DE9410561U1 - Control device for fluid operated devices - Google Patents

Description

G 16 784 - lens 23 June 1994

Festo KG, 73734 Esslingen Control device for fluid-operated devices

The invention relates to a control device for fluid-operated devices, with at least one valve station in which several valves used to control fluid flows with associated valve drives and one- or multi-part, block- or plate-shaped base bodies are combined to form a structural unit, in particular with a modular structure, wherein in the base body fluid channels communicating with the valves run, which comprise at least one feed channel and several working channels and are provided with first connection openings for connection to fluid lines, and wherein the base body has a fastening surface which serves to fasten the valve station to a support structure formed, for example, by a machine or a table.

In a control device known from DE 42 3 0 414 Al, a valve station is provided with a plate-shaped base body which is equipped with a plurality of valves.

Each valve is assigned an electrically operated valve drive. The valve drives are controlled and the valves are operated via an electronic control device, which can also be part of the valve station. A feed channel running in the base plate communicates with all valves simultaneously and opens out at one end of the base plate with a connection opening to enable the connection of a fluid line coming from a pressure medium source. There are also working channels controlled by the valves, to which fluid lines can also be connected, which lead to the devices to be operated, for example working cylinders. The corresponding connection openings are provided on the valves themselves, but could also be arranged on the base plate.

The underside of the base plate opposite the valves can have a fastening surface with which the valve station can be releasably secured to a suitable support structure. The valve station is screwed directly to this support structure, for example a machine or a table.

If a fault occurs in the control device that requires a valve station to be replaced, the fluid lines must be dismantled and then reassembled, which is very time-consuming. This can easily lead to connections being mixed up.

The object of the present invention is to provide a control device of the type mentioned above, which in

In the event of a fault, a valve station can be easily replaced.

To solve this problem, it is provided that a mounting base is provided that can be fixed to the support structure and is intended to remain permanently on the support structure, which is traversed by connecting channels that open out with second connection openings on a mounting surface of the mounting base and with third connection openings on a connection surface of the mounting base, that the valve station with the fastening surface of the base body can be releasably attached to the mounting surface of the mounting base when it is in an operating position, that the first connection openings are arranged on the fastening surface of the base body in such a way that in the operating position they are aligned with the second connection openings provided on the mounting surface, and that in the operating position between the base body and the support structure there remains a free space that is at least partially caused by the intermediate mounting base, which can be used as a line laying channel for fluid lines that are connected to the third connection openings and which, when the valve station is removed, has a then exposed access area is accessible.

In this way, a valve station can be replaced if necessary without having to remove and reinstall the connected fluid lines individually. The mounting base is firmly mounted to the existing support structure and the fluid lines are no longer connected to the first connection openings provided on the base body, as was previously the case, but to the holes provided on the mounting base.

provided third connection openings. The connection to the fluid channels in the base body or the first connection openings is made in the operating position via the connecting channels in the mounting base. The interruption of the fluid connections when removing the valve station therefore occurs in the separation area between the fastening surface on the valve station side and the mounting surface on the mounting base side. The second connection openings provided on the latter are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to the distribution pattern of the first connection openings, so that the first and second connection openings are correctly connected in the operating position. The free space formed in the operating position between the base body and the support structure and at least partially caused by the mounting base inserted between them is suitable for laying the fluid lines connected to the third connection openings, which reduces the overall width of the entire arrangement and also ensures a certain degree of protection against damage to the fluid lines. In this context, it is an advantage that the fluid lines can be connected easily and without hindrance when the valve station is removed via the access area that is then exposed. Replacing a defective valve station can now be carried out by the user himself, as connection mix-ups are prevented and no special knowledge of the connection diagram of the fluid lines is required. Any additional electrical lines connected to the valve station can also be replaced regularly without any problem, as multiple plugs can be provided here, which also prevent connection mix-ups.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

In order to ensure a sealed fluid transfer between the connecting channels of the mounting base and the fluid channels of the base body, it is recommended to arrange a sealing arrangement between the fastening surface and the mounting surface. This sealing arrangement can comprise a plurality of sealing nipples which engage in a sealing manner in the aligned first and second connection openings and contain a through-channel. Several and preferably all sealing nipples can be part of a one-piece sealing strip, so that the number of components is reduced.

