EP3222855B1 - Fluidic control system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a fluidic control device having a modular fluid distributor, which has a plurality of juxtaposed in the axial direction of a longitudinal distribution modules, the pair with the interposition of a Verteilermoduldichtung facing each other joining surfaces and at least partially equipped with at least one electrically actuated control valve, wherein the Fluid manifold is interspersed by a communicating with the control valves distributor fluid channel system, which is composed of distributor modules formed in the distribution module fluid channels and wherein the fluid distributor is interspersed in its longitudinal direction by a trained for transmitting electrical signals, electrically connected to the control valves signal transmission line.

One from the EP 1 081 389 B1 known fluid control device of this type has a permeated by a signal transmission line modular fluid manifold, which is composed of a plurality of juxtaposed manifold modules, each composed of a valve support module and sitting on the valve support module, electrically actuated control valve. The signal transmission line is used to transmit electrical control signals to the control valves. The control valves are capable of controlling the flow of fluid in a fluid channel system that extends composed of formed in the valve carriers fluid channels. In order to enable leakage-free passage of fluid between the fluid channels of the individual valve carrier modules, in the region of the valve carrier modules between adjacent distributor modules, in each case a mask-like distribution distributor seal having a planar extension is incorporated. At least one distributor module can also be equipped with a purely electrically operable relay unit instead of a control valve.

From the DE 19621261 C2 a fluidic control device is known in which a plurality of distributor modules to form a fluid distributor are attached to each other, wherein the fluid distributor is penetrated by a fluid channel system which is controllable by means of integrated in the individual distributor modules control valves with respect to the fluid flow taking place therein. Between the immediately successive distributor modules each a Verteilermoduldichtung is incorporated, which has a multi-perforated rigid support plate, on whose opposite plate surfaces each have a strip-shaped sealing structure is arranged, which is in sealing contact with the facing joining surfaces of the adjacent distributor modules.

One from the DE 10316129 B4 known control unit has a fluid distributor, which is penetrated by a fluid channel system and is equipped with a plurality of control valves. Between the control valves diagnostic modules are arranged, which are able to detect certain parameters of the flowing in the fluid channel system pressure medium. The diagnostic modules can be equipped, for example, with pressure sensors which protrude into relief channels of the fluid channel system.

In the DE 40 15 109 A1 . EP 0 520 380 A1 and DE 10141251 C1 In each case, a cylinder head gasket used in internal combustion engines is described, in which sensors serving to monitor the operation of the internal combustion engine are integrated.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a fluid power control device that allows a simple and inexpensive pressure monitoring of the pressure medium flowing in it.

To achieve this object is provided in connection with the features mentioned that at least one or each Verteilermoduldichtung has a dimensionally stable support plate which is interspersed for the fluidic connection of distributor module fluid channels of the flanking distributor modules of one or more openings and at least one of their two facing the adjacent distributor modules plate surfaces carries a sealingly abutting the joining surface of the opposite distributor module elastic sealing structure, wherein the carrier plate is also equipped with at least one for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing in a distributor module fluid pressure pressure sensor, which is electrically contacted with the signal transmission line.

In this way, at least one of the distributor module seals used for mutual sealing of adjacent distributor modules is used for pressure detection of a pressure prevailing in the distributor fluid channel system. Since the Verteilermoduldichtung anyway exists, the effort required to realize the pressure monitoring can be kept extremely low. Since the at least one pressure sensor with the used for controlling the control valves signal transmission line electrically contacted, the detected pressure measuring signals can be transmitted in the same way as the electrical control signals and fed to a built-in the control unit and / or an external control electronics. The combination of the at least one pressure sensor with a dimensionally stable support plate of the Verteilermoduldichtung ensures a secure fixation without risk of damage to the pressure sensor and facilitates handling during assembly of the control unit.

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

Each pressure sensor of each distributor module seal is preferably electrically contacted to the signal transmission line via an interface device arranged on the carrier plate of the distributor module seal and designated as a pressure sensor interface device, in particular in a detachable manner. This creates a particularly simple way of electrically connecting the pressure sensors to the signal transmission line and in particular has advantages over an embodiment in which electrical cables contained in a signal transmission line formed by a cable strand are contacted directly to the carrier plate, for example by soldering.

A reliable electrical connection between a pressure sensor and the pressure sensor interface device assigned to it results if this connection is realized via conductor tracks running on the carrier plate. This can also prevent damage in handling the Verteilermoduldichtung in connection with the assembly of the fluid distributor.

Particularly advantageous is the realization of the printed conductors in so-called MID technology, where "MID" stands for "Molded Interconnect Device". In this case, a metal sheet is expediently used as the carrier plate, which is coated-in particular by powder coating-with an electrically insulating plastic layer whose material can be activated by means of laser beams, so that copper serving for forming the conductor tracks can be selectively deposited thereon. This process is also referred to as laser direct structuring.

If both plate surfaces of the carrier plate are used for the application of the conductor tracks, the material requirement for the carrier plate can be reduced to a minimum. It is possible to use existing openings in the carrier plate to lead from a populated on one of the plate surfaces pressure sensor traces to the opposite plate surface. The conductor tracks may, for example, be guided around an edge of an opening in the carrier plate.

