units 14 of the embodiment are electrically operable multiway valves. Each multiway valve 14a comprises a fluid control component 17 having at least one electrically actuable drive component 16 and at least one valve member 18 disposed therein, The valve member can be moved through the assigned drive part 16, and in particular can be switched between various switching positions.

The multiway valves 14a are preferably pre-controlled multiway valves. In this connection, at least one drive component 16 is formed as a pilot valve 16a, in particular in the structure of a magnetic valve. At least one pilot valve 16a can generate a fluid control signal in correspondence with the obtained electrical actuation signals, the control signal acting on the valve member for correspondingly disposing the assigned valve member 18. .

The control module 15 has an internal bus station 22 and an outwardly accessible bus interface 23 electrically connected with the bus station 22. The bus interface 23 can be connected or connected to an external electric bus 24 which makes a connection to the external electronic control unit 3.

An internal electric bus 25 extends through the two assemblies 5, 6, and the diagnostic module 7 disposed therebetween, which on the one hand connects the internal interface 26 of the control module 15. Connected to the bus station 22, and on the other hand to the drive parts 16 of the entire electro-fluidic work units 14 via other interfaces 27 belonging to the hydrotechnical assembly 6. have.

The internal bus 25 and the sensor means 28 of the diagnostic module 7 are likewise connected, and with the aid of the sensor means at least one operating state of the controller 2, preferably a plurality of operating states, is detected. And can be monitored. Corresponding interfaces, also referred to below as sensor interfaces, are implied at 32.

The fluid technical assembly 6 is penetrated by a plurality of fluid channels in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4, which are called main fluid channels 33 to better distinguish them from other fluid channels. By way of example, one of the main fluid channels 33 is the main supply channel 33a, which is connectable with an external pressure source P via a connecting device 34 accessible from the outside. The pressure source P supplies a fluid pressure medium, in particular compressed air, to be processed by the electrofluidic working units 14. One or-as in the embodiment-the two other main fluid channels 33 are designed as main outlet channels 33b, 33c, which are each suited for the purpose if the pressure medium is compressed air. Communicate with the atmosphere beyond the silencer (35). When the controller 2 is operated with a liquid pressure medium, the main discharge channels 33b, 33c are equipped with interfaces, through which they can be connected to the tank.

Each of the aforementioned main fluid channels 33 communicates with a respective multiway valve via a fluidic interface 36. In addition to this, each multiway valve 14a is in communication with two separate working channels 37a, 37b, which work channels extend out of the working connections 38 accessible to the controller 2, the working connections. These can be connected to a controllable consumer via a pressure medium derived from the pressure source P.

Each multi-way valve 14a, which is preferably a 5 / 2-way valve, has a corresponding actuation of its drive part 16 such that the two working connections 38 connected thereto alternately supply the main feed channel 33a. And switching states connected to the main discharge channels 33b and 33c. Each switching state of the valve member 18 of the multi-way valve 14a is responsible for the fluid connection.

The fluid control signals needed to divert the valve members 18 are delivered through a fluid pre-control medium controlled by the drive parts 16. He is illustratively supplied to all drive components 16 via other main fluid channels 33, which are each connected to each pilot valve 16a via a single fluidic interface 42. And below is called a pre-controlled supply channel 33d.

In addition, at 39, fluidic interfaces are implied, through which working channels 37a, 37b are connected with the multiway valves 14a.

The pre-control supply channel 33d can be supplied with the desired pre-control medium from the outside through its pre-control supply connection 43, which is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. However, the controller 2 of the embodiment is configured to supply a pre-control medium inside the controller 2 to the pre-control supply channel by connecting the pre-control supply channel 33d with the main supply channel 33a. Offers the possibility. In other words, the pre-control medium diverges from the main supply channel 33a. The controller 2 is equipped with a suitable valve unit 44 so that this connection can be controlled in a preferred manner. This valve unit 44 is connected to the main supply channel 33a on the one hand, on the one hand, and on the other hand a pre-controlled supply channel ( 33d) and, in turn, a pre-controlled outlet channel 45 which leads to the atmosphere.

