WO2006008509A1

WO2006008509A1 - Fluid flow control valves

Info

Publication number: WO2006008509A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/002824
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dean Allen; Christopher Simon Patient; Stephen K. Hawkes; Michael Dalby
Original assignee: Norgren Limited
Priority date: 2004-07-16
Filing date: 2005-07-18
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Also published as: GB0415924D0

Abstract

A control means (11) for a fluid flow control device (1) that comprises at least one valve, the control means (11) comprising first (12) and second (13) connectable parts, the first part (12) having protocol means to interpret control signals that are received by the control means (11) and the second part (13) having means to connect to, and provide signals for, the or each valve of the fluid flow control device (1). A connection means is also disclosed comprising a first part that is adapted to engage a complementary second part of another valve slice thereby individually fixedly and releasably joining the valve slice to another valve slice. Further, a cartridge is disclosed that is held in the port of the valve slice by a clip, the cartridge comprising a hollow cartridge body having at least a grab ring assembled therein to retain a connection pipe in communication with the valve.

Description

FLUIDFLOWCONTROLVALVES

This invention relates to fluid flow control valves and more particularly to valve islands comprising valves for controlling fluid-powered devices such as, for example, actuating cylinders. The invention is applicable to pneumatic and hydraulic control valves but, for convenience, this specification refers largely to the former.

It is now commonplace in, for example, production machinery for all of the actuating cylinders to be controlled by respective directional control valves that are usually mounted on one and the same 'valve island' . The valves in the valve islands are usually controlled by solenoids that receive electrical signals to actuate the associated valve. Each valve and its associated solenoid forms part of a valve slice. The valve slices are adapted to interconnect to form the valve island. The valve islands are connected to supply lines such as pneumatic, electrical and communication lines. Each valve slice has fittings to receive the pneumatic, electrical and communication lines. The communication line is connected to a control means, which interprets the instructions received and sends the appropriate signals to the solenoid valves on the valve island.

Usually, the control means is a fieldbus control means or a multipin connector. If the control means operates using a fieldbus the instructions must be interpreted according to the protocol employed by that particular system. There are various protocols that are commonplace in the art such as DeviceNet, CANopen, AS-interface, Profibus, AB RIO and Interbus. Thus, the correct control means must be selected for the valve island to ensure that the control means supports the protocol used by a management system in a factory, for example. The control system usually comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) that has components for interpreting the control protocols used and further components to send the interpreted signals to the appropriate solenoid valve. Further, the size of the control system PCB will vary depending on how many solenoid valves are mounted on the valve island. Thus, many different control means are required to satisfy the various combinations of valve island size and protocol.

According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a control means for a fluid flow control device that comprises at least one valve, the control means comprising first and second connectable parts, the first part having protocol means to interpret control signals that are received by the control means and the second part having means to connect to, and provide signals for, the or each valve of the fluid flow control device.

This control means arrangement is advantageous as it significantly reduces the inventory of control means. Thus, any permutation of control means can be created from a selection of first parts, which have interpretation means for each control protocol, and a selection of second parts for each size of control device.

The first part may have signal receiving means to receive the control signals. The signal receiving means may be adapted to be physically connected to a management system. Alternatively, the signal receiving means may operate wirelessly.

The signal receiving means may be provided on a third part that connects to the first part.

At present valve slices are interconnected to form the valve island by a fixing rod that passes through a bore in each valve slice. The valve slices may have alignment means comprising lugs and recesses that ensure that each valve slice bore is aligned appropriately with an adjacent valve slice bore. The fixing rod is then passed through the bores of all the aligned valve slices and is fixed at both ends to secure the valve slices together. In the event that a valve slice needs to be replaced, the fixing rod is removed thereby allowing not only the valve slice to be replaced to become free, but all of the valve slices. Thus, the replacement of a valve slice can be particularly problematic, especially in the operating environment, as the valve island may need to be completely reassembled in the correct configuration after replacement of a single valve slice, for example.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a valve slice for a valve island comprising a body having a valve and a solenoid mounted therein, and a connection means comprising complementary first and second parts, wherein the first part is adapted to engage the complementary second part of another valve slice thereby individually fixedly and releasably joining the valve slice to another valve slice.