Preferably, the pressure sensor interface device is designed as a plug-in device, which ensures a particularly reliable in the case of shock electrical connection to the signal transmission line. It is possible to equip a conventional plug-in device as a separate component on the support plate. In a more cost-effective measures in this regard, the pressure sensor interface device consists of a one-piece with the support plate, in particular rectangular bent out of the plane of the support plate tab, which is plugged into a counterpart of the signal transmission line and therefore can be referred to as a tab. The printed conductors used for contacting the pressure sensor extend in this case, except for the insertion tab, so that the electrical connection with the signal transmission line can be realized directly by conductive surfaces of the conductor tracks.

The signal transmission line has expediently for contacting with each pressure sensor interface device in this respect a compatible connection interface device.

The signal transmission line is preferably modular, wherein it is composed of a plurality of signal transmission modules, each of which belongs to one of the distributor modules and which are detachably connected to one another in the joining region of respectively adjacent distributor modules. This design has the advantage of a simple adaptation to the number of existing distribution modules compared to a realization as a continuous cable strand. When juxtaposing the distribution modules as part of the assembly of the fluid distributor, the individual signal transmission modules are automatically coupled together electromechanically.

The mutual coupling of the signal transmission modules is particularly easy to perform when the signal transmission modules are equipped at their opposite end portions with mutually complementary, referred to as signal transmission interface devices interface devices that allow a simple and secure electromechanical coupling. Of the mutually complementary signal transmission interface devices, for example, the one may be performed in the manner of a plug and the other in the manner of a power outlet.

In a modular structure of the signal transmission line, the connection interface device is expediently arranged adjacent to one of the signal transmission interface devices arranged on a signal transmission module.

The carrier plate of the Verteilermoduldichtung expediently has an opening which allows the passage of the signal transmission line. This opening is expediently located in the immediate vicinity of the connection interface device.

At least one pressure sensor is expediently arranged on one of the two adjacent distributor modules facing plate surfaces of the carrier plate. In this way, the pressure sensor can be placed optimally in that region of the distributor fluid channel system in which the fluid pressure is to be measured. The pressure sensor can be placed in particular such that it is arranged in the region of one of the distributor module fluid channels.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one pressure sensor may be arranged on a carrier lug of the carrier plate projecting into an adjacent distributor module. In this way, the pressure sensor can protrude very far into a channel of the distributor module and, depending on the length of the carrier lug, measure the pressure at a location arbitrarily spaced from the joining region between two distributor modules.

Preferably, the pressure sensor is arranged on a wall portion of the carrier plate, which projects between two mutually aligned distributor module fluid channels. This is in particular a wall section of the carrier plate, the two mutually aligned distributor module fluid channels the two adjacent distribution modules separated from each other to prevent fluid transfer. As a result, for example, a distributor through-flow channel passing through the fluid distributor can be subdivided into different pressure zones. It is also advantageous if two distributor module fluid channels are separated from each other by such a wall section, which are used in the operation of the fluid power control device as connectable with a user to be actuated working channels. In this way, the currently prevailing working pressure can be monitored very easily directly in the working channel, resulting inter alia in diagnostic options, for example, to monitor a correct function of the associated control valve.

If the carrier plate of the distributor module seal carries on both opposing plate surfaces an elastic sealing structure, which bears sealingly against the joining surface of the respectively opposite distributor module, elastic sealing measures on the distributor modules are unnecessary, which allows a cost-effective production of the fluid distributor.

The elastic sealing structure arranged on at least one plate surface of the carrier plate consists in particular of a material with rubber-elastic properties. It is realized in particular in a mask shape, wherein it consists of a plurality of strip-shaped, linear and / or curved sealing portions, which merge integrally into one another. In particular, the sealing structure is applied to the carrier plate using a bonding agent which has been suitably coated with plastic material. The application is done especially in liquid Condition by injection molding with subsequent vulcanization process.

An advantageous embodiment of the control device provides that at least one of the two joining surfaces of each distributor module is formed partially recessed, wherein the Verteilermoduldichtung dips into the resulting recess, so that in the assembled state of the fluid manifold the both sides of one and the same Verteilermoduldichtung arranged distribution modules abut each other in block. The Verteilermoduldichtung is framed by abutting mating surface portions of the two distribution modules and thereby expediently shielded from the outside invisible manner to the external environment of the control unit. By this measure, the distributor modules can be firmly clamped together during assembly of the fluid distributor without risk of damage to the Verteilerboduldichtungen.

The solid cohesion of the distributor modules is realized, in particular, in that in the longitudinal direction of the fluid distributor immediately adjacent distributor modules are screwed together in pairs. An alternative possibility is to brace the juxtaposed distributor modules with one another by means of at least one tie rod in the line-up direction.

The distributor fluid channel system expediently includes at least one distributor passageway fluid passage that traverses the fluid distributor in its longitudinal direction and is composed of communicating manifold module fluid channels of the juxtaposed manifold modules. Preferably, at least one such distributor passageway fluid passageway is a manifold feed passage through which all the control valves contained in the fluid manifold are distributed with one Pressure medium, in particular with compressed air, are supplied. At least one other distributor passageway fluid channel is designed as a manifold relief channel which also communicates with all of the control valves and serves to remove pressurized fluid flowing back from the consumer to be controlled.