The valve unit 44 may optionally occupy one of two switching positions, wherein the pre-controlled supply channel 33d is in communication with the main supply channel 33a in one switching position and in the other switching position. Communicate with the pre-controlled discharge channel 45. In this way, the pre-control supply channel 33d can optionally be supplied with the pre-control medium required for the operation of the work units 14 or can be released in relation to the pressure. In the released state with respect to the pressure of the pre-controlled supply channel 33d, the multiway valves 14a cannot be switched.

The fluidic interfaces, through which the valve unit 44 communicates with the main supply channel 33a, the pre-control supply channel 33d and the pre-control discharge channel 45, are implied at 50 in FIG.

The pressure release of the pre-controlled supply channel 33d may occur through one of the main discharge channels 33b, 33c instead of the pre-controlled discharge channel 45, which exists separately.

The diagnostic module 7 has a problem, among other things, to form a closed module, through which the main fluid channels 33, which penetrate the hydrotechnical assembly 6, face towards their diagnostic module 7. Is closed. That is, the main fluid channels 33 end at the second assembly surface 9b or inside the diagnostic module 7 and face the first assembly surface of the diagnostic module 7 towards the electrotechnical assembly 5 ( 9a) does not end. As a result, there are no sealing measures required at all, and in particular the electrotechnical assembly 5 can be attached and removed without the risk of fluid being discharged from the main fluid channels 33.

The electrotechnical assembly also includes an input module 46 and an output module 47 in the embodiment. Input module 46 includes one or multiple electrical inputs 48, and output module 47 includes one or multiple electrical outputs 49.

The electrical inputs 48 and the electrical outputs 49 are formed to be able to connect an electrical cable, which cables lead to external components, which must be able to be connected to the controller 2. . In this way, the electrical inputs 48 can be connected to external sensors, for example, and the electrical outputs 49 can be connected to external electrical consumers, such as external valve devices or external electrical drives.

If desired, the control module 15 may also have at least one electrical input and / or at least one electrical output in addition to its bus interface 23.

Unlike the embodiment, the electrotechnical assembly 5 may have one combined input and output module with electrical inputs as well as electrical outputs.

The electrical inputs 48 as well as the electrical outputs 49 are connected to the internal electric bus 25 via the internal interfaces 52 of the assigned modules 46, 47.

At least one input and / or output module 46, 47 present is arranged between the control module 15 and the diagnostic module 7 for purpose. Therefore, with the exception of the first blocking module 12, which is optionally present, the control module 15 blocks the electrotechnical assembly 5 from the front side opposite to the diagnostic module 7 for the purpose.

 The preferred structural configuration of the hydrotechnical assembly 6 is realized in the embodiment, and the hydrotechnical assembly 6 is arranged side by side in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4 and each of at least one electrofluidic work unit ( 14) by having a plurality of hydrotechnical modules 53, which may or may not be equipped. Therefore, the hydrotechnical assembly 6 can be modularly equipped with various numbers of hydrotechnical modules 53 corresponding to the number of electrofluidic working units 14 required. Three fluidic modules 53 exist by way of example. The rows of hydrotechnical modules 53 are assembled at a second assembly surface 9b with a front face, and with a second shut-off module 13 at the front facing in the opposite direction, which shut-off module is adapted to the purpose. Supporting the connecting device 34 for the main feed channel 33a and optionally the silencer 35 present. In addition to this, the second interruption module 13 is also used for the frontal interruption of the pre-control supply channel 33d.

All hydrotechnical modules 53 are penetrated by the main fluid channels 33 on the one hand and by the internal electric bus 25 on the other.

For the purpose, the hydrotechnical modules 53 are each modularly configured on their side, and each has a distributor unit 54 pierced by the entire main fluid channels 33 and by the internal electric bus 25. And the distributor unit is detachably equipped with at least one electrofluid working unit 14. In order to equip the work units 14, each distributor unit 54 has an installation surface 55 on an outer surface oriented at right angles to the machine spindle 4, each of which has at least one electrofluid The work unit 14 may preferably be attached in a detachable manner.