The connection means of the second aspect of the invention allow easy assembly and replacement of the valve slices forming a valve island. As each valve slice is individually fixedly and releasably joined to the adjacent valve slice, an assembled valve island may be "split" at the appropriate point, a valve slice replaced and the two valve island parts rejoined.

Preferably, the valve slice is joined to an adjacent valve slice by a pivoting movement.

Preferably, the first part comprises two spaced projections and the second part two appropriately spaced recesses. Preferably, the two projections and two recesses are spaced so as to be on opposed sides of the valve slice.

Preferably, the first part of the connection means comprises an arcuate leg that engages the complementary second part which comprises an arcuate recess. Thus, the first part may comprise two spaced arcuate legs and the second part two appropriately spaced arcuate recesses. The arcuate leg or legs are easily pivoted into the arcuate recesses and provide an easy to use and reliable connection between valve slices.

Securing means may be provided to secure the valve slice to another valve slice once the connection means is engaged. The securing means may comprise a peg that is received in a recess. The securing means allows adjacent valve slices to be releasably secured together so that the valve slices cannot be unintentionally separated during maintenance, for example.

The peg and recess may have apertures therethrough that align when the securing means is engaged, the apertures being adapted to receive a securing bolt. The apertures may be threaded or the apertures may retain a threaded nut to receive a threaded bolt.

Preferably, the securing means also includes a securing saddle washer that partially surrounds the engaged peg and recess to prevent their separation and is secured in place by the bolt. Preferably the saddle washer bears against two inclined surfaces when it is secured in place by the bolt. This is advantageous as the inclination of the surfaces can be chosen to effect a specific gasket compression between the valve slices.

Preferably, the securing means is located on the valve slice at a position opposed to the connection means. Once several valve slices have been connected together to form a valve island they need to be connected to a plurality of connection pipes that link the valve island to pneumatic lines and machinery that the valve island controls . Each of these connection pipes must be securely attached and sealed to a manifold of the valve island. As there are commonly many connection pipes the process of sealing and securely connecting each pipe to the manifold can be time consuming and tedious.

According to a third aspect of the invention, we provide a fluid flow control device comprising at least one valve slice, the or each valve slice having at least one valve mounted therein, the valve slice having ports in communication with the valve to connect it to other devices via a connection pipe, wherein the connection pipe is sealed in the port and a cartridge is provided that is held in the port of the valve slice by a clip, the cartridge comprising a hollow cartridge body having at least a grab ring assembled therein to retain the connection pipe in communication with the valve.

The cartridge of the third aspect of the invention makes installation of the connection pipes easy as at least the securing components are pre- assembled and the cartridge retains the seal in the port. The cartridge is mounted in the port allowing the connection pipe to be simply pushed into the cartridge which thereby retains the pipe to the valve slice. This arrangement also improves the reliability of the connection as the grab ring is positioned correctly within the cartridge to form a successful connection.

Preferably, a seal is provided that is retained in the port by the cartridge to form a seal between the connection pipe and the port. Alternatively, a seal may be mounted within the cartridge to form a seal between the connection pipe and the port. Preferably the seal is an O-ring seal.

Preferably the cartridge also includes a backing washer mounted adjacent the grab ring. Preferably, the grab ring comprises an annular ring having inwardly inclined teeth.

Preferably, the cartridge body has a shoulder that cooperates with a shoulder in the port to align it appropriately to be retained by the clip.

Preferably the clip is resilient and may be of spring steel. The clip may be C-shaped having legs that are profiled to engage the cartridge body when it is mounted in the port.

The internal diameter of the cartridge body as well as the diameter of the grab ring and seal may vary depending upon the outer diameter of the connection pipe to be connected. Thus, while the external diameter of the cartridge is adapted to fit appropriately in the port, the internal diameter may vary allowing retention of connection pipes of different diameters .

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 shows and exploded perspective view of a valve island;

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a single valve slice;

Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of a single valve slice and two interconnected valve slices; Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of a push-in fitting assembly;

Figure 5 shows an assembled push-in fitting cartridge; and

Figure 6 shows the push-in fitting of Figure 4 in assembled form.

