EP2024649A1

EP2024649A1 - Block assembly for pneumatic distributors

Info

Publication number: EP2024649A1
Application number: EP07765941A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcus Mead; David Bourdier
Original assignee: Parker Hannifin France SAS
Current assignee: Parker Hannifin France SAS
Priority date: 2006-06-02
Filing date: 2007-05-23
Publication date: 2009-02-18
Also published as: US20110162739A1; FR2901851B1; FR2901851A1; JP2009539045A; WO2007141403A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a block assembly (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) comprising a base (16) intended to receive a plurality of pneumatic distributors, possessing for this purpose at least one supply duct which can be connected to a supply inlet of each distributor and at least one exhaust duct which can be connected to each exhaust outlet of each distributor, and additionally having, for each control outlet of each distributor, at least one corresponding outlet channel intended to be connected to a pneumatic actuator, said base being designed such that the pneumatic distributors can be arranged on either side of a longitudinal central axis (A) of said base in at least two substantially parallel rows, characterized in that the base is also designed to equally receive pneumatic distributors of different types.

Description

Island for pneumatic distributors

The present invention relates to an island for pneumatic distributors. A pneumatic distributor is a pre-actuator that distributes pneumatic energy to a pneumatic actuator, typically a jack, so as to drive it according to a control command that it receives.

Pneumatic valves are an integral part of the chain of action that allows, from a command order, to distribute the pneumatic energy to the cylinders of a machine, and there is usually a cylinder distributor to drive.

A pneumatic dispenser is constituted by a body having a plurality of orifices and comprising a drawer that can take several positions allowing a different communication circuit between the orifices according to the chosen position.

For example, in the case of piloting a double-acting cylinder, that is to say comprising a pressure chamber on either side of the piston connected to the cylinder rod, it will be possible to use a pneumatic distributor said / 2, that is to say having five orifices and two functions or boxes implemented by a drawer that can adopt two positions each corresponding to a particular communication scheme.

Among the five orifices, there is a compressed air supply port, an outlet port to each chamber of the cylinder and two exhaust ports located generally on either side of the inlet port of pressurized air.

The drawer is designed to be able to adopt two positions, namely a first position in which the orifice corresponding to the rear chamber is in communication with the compressed air inlet and in which the orifice corresponding to the front chamber is in communication with an exhaust port, thereby allowing the output of the cylinder rod; and a second position in which the port corresponding to the rear chamber is in communication with an exhaust port and wherein the port corresponding to the front chamber is in communication with the compressed air supply port, causing therefore the retraction of the cylinder rod. There are also 4/2 pneumatic distributors having only one exhaust port and pneumatic distributors called 3/2 for driving single-acting cylinders and comprising only an exhaust port and control port in addition to the compressed air inlet.

In general, all the pneumatic valves driving a set of cylinders are grouped on an island for pneumatic distributors by stacking along a longitudinal axis of the island. Such a configuration is advantageous because it allows to regroup the compressed air supply and the exhaust outlets via a common base. It also makes it possible to centralize the electronic control of the pneumatic distributors and to group them in a block easily isolable from the possible aggressive conditions of a workshop.

Depending on the application, an island for distributors may include between 8 and 32 or even up to 64 pneumatic valves.

Although having many advantages, the grouping of distributors on an island has a major disadvantage, namely congestion.

Indeed, with pneumatic distributors having an average width of about 20 to 25 mm, an island for 32 distributors has a minimum length of 64 cm. Such lengths can easily become an obstacle to installation on a machine or in a control cabinet.

To solve this problem, various manufacturers have naturally sought to reduce the width of a pneumatic distributor and have succeeded in producing distributors having a unit width of 10 or 8 mm.

However, a fundamental aspect of a pneumatic distributor is to be able to pass a sufficient flow of compressed air to ensure good responsiveness of the cylinder to a given command. The reduction of the width of a distributor has therefore been accompanied by an increase in its length so as to have a switching volume, and therefore a capacity of flow passage, substantially equivalent. For example, commercially available distributors having a width of 10.5 mm and a length of 110 mm while a standard size dispenser typically has a width of 20 to 25 mm for a length of about 60 mm. It should be noted, however, that the reduction in width is also accompanied by a reduction in the diameters of the ducts for the passage of compressed air, which leads to greater pressure losses and causes performance degradation even with a switching volume. substantially equivalent.