In a preferred construction of the fluid distributor, the distributor modules are likewise modular in their construction. Each distributor module contains a valve carrier module penetrated by distributor module fluid channels and one or more control valves, which are fastened to the valve carrier module in a preferably detachable manner as independently functional components and communicate with distributor module fluid channels of the distributor module carrying them. The joining surfaces used in the assembly of the fluid distributor are in this embodiment of the valve support modules, so that the Verteilermoduldiegungen are only arranged between each adjacent valve support modules. The control valves are expediently attached to an outer placement surface of the respective valve support module. Preferably, instead of at least one control valve, a purely electrical device can be mounted or mounted on at least one valve carrier module, for example a relay device.

Conveniently, the fluid control device is equipped with an electronic control and / or communication module, which is technically connected to the signal transmission line and can communicate in this way both with the electrically actuated control valves and with the pressure sensors signal technology. The control and / or communication module can output electrical control signals which are transmitted via the signal transmission line the control valves are transmitted to their selective actuation. With appropriate equipment of the control valves also feedback signals generated by the control valves can be transmitted back to the control and / or communication module in this way. The signal transmission line is also used to transmit from the pressure sensors deliverable electrical measurements to the control and / or communication module to allow, for example, a diagnosis and / or to take into account these measurements in the control of the control valves.

A pure communication module allows a communication of the control unit with an external electronic control device without taking over control tasks. A pure control module creates the possibility for a self-sufficient operation of the control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the control and / or communication module is a combined electronic control and communication module, which has an integrated electronic control device and also interface means that allow communication with an external electronic control device.

The signal transmission line is preferably implemented in serial bus technology. Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility of implementation in parallel signal transmission, in which the electrical components are each contacted individually electrically.

In an advantageous embodiment of the control device, at least one Verteilermoduldichtung at the edge of the support plate is provided with a light emitting diode which is contacted with the pressure sensor interface device and thereby is able to predetermined operating states of at least one Pressure sensor or other with the signal transmission line contacted components of the control unit to visualize.

Figur 1

eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des fluidtechnischen Steuergerätes in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Figur 2

das Steuergerät der Figur 1 in partieller Explosionsdarstellung, wobei eine zwischen zwei benachbarten Verteilermodulen platzierte Verteilermoduldichtung gut sichtbar ist,

Figur 3

die in Figur 2 ersichtliche, dort in dem umrahmten Bereich III abgebildete Verteilermoduldichtung in einer vergrößerten, perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung,

Figur 4

die Verteilermoduldichtung aus Figur 3 aus einem anderen Blickwinkel,

Figur 5

die Verteilermoduldichtung in einer Stirnansicht mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil V aus Figur 3 auf die mit Drucksensoren bestückte Plattenfläche der Trägerplatte,

Figur 6

eine Ansicht der Verteilermoduldichtung mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil VI auf die der Figur 5 entgegengesetzt orientierte Plattenfläche,

Figur 7

eine Draufsicht auf eine Fügefläche eines Verteilermoduls mit daran angesetzter Verteilermoduldichtung in einer Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil VII aus Figuren 2 und 9, wobei ein zu dem Verteilermodul gehörendes Steuerventil nur strichpunktiert angedeutet ist,

Figur 8

einen Querschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie VIII-VIII aus Figur 7,

Figur 9

einen Längsschnitt durch die Ventilträgermodule zweier unmittelbar benachbarter Verteilermodule gemäß Schnittlinie IX-IX aus Figur 7, wobei die Blickrichtung dem Pfeil IXa aus Figur 2 entspricht und wobei die beiden Ventilträgermodule im noch nicht aneinander angesetzten Zustand abgebildet sind,

Figur 10

in einer mit Figur 9 übereinstimmenden Darstellungsweise ein mit strichpunktiert angedeuteten Steuerventilen bestücktes Ventilträgermodul und eine noch nicht daran montierte Verteilermoduldichtung, und

Figur 11

eine perspektivische Einzeldarstellung eines der mehreren zur Realisierung des Signalübertragungsstranges vorhandenen Signalübertragungsmodule.

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

FIG. 1

a preferred embodiment of the fluid power control device in a perspective view,

FIG. 2

the control unit of FIG. 1 in a partially exploded view, wherein a distributor module seal placed between two adjacent distributor modules is clearly visible,

FIG. 3

in the FIG. 2 apparent, in the framed area III illustrated Verteilermoduldichtung in an enlarged, perspective detail view,

FIG. 4

the distributor module seal FIG. 3 from a different angle,

FIG. 5

the Verteilermoduldichtung in an end view looking in accordance with arrow V FIG. 3 on the plate surface of the carrier plate equipped with pressure sensors,

FIG. 6

a view of the Verteilermoduldichtung looking in accordance with arrow VI on the FIG. 5 oppositely oriented plate surface,

FIG. 7

a plan view of a joining surface of a distributor module with attached thereto Verteilermoduldichtung in a viewing direction according to arrow VII of Figures 2 and 9, wherein a belonging to the distribution module control valve is indicated only by dash-dotted lines,

FIG. 8

a cross section according to section line VIII-VIII FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9

a longitudinal section through the valve support modules of two immediately adjacent distributor modules according to section line IX-IX FIG. 7 , The viewing direction of the arrow IXa FIG. 2 corresponds and wherein the two valve carrier modules are shown in not yet juxtaposed state,

FIG. 10

in one with FIG. 9 Matching representation of a valve carrier module equipped with dash-dotted lines control valves and not yet mounted distributor module seal, and

FIG. 11

an individual perspective view of one of the several existing for the realization of the signal transmission line signal transmission modules.