In addition to the mounting base, it is advisable to provide a stabilizing bar running alongside it, which, like the mounting base, is attached to the supporting structure and remains there even when the valve station is removed. Particularly when the mounting surface is relatively narrow, the stabilizing bar prevents the valve station from tipping over and ensures a stable fit.

In order to simplify the installation of the mounting base and the stabilizing strip on the supporting structure, the two aforementioned parts can be firmly connected to one another by means of at least one and preferably several crosspieces spaced apart from one another. The crosspieces determine the distance between the two components, whereby the space between them can be completely or partially

forms the cable laying channel. The crossbars are conveniently located at the end areas of the two components so that the cable laying channel can still be easily accessed from the assembly side when the valve station is removed.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first design of the control device according to the invention in the state mounted on a support structure,

Figure 2 shows a cross section through the arrangement of Figure 1 according to section line H-II ₇

Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the arrangement of Figure 1 according to section line IH-III,

Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the arrangement of Figure 1 according to section line IV-IV,

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail of the arrangement in the area marked V in Figures 2 and 3,

Figure 6 is a plan view of the arrangement according to Figure 1 with the valve station removed, and

Figure 7 is a side view of a further embodiment of the control device according to the invention.

The figures show a section of a support structure 1, which in the embodiment is a table or other support arranged in the area of a machine. A support surface 2 is provided on the support structure 1, which runs horizontally and points upwards, for example, and to which the control device 3 is attached.

The main component of the control device 3 is a so-called valve station 4. It contains several valves 5, which can also be referred to as main valves, via which the fluid-operated devices of the machine mentioned are controlled and operated. Such devices are, for example, pneumatically operated working cylinders. The valve station 4 is a structural unit which, in the exemplary embodiment, is modularly constructed and can be handled uniformly as a whole.

In the present case, the valve station 4 has a plate-shaped base body 6 with a preferably rectangular outline. On the top of the plate, an assembly surface 7 is provided, on which the valves 5 are lined up next to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8 of the base body 6 and are preferably detachably attached. The valves 5 are multi-way valves of a known design, which contain an adjustable valve slide inside which controls the fluid passage through the associated valve 5. The valves 5 are arranged in such a way that the adjustment direction of their valve slides runs at right angles to the longitudinal axis 8 and parallel to the assembly surface 7.

Each valve 5 is assigned its own, electrically operated valve drive 12. The valve drive 12 expediently contains an electromagnet device and is preferably designed as a solenoid valve. In the exemplary embodiment, a respective valve drive 12 is firmly connected to the assigned valve 5 and flanged directly to it.

The valve drives 12 receive the necessary actuation signals via electrical lines 13 indicated in dash-dotted lines in Figure 1, which are arranged, for example, in the form of conductor tracks on one or more circuit boards 14, which are housed in an electrical distribution housing 15 installed on the top of the base body 6. The connection between the valve drives 12 and the electrical lines 13 is made, for example, by plug connectors. All electrical lines 13 are combined at the end in a multi-pole or collective plug 16, which is attached to the top of the base body 6. It enables the connection of further signal lines via a corresponding counterpart, which lead to an electronic control unit (not shown in detail). The actuation of the valve drives is controlled via this according to a predetermined program. Instead of the multi-pole plug, a block-like control device and/or a field bus node could also be provided directly on the valve station.

A plurality of fluid channels 17 run inside the base body 6. This is, for example, initially a feed channel 18 which runs along the base body 6.

and which opens out via feed branch channels 18' to each assembly location provided on the assembly surface 7, to which one of the valves 5 is attached. On the other hand, the feed channel 18 opens out via a first connection opening 22 on an outer surface of the base body 6.

The other fluid channels 17 are working channels 19. Each valve 5 is assigned such a working channel 19, which passes through the base body 6 transversely to the plate plane. Each working channel 19 thus opens on the one hand into one of the mounting locations for a valve 5 and on the other hand via a first connection opening 22' on an outer surface of the base body 6.

Several such working channels 19 can also be assigned to the individual valves 5.

The feed channel 18 is connected to a pressure medium source (not shown). The working channels are connected to devices (not shown) that are to be actuated by fluid.

Each valve contains several valve channels 23, indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2, which open out at the bottom of the valves 5 and communicate with the openings of the feed branch channels 18' and the working channels 19 provided at the assembly locations.