This increase in the length of a pneumatic dispenser also results in a higher response time, an increase in the operating threshold of the drawer as well as scrubbing problems. The drawer is equipped with nitrile seals to ensure optimum communication of the compressed air without loss of pressure. Due to the reduction of the width of the dispenser and the miniaturization of all its components, the joints must ensure a perfect seal. As a result, the friction that they undergo during the movement of the slide is greater and therefore lead to an increase in the force required to move the slide and a faster wear of these joints.

One solution to this problem is to arrange the pneumatic distributors on either side of a longitudinal median axis thereof in at least two substantially parallel rows.

Thus, by combining the pneumatic distributors on either side of a longitudinal median axis of the base, unlike the state of the art in which finer pneumatic distributors follow one another along said median axis, it is possible use pneumatic distributors having standard dimensions and proven efficiency to achieve a distributor island having a distributor width equivalent to or less than the unit width narrow distributors of the state of the art. For example, in the case of a prior art using unit pneumatic distributors of 10.5 mm wide and 110 mm long, an island according to the invention can use standard distributors of 20 mm wide for 60 mm long . For the prior art, a slice of two distributors will therefore be 21 mm wide by 110 mm long while according to the invention a slice of two distributors having a width of 20 mm and a length of 120 mm will be obtained. an equivalent width per distributor of 10 mm for a substantially equal length.

The pneumatic valves used being standard, thus avoiding the extra costs of machining, joints, reliability problems, as well as the other problems mentioned above. Moreover, the invention thus proposes an alternative solution for reducing the total length of an island for pneumatic valves of standard size by transferring part of the overall length of the island to its width. Examples of such arrangements can be found in WO02 / 38966 and US2004 / 089352.

Another solution to overcome the problems of scrubbing is to perform a seamless switching. To do this, and minimize leakage, it is necessary to precisely pair the parts together to ensure the most perfect alignment possible between the drawer and the compressed air circulation ducts. Performing a seamless switching requires very fine machining and very precise parts which is particularly expensive.

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and for that purpose consists of an island for pneumatic distributors comprising a base intended to receive a plurality of pneumatic distributors, having for this purpose at least one supply duct able to be connected to a supply inlet of each distributor and at least one exhaust pipe adapted to be connected to each exhaust outlet of each distributor, and furthermore having, for each control output of each distributor, at least one corresponding outlet channel intended to be connected to a pneumatic actuator, substantially parallel, characterized in that the base is also designed to indifferently receive pneumatic distributors of different types. Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to combine the types of distributors, for example by providing a row of 3/2 distributors and a row of 5/2 distributors, depending on the actuators to be controlled.

Indeed, the devices of the prior art are dedicated to only one type of pneumatic actuators and the solution is then to reproduce the operation of a more sophisticated distributor (type 5/2) with the help of normal distributors (for example type 3/2) it receives. This allows to gain in functionality but also in number of distributors received since a distributor type 5/2 requires two distributors type 3/2 to reproduce all the features. It is also possible to provide an arrangement of the various supply ducts, control and evacuation of compressed air, such as the base is able to indifferently receive pneumatic distributors type 3/2, 5/2, 4/2 or others.

Advantageously, the rows of pneumatic distributors are substantially juxtaposed. Advantageously, the pneumatic distributors are able to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median axis.

Preferably, each pneumatic distributor comprises at least one actuating means adapted to be arranged opposite a means for actuating the corresponding pneumatic distributor with respect to the longitudinal median axis.

Advantageously, each pneumatic distributor comprises at least one actuating means and the base has at least one channel intended to receive at least one centralized electrical control means for actuating means of at least one pneumatic valve line, of the type printed circuit, said channel being adapted to allow a connection of the actuating means by means of electrical control.

Preferably, the base has a central channel for receiving at least one centralized electrical control means of the actuating means of the pneumatic distributors. Preferably, the base is designed to receive pneumatic distributors comprising pneumatic actuating means, of the solenoid valve type, and comprising at least one auxiliary pressure supply line and at least one auxiliary exhaust line that can be connected to the valves. actuating means. Preferably again, the base is equipped with light guides, advantageously made of plastic material, opening on one face thereof and able to guide a light signal emitted by the control means and representative of the position of the actuating means of the pneumatic distributor. According to a first preferred embodiment, the output channels open at a front or rear face of the base. It should be noted that front face means a face first seen by the user when the island is fixed in a cabinet. It is therefore a face substantially parallel to the longitudinal median axis. According to a second preferred embodiment, the output channels open at a lower face of the base. Space As it is more available on the underside, it is then possible to provide connections that are also standard for the output channels. Moreover, such an arrangement makes it easier to isolate the sensitive part of the dispenser from the rest of the workshop as well as the connections. According to a first variant embodiment, the base is designed to receive 5/2 type distributors.