In the drawing, a generally designated by reference numeral 1 fluid control device is shown, in which the measures according to the invention, including numerous advantageous embodiments are realized.

The control unit 1 is equipped with a plurality of electrically actuated control valves 2, which are able by appropriate electrical actuation on a central supply connection 3 fed pressure medium, in particular compressed air to output to non-illustrated consumers, which are connected by means also not further illustrated fluid lines to the control valves 2 communicating working outputs 4 internal working channels 5. The consumers are in particular operated by compressed air drives, such as pneumatic cylinders. The control unit is also provided with at least one discharge outlet 6, which is realized, for example, by the intermediary of silencers and can flow through the pressure medium flowing back from the connected consumers to a pressure sink, in particular to the atmosphere.

The control valves 2 are components of a modular fluid distributor 7, which also has the at least one feed connection 3, the at least one discharge outlet 6 and the working outlets 4 and the working channels 5. Within the fluid distributor 7, a fluid channel system designated as a distributor fluid channel system 8 for better distinction includes the working channels 5 and through which the working outputs 4 are fluidically networked with the at least one feed connection 3 and the at least one discharge outlet 6 with the interposition of the control valves 2.

A distributor feed channel 12 belonging to the distributor fluid channel system 8 traverses the fluid distributor 7 in its longitudinal direction, which is the axial direction of a longitudinal axis 14 of the control unit 1. The distributor feed passage 12 connects the feed port 3 to each of the existing control valves 2, so that they are supplied in parallel with the fed pressure medium.

Two manifold relief passages 13 also associated with the manifold fluid channel system 8 also extend longitudinally through the fluid manifold 7 and connect all of the control valves 2 to one of the relief ports 6. In an unillustrated embodiment, only one such manifold relief channel 13 is present.

For the sake of simplicity, the manifold feed passage 12 and the manifold relief passages 13 will be hereinafter also referred to as manifold passage fluid passage 15, respectively.

The fluid distributor 7 has a modular construction and is composed of a plurality of distribution modules 16 lined up in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14. Each distributor module 16 has two joining surfaces, which are referred to below as the first joining surface 17a and as the second joining surface 17b and which are formed on the two mutually oppositely oriented, aligned in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14 end faces of the distributor module 16. In the assembled state, first and second joining surfaces 17a, 17b of the distributor modules 16 directly following one another in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14 lie directly opposite one another. Between each pair of such first and second mating surfaces 17a, 17b a Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is incorporated. With the aid of fastening screws 22, the successively arranged distribution modules 16 are clamped together in pairs, wherein the Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is clamped therebetween and biased against the two flanking first and second joining surfaces 17a, 17b.

In this way, the distributor modules 16 and the distributor module openings 18 clamped therebetween form a module which is firmly joined together in a preferably detachable manner.

It is possible to form the distributor modules 16 as a whole in the shape of a plate and to integrate the associated control valve 2 in such a way that a distributor module housing simultaneously acts as a valve housing. Preferably, however, the illustrated in the drawing design, in which each distribution module 16 in turn has a modular structure and a plurality - preferably releasably - has attached module modules. A first module module of each distributor module 16 is formed by a valve carrier module 23, at least one second module module by a control valve 2.

The joining surfaces 17a, 17b are located on the valve carrier modules 23, which are also penetrated by the distributor fluid channel system 18. Each control valve 2 belonging to a distributor module 16 is attached to an outer mounting surface 24 of the associated valve carrier module 23 and preferably fixed in a particularly detachable manner with the aid of fastening screws 25. As an example, each valve carrier module 23 is equipped with two control valves 2 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14. Depending on the width of the valve carrier module 23 measured in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14, a different number of control valves 2 can also be attached thereto. A preferred equipment variant is that a distributor module 16 is composed of a valve carrier module 23 and only a single control valve 2 mounted thereon.

The control valves 2 expediently have a longitudinal axis 26 and are aligned such that this longitudinal axis 26 is aligned at right angles to the longitudinal axis 14 of the control unit 1 is. Within the fluid distributor 7, the control valves 2 are preferably arranged alongside each other.

Each control valve 2 contains in known and not further illustrated manner, an internal valve member, such as a valve spool, which is positionable by means of an electrically actuable drive means 27 of the control valve 2 in different switching positions. The drive device 27 is, for example, an electromagnet or an electromagnetically actuable pilot valve. Electric valve connection means 28 of the control valves 2, which are preferably arranged outside in the region of the drive device 27, allow the supply of electrical control signals for activating the drive device 27 in order to specify the desired switching position of the control valve 2.

The internal valve member of the control valve 2 is dependent on its switching position in the position formed in the control valve 2 valve channels 32, the in FIGS. 7 and 8th are indicated by dashed lines, to connect in a certain scheme alternately with each other and separate from each other. As a result, in particular a 5/2-valve function or a 5/3-valve function can be realized. The valve channels 32 lead to a arranged on an underside of the control valve 2 mounting surface 33, with the advance the control valve 2 is mounted on the mounting surface 24, the normal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 extends. At each surface portion of the mounting surfaces 24, which is covered by a control valve 2, open by way of example two working channels 5 and a branch of each distributor-passage fluid channel 15 Branch channel off. In this way, each control valve 2 communicates in the associated distributor module 16 with two working channels 5, a distributor feed channel 12 and at least one distributor-relief channel 13.