A working fluid, for example compressed air, is supplied to all valves 5 via the feed channel 18. This working fluid is

depending on the switching position of the associated valve 5 or is passed on to the associated working channel 19. When the fluid supply is shut off, the associated working channel 19 is vented to the environment via another channel inside the valve (not shown in detail). The valves 5 shown in the example are therefore so-called 3/2-way valves. However, the invention is not limited to this type of valve.

On the underside of the plate-shaped base body 6, i.e. on the plate surface opposite the assembly surface 7, a fastening surface 24 is provided. It is used to fasten the valve station 4 to the support structure 1. This fastening is carried out indirectly via an intermediate mounting base 25.

The mounting base 25 of the embodiment is designed in the form of a strip or strand and has a rectangular cross-sectional contour. It is clamped against the support surface 2 by means of a fastening device 27, which in the embodiment consists of two fastening screws 26 anchored in the support structure 1 (Figure 4). It is intended to remain permanently on the support structure 1. It remains there even if the valve station 4 has to be temporarily removed or replaced for whatever reason.

The longitudinal side of the mounting base 25 facing away from the wing 2 and opposite to it forms a mounting surface 28. The base body 6 rests against it with its fastening surface 24. By means of a connection between the valve station 4 and the mounting

The base body 6 is releasably clamped with its fastening surface 24 against the mounting surface 28 of the mounting base 25 by means of the fastening device 32 acting on the base 25. The valve station is thus fastened to the support structure 1. The corresponding position shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7 is referred to as the operating position.

By loosening the fastening device 32, the valve station 4 can be removed from the operating position if necessary and removed from the mounting base 25. The latter then remains on the support structure 1, as is illustrated in the top view according to Figure 6.

The above-mentioned first connection openings 22, 22' of the fluid channels 17 are all located on the fastening surface 24. They are thus covered by the mounting base 25. However, several connection channels 33 run in the mounting base 25, which on the one hand open out with second connection openings 34 on the mounting surface 28 in such a way that a respective first connection opening 22, 22' is opposite one of these second connection openings 34. As a result, each working channel 19 and also the feed channel 18 in the operating position finds its continuation in a connection channel 33 of the mounting base 25.

All connecting channels 33 open out with a connection opening referred to as the third connection opening 35 to a common connection surface 36 of the mounting base 25. The connection surface 36 is one of the two side surfaces that extends between the base body and the support structure 1. The third connection

The third connection openings 35 are shown in dash-dotted lines in Figures 2 and 3 and fluid lines 37, which are schematically indicated in Figure 6, can be detachably connected, which are preferably flexible hoses. The connection is expediently made using suitable connection means 38, for example in the form of screw connections or plug-in connection means, which are anchored to the third connection openings 35. The fluid lines lead to the pressure medium source already mentioned or to the devices to be operated.

In this way, the required fluidic connection to the fluid channels 17 in the base body 6 can be established via the third connection openings 35 and the subsequent connecting channels 33.

The fastening surface 24 and the mounting surface 28 define a separation area 42 at which the control device 3 can be divided. The separation area 42 separates the removable valve station 4 from the mounting base 25 that remains stationary on the support structure 1. Disassembly is carried out simply by loosening the fastening device 32 and then lifting off the valve station 4. Reassembly or assembly of another valve station 4 is carried out in the reverse order. This enables the valve station 4 to be replaced without having to uncouple the fluid lines 37 themselves.

From Figures 2 to 4 it is clear that the width dimensions of the mounting base 25 measured transversely to the longitudinal axis 8 are smaller than those of the base body 6. In this way,

There is a free space 43 next to the mounting base 25 between the base body 6 and the support structure 1. In the exemplary embodiment, it serves as a line laying channel 44 and accommodates the length sections of the fluid lines 37 that adjoin the third connection openings 35 and can run essentially along the base body 6 in this line laying channel 44. The fluid lines 37 are thus well protected and the control device 3 has compact width dimensions. The connection surface 36 already mentioned forms a boundary surface of the line laying channel 44 in the exemplary embodiment.