According to a second variant embodiment, the base is designed to receive 3/2 type distributors.

Of course, the types 5/2 and 3/2 are given by way of examples as the most widespread pneumatic distributors, but one can also mention distributors of the type 5/3 and others.

Advantageously, the base is made from modules each intended to receive at least one pair of pneumatic distributors.

It is of course possible to combine the modules together, for example by combining a module of two distributors and a module of four distributors to form a base of six pneumatic distributors.

The present invention also relates to an installation comprising at least one island according to the invention in which the associated pneumatic distributors are mounted. The implementation of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the appended drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic functional representation of a 5/2 type pneumatic distributor. Figure 2 is an overview of a first preferred embodiment of an island for pneumatic valves according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in front perspective of a base module of the island for pneumatic distributors of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the module of FIG.

Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the module of Figure 2 with a view from the inside of the pneumatic distributors.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of a pneumatic distributor in a first operating position. Figure 7 is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of the pneumatic distributor of Figure 6 in a second operating position.

Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of an island for pneumatic valves according to the invention having pneumatic outputs on a lower face.

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a second preferred embodiment of an island according to the invention having a different arrangement of the inner channels of the base.

Before describing in detail an embodiment of the invention, it is important to specify that the invention is not limited to a particular type of pneumatic valve. Although illustrated by 5/2 type pneumatic distributors, it can also be implemented with pneumatic distributors of different types, in particular type 3/2 or 4/2.

A pneumatic distributor 1 comprises a body having an air inlet 3, two exhaust outlets 4, 5 situated on either side of the air inlet 3 and two control outlets 6, 7 intended to be connected. each to a chamber of a cylinder (not shown) double effect. The body houses a sliding drawer 8 which can alternatively pass from a position in which it provides the communication of the air inlet

3 with the control output 6 and the communication between the control output 7 and the exhaust output 5, at a position in which it communicates the air inlet 3 with the control output 7 and the communication between the control output 6 and the exhaust output 4.

The sliding of the slide 8 between these two positions is provided by a compressed air control 9 mounted against a return spring 10 tending to return the slide to its initial position when the compressed air control 9 is not under pressure . Such a pneumatic distributor 1 is said to be monostable because it has only a stable position. It is of course possible to use bistable pneumatic valves having two compressed air controls mounted one against the other.

It should be noted that in order to allow the slide 8 to move as well as the compression and expansion of the spring 10, the spring 10 is housed in a chamber in communication with the atmospheric pressure or at a pressure lower than the pressure of the control. compressed air 9. A block diagram of the pneumatic distributor 1 is shown in FIG.

The compressed air control 9 is controlled by a solenoid valve 12 respectively for controlling the pressurization of the compressed air control 9 and releasing this pressure. Each solenoid valve 12 is equipped with a manual control 13 for manually forcing the drawer into a desired position, as well as an electric control 14.

Although illustrated by pneumatic distributors 1 type 5/2 monostable, it is of course possible to use bistable pneumatic distributors. In this case, the space provided for a second solenoid valve 12 is occupied by a dummy solenoid valve 12 'having a dummy manual control 13'.

The set of pneumatic distributors 1 for driving a set of cylinders is grouped on an island 15 of pneumatic distributors 1, a first preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 2 in which the distributors are fixed with screws 60 cooperating with corresponding threaded bores. The example described provides easily removable and replaceable distributors, it is obviously possible to directly integrate these distributors to the island 15.

The island 15 of pneumatic distributors 1 comprises a body having a base 16 on which are reported the pneumatic distributors 1 in pairs, each pair comprising a pneumatic distributor 1 attached adjacent a second pneumatic distributor 1 on either side of a longitudinal median axis A. The pneumatic distributors 1 of each pair are oriented symmetrically with respect to said longitudinal median axis A so that the solenoid valve 12 and the dummy solenoid valve 12 'of each pneumatic distributor 1 are respectively facing the Dummy solenoid valve 12 'and the solenoid valve 12 of the corresponding pneumatic distributor 1. In this way, the solenoid valves 12 and the dummy solenoid valves 12 'are grouped substantially in the center of the base 16. The island 15 shown in FIG. 2 comprises six pairs of pneumatic distributors 1.