A fluid flow control device in the form of a valve island 1 is shown in Figure 1. The valve island 1 comprises a plurality of valve slices 2 that are connected together and positioned between two end plates 3. The valve slices 2 comprise a body 4 that houses a valve (not shown in Figure 1) that is actuated by a solenoid 5. A lower enclosure 6 is mounted over the valve slices 2 and the end plates 3 and has apertures 7 therein. The apertures 7 allow terminals 8 of the valve solenoids 5 to project through the lower enclosure 6. The lower enclosure 6 also includes mountings 9 for additional components to be mounted on. An upper enclose 10 can be mounted to the lower enclosure 6 to cover the valve island 1.

A control means 11 is mounted between the lower enclosure 6 and the upper enclose 10. The control means comprises two printed circuit boards (PCBs) 12, 13. The first PCB 12 receives signals from a management system (not shown) that controls the valve island 1 via wires, although the valve island may operate wirelessly. The PCB 12 has protocol means 14 to interpret the control signals and generate instructions for the valve solenoids 5. The second PCB 13 is mounted on and secured to the lower enclosure 6. The PCB 13 is connected to each valve solenoid 5 by a two-pin connector (not shown) and is therefore able to relay instructions to each valve solenoid 5. The protocol PCB 12 is also mounted to the lower enclosure 6 and is electrically connected to the second PCB 13. Thus, the protocol PCB 12 sends the interpreted instructions to the second relay PCB 13, which sends the instructions to the appropriate solenoid 5. This arrangement is advantageous as the valve island manufacturer needs only to provide a selection of relay PCBs 13 of set size, and a protocol PCB 12 for each protocol to satisfy substantially all customer control means requirements.

The valve slice 2 shown in Figure 2 includes the lower enclosure 6, the control means PCBs 12, 13 and the upper enclose 10, as assembled. The valve solenoid 5 is shown mounted in the valve slice body 4 and projects through the lower enclosure 6 to connect to the relay PCB 13. The valve slice 2 also includes ports 15 that communicate with the valve.

The valve slices 2 are joined together to form the valve island 1 by connection means 16, as shown in Figure 3. The connections means 16 comprises complementary first and second parts 17, 18. Figure 3 shows two valve slices that are connected together by the connection means 16 and are designated 19 and 20; a third valve slice is shown separate from the valve slices 19, 20 and is designated 21.

The first part 17 of connection means 16 comprises two arcuate legs (only one of which is visible in Figure 3) that projects from a face 22 of the valve slice 2. The two legs 17 project from the same face 22 of the valve slice 2 but from opposed sides. The second part 18 of the connection means comprises two complementary arcuate recesses adapted to receive the legs 17. Thus, the recesses 18 are of corresponding dimensions and are aligned with the legs 17 of an adjacent valve slice. The recesses 18 are located on a face 23 of the valve slice 2, which is opposed to face 22. This arrangement allows a plurality of valve slices 2 to connect together to form a valve island 1 of the desired size. The valve slices 2 further comprise securing means 24 to secure the valve slices 2 together once the connection means 16 has engaged. The securing means 24 also comprises two complementary parts 25, 26. Each valve slice 2 carries both parts of the securing means. The first part 25 comprises a recess and the second part 26 comprises a complementary peg. Similarly to the connection means 16, the peg 26 on a first valve slice 19 is adapted to engage with the complementary recess 25 of an adjacent valve slice 20.

The peg 26 and recess 25 also have apertures 27 therethrough. Thus, when the peg 26 and recess 25 are engaged together, the apertures 27 align to form a bore 28. The bore 28 retains a threaded nut 51 that receives a threaded bolt 29. The bolt 29 also retains a securing saddle washer 30. The ends of the saddle washer 30 are inclined to abut inclined surfaces 52 on the bodies 4 of both the valve slice 19 and valve slice 20. As the bolt 29 is tightened into the nut 51, the saddle washer 30 bears upon the inclined surfaces 52 thereby urging the valve slices 19, 20 together. Thus the inclination of the surfaces 52 affects the gasket compression between adjacent valve slices 19, 20.