Since the mounting base 25 in the embodiment is relatively narrow, it is recommended to provide an additional stabilizing strip 45 to stabilize the overall arrangement, which is inserted between the base body 6 and the support structure 1 in the same way as the mounting base 25. It runs parallel to the mounting base 25 at a lateral distance from it. It is located on the side of the connection surface 36, which it is positioned at a distance in front of in the width direction of the base body 6. The above-mentioned free space 43 is thus closed off along its entire circumference in the operating position of the valve station 4. It is delimited at the top by the base body 6 and at the bottom by the support surface 2. The lateral delimitation is provided on the one hand by the mounting base 25 and on the other hand by the stabilizing strip 45. The latter expediently runs in the area of a longitudinal edge of the base body 6.

The resulting line laying channel 44 is open on at least one and preferably on both end faces. This allows the fluid lines 37 to be led out without any problems.

Any assembly or disassembly of the fluid lines 37 that may be required is preferably carried out with the valve station 4 removed. The line laying channel 44 is then open on the top side opposite the support structure 1 and an access area 46 is then exposed, which facilitates the necessary manipulations in the line laying channel 44, since direct intervention along practically the entire length of the channel is possible.

The stabilizing bar 45, like the mounting base 25, is tensioned against the supporting surface 2 by a fastening device 27', preferably formed by fastening screws 26', and anchored to the supporting structure 1.

The surface of the stabilizing bar 45 facing the base body 6 is a support surface 47 for the base body 6. It is expedient if a fastening device 32' is present which acts between the valve station 4 and the stabilizing bar 45 and enables the two parts to be directly clamped together.

The two fastening devices 32, 32' are designed in the embodiment as screw fastening devices. On the two front end areas of the base body 6, a fastening screw 48 is provided in the area of the mounting base 25 and the stabilizing strip 45, which

The fastening screws 48 pass through the base body 6, rest on it and are detachably screwed into the mounting base 25 or the stabilizing strip 45. The fastening screws 48 expediently pass through the base body 6 in the area of the end cross strips 51, which can be made of stability-enhancing metal. The base body 5 is also preferably made of plastic material.

In order to facilitate the initial assembly of the mounting base 25 and the stabilizing bar 45, it is advantageous if the two parts are rigidly connected to one another via two crosspieces 52 indicated by dash-dotted lines in Figure 6. The crosspieces 52 are conveniently located on the two front end areas of the mounting base 25 and the stabilizing bar 45. Since they are relatively narrow compared to the length of the base body, an access area 46 of sufficient length is available when the valve station 4 is removed.

If a relatively large amount of space is required below the base body 6, the arrangement can be made in the manner shown in Figure 7. Here, the mounting base 25 and the stabilizing strip 45, if present, are attached to the support structure 1 at a distance from the support surface 2. This is done using support columns 53, which can be provided instead of the fastening screws 26, 26' and are designed, for example, in the form of stud bolts. The larger distance between the valve station 4 and the support structure 1 also results in an increase in the area that can be used as a cable laying channel 44.

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Free space 43. The space gained can also be used for other purposes. For example, it would be possible to provide the third connection openings 35 with the associated connection means 38 on the outer surface 54 of the mounting base 25 facing the support surface 2, as is indicated in Figure 7.

It is easily possible to integrate further channels into the mounting base 25. For example, branch channels 55 serving display purposes can be provided, which on the one hand communicate with one of the connecting channels 33 and on the other hand open to an outer surface 56 where pressure display devices 57 can be installed. The mounting base 25 is expediently moved inwards from the long edge of the base body 6 so far that the pressure display devices 57 or other devices provided here are overhung and protected by the base body 6 and do not protrude laterally.

In order to ensure that in the separation area 42 in the current operating position there is a fluid-tight connection to the environment between the associated connecting channels 33 and fluid channels 17, a sealing arrangement 61 is expediently interposed between the fastening surface 24 and the mounting surface 28. This can be a sealing plate with openings in the area of the connection openings 22, 22', 35. However, the assembly and disassembly of a valve station 4 is particularly simple if the sealing arrangement 61, as shown in Figure 5, comprises several sealing nipples 62, which are inserted into the

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engage in the second and third connection openings 34, 35, which are aligned opposite one another, or the associated working and fluid channels 19, 17, and connect them to one another via an internal through-channel 60. The sealing nipples 62 are preferably made of rubber-elastic material. They have an external stop collar 64 between the two pipe socket-like sections 63, 63', which limits the insertion depth with respect to the associated channels 17, 33. Such sealing nipples 62 allow for problem-free plug-in assembly. When dismantling a valve station 4, the base body 6 can be easily removed. The sealing nipples 62 then remain with one of their pipe socket-like sections 63, 63' in the associated channel.