The fluidic interfaces 36, 39, 42 mentioned above are located on the mounting surfaces 55 just like the other electrical interfaces 27. For each multiway valve 14a an installation space of the installation surface 55 is provided, which installation space has corresponding equipment at the fluid and electrical interfaces, and thus therein the multiway valve 14a. ) Can be assembled.

By way of example, each distributor unit 54 has an installation surface 55 defining two installation spaces, whereby two multiway valves 14a are located next to each other in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4. Can be assembled side by side.

The hydrotechnical modules 53 are arranged side by side with their distributor units 54 and are fixed to each other. Through the distributor unit 54 facing the diagnostic module 7, the entire hydrotechnical assembly 6 is fixed to the second assembly surface 9b of the diagnostic module 7.

For fixing between the various modules, there are screwing means 56 for the purpose.

With the help of the sensor means 28 of the diagnostic module 7, various operating states of the controller 2 can be monitored.

On the one hand, with the aid of the sensor means 28 there is the possibility of detecting at least one state variable of the flowing fluid or pressure medium in and / or in at least one of the main fluid channels.

In this connection, for each purpose, each main fluid channel 33 in the diagnostic module 7 is assigned at least one own sensor unit 28a of the sensor means 28, which sensor unit is assigned a main At least one state variable of the fluid in the fluid channel 33 can be detected.

These sensor units 28a are preferably formed for detecting the pressure and / or temperature and / or moisture or moisture of the pressure medium. On the basis of the detected measurements transmitted via the internal bus 25 to the bus station 22 and from there to the external electrical control unit 3, the controller 2 can be compared with reference values. And the exact manner of operation of its components can be reliably monitored.

The evaluation of the measured values detected by the sensor means 28 can alternatively or additionally also be carried out in the internal electronic control unit 56, the control module 15 being equipped with the control unit for the purpose, and The control unit is preferably integrated in the bus station 22.

In order to be able to detect the state variables of the pressure medium in particular reliably, if the detection is carried out in the monitoring space 57 of the diagnostic module 7, it is suitable for the purpose, and the sensor means 28 are connected to the monitoring space. The monitoring space 57 is formed by a blind hole leading to the second assembly surface 9b, which is aligned in line with the main main channel 33 of the hydrotechnical assembly 6. In this way, good measurement conditions can always be provided in the diagnostic module 7 irrespective of the implementation of the components of the hydrotechnical assembly 6.

In the embodiment, the sensor means 28 are arranged and formed in a preferred manner to detect at least one operating state of the valve unit 44 mentioned above.

The sensor means 28 are provided with a detection device 28b for this purpose, which cooperates with the valve unit 44.

The optimal interaction between the detection device 28b and the valve unit 44 is ensured in the embodiment by the valve unit 44 being arranged directly in the diagnostic module 7. Therefore, the valve unit is in the immediate vicinity of the sensor means 28 or their detection device 28b.

The diagnostic module 7 has an installation surface 58 on the side oriented at right angles to the instrument spindle 4 for the purpose, on which the valve unit 44 is preferably assembled in a removable manner. . This mounting surface 58 is oriented equally to the at least one mounting surface 55 of the distributor units 54 for the purpose.

On the installation surface 58 are located the fluidic interfaces 50 already mentioned above. In addition, the mounting surface 58 has an electrical interface 62 connected to the internal electric bus 25 inside the diagnostic module 7, which interface is provided in the assembled valve unit 44. It is connected with an electrically operable drive device 63 of 44.

By way of example, the detection device 28b is formed to detect at least one switching position of the valve unit 44 or the valve member 64 of the valve unit 44. To this end, the detection device 28b may comprise, for example, a so-called hall sensor, which is capable of being activated by a permanent magnet actuating member 65 movably coupled with the valve member 64. 64) placed next to it. The advantage of this structure is that the detection device 28b can be disposed completely outside the valve unit 44.