To assemble the valve slice 21 with the already engaged and secured pair of valve slices 19, 20, for example, the valve slice 21 is tilted until the leg 17 of slice 21 is appropriately aligned with the recess 18 of slice 19. The leg 17 can then be inserted into the recess 18 by rotating the valve slice 21 as necessary to engage the complementary parts 17, 18. As the leg 17 approaches complete engagement with recess 18, the peg 26 of the securing means 24 engages the complementary recess 25. Once the engagement means 16 and securing means 24 are fully engaged, the apertures 27 are aligned forming the bore 28. The securing means 24 is then secured by inserting bolt 29, having washer 30 thereon, into bore 29 and screwing the bolt in. In order to remove a valve slice 2 or group of slices 2 from the valve island, the reverse of the above procedure is followed.

A portion of the valve slice 2, showing ports 15, is shown in detail in Figures 4 and 6. The ports 15 comprise a valve bore 31 having a cartridge 32 (shown assembled in Figure 5) mounted therein and retained by a clip 33. The valve bores 31 are stepped, having a first annular shoulder 34 and a second annular shoulder 35 that forms a seal seat 36. Thus, the diameter of the valve bore 31 decreases from its greatest point at the entrance, after each shoulder 34, 35. The diameter of the valve bore 31 is greater than the width of the valve slice 2 until the second shoulder 35 and therefore intersects the walls 37. Thus, as shown in Figure 4, above the second shoulder 35 the bore 31 has a pair of cut¬ outs 38, leaving opposed arcuate walls. On one of the sides 37 of the valve slice, a narrow groove 39 is formed that extends either side of cut¬ out 38. The groove 39 extends part way through the valve slice body 4 adjacent the first shoulder 34. A seal 47 is adapted to abut the seal seat 36 in the bore 31.

The cartridge 32 comprises a tubular cartridge body 40 having a larger outside diameter portion 41 and a smaller outside diameter portion 42, separated by a shoulder 43. The body 40 also has opposed flattened portions 44 that extend over both portions 41 and 42. The cartridge body 40 has a circumferential groove 50 located adj acted the shoulder 43 extending around the larger diameter portion 41. The cartridge 32 is adapted to receive a grab ring 45 and a backing washer 46, in that order. The assembled cartridge 32 is shown in Figure 5, and is constructed such that the grab ring 45 and washer 46 are retained therein. The cartridge body 40 is constructed so that the washer 46 projects slightly from the body 40. The cartridge body 40 also receives a release sleeve 48 (see Figure 4) . The clip 33 comprises a narrow C-shaped strip of spring steel having profiled gripping legs 49. The clip 33 is resilient and is adapted to be inserted in the groove 39.

In use, the O-ring seal 47 is mounted in bore 31 to abut seal seat 36, the cartridge 32 is pre-assembled as described above and is mounted within the valve bore 31 thereby retaining seal 47 on its seat 36. The flattened portions 44 align with the cut-outs 38 of bore 31. When the cartridge 32 is correctly mounted it abuts the O-ring seal 47 ensuring it forms a successful seal with the cartridge seat 36. Further, the cartridge shoulder 43 abuts the first shoulder 34 of the valve slice 2. The clip 33 is then inserted into groove 39 to retain the cartridge 32 in the bore 31. The gripping legs 49 resiliently deform around the cartridge 32 and engage the groove 50 when the clip 33 is fully inserted into groove 39. The profiles of the legs 49 are of complementary shape to the groove 50 to ensure that the cartridge is effectively retained in the valve slice 2 by the clip 33. Figure 5 shows the cartridge 32 mounted in the valve slice 2 and retained by the clip 33. A connection pipe can then easily be inserted through the cartridge 32 into the port 15 thereby being retained and sealed therein. Thus, other devices can easily be coupled to the valve island.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown) the seal 47 may be mounted within the cartridge 32 to form a seal between the port 15 and an inserted connection pipe (not shown) . Thus, the cartridge would receive the grab ring 45, the backing washer 46 and then the seal 47.

Claims

1. A control means for a fluid flow control device that comprises at least one valve, the control means (11) comprising first and second connectable parts, the first part (12) having protocol means (14) to interpret control signals that are received by the control means (11) and the second part (13) having means to connect to, and provide signals for, the or each valve of the fluid flow control device (1) .

2. A control means according to claim 1, in which the first part (12) has signal receiving means to receive the control signals.

3. A control means according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the signal receiving means is adapted to be physically connected to a management system.

