EP1573210B1 - Fluidic control system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid power controller device comprises a plurality of valve modules arranged sequentially in a row direction and collected together as an array-like unit, such modules comprising respectively a principal valve having at least one moving valve member and at least one electrically operated valve drive for the principal valve. At least two of the valve modules placed sequentially in the row direction are spaced from each other with the formation of an intermediate space. In such intermediate space a diagnostic module is placed for the detection of at least one operational state of one or both principal valves.

Description

The invention relates to a fluid power control device, comprising a plurality of successively arranged in a row direction and combined into a battery-like unit valve modules, each containing a provided with at least one movable valve member main valve and at least one electrically actuated valve drive for the main valve, wherein at least two successive in the row direction Valve modules are spaced apart to form a gap and in the gap a diagnostic module is placed

From DE 299 09 529 Ul go out different variants of such a control unit, wherein a plurality of valve modules are combined into a battery-like unit and wherein the unit is either self-supporting formed or placed on a plate-like module carrier. The valve modules each contain a main valve serving to control pressurized medium under pressure or underpressure, and at least one electrically actuatable valve drive serving to actuate the main valve. Between adjacent valve modules may be disposed interspersed by a fluid channel electronic device containing one or more sensors that can detect the fluid pressure.

If the control units are used in complex machines, there is a need for a precise monitoring of the operating state of the main valves. Such monitoring happens so far mostly visually using visual display means that visualize the switching state of the valve drive. It would also be conceivable, for example based on a current measurement, to detect the switching state of the valve actuators electrically. In all cases, however, there is the disadvantage that from the switching state of the valve drive can not necessarily be closed to the operating state of the associated main valve. Due to disturbances, for example, a switching of the main valve can be omitted, although the valve drive has been activated accordingly.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose measures that enable a more precise condition monitoring of the main valves of a fluid power control device.

To achieve this object, it is provided in a fluid power control device of the type mentioned that the diagnostic module is designed to detect at least one operating state of one or both adjacent main valves.

In this way, while maintaining compact dimensions of the valve modules, a precise detection of the operating state of one or more main valves is possible. At least the majority of the measures required for the detection is realized in the diagnostic module, while the main valve itself compared to a conventional design no or only a few structural changes are required. Thus, the main valve can usually be selectively operated in conjunction with or without a diagnostic module, which allows a very flexible structure of fluid control devices. By placing the diagnostic module (s) between adjacent valve modules results in an immediate proximity to the state information to be detected, which promises high precision. Since valve modules grouped into battery-like units are often arranged with a small distance from each other, the diagnosis can be made without an extreme increase in the overall dimensions of the Realize control unit. In any case, can be made by detecting at least one operating state of the main valves or a very precise condition monitoring, which favors integration into the circle of electronic control.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

In principle, it is possible to arrange a diagnostic module between all successive valve modules. In such a case, each diagnostic module will be trained to acquire operating data of only one main valve at a time. However, there is also the advantageous possibility of the diagnostic module in such a way that it can detect the operating state of both main flanking valves. In this way, the number of diagnostic modules to be used can be reduced.

Apart from possibly the length dimensions measured in the row direction, there is no increase in the dimensions of the control unit if the dimensions of the diagnostic modules are such that they lie within the outline of the adjacent valve modules.

The signals output by the diagnostic modules are expediently output via an electrical linking device to which the valve modules or their valve drives are also connected. The internal wiring effort is not or only slightly increased in this way.

The use of the diagnostic modules is possible, inter alia, in such controllers in which the battery-like unit containing the valve modules is penetrated by at least one fluid channel, which consists of mutually aligned through channels composed of the individual valve modules. Diagnostic modules are then used which have corresponding passages, so that further the desired fluid channel, in particular for a central supply and / or discharge of pressure medium, is present.

Such passageways can be dispensed with in the diagnostic module when the valve modules are not directly fluidically interlinked with each other, but sit together on a plate-like module carrier, which takes on the task of fluidic linking of the individual valve modules. Again, however, the diagnostic modules are conveniently integrated into the existing electrical interlinking of the valve modules.

The diagnostic modules advantageously have flat shape and are in particular disc-shaped or plate-shaped. They are placed between adjacent valve modules so that their plane of extension is perpendicular to the row direction.

The existing diagnostic modules are expediently provided with suitable sensor means which can detect the desired operating state of the adjacent main valves and output the corresponding sensor signals. These sensor signals can be fed directly to a centrally located on-board control unit or externally placed central control electronics, or in the form of processed diagnostic signals, for which purpose a respective diagnostic module can have its own evaluation.

