ES2259583T3 - FLUID CONTROL UNIT - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluidic control apparatus with several individual devices (2) of various types arranged consecutively and assembled forming a battery-shaped unit (4) in a series alignment (3), which at least partially are configured as devices (6 ) fluidic and whose housings (5), seen in the visual direction coinciding with that of the alignment (3) in series, have an external contour that at least substantially is identical, characterized in that the individual devices (2) are also configured at least partially as pure electric and / or electronic devices (7).

Description

Fluidic control device.

The invention concerns a control apparatus fluidic, with several individual devices of various types arranged consecutively in a series alignment and gathered in a battery-like unit, which at least partially they are configured as fluidic devices and whose housings, seen in the visual direction that matches the series alignment, have an outer contour that at least It is substantially identical.

A fluid control apparatus of this type is can appreciate in the document US-A-5,184,647. That device contains several individual devices of different types arranged consecutively in a serial alignment configured as valve instruments and vacuum production apparatus that seen in the visual direction that matches the alignment in series feature an outer contour that at least substantially It is identical. Therefore, they can be performed at the same time several different fluid regulation tasks, for example both the excitation pulse of fluid driven cylinders such as also of vacuum driven devices

A fluidic control device that can be seen in DE 44 13 657 C contains a multiplicity of devices individuals gathered in a construction group consecutively in a series alignment, which are made coinciding with each other as instruments for controlling valves, such that the control apparatus represents in set a cluster of valves. Each valve instrument is electrically operated to control the fluid supply of a connected consumer Seen in the visual direction that matches serial alignment all individual devices have exterior contours identical to each other.

Another comparable arrangement can be seen in EP-A-0704647.

In a fluidic control apparatus that is detach from the document US-A-4,861,232 are also gathered in a battery-shaped unit several devices individual. The individual devices are in this case devices of vacuum production by which vacuum is generated when you need which can be used to transport and handle objects subjected to depression.

In the controlled operation of facilities techniques in most cases are still requested purely electric actions with what are installed so far by separate the corresponding control devices. This has as consequence a very high installation cost and leads to a considerable need for space for the placement of individual components

It is the task of the present invention to take the necessary measures to reduce installation costs and need for space for the components of a regulation fluidic

This task is solved by a device of fluidic control of the type mentioned at the beginning in which individual devices are configured, at least partially, also as purely electric or electronic devices.

In this way a control device is presented which has different individual devices at the same time types including purely electric or electronic devices, of such that with a central device can be carried out Different control tasks. The external contour of the devices individual that can be seen in the alignment vision in series it is executed at least substantially identically, regardless of the respective type of device, which in If necessary, identical fixing measures can be used, which allows a very simple installation and also reduces to a Minimum the need for space. In this way there is therefore particularly the possibility of assembling valve devices and / or vacuum production and additionally also integrate devices electronics in a control device, for example regulators electronics that allow a controlled electronic drive of the electrical components of a machine or an installation. The combinatorial possibilities are very varied with what due to the execution of coincident exterior contours, in most of the cases and if necessary, you can also vary the sequence of placement inside the battery-shaped unit and in particular there is the possibility of individually equipping an apparatus of fluidic control with the types of individual devices that are need for a particular purpose of control.

From the dependent claims, they give off the advantageous developments of the invention.

Individual devices can be gathered by mechanical union forming a self-supporting constructive group,  as for example it can be seen in document DE 44 13 675 C. But it would also be possible to assemble the individual devices on a common device holder, as illustrated in the document US-A-4,861,232. On this last case a modular type configuration of the support is also imaginable of devices, for example in such a way that each individual device sits on a module of the adjusted device holder especially, being mechanically linked together the device holder modules to finally maintain the appliance support

Individual device housings can be shaped like a plate while its large side surfaces conveniently in the same direction and in the opposite direction of serial alignment.

Although the dimensions of the width measured in the series alignment of the housing may vary, in particular depending on each type of device, the construction with identical width dimensions of individual devices are presents as particularly advantageous because in this case you can perform a particularly simple standardization of interfaces with external devices, i.e. cables, pipes of fluids, or the like.

The invention is explained below with more detail with the help of the attached drawings. In them show:

Figure 1 a first example of execution of a representative fluidic technique control device schematic, in perspective,

Figure 2 the control apparatus of Figure 1 in a side view as indicated by arrow II, and

Figure 3 another example of the execution of an apparatus of fluidic technique control, again in representation Schematic and in side view.

The drawings show various forms of execution of a fluid control apparatus 1 that can be used for the activation of a machine, of an installation or of individual tools, with the devices to be activated at least by some fluid, that is for example They are pneumatic or hydraulic. Preferably the devices of control also allow additional activation of electrical devices, for example valve activation electrically operated or driven mechanisms electrically

It is common to all control devices 1 described that all of them contain a multiplicity of devices 2 individual that are arranged consecutively in a 3 alignment in series marked with an arrow and are grouped forming a unit 4 of devices in the form of a battery.