4. A control means according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the signal receiving means operates wirelessly.

5. A control means according to any preceding claim, in which the signal receiving means is provided on a third part that connects to the first part (12) .

6. A valve slice for a valve island comprising a body (4) having a valve and a solenoid (5) mounted therein, and a connection means (16) comprising complementary first and second parts (17, 18) , wherein the first part (17) is adapted to engage the complementary second part (18) of another valve slice (19, 20, 21) thereby individually fixedly and releasably joining the valve slice to another valve slice.

7. A valve slice according to claim 6, in which the valve slice (19, 20, 21) is joined to an adjacent valve slice (19, 20, 21) by a pivoting movement.

8. A valve slice according to claim 6 or claim 7, in which the first part comprises two spaced projections (17) and the second part two appropriately spaced recesses (18).

9. A valve slice according to claim 8, in which the two projections (17) and two recesses (18) are spaced so as to be on opposed sides (22, 23) of the valve slice (19, 20, 21) . ^

10. A valve slice according to any of claims 6 to 9, in which the first part of the connection means (16) comprises an arcuate leg (17) that engages the complementary second part which comprises an arcuate recess (18).

11. A valve slice according to claim 9, in which the first part comprises two spaced arcuate legs (17) and the second part two appropriately spaced arcuate recesses (18) .

12. A valve slice according to any of claims 6 to 11, in which securing means (24) is provided to secure the valve slice (19, 20, 21) to another valve slice (19, 20, 21) once the connection means (16) is engaged.

13. A valve slice according to claim 12, in which the securing means (24) comprises a peg (26) that is received in a recess (25) .

14. A valve slice according to claim 13, in which the peg (26) and recess (25) have apertures (27) therethrough that align when the securing means (24) is engaged, the apertures (27) being adapted to receive a securing bolt (29) .

15. A valve slice according to claim 14, in which the apertures (27) are threaded to receive a threaded bolt (29) .

16. A valve slice according to claim 14, in which the apertures (27) retain a threaded nut (51) to receive a threaded bolt (29) .

17. A valve slice according to any of claims 12 to 16, in which the securing means (24) includes a securing saddle washer (30) that partially surrounds the engaged peg (26) and recess (25) to prevent their separation and is secured in place by the bolt (29) .

18. A valve slice according to claim 17, in which the saddle washer (30) bears against two inclined surfaces (52) when it is secured in place by the bolt (29) .

19. A valve slice according to any of claims 12 to 18, in which the securing means (24) is located on the valve slice (19, 20, 21) at a position opposed to the connection means (16) .

20. A fluid flow control device comprising at least one valve slice (2) , the or each valve slice (2) having at least one valve mounted therein, the valve slice (2) having ports (15) in communication with the valve to connect it to other devices via a connection pipe, wherein the connection pipe is sealed in the port (15) and a cartridge (32) is provided that is held in the port (15) of the valve slice (2) by a clip (33) , the cartridge (32) comprising a hollow cartridge body (40) having at least a grab ring (45) assembled therein to retain the connection pipe in communication with the valve.

21. A fluid flow control device according to claim 20, in which a seal (47) is provided that is retained in the port (15) by the cartridge (32) to form a seal between the connection pipe and the port (15) .

22. A fluid flow control device according to claim 20, in which a seal (47) is mounted within the cartridge (32) to form a seal between the connection pipe and the port (15) .

23. A fluid flow control device according to any of claims 20 to 22, in which the seal (47) is an O-ring seal.

24. A fluid flow control device according to claim 20, in which the cartridge (32) includes a backing washer (46) mounted adjacent the grab ring (45) .

25. A fluid flow control device according to any of claims 20 to 24, in which the grab ring (45) comprises an annular ring having inwardly inclined teeth.

26. A fluid flow control device according to any of claims 20 to 25, in which the cartridge body (40) has a shoulder (43) that cooperates with a shoulder (34) in the port (31) to align it appropriately to be retained by the clip.

27. A fluid flow control device according to any of claims 20 to 26, in which the clip (33) is resilient and of spring steel.

28. A fluid flow control device according to any of claims 20 to 27, in which the clip (33) is C-shaped having legs (49) that are profiled to engage the cartridge body (40) when it is mounted in the port (31) .