The base 16 comprises a common compressed air supply 17, a common exhaust 18 and an auxiliary supply 19 of air and an auxiliary exhaust 20 intended for feeding and the exhaust of the air used by the solenoid valves 12 controlling the movements of the drawers 8 of the pneumatic distributors 1.

More specifically, the base 16 is made from modules 21 as shown in Figures 3 to 5 each intended to receive two pairs of pneumatic distributors 1. It is of course possible to design modules for receiving a single pair of pneumatic distributors 1 or more of two pairs as well as to associate base modules for 5/2 pneumatic distributors with modules for 3/2 pneumatic distributors in order to combine them on the same island 15. Each module 21 is attached to the previous module 21 by means of transverse screws (not visible) cooperating with corresponding threaded bores and all the modules 21 is closed by a closure plate 52 from which opens the auxiliary supply duct 19 and the exhaust duct 20. Each module 21 of the base 16 comprises a bottom wall

(Not visible), a front wall 23 and rear 24, substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis A, an upper wall 25 intended to receive the pneumatic distributors 1, a front side wall 26 and a rear side wall (not visible) intended to be oriented towards a head module 53 of the island. This upper wall 25 is shaped so as to have a groove 28 centered on the longitudinal central axis A and intended to receive the solenoid valves 12, 12 'of each pneumatic distributor 1.

Under the groove 28 is formed a central inner channel 32 passing through the module 21 to open into the front wall 26 and into the rear wall so as to form with the central channels 32 of the preceding modules 21 and following a common central channel for receiving a electric control module for solenoid valves 12.

To do this, the upper wall 25 has, in the groove 28, openings 33 opening into the central channel 32 and allowing the introduction of the solenoid valves 12, 12 'so as to allow the connection of an electrical control member 58 of each solenoid valve 12 to the electrical control module.

Each electrical control module can be connected to the preceding and the following modules 21 in the end to form a control bus that can be controlled by means of a common control interface 50. The supply of the solenoid valves 12 under auxiliary pressure is provided by means of a channel 54 formed through each module 21 of the base 16 and connected to each solenoid valve, which after connecting the modules 21 constitutes a supply duct. auxiliary pressure connected to the auxiliary pressure supply 19.

The escape of the auxiliary pressure is effected in the same way via a channel 55 connected to the auxiliary pressure exhaust 20.

The supply and exhaust of each pneumatic distributor 1 are also provided according to the same principle.

To do this, the module 21 has on both sides of the central inner channel 32, a supply channel 34 in pressure and an exhaust channel 35 located between the supply channel 34 and the upper wall 25. The upper wall 25 has, at each pneumatic distributor 1, openings for providing communication between the different channels of the base 16 and the circuits of the pneumatic distributor 1. Thus, an opening 40 is formed opposite each port d supplying each distributor 1, this opening 40 being in communication with the supply channel 34 via a duct 41. Openings 42, 43 are provided opposite each exhaust orifice of each distributor 1, these openings 42, 43 being in communication with the exhaust channel 35.

Finally, openings 44, 45 are provided opposite each control orifice of each pneumatic distributor 1, each of these openings 44, 45 being in communication with a corresponding fitting 49 mounted on a lateral face of the module 21, via a transverse channel 46, 47 dedicated.

As detailed above, the example shown has a feed duct 54 and exhaust 55 in auxiliary pressure independent of the supply ducts 34 and exhaust 35 pneumatic distributors 1. It is obviously possible to provide that the The pressure supply of the solenoid valves is effected via the pressure supply duct 34 and the exhaust is effected via the exhaust duct 35. However, the presence of an independent supply and exhaust circuit for the solenoid valves 12 makes it possible to operate the pneumatic valves 1 at a desired pressure different from the operating pressure of the solenoid valves 12. FIGS. 6 and 7 represent the different positions of a drawer 8 of a pneumatic distributor 1 and to illustrate the flow of air.

Figure 6 shows the drawer 8 in the controlled position, while Figure 7 shows it in its stable position.