Certain state variables of a main valve, for example the switching position of the valve member, can be detected with the use of suitable sensor means without direct access to the interior of the relevant main valve. This applies, for example for a non-contact switching position query by means of particular inductive proximity sensors. However, if, for example, an optical switching position monitoring desired or the detection of prevailing in the main valve fluid pressures, the relevant main valve has expediently via an opening to the diagnostic module tap opening, which is, however, covered by the relevant diagnostic module, so that there is no interference from the outside. If the main valves are provided directly with in-line passageways, one or more of these passageways may be used as taps for condition detection.

Figur 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen fluidtechnischen Steuergerätes in perspektivischer und zugleich schematischer Darstellung,

Figur 2

in perspektivischer Einzeldarstellung ein Ventilmodul und ein daran zu fixierendes Diagnosemodul des Steuergerätes aus Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine weitere Bauform des erfindungsgemäßen Steuermoduls, wiederum in perspektivischer und schematischer Darstellung,

Figur 4

einen Querschnitt durch das Steuergerät aus Figur 3 im Übergangsbereich zwischen einem Ventilmodul und einem Diagnosemodul, gemäß Schnittlinie IV-IV, und

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Einzeldarstellung eines Diagnosemoduls aus dem Steuergerät gemäß Figur 3.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

FIG. 1

A first embodiment of the fluidic control device according to the invention in a perspective and at the same time schematic representation,

FIG. 2

in a perspective individual representation of a valve module and a diagnostic module to be fixed thereto of the control unit of Figure 1,

FIG. 3

a further design of the control module according to the invention, again in perspective and schematic representation,

FIG. 4

a cross section through the control unit of Figure 3 in the transition region between a valve module and a diagnostic module, according to section line IV-IV, and

FIG. 5

a perspective individual representation of a diagnostic module from the control unit of Figure 3.

Figures 1 and 2 on the one hand and Figures 3 to 5 on the other hand show two different embodiments of the fluid power control device 1 according to the invention, which can be used to control a machine, a system or individual tools, the devices to be controlled by fluid power, in particular pneumatically operated. If necessary, the control units 1 may additionally be equipped with components not shown in detail, which allow the control of electrical equipment.

The illustrated control units 1 have in common that they include a plurality of valve modules 2, which are arranged successively in a direction indicated by a double arrow row direction 3 and combined into a battery-like unit 9.

As further components of this battery-like unit 9 a plurality of preferably disk-like or plate-like flat-shaped diagnostic modules 4 are provided, one of which is placed in each case between two in the row direction 3 successive valve modules 2. In order to keep the overall length of the control unit 1 minimal, the diagnostic modules 4 are aligned so that their extension planes are perpendicular to the row direction 3.

In the row direction 3 immediately adjacent valve modules 2 are therefore arranged at a distance from each other and define between them a gap-like gap 5, in each of which a diagnostic module 4 sits.

In the control unit 1 of Figure 1 is followed by the two outer valve modules 2a, 2b in each case a termination module 6, 7 at. By means of tie rods 8 extending between the two end modules 6, 7, the components of the unit 9 are firmly clamped together in the row direction 3, so that the Control unit 1 represents a self-supporting module. Instead of the tie rods 8, other mechanical fasteners could be used.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the battery-type unit 9 composed of the valve modules 2 and the diagnostic modules 4 sits together on a strip-like or plate-like module carrier 12. It is possible to make the components of the battery-like unit 9 comparable to the design according to FIG. 1 to form a self-supporting unit to summarize and fix as such on the module carrier 12. However, the construction shown is preferred, in which at least the valve modules 2 are fastened individually to the module carrier 12. The diagnostic modules 4 can each be fixed to one of the flanking valve modules 2 and attached via this to the module carrier 12, but it is also possible, alternatively or additionally provide an individual attachment of the diagnostic modules 4 on the module carrier 12.

As can be seen, inter alia, from FIGS. 2 and 4, the valve modules 2, which are expediently block-shaped or plate-like, each contain a main valve 13 and an electrically operable valve drive 14 arranged thereon. Depending on the design, a plurality of valve drives 14 can also be arranged on the main valve 13 and It is also possible to integrate into the main valve 13.

The valve drive 14 operates in particular on electromagnetic or piezoelectric basis. By its operation, the associated main valve 13 can be controlled, which more precisely happens that the switching position of a main valve housing 15 adjustably mounted valve member 16 is specified as needed. The valve member 16 is in particular a valve slide, preferably a piston slide. Its operation takes place expediently in pilot-controlled form, wherein the valve drive 14 is part of a pilot valve, by which the valve member 16 can be acted upon by a pilot fluid to specify the switching position. The main valve 13 could also contain a plurality of valve members.