The detection of the operating state of the valve unit 44 is such that the valve unit 44 is not directly fixed to the diagnostic module 7 but is directly next to the diagnostic module 7, and for example of the hydrotechnical assembly 6. It is possible if it is formed as a component. Through the diagnostic module 7, if the valve unit 44 is not present, it is possible to directly detect the operating state of the first electrophoretic work unit 14 connected to the diagnostic module 7.

However, in particular, if the controller 2 is provided with a valve unit 44 which is designed for internal control rather than used to control external consumers unlike the work units 14, this valve unit 44 is This is so in the embodiment-it is particularly advantageous if it is integrated with the diagnostic module 7 to be one assembly or unit.

In this integrated structure, it is suitable for the purpose that the diagnostic module 7 is cascaded sideways to form its mounting surface 58, and thus, next to the mounting surface 58, the projections of the diagnostic module 7 ( 66 projects at right angles to the instrument main shaft 4 and surrounds the valve unit 44 assembled to the installation surface 58, in particular in the longitudinal direction, from side to side. The sensor means 28 accommodated in this protrusion 66 or the detection device 28b therein can cooperate optimally with the valve unit 44 arranged next to it.

It is obvious that the sensor means 28 do not necessarily have all the functions described above. Said sensor means may be formed and arranged to detect the operating state of only the valve unit 44 or the work unit 14, for example, only the fluid flowing in the controller 2 or in the region of the diagnostic module 7. It may be.

In embodiments not shown in detail, the valve unit 44 is designed as a soft start valve, which is responsible for the gradual pressure rise in one of the main fluid channels 33.

The diagnostic module 7 has a module base body 67 suited to the purpose, the module base body being formed in a housing shape for the purpose, and inside of which the sensor means 28, and with them There are electrical conductors necessary for electrical contact with the electric bus 25. In addition, in the module base body 67, surveillance spaces 57 existing in some cases are formed. In addition, fluid channels may extend within the module body 67, which may be in communication with the valve unit 44 and connected with other fluid channels of the controller 2. .

The internal electric bus 25 is divided according to the purpose in its longitudinal direction. In each of the coupled modules of the electrotechnical assembly 5 and the fluidic assembly 6 and in the diagnostic module 7 a bus segment 68 extends, which bus segment is for example embodied on a printed circuit board. And the bus segment is fixed in the module so that a subsequent bus connection occurs when the two modules are attached to each other based on the existing interface means 72.

The main fluid channels 33 consist of a plurality of fluid channel sections each arranged axially side by side to suit the purpose, which fluid channel sections pass through the hydrotechnical modules 53 and the assembly of the fluid technical assembly 6. In this state, they are aligned with each other in line with the allocation.

An essential advantage of the controller 2 is that the diagnostic module 7 is arranged between the electrical and fluid components of the controller. In this way an optimal functional separation between the two assemblies of the controller 2 is possible, which excludes mutual influences. Fluid functions can be integrated into the diagnostic module 7 if necessary, for example fluid channels, which fluid channels communicate at least partially with the main fluid channels 33 of the fluidic assembly 6. And the valve unit 44 which is assembled to the diagnostic module 7.

Claims (15)