Through the fluid distributor 7 in the longitudinal direction 14 therethrough also extends for better distinction as a communication channel 34 designated channel in which extends in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14 a trained for transmitting electrical signals signal transmission line 35. All control valves 2 are electrically conductively connected to this signal transmission line 35 by contacting their electrical valve connection means 28 with electrical counter-connection means 36 of the signal transmission line 35 adapted thereto. The electrical counter-connection means 36 are located within the communication channel 34, wherein the valve connection means 28 of the control valves 2 to pass through the wall openings of the valve support module 23 opening out to the mounting surface 24 and are electrically contacted within the communication channel 34 with the associated counter-connection means 36.

The signal transmission line 35, which may be embodied as a serial bus or for the transmission of parallel bus signals, is led out of the fluid distributor 7 on an axial end side and connected in a manner not further illustrated with an electronic control and communication module 37 likewise belonging to the control device 1. The control and communication module 37 has at least one electrical interface 38 for coupling an external electronic control device, which is not shown further. In addition, it itself contains an internal electronic control device connected between the external electronic control device and the electrical operable control valves 2 mediated and thereby is due to a stored control program in a position to impose the control valves 2 a predetermined and / or dependent on certain events operating behavior. The control signals required for this purpose receive the control valves 2 from the control and communication module 37 via the signal transmission line 35.

The control and communication module 37 is mounted as an example in extension of the fluid distributor 7 directly or indirectly to the fluid distributor 7. The exemplary embodiment shows an indirect structure with the interposition of two further modules 42, which have electrical inputs for sensors and / or electrical outputs for external actuators to be controlled.

Due to the modularity of the fluid distributor 7, the distributor fluid channel system 8 is composed of distributor module fluid channels 43 that are at least partially fluidly communicating with one another and formed in the individual valve carrier modules 23. Each distributor through-flow channel 15 consists of a number of the valve carrier modules 43 corresponding number of distributor module fluid channels 43 which pass through the relevant valve support module 23 between the two joining surfaces 17a, 17b and merge into each other at the joining regions 44 located between adjacent distributor modules 44.

Similarly, the communication channel 34 is composed of juxtaposed communication channel sections 45 which pass through the individual valve support modules 23 and merge into one another at the joining regions 44.

The distributor module openings 18 ensure that the distributor module fluid channels 43 communicate with one another without leakage in the joining areas 44 and that no contaminants penetrate into the communication channel 34 in the joining areas 44.

Each Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is a plate-like, multi-perforated structure. A supporting component of each distributor module seal 18 is a dimensionally stable support plate 46, which consists of a rigid material and is exemplified by a metal sheet. The Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is incorporated with respect to the longitudinal axis 14 at right angles aligned plate plane of the support plate 46 between adjacent manifold modules 16 and valve support modules 23. Their outline is adapted to those of the mutually facing joining surfaces 17a, 17b, wherein it is preferably slightly smaller than the outline of the joining surfaces 17a, 17b, so that the distributor module seal 18 in the region of its outer edge 47 is surmounted by the joining surfaces 17a, 17b.

The carrier plate 46 has a number of wall openings corresponding to the number of distributor through-flow fluid channels 15, which for the sake of better distinction are referred to as first wall openings 48 and which pass through the carrier plate 46. These first wall openings 48 are provided with a passage cross section corresponding to the channel cross section of the distributor passageway fluid channels 15 and adapted to be aligned with the distributor module fluid channels 43 defining the manifold passageway fluid channels 15. As a result, unhindered fluid transfer between the adjacent distribution modules 16 for the purpose of fluidic supply and the disposal of the control valves 2 is ensured in the joining regions 44.

There are cases in which individual control valves 2 or groups of control valves 2 are to be operated with pressure medium that is at a different pressure level. In such a case, the support plate 46 may be made imperforate instead of a first wall opening 48, such that the associated manifold passage fluid channel 15 is divided by the valve support seal 18 into two lengths which may be fed separately with pressure medium.

In order for the communication channel sections 45 to be able to complement the continuous communication channel 34, the carrier plates 46 of the valve carrier modules 23 are provided with a further wall opening in the region of the communication channel sections 45, which is also referred to below as the second wall opening 52. The signal transmission line 35 thus passes through all Verteilermoduldiegungen 18 through the second wall opening 52 therethrough.

At at least one, but preferably at both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 plate surfaces, the support plate 46 carries an elastic sealing structure 53. Each of these two sealing structures 53 is formed in the manner of a sealing mask and is composed of a plurality of strip-shaped sealing portions which are integrally formed together and which frame the existing wall openings 48, 52. The distributor fluid channel system 8 may well have more than the distribution module fluid channels 43 described so far, so that the Verteilermoduldiegungen 18 may accordingly have further wall openings, which are then also framed by the elastic sealing structures 53.

Each elastic sealing structure 53 lies opposite one of the two joining surfaces 17a, 17b. In the assembled state of the fluid distributor 7, the elastic sealing structures 53 are pressed with the joining surfaces 17a, 17b, so that a reliable sealing is achieved.