The valve member 16 is located in a receptacle 17 in the interior of the main valve housing 15. With this receptacle 16 communicate two working channels 18a, 18b, which open to one of the perpendicular to the device 3 oriented outer surface of the main valve housing 15, and are connected to the fluid lines not shown in detail leading to a consumer to be actuated, for example to a drive actuated by fluid force.

The receptacle 17 further communicates with a feed channel 22 and at least one discharge channel 23, wherein two such discharge channels 23 are provided in the embodiment. Via the feed channel 22 pressurized fluid is fed, which is passed in accordance with the switching position of the valve member 16 in one or the other working channel 18 a, 18 b. The discharge channels 23 communicate with the atmosphere and serve the return flow of the used fluid from the connected consumer. If the control unit 1, as is the case in the embodiment, operated with compressed air, the discharge channels 23 each form a vent channel.

In both embodiments, a central supply and discharge of pressure medium to or from the valve modules 2 is provided. For this purpose, run in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 in the interior of the module carrier 12 a plurality of extending in the row direction 3 fluid channels 24, which form a central supply channel 24a and two central discharge channels 24b. For connection to a pressure source and for draining To the atmosphere, for example via a connected muffler, open the fluid channels 24 at a connection surface 25 of the module carrier 12.

Of the aforementioned fluid channels 24 branch channels 26 go off, which lead to the designated as mounting surface 27 surface of the module carrier 12 to which the components of the battery-like unit 9 are fixed. In this case, the outgoing from the supply channel 24a branch channels 26 communicate with the feed channels 22 and outgoing from the discharge channels 24b branch channels 26 with the discharge channels 23 of the individual valve modules. 2

In the case of the control device of Figures 1 and 2, the central fluid channels 24 extend at the level of the main valves 13 directly through the battery-like unit 9 therethrough. In the process, these central fluid channels 24 are composed of mutually aligned through channels 28a, 28b, which pass through the valve modules 2 and the diagnostic modules 4 in the row direction 3 and complement each other to form these central fluid channels 24. In the case of the valve modules 2, the passage channels 28a simultaneously form the feed channel 22 and the discharge channels 23, which in turn are part of the receptacle 17, so that the receptacle 17 containing the valve member 16 is practically penetrated by the central fluid channels 24.

Around the opening at the two side surfaces of a respective valve module 2 and diagnostic module 4 through channels 28a, 28b sealing means 32 are arranged, which cause a seal in the row direction 3 braced modules sealing so that no fluid undesirably passes between adjacent fluid channels or exits to the environment ,

Instead of having only one valve member 16, the main valves 13, as already mentioned, could each be equipped with a plurality of valve members.

While the valve modules 2 of the embodiment are intended to distribute pressure medium under pressure, also a design would be possible, which serves to distribute vacuum, wherein a vacuum generator can be integrated directly into the relevant valve module 2. If necessary, valve modules 2 for overpressure and for underpressure can be combined within a control unit 1.

The diagnostic modules 4 are designed to detect at least one operating state of one or both of the main valves 13, flanking them on opposite sides. Both variants are illustrated in the two exemplary embodiments, with three diagnostic modules 4a diagnosing one-sidedly diagnosing the operating states of only one adjacent main valve 13, while another diagnostic module 4b diagnosing on both sides diagnoses the operating states of both main valves 3 flanking it.

If several double-sided diagnostic modules 4b are used per battery-type unit 9, the number of diagnostic modules 4 to be used can be reduced, whereby the structural length of the control unit 1 is reduced at the same time, because a separate diagnostic module 4 is dispensed with between one or more adjacent valve modules 2 in this case can. As an example, this could mean, according to FIG. 3, that the diagnostic module provided in addition with reference number 30a can be dispensed with if the diagnostic modules designated in addition by reference numeral 30b are designed to be diagnostic on both sides.

In any case, it is advantageous if the diagnostic modules 4 have an outline design so that they lie within the outline of the adjacent valve modules 2, which also means that the outlines are identical.

Of course, it is also possible to provide a diagnostic module 4 only for a few main valves 13. Within the control unit 1, therefore, such main valves 13 may be located whose operating states are detected, as well as those that do not experience detection. The modular design of the user has a very flexible scope in the equipment of the control unit. 1

To detect one or more operating states of a main valve 13, the diagnostic modules 4 are equipped with sensor means 33 which are capable of outputting further processable sensor signals in accordance with the detected operating state.