The housings 5 of the different devices 2 Individuals are standardized with respect to their external form. When viewed in the direction of alignment 3 in series, appreciate in cases 5 of all 2 individual devices a outer contour that at least substantially and preferably in The whole is identical. In this regard, according to the drawings, you can try an outer contour of rectangular shape of the 2 individual devices.

Despite that standardized configuration the control apparatus 1 consists of individual devices 2 of different types. Therefore at least one individual device 2 is configured as fluidic apparatus 6, being present in total four fluidic devices 6 in the case of the forms of execution of Figures 1 and 2, and in total seven fluidic devices 6 in the case of Figure 3. Additionally in the forms of execution of the Figures 1 and 2 are present two individual devices 2 made as purely electric and / or electronic devices 7, and according to the Figure 3 only one device of the device type 7 is present electric or electronic

The fluidic devices 6 that are within a corresponding control apparatus 1 can also be of types different. For example, according to figures 1 and 2, two devices 6 fluidics are made as apparatus 8 for activating valves and two other fluidic devices 6 are like devices 9 of vacuum production. The form of execution according to the Figure 3 contains four valve activation devices 8 and four vacuum production apparatus 9.

The devices 8 acting as valves each of them contains at least one valve organ 12 represented only schematically in figure 2, which can be position in various positions, for which purpose they are present electrical drives for positioning to which can supply the energy required for the drive to through electrical contact means 13. For this you can try devices 8 that act as valves with a pilot control or anticipatory, or directly operated. The activation of consumers connected by the fluidic system is carried out depending on the connection status of the respective devices 8 that act as valves, for example the mechanisms actuated by fluids, for which purpose in figure 3 have been indicated with 14 the corresponding fluid pipes.

In the case of devices 8 that act as valves, it can be pneumatic devices and / or
Hydraulic

The vacuum producing devices 9 are designed to produce depression when necessary in the 15 outgoing fluid pipes. This depression can be used for example to solve manipulation jobs such as the transport and / or positioning of objects in the industry of Packing or parts in the manufacturing or assembly technique. The fluid pipes 15 may be in communication for that purpose with the appropriate suction cups or suction plates that can be Apply to the product you want to handle.

In figure 2 they have been marked with stripes and points the vacuum production units 16 that are integrated in the 9 vacuum producing apparatus and in which it is treated in all cases of ejector devices that work according to the principle of ejection pumps. It is possible to intervene on the operational situation sought by at least one valve 17 of integrated control in the corresponding apparatus 9 producer of empty, which has been indicated with stripes and dots in figure 2, and whose operating energy can be provided through 13 'electrical contact means comparable to the apparatus 8 acting as valves.

The electrical or electronic devices 7 present in the exemplary embodiment of figures 1 and 2 are made, for example, as electronic regulators that have of outputs and / or electrical inputs 18, through which and in connection with the continuation electrical lines 22 can be emitted and supply electrical signals. These regulators can be use for example to perform controlled positioning electronically of fluidic and / or electrical mechanisms.

The electrical or electronic devices 7 also they have 13 '' electrical contact means for the supply of electrical control signals

All 2 individual devices are connected with an electronic control station 23, in particular through of said electrical contact means 13, 13 ', 13' ', the which can be realized as a component of the apparatus 1 of fluidic control In the example of execution of the figure the electronic control station 23 is arranged in one of the longitudinal faces of unit 4 of devices, for which purpose the means 13 are also present on said longitudinal face, 13 ', 13' 'electrical contact, whereby the electrical contact socket from a single side. Station 23 control electronics may contain at least one plate of printed circuits that extends outside the various 2 individual devices.

In the case of the constructive form of the figure 3 the electronic control station 23 is located in a block 29 control from which it feeds with the signals of electric drive to individual devices 2. As also it happens in the case of figures 1 and 2 the electronic station 23 of control may be contained in its own control program and / or form a common line of connection with the peripherals through the which and by using a built-in common line 24 communication with other control devices may take place or with an external control unit of a higher order.

In the form of execution reflected in the Figures 1 and 2 the individual devices 2 are equipped with device housings 5 having a plate shape whose two large lateral surfaces are oriented respectively in the same direction and in the opposite direction to alignment 3 in series, for which purpose the carcasses 5 are located directly adjoining and directly one after the other with the devices 2 individual. By using the appropriate means 25 of connection, for example anchor rods 21 that cross the shape of all individual devices 2, unit 4 of devices represents a self-supporting and solidly constructive group United.

For this, it is conveniently planned that unit 4 of devices is traversed in alignment 3 in series by one or several central channels, for which purpose according to Figures 1 and 2 are provided in total three of said channels 25 centrals, of which one of them has been marked in figure 2. These central channels 25 are composed of fluid channels 26 individual running through the individual 5 housings in the alignment 3 in series and that aligned with each other form the channels 25 central Built-in sealing measures produce a joint waterproof between the various 2 individual devices.