An electrofluidic control device having a modularly configured controller (2), which controller is then in the axial direction of the instrument spindle (4) and the electrotechnical assembly (5) having no fluidic function. And a hydrotechnical assembly 6 disposed therein, wherein the electrotechnical assembly 5 is connected to a bus interface 23, which enables connection of an external electric bus 24, and electrically connected to the bus interface 23. A control module 15 having a bus station 22, the fluidic assembly 6 being penetrated by a number of main fluid channels 33 in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4, and Has at least one electrofluidic working unit 14 in communication with at least one of the main fluid channels 33, the control device having a diagnostic module 7, the diagnostic module being the controller unit. Sensor means (28) for detecting at least one operating state of (2), the diagnostic module passing through two assemblies (5, 6), like the at least one electrofluid working unit (14). Connected to the bus station 22 via an internal electric bus 25,
The diagnostic module 7 is a transition module, arranged on the one hand between the electrotechnical assembly 5 and on the other hand the hydrotechnical assembly 6, the internal electric bus 25. And the diagnostic module simultaneously forms a closure module for the frontal closure of the main fluid channels 33 of the fluidic assembly 6 leading to the diagnostic module. Control unit. The method of claim 1,
The electrotechnical assembly 5 is characterized by a plurality of electrical inputs 48 and / or electrical outputs 49 connected to the internal electric bus 25 in addition to the bus interface 23. Electro-fluidic control device. 3. The method of claim 2,
The electrical inputs 48 and / or the electrical outputs 49 are at least one input and / or output arranged in series with respect to the control module 15 and penetrated by the internal electric bus 25. Modules 46, 47, characterized in that at least one such input and / or output module 46, 47 is arranged between the control module 15 and the diagnostic module 7 for purpose. Electro-fluidic control device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Said sensor means (28) arranged and configured to detect at least one state variable of a fluid in at least one of said main fluid channels (33). 5. The method of claim 4,
Said sensor means (28) being configured to detect the pressure and / or temperature and / or moisture of said fluid. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
The sensor means 28 in the diagnostic module 7 have at least one own sensor unit 28a per main fluid channel 33 to be monitored, which sensor unit is provided with the internal electric bus 25. Electrofluidic control device, characterized in that connected to. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
One or more of the main fluid channels 33 leading from the hydrotechnical assembly 6 to the diagnostic module 7 from the front side are merged into a blind hole formed in the diagnostic module 7, and the The blind hole serves as a monitoring space for the purpose, in which the sensor means 28 detect the detection of at least one state variable of the fluid in the relevant main fluid channel 33. Electrofluidic control device characterized in that. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The controller 2 has an electrically actuated valve unit 44 which is arranged directly at or next to the diagnostic module 7 and connected to an internal electric bus 25. And the sensor means (28) are arranged and configured to detect at least one operating state of the valve unit (44). The method of claim 8,
And said sensor means (28) are configured to detect at least one switching position of the valve member (64) of said valve unit (44). 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
The diagnostic module 7 has an installation surface 58 which is stepped outside and supports the valve unit 44, and besides the installation surface, the left and right sides of the valve unit 44 are positioned. An enclosing projection 66 protrudes, the projection having sensor means 28, 28b, the sensor means being at least one operating state of the valve unit 44 disposed on the installation surface 58. Electro-fluid control device characterized in that it can detect. 11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The valve unit 44 is configured to control the fluid connection between two of the main fluid channels 33, 33a, 33b, which valve unit in particular has two main fluid channels 33a, 33d. Electro-fluidic control device which can be selectively connected to each other or separated from each other. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
Said valve unit (44) being a soft start valve responsible for the gradual pressure rise in the main fluid channel (33). 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The at least one electrofluid working unit 14 of the hydrotechnical assembly 6 is formed by an electrically actuated multiway valve 14a, the multiway valve 14a being intended for the purpose. And having a pre-controlled structure with at least one pilot valve (16a) suitably. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The hydrotechnical assembly 6 has a plurality of hydrotechnical modules 53 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the instrument spindle 4 and each equipped with the at least one electrofluidic working unit 14, The modules are characterized in that they are penetrated not only by the main fluid channels (33) but also by the internal electric bus (25). 15. The method of claim 14,
The plurality of hydrotechnical modules 53 are respectively disposed on the distributor unit 54 and the distributor unit 54 which are pierced by the main fluid channels 33 and by the internal electric bus 25. At least one electrofluidic working unit 14 assembled, the hydrotechnical modules 53 arranged side by side with their distributor units 54, the hydrotechnical assembly 6 being an end-side distributor Electrofluidic control device, characterized in that attached to the diagnostic module (7) together with a unit (54).

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