FIG. 5 shows by way of example a diagnostic module 4, which is equipped with sensor means 33, which are position sensor means 33a, with which one or more switch positions of the valve member 16 of the main valve 13 of interest can be detected. These position sensor means 33a are, for example, contactless activatable proximity sensors, which respond to the valve member 16 or one or more actuators arranged thereon. In particular, these may be inductive proximity sensors. The advantage of this type of position sensor means 33a is that they can detect the instantaneous position of the valve member 16 through the wall of the main valve housing 15.

Other types of sensor means 33 set at the main valve 13 to be diagnosed at least one tap opening 34, via which the tapping of the desired state information is possible and which is open to the associated diagnostic module 4, to make the sensory monitoring from there. Such a design is shown in FIG. 2. It can be seen that the sensor means 33 are arranged there on the diagnostic module 4 in such a way that they come to lie in the attached condition of the modules via in each case one of the tap openings 34.

By way of example, in this connection suitable further position sensor means 33b are provided in the diagnostic module 4 for optical switch position detection, which have optical contact with the valve member 16 through a tap opening 34 and can thus determine the switch position.

In addition, a plurality of pressure sensor means 33c are present, which communicate via the tap openings 34 with zones in the interior of the main valve 13, in which there is supplied via the feed channel 22 feed pressure and / or in the working channels 18a, 18b pending working pressure.

By the sensory detection of the switching position of the valve member 16 can be accurately determined whether the main valve has switched. By the pressure detection a comparable detection is possible, but also any problems in the pressure build-up - for example, due to low switching speed - can be detected. Also, flow rates within the main valve 13 can be determined. In any case, there is the possibility of a comprehensive functional diagnosis of the main valves 13 of the valve modules 2 at any time during operation of the control unit. 1

As far as possible, one or more of the passageways 28a of the main valve housing 15 open to the diagnosis module 4 can be used as the tap opening 34. Especially However, to detect the working pressure, special tap openings 34 are preferably provided on the main valve housing 15. During operation without diagnostic module 4, these tap openings 34 are then closed by the adjoining valve module 2.

Normally, the tap openings 34 are tightly covered by the associated diagnostic module 4, so that no misinformation regarding the status data can arise.

To the control device of Figures 1 and 2 is nachzutragen that there are the connection openings 35 for the central fluid channels 24 expediently at one of the termination modules 7, which covers the open side of the adjoining main valve 13.

The diagnostic modules 4 can in principle be designed such that they directly output the sensor signals generated by the sensor means 33. However, an embodiment is expedient in which the diagnostic modules 4 contain evaluation electronics 36 which evaluate the sensor signals received by the sensor means 33 and output them as processed detection signals. Depending on the type of sensor means 33, each diagnostic module 4 can be equipped with a suitable evaluation electronics 36 in this way.

For feeding the required for the operation of the valve modules 2 actuation signals and energy and for the return of the diagnostic signals from the diagnostic modules 4, all the valve modules 2 and 4 diagnostic modules are conveniently connected to a common electrical interlinking device 37. Insofar as for the operation of the diagnostic modules 4 also actuation signals and / or energy required are or is, this can also be fed via the common electrical interlinking device 37.

The electrical interlinking device 37 contains a conductor strand 39 which consists of a plurality of electrical conductors and runs in the row direction 3. To him, the mentioned modules 2, 4 are connected on the one hand. On the other hand, in the case of the design according to FIGS. 3 to 5, it leads to an electromechanical interface 38 arranged on the outer surface of the module carrier 12, for example a plug-in device via which a connection to further control devices and / or an external control electronics is possible. It can be a bus connection.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate that the electrical interlinking device 37 on the other hand can also be connected to a located on board the control unit 1 central control electronics 42, which outputs the required for the operation of the valve modules 2 actuation signals and also utilizes the feedback diagnostic signals. The central control electronics 42 is expediently part of an independent module and is formed in the embodiment of the one termination module 6. An electromechanical interface 38a provided on this module also enables an electrical connection to external devices, in particular to a superordinate electronic control device. The control electronics 42 may have a field bus electronics in this context.

Within the electrical interlinking device 37, the signals can be transmitted both in parallel and, in particular, serially. In the latter case, at least the valve modules 2, but preferably also the diagnostic modules 4, are equipped with electronics capable of reading out the signals addressed to them and / or of their coming, output addressed signals in the electrical interlinking device 37.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 of the conductor strand 39 extends in the module carrier 12. At the valve modules 2 and the diagnostic modules 4 contact elements 43 are provided, which arrive at the installation of the corresponding module on the module carrier 12 with the conductor strand 39 in the correct allocation. The contact elements 43 can be designed to produce a purely pressing contact or contact to make a plug contact.