In the example of execution of figures 1 and 2 a central channel 25 is made as a supply channel central through which a compressed medium is supplied, in particular compressed air, to unit 4 of devices and of which feed the fluidic devices 6. Additionally they are present one or more central channels that function as channels of deaeration or discharge and through which you evacuate from again the compressed medium already used. In fluidic devices 6 tires according to exemplary execution deaeration it can take place directly to the environment of the control apparatus 1 and specifically preferably through the dampers 27 of suitable noise that can be fixed on the apparatus 1 of control.

Feeding and / or evacuation of the environment compressed to or from unit 4 of devices conveniently takes place on a front face using a closure piece 28 separated and preferably in the form of a plate, which is spliced on one of the two individual end devices 2 of unit 4 of devices. A 28 'closure piece can also be mounted similar on the opposite front face, which can be done feeding or evacuation of the compressed medium at discretion to through one of the two front faces, being able to close the connection openings not used by means 32 of closing.

Inside the fluidic devices 6 produces the distribution of the compressed medium to the devices internal through fluid channels not shown in detail. While according to figures 1 and 2 also the devices 7 pure electrical or electronic are crossed by one or more of the central channels 25, the corresponding fluid channels are They perform as pure passage channels. However, it can also be convenient, for example for pressure detection, install one or more sensors inside one or more of the electrical or electronic devices 7 that can detect pressure of the fluid to take it into consideration in the activation of connected components.

In the example of execution drawn in the figure 3 individual 2 devices are installed independently each other individually on a support 32 of devices with plate or ribbon shape. In the same way and to get a compact layout are arranged as close as possible ones together to others and can even touch each other. The feeding of the devices 2 individual with fluidic and / or electrical energy is effected conveniently using the support 32 of devices that in Correspondence may be equipped with internal channels. For the device holder 32 may be made as one-piece component, but it would also be however possible a modular construction with a subdivision in modules device holder arranged consecutively in alignment 3 in series that are fixed together by suitable elements of union, with which you can obtain a construction similar to the of unit 4 of apparatus according to figures 1 and 2.

In all forms of execution represented the housings of all 2 individual devices have the same constructive width (measured in alignment 3 in series). Of course, all devices can also be combined with each other. 2 individual of different widths.

Through the normalized external conformation of the housings 5 of the various devices 2 individual and with independence of the type or class of the corresponding devices 2 individual control devices can be built very compact, being able to perform mechanical and / or electrical interfaces and / or fluidic and / or optical that are standardized. The shape special construction of the individual 2 devices allows the realization of individual control devices by the system modular with equipment that corresponds to the needs own of the 2 individual devices.

Particularly advantageous is an apparatus 1 of fluidic control that according to figures 1 and 2 has a parallelepiped shape structure, and for the corresponding number of 2 individual devices has a cube shape, obtaining a normalized exterior appearance regardless of the endowment in each case with 2 individual devices. Since, in what regards the transverse dimensions that are needed perpendicular to alignment 3 in series, the space of necessary work for the installation of the control device it always remains the same regardless of the type of devices 2 individual used, can be planned with relative simplicity the integration of the control device during the construction of a machine or an installation.

Claims (12)

1. Fluidic control apparatus with several individual devices (2) of various types arranged consecutively and assembled forming a battery-shaped unit (4) in a serial alignment (3), which at least partially are configured as devices (6) fluidic and whose housings (5), seen in the visual direction coinciding with that of the alignment (3) in series, have an external contour that at least substantially is identical, characterized in that the individual devices (2) also they are configured at least partially as pure electrical and / or electronic devices (7). 2. Control apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluidic devices (6) are at least partially configured as devices (8) that act as valves. 3. Control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluidic devices (6) are at least partially configured as vacuum producing devices (9). 4. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one pure electric and / or electronic device (7) is configured as an electronic regulator. 5. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the individual devices (2) adjoining each other are directly in contact with each other. 6. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the individual devices (2) are assembled forming a self-supporting constructive group by mechanical connection. 7. Control apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that all the individual apparatuses (2) of the series alignment (3) are crossed by at least one fluid channel (26), the channels being thereby connected to each other (26) of fluid of the adjacent individual devices (2) which produces at least one central channel (25) that runs through all the individual devices (2). 8. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the individual devices (2) are installed together on a device holder (32) which is configured in particular in the form of a plate or a strip. 9. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housings (5) of the individual devices (2) are in the form of a plate, the large lateral surfaces being oriented in the same direction or in the opposite direction as the alignment serially. 10. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by individual devices (2) of different types with identical or different width dimensions of their housings (5) in the alignment (3) in series. 11. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that all the individual devices (2) have an identical external shape. 12. Control apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a rectangular external contour of the individual devices (2).