In its stable position, the slide 8 makes it possible to ensure direct communication between the air inlet 3 and the control output 4, whereas the control output 5 communicates with the exhaust 7.

In its controlled position, the slide 8 makes it possible to ensure direct communication between the air inlet 3 and the control output 5, while the control output 4 communicates with the escapement 6. FIG. embodiment of the invention.

A base according to FIG. 8 differs from the base 16 solely in that it is made from modules 121 whose control connections 49 are situated on the bottom wall 22, the transverse channels 46, 47 being shaped Consequently. The presence of the connectors 49 on the bottom wall 22 makes it possible to place standard connectors 49, in particular of the G 1/8 type, the lower surface

22 providing more space than the side wall to arrange this type of fittings.

FIG. 9 represents another alternative embodiment of a module 221 differentiating from the modules 21, 121, in that it comprises a single exhaust channel 135 serving the pneumatic distributors 1 on each side of the longitudinal median axis A, the mechanical strength of the base at the exhaust channel 135 being provided by spacers 136.

Other variants are also possible. It will be possible, for example, to provide only one pressure supply channel, or to provide two supply channels each serving one side of the longitudinal central axis A, each supply channel being connected to a separate power supply and to gather on the same base of the pneumatic valves 1 operating at different supply pressures. In addition, the base 16 may be equipped with light guides, preferably made of plastic material, placed between each pair of pneumatic distributors 1 and intended to bring the light emitted by a diode equipping the electrical control circuit and representing the position of the corresponding solenoid valve 12.

It should also be noted that all the locations provided on the base do not necessarily have to be occupied by pneumatic valves 1. In the case where a user only wants an odd number of pneumatic valves 1, for example, dummy distributors simply to plug the openings to be installed on the base 16.

Although the invention has been described with particular examples of embodiment, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they fall into the scope of the invention.

Claims

An island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) comprising a base (16) intended to receive a plurality of pneumatic distributors, having for this purpose at least one supply duct (34) adapted to be connected to an inlet of supply (3) of each distributor and at least one exhaust duct (35) which can be connected to each exhaust outlet (4, 5) of each distributor, and furthermore, for each control output (6, 7) of each distributor at least one corresponding output channel (46, 47) intended to be connected to a pneumatic actuator, said base being designed so that the pneumatic distributors can be arranged on either side of a longitudinal median axis (A) thereof in at least two substantially parallel rows, characterized in that the base is also designed to receive indifferently pneumatic distributors of different types.

2. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rows of distributors are substantially juxtaposed.

3. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the distributors are adapted to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis (A).

4. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each pneumatic distributor comprises at least one actuating means (9, 12, 12 ') adapted to be arranged opposite a means actuating means (9, 12 ', 12) of the corresponding pneumatic distributor with respect to the longitudinal center axis (A).

5. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each pneumatic distributor comprises at least one actuating means and in that the base has at least one channel intended to receive at least one electrical control means centralized means for actuating at least one line of pneumatic valves, the printed circuit type, said channel being adapted to allow a connection of the actuating means by means of electrical control.

6. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the base has a central channel for receiving at least one centralized electrical control means of the actuating means of the pneumatic distributors.

7. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base (16) is designed to receive pneumatic distributors comprising pneumatic actuating means (12, 12 ') and comprises at least one auxiliary supply duct (32) in pressure and at least one auxiliary exhaust duct (31) that can be connected to the actuating means.

8. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the base is equipped with light guides opening on one side thereof and adapted to guide a signal light emitted not the control means and representative of the position of the actuating means of the pneumatic distributor.

9. Island (15) for pneumatic valves (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outlet channels (46, 47) open at a front face (23) or rear of the base (16).

10. Island (15) for pneumatic valves (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the outlet channels open (46, 47) at a lower face of the base (16). ).

11. Island (15) for pneumatic valves (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base (16) is designed to receive 5/2 type pneumatic distributors.

12. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base (16) is designed to receive type 3/2 distributors.

13. Island (15) for pneumatic valves (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the base (16) is designed to receive 4/2 type distributors.

14. Island (15) for pneumatic distributors (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the base (16) is made from modules (21, 121) each intended to receive at least a pair of distributors.

15. Installation characterized in that it comprises at least one island (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein are mounted the associated pneumatic distributors (1).