Each distributor module 16 is preferably provided in the region of one of its two joining surfaces 17a, 17b with a recess 54 contoured at least essentially corresponding to the outer contour of the distributor module seal 18. The depressions 54 are located at the joining surfaces of the distributor modules 16 facing in the same axial direction, by way of example at the second joining surfaces 17b. The associated Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is received in the recess 54 so that the two elastic sealing structures 53 are pressed with a defined bias when the manifold modules 16 with joining surface portions 17c of the facing first and second joining surfaces 17a, 17b directly abut each other, the recess 54th frame. The distributor modules 16 can be clamped together in this way with a high fastening force without the risk of crushing the distributor module seal 18.

By abutting joining surface portions 17c is also achieved that the Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is shielded from the environment and no joints arise in which could deposit impurities.

In order to allow a particularly favorable production, a longitudinal section of at least one and preferably each working channel 5, which is formed individually in one of the distributor modules 16, realized by a pocket-like recess 55, which introduced from one of the joining surfaces 17a, 17b in the distributor module 16 is. This favors in particular a casting production of the distributor modules 16. In order to separate the longitudinal section of the working channel 5 formed by the depression 54 fluid-tight from the adjacent distributor module 16, the distributor module seal 18 placed on the associated joining surface 17a, 17b is provided with a wall section hereinafter referred to as closure wall section 56, which completely covers the recess 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the depressions 54 of two working channels 5 leading to the same control valve 2 are open towards the same joining surface 17a or 17b, the two closure wall sections 56 covering them being formed by the carrier plate 46 of one and the same distributor module seal 18.

When a valve support module 23 is equipped with two control valves 2, run in the valve support module 23, two pairs of working channels 5, wherein the recesses 55 of each pair of working channels 5 are each formed in one of the two joining surfaces 17a, 17b.

In this way, each closure wall portion 56 of each distributor module seal 18 contributes to the formation of two working channels 5 formed in two adjacent valve support modules 23.

The signal transmission line 35 expediently has a modular structure and is composed of a plurality of signal transmission modules 57 lined up in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14. In this case, each distributor module 16 is associated with such a signal transmission module 57 which is fixed in the communication channel section 45 of the respective distributor module 16 in a preferably releasable manner. Each signal transmission module 57 conveniently includes a printed circuit board 58 provided with electrical conductors attached to each other opposite end portions, which are associated with the opposite joining surfaces 17a, 17b, are provided with mutually complementary first and second signal transmission interface devices 62a, 62b. The board 58 is preferably oriented so that its board plane is perpendicular to a vertical axis 63 of the associated distributor module 16, which is aligned at right angles to the longitudinal axis 14 and to the mounting surface 24.

Circuit traces 58, not further illustrated, of the printed circuit board 58 produce an electrically conductive connection between connection contacts of the two signal transmission interface devices 52a, 52b.

The above-mentioned electrical counter-connection means 56 are also located on the circuit board 58 and are contacted with printed conductors of the circuit board 58.

The signal transmission interface devices 62a, 62b are expediently designed as mutually complementary plug connection devices.

Any number of existing valve support modules 23 is configured to detect a pressure sensing of at least one fluid pressure prevailing in the manifold fluid channel system 8. In the embodiment, each Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is formed accordingly.

At each distributor module seal 18 designed for pressure detection, the carrier plate 46 is equipped with at least one pressure sensor 64 in such a way that the pressure sensor 64 is exposed to the fluid pressure to be detected in the distributor fluid channel system. About to the distributor module seal 18 belonging electrical connection conductor 65, each pressure sensor 64 is suitably connected to a located on board the distributor module seal 18 electromechanical interface device, which is designated for better distinction as a pressure sensor interface device 66. Via this pressure sensor interface device 66, the respective pressure sensor 64 is contacted with the electrical signal transmission line 35, so that the electrical pressure measured values determined by a pressure sensor are sent to the control and / or communication module 37 via the same signal transmission line 35, via which the control valves 2 are also actuated be transferred.

An evaluation of the pressure measurement values takes place in the control and communication module 37 and / or in a connected external electronic control device, so that a continuous functional diagnosis of the fluid power control device 1 is possible. Depending on which of the distributor module fluid channels 43 is pressure-monitored, it can be determined, for example, whether the supplied pressure medium has the desired nominal pressure, whether the desired ventilation is ensured or if there are possibly impairments due to fouling of silencers, and / or ob the pressures prevailing in the working channels 5 correspond to the desired specifications. A monitoring of the prevailing in the working channels 5 pressures allows, among other things, conclusions about the functioning of the associated control valves. 2

In the drawing, a Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is shown, which is designed to detect the pressure prevailing in two working channels 5 fluid pressure. For this purpose, the support plate 46 at each of the two a recess 54 covering the closure wall sections 56 at the covered recess 54 facing plate surface equipped with a pressure sensor 64, which consequently projects directly into the associated recess 54 and thus directly into the associated working channel 5.