In the control device of Figures 1 and 2, the conductor strand 39 passes through the battery-like unit 9 therethrough. In that regard, the conductor strand 39 is composed of individual conductor strand elements which pass through the respective module 2, 4 and which are connected to interfaces 45 arranged at the two joining surfaces 44 oriented opposite each other in the row direction 3. In the assembled state of the battery-like unit 9, the mutually facing interfaces 45 of adjacent modules 2, 4 are in electrical connection and thus provide the electrical conductor strand 39.

Finally, it should be mentioned that one or more diagnosis modules 4 can be equipped directly with state-indicating means 46 which are capable of displaying one or more of the detected operating states, in particular in an optical manner. The state display means 46 may be, in particular, LEDs.

If the diagnostic modules 4 do not contain their own evaluation electronics 36, the sensor signals generated directly by the sensor means 33 can of course also be output via the electrical linking device 37.

Claims (18)

1. Fluidic control unit with several valve modules (2), arranged consecutively in one direction of lining-up (3) and combined to form a bank-like unit (9), each containing a main valve (13) equipped with one or more movable valve members (16) and one or more electrically actuable valve drives (14) for the main valve (13), wherein at least two valve modules (2) consecutive in the direction of lining-up (3) are spaced apart to form a gap (5) and a diagnostic module (4) is placed in the gap (5), characterised in that the diagnostic module (4) is designed to detect one or more operating states of one or both adjacent main valves (13).
2. Control unit according to claim 1, characterised in that in each case a diagnostic module (4) is provided between all consecutive valve modules (2).
3. Control unit according to claim 1, characterised in that alternately between consecutive valve modules (2) there is provided on one occasion a diagnostic module (4) diagnosing two respectively adjacent main valves (13) and on the other occasion no diagnostic module (4).
4. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the diagnostic module (4) does not extend beyond the contour of the respectively adjacent valve module (2).
5. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the valve modules (2) and the diagnostic module or modules (4) are connected to a common linking device (37) which leads to central control electronics (42) onboard the control unit and/or to an electro-mechanical interface (38, 38a).
6. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the valve modules (2) and the diagnostic module or modules (4) are physically connected, for example by means of tie rods (8), to form a self-supporting unit.
7. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that for the central supply and/or removal of pressure medium to and from the valve modules (2) there is provided at least one fluid passage (24) passing through all valve modules (2) and diagnostic modules (4) in the direction of lining-up (3) and comprised of through passages (28a, 28b) of the valve modules (2) and the diagnostic modules (4) which are aligned with one another, wherein adjacent valve and diagnostic modules (2, 4) are attached to one another with sealing.
8. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the valve modules (2) and the diagnostic module or modules (4) rest on a strip- or plate-like module support (12) in which runs at least one fluid passage (24) provided for the central supply and/or removal of pressure medium to and/or from the valve modules (2).
9. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the diagnostic module or modules (4) is/are disc- or plate-shaped.
10. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the diagnostic module or modules (4) is/are equipped with sensor means (33) designed to emit sensor signals to detect one or more operating states of the main valve (13) to be diagnosed.
11. Control unit according to claim 10, characterised in that the diagnostic module or modules (4) have position sensing means (33a) to detect one or more control positions of the valve member (16) of at least one adjacent main valve (13).
12. Control unit according to claim 11, characterised in that the position sensing means (33a) have proximity sensors which may be activated without contact, in particular of the inductive type.
13. Control unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the position sensing means (33b) are designed for optical sensing of the control positions.
14. Control unit according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterised in that the diagnostic module or modules (4) has/have pressure sensor means (33c) for detecting one or more fluid pressures prevailing in at least one adjacent main valve.
15. Control unit according to claim 14, characterised in that the pressure sensor means (33c) are designed to detect the supply pressure and/or at least one operating pressure prevailing within the main valve (13) concerned.
16. Control unit according to any of claims 10 to 15, characterised in that the main valve (13) to be diagnosed has at least one sensing aperture (34) allowing the sensor means (33) to pick up the desired status information and open towards the diagnostic module (4), and which is covered by the diagnostic module (4) concerned.
17. Control unit according to any of claims 10 to 16, characterised in that the diagnostic module or modules (4) contain(s) evaluation electronics (36) for the sensor signals supplied by the sensor means (33).
18. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the diagnostic module or modules (4) have status display means (46), in particular of an optical nature.

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