The sealing nipples 62 of the embodiment are individual nipples. It would also be possible, however, to combine the existing sealing nipples 62 into a one-piece unit, so that in practice there is a type of nipple strip, i.e. a type of band on which the pipe socket-like sections '63, 63' are arranged in a row.

It is advisable to ensure, by means of suitable fastening measures, that the sealing nipples 62 are fixed either to the base body 6 or, preferably, to the mounting base 25, so that they remain firmly anchored to one of the two components when the valve station 4 is removed.

The inventive idea can of course also be implemented in valve stations where the valves

are an integral part of the base body and/or where the base body is made up of several parts that are placed together lengthwise. The base body as a whole can also have a block-shaped structure.

Claims (11)

G 16 784 - lens 23 June 1994 Festo KG, 73734 Esslingen Control device for fluid-operated devices Claims 1. Control device for fluid-operated devices, with at least one valve station in which several valves used to control fluid flows with associated valve drives and a one- or multi-part, block- or plate-shaped base body are combined to form a structural unit, in particular with a modular structure, wherein fluid channels that communicate with the valves run in the base body, which fluid channels comprise at least one feed channel and several working channels and are provided with first connection openings for connection to fluid lines, and wherein the base body has a fastening surface that serves to fasten the valve station to a support structure formed, for example, by a machine or a table, characterized in that a support structure (1) there is a mounting base (25) which can be fixed and is intended to remain permanently on the support structure (1) and which is traversed by connecting channels (33) which open out with second connection openings (34) on a mounting surface (28) of the mounting base (25) and with third connection openings (35) on a connection surface (36) of the mounting base (25), that the valve station (4) with the fastening surface (24) of the base body (6) can be releasably attached to the mounting surface (28) of the mounting base (25) when assuming an operating position, that the first connection openings (22, 22') are arranged on the fastening surface (24) of the base body (6) in such a way that in the operating position they are aligned with the second connection openings (34) provided on the mounting surface (28), and that in the operating position between the base body (6) and the support structure (1) a free space (43) remains, which is at least partially caused by the intermediate mounting base (25), which can be used as a line laying channel (44) for fluid lines (37) which are connected to the third connection openings (35) and which is accessible via an access area (46) which is then exposed when the valve station (4) is removed. 2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that between the fastening surface (24) and the mounting surface (28) a sealing arrangement (61) is provided which, in the operating position, effects an outwardly fluid-tight connection of the respective opposite first and second connection openings (22, 22', 34). 3. Control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sealing arrangement (61) has for each pair of opposite first and second connection openings (22, 22', 34) a sealing nipple (62) provided with a through-channel (60), which in each case engages a certain distance into the associated first and second connection openings (22, 22', 34), whereby between the sealing nipple (62) and at least one of the associated connection openings (22, 22', 34) there is a plug connection, which when attaching and removing the valve station (4) !is created or released automatically. 4. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the base body (6) is an elongated part, wherein the valves (5) are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction (8) of the base body (6) and the mounting base (25) arranged between the base body (6) and the support structure (1) extends parallel to this longitudinal direction (8), wherein the mounting base (25) has a smaller width than the base body (6) and the free space (43) is thereby formed. 5. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at a distance next to the mounting base (25) there is a stabilizing bar (45) which can be fixed to the support structure (1) and is intended to remain permanently on the latter, to which the valve station (4) can be fixed in addition to the mounting base (25). 6. Control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the free space usable as a line bending channel (44) (43) is located at least partially between the mounting base (25) and the stabilizing bar (45) arranged at a distance therefrom. 7. Control device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the mounting base (25) and the stabilizing bar (45) are firmly connected to one another via at least one and expediently via several spaced-apart transverse webs (52). 8. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connection surface (36) having the third connection openings (35) forms a boundary surface of the line laying channel (44). 9. Control device according to claim 8 in conjunction with one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the connection surface (36) faces the stabilizing bar (45). 10. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mounting base (25) and the optionally present stabilizing strip (45) are attached to the support structure via individual support columns (53) acting as spacers. (1) are anchored. 11. Control device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base body (6) is plate-shaped, with the mounting surface (28) on the underside of the plate is provided and the valves (5) and the valve drives (12) associated with them are releasably fixed to the upper side of the plate.