At least one pressure sensor 64 can also be arranged on the carrier plate 46 in such a way that it projects into a channel of a distributor module 16 to be monitored with regard to the pressure prevailing therein in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 14. For this purpose, the support plate 46 has in particular a bent out of its plane plate carrier tab 76 to which a pressure sensor 64 is mounted and which protrudes in the assembled state with the pressure sensor 64 fixed thereto in the relevant channel of an adjacent distribution module 16. The carrier tab 76 is preferably bent out at right angles from the plane of the plate 46. A corresponding embodiment is illustrated in the drawing and especially in the Figures 3 . 4 and 9 clearly visible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier tab 76 equipped with a pressure sensor 64 protrudes into the communication channel section 45 of an adjacent distributor module 16. In this way, the pressure prevailing therein can be monitored, in particular as to whether there may possibly be an overpressure due to leakage. In an unillustrated embodiment, the carrier tab 76 and the pressure sensor 64 supported by it protrude into a manifold module fluid channel 43 to sense the pressure therein.

The extending between each pressure sensor 64 and the pressure sensor interface device 66 electrical connecting conductor 65 are expediently from to the support plate 46 applied conductor tracks 67 formed. These are expediently produced in MID technology (MID = Molded Interconnect Device), preferably by so-called laser direct structuring.

The printed conductors 67 are produced before the pressure sensors 64 and the elastic sealing structures 53 are applied. The basis is a preferably metallic plate body, which is punched out correspondingly to form the required wall openings 48, 52 and is coated by powder coating with an activatable plastic material before the production of the conductor tracks. This coating is then partially activated by selective laser irradiation, so that in a subsequent copper bath, a metallization is deposited, which forms the interconnects. By means of further aftertreatments the copper material is still nickel plated and gilded. Subsequently, the pressure sensors are applied and electrically connected to the conductor tracks.

Before or after the application of the pressure sensors, the elastic sealing structures 53 are applied, wherein a bonding agent is expediently applied beforehand to the already applied plastic layer in order to improve the durability.

The elastic sealing structure 53 can in principle be placed and glued on as a prefabricated sealing mask. However, it is preferably realized by applied in the liquid state elastomeric material. The application is preferably carried out by injection molding in conjunction with a vulcanization process.

To save material, the non-perforated areas of the support plate 46 are made as narrow as possible. In connection therewith, it is advantageous to provide conductor paths 67 extending between the pressure sensors 64 and the pressure sensor interface device 66 on both opposing plate surfaces of the carrier plate 46. In this way, the traces 67 extend in part on one and partly on the other plate surface. Existing wall openings 48, 52 can be used to advantage to lead printed conductors 67 from that plate surface, which is equipped with the pressure sensors 64, on the opposite plate surface. In FIG. 6 are conductor tracks 67 can be seen, which are guided at a first transition point 68 of the pressure sensors 64 bearing plate surface on the opposite plate surface and are returned from there at a second transition point 69 to the first-mentioned plate surface to the pressure sensor interface device 66 located there. Both transition points 68, 69 are located on the wall opening 48, 52 delimiting plate edge of the support plate 46th

Simple electrical contacting of the pressure sensors 64 with the signal transmission line 35 is possible because the signal transmission line 35 has an electromechanical connection interface device 72 compatible with each pressure sensor interface device 66. Preferably, the pressure sensor interface device 66 and the port interface device 72 are designed as mutually complementary plug-in devices. By way of example, the pressure sensor interface device 66 is a male-type male connector and the interface interface device 72 is a female-type male connector.

The pressure sensor interface device 66 is preferably realized in the form of a one-piece with the support plate 46 tab 73 which is bent out of the plane of the support plate 46 at right angles. This applies to the embodiment. The required electrical connection contacts 74 are formed by sections of the plug-in tab 73 terminating tracks 67, so no separate connector means must be attached. In principle, it would nevertheless be possible to realize the pressure sensor interface device 66 in the form of a conventional plug-in device.

In conjunction with a modular structure of the signal transmission line 35, it is advantageous if the connection interface device 72 is implemented for at least one distributor module seal 18 as part of a signal transmission module 57. This applies to the embodiment. In this case, the connection interface device 72 is preferably arranged independently of the signal transmission interface devices 62a, 62b present for the electromechanical linking of the signal transmission modules 57. It is advantageous if the contacting direction of the connection interface device 72 coincides with that of one of the two signal transmission interface devices 62a, 62b.

Preferably, the port interface 72 is attached to the board 58 adjacent to one of the two signal transmission interface devices 62b. It is advantageous if the terminal interface device 72 is at a different height level in the axis direction of the vertical axis 63 than the adjacent signal transmission interface device 62b. Expediently, the distributor module seal 18 and the signal transmission module 57 equipped with the connection interface device 72 to be contacted are matched to one another in such a way that the signal transmission module 57 projects through the second wall opening 52 with the signal transmission interface device 62b oriented in the same way as the connection interface device 72. if the Verteilermoduldichtung 18 is attached to the joining surface 17b of the respective distribution module 16. At the same time, the pressure sensor interface device 66 dips into the second wall opening 52 and engages with the connection interface device 72.

The plug connection formed between the pressure sensor interface device 66 and the connection interface device 72 also facilitates the assembly of the fluid distributor 7 because the distributor module seal 18 can be fixed to a distributor module 16 before the distributor modules 16 are attached to one another to form the fluid distributor 7 become.

Instead of the combined electronic control and communication module 37, the fluidic control unit 1 can also be designed with a pure electronic control module having no external communication possibilities or with a pure communication module having no own electronic control means and designed for communication with an external electronic control device.

Claims (16)

1. Fluid-power control unit with a modular fluid distributor (7) comprising a plurality of distributor modules (16), which are lined up in the axial direction of a longitudinal axis (14) and fitted to one another in pairs with the interposition of a distributor module seal (18) each with mutually facing joining surfaces (17a, 17b) and at least partially provided with at least one electrically actuable control valve (2), wherein the fluid distributor (7) is passed through by a distributor fluid passage system (8) communicating with the control valves (2) and composed of distributor module fluid passages (43) formed in the distributor modules (16), and wherein the fluid distributor (7) is passed through in its longitudinal direction by a signal transmission string (35) designed for the transmission of electric signals and electrically connected to the control valves (2), characterised in that at least one or each of the distributor module seals (18) has a dimensionally stable support plate (46), which has one or more openings (48) for the fluidic connection of distributor module fluid passages (43) of the flanking distributor modules (16), and which supports on at least one of its two plate surfaces facing the adjacent distributor modules (16) an elastic seal structure (53) bearing against the joining surface (17a, 17b) of the opposite distributor module (16) while forming a seal, wherein the support plate (46) is furthermore provided with at least one pressure sensor (64) designed for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing in a distributor module fluid passage (43) and electrically contacted to the signal transmission string (35).
2. Fluid-power control unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the pressure sensor (64) is electrically contacted to the signal transmission string (35), in particular in a releasable manner, via a pressure sensor interface device (66) located on the support plate (46).
3. Fluid-power control unit according to claim 2, characterised in that each pressure sensor (64) is connected via conductor paths (67) on the support plate (46) to a pressure sensor interface device (66) located on the support plate (46) at a distance from the respective pressure sensor (64), wherein the conductor paths (67) are expediently applied using MID technology and/or wherein the conductor paths (67) are in particular located on both opposite plate surfaces of the support plate (46).
4. Fluid-power control unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the pressure sensor interface device (66) is designed as a plug-in device, wherein the pressure sensor interface device (66) is expediently represented by a plug-in tab (73) provided with conductor paths (67), bent out of the plate plane of the support plate (46) and integral with the support plate (46).
5. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the signal transmission string (35) has a connecting interface device (72) compatible with the pressure sensor interface device (66) for contacting to a pressure sensor (64).
6. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the signal transmission string (35) has a modular structure and is composed of signal transmission modules (57) of the individual distributor modules (16), which signal transmission modules (57) are releasably joined to one another in the joining region of respectively adjacent distributor modules (16).
7. Fluid-power control unit according to claim 6, characterised in that the signal transmission modules (57) are in their mutually opposite end regions provided with complementary signal transmission interface devices (62a, 62b), by way of which they are electromechanically coupled to form the signal transmission string (35).
8. Fluid-power control unit according to claim 7 in combination with claim 5, characterised in that the connecting interface device (72) is designed to be separate from the signal transmission interface devices (62a, 62b) and/or located on a signal transmission module (57) adjacent to one of the signal transmission interface devices (62b).
9. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the signal transmission string (35) extends through an opening (52) of the support plate (46).
10. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that at least one pressure sensor (64) is located on a plate surface - facing an adjacent distributor module (16) - of the support plate (46), and/or in that at least one pressure sensor (64) is located on a support tab (76) - projecting into an adjacent distributor module (16) - of the support plate (46).
11. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the support plate (46) has at least one wall section (56), which separates mutually aligned distributor module fluid passages (43) of the two adjacent distributor modules (16) from each other and on which a pressure sensor (64) for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing in one of the separated distributor module fluid passages (43) is located on at least one side, the distributor module fluid passage (43) concerned being in particular a working passage (5) controllable by one of the control valves (2) and connectable to a consumer to be actuated.
12. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the support plate (46) of the distributor module seal (18) supports on both opposite plate surfaces an elastic seal structure (53) bearing against the joining surface (17a, 17b) of the opposite distributor module (16) while forming a seal.
13. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that at least one of the two joining surfaces (17a, 17b) of each distributor module (16) has a recess (54) which at least partially accommodates the associated distributor module seal (18) in such a way that the distributor module seal (18) is framed by abutting joining surface sections (17c) of the two distributor modules (16) flanking the distributor module seal (18) and thereby expediently screened from the outside in an invisible way.
14. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the distributor fluid passage system (8) comprises one or more distributor fluid through-passages (15), which extend through the fluid distributor (7) in its longitudinal direction, each of which is composed of mutually communicating distributor module fluid passages (43) of the lined-up distributor modules (16), and which communicate fluidically with the control valves (2) provided.
15. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that each of the distributor modules (16) comprises a valve support module (23), through which the distributor fluid passage system (8) passes, and at least one control valve (2) sitting on the valve support module (23) and communicating with the distributor fluid passage system (8), wherein the joining surfaces (17a, 17b) are formed on the valve support modules (23) and the distributor module seals (18) are located between respectively adjacent valve support modules (23).
16. Fluid-power control unit according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that it comprises an electronic control and/or communication module (37), which is connected to the signal transmission string (35) in terms of signal technology, wherein electric control signals which can be output by the control and/or communication module (37) can be transmitted to the control valves (2) and wherein measured values which can be output by the pressure sensors can be transmitter to the control and/or communication module (37) via the signal transmission string (35).

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