EP0984168B1 - Valve arrangement with at least one valve unit consisting of several electrically-actuated valves - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement with at least one consisting of several electrically operated valves Valve unit, which is an electronic control device owns the control lines with the electric drives of the valves is connected.

Such a valve arrangement is for example from the DE 195 26 459 known, the electronic control device is designed as a bus station, which has a Bus can be controlled and adjusted from a central station or is programmable. Such bus stations often have Control panels to manual regardless of the central station Make settings and simple programming too can, for example the setting of addresses and / or the setting of the valves to be controlled. In the However, the valve units are often used in practice difficult to access or the lighting conditions are poor, allowing adjustment and programming of controls only possible in a very complex and cumbersome way is. Another disadvantage is that with one Exchange of one with such a control unit Valve unit or bus station for repair purposes the whole Settings have to be carried out again.

Valves are known from US Pat. No. 5,495,871, each have a pluggable electronic control device. Adjustment and / or programming parts are not provided, however, so either fixed programming or programming via an external control part, for example a PC must be done.

Furthermore, from US-A-5 222 524 is a valve arrangement known with several valves, but these are not with an electronic control device. The control signals are fed via a multi-pin plug arrangement, the individual lines are variable via plug pins can be connected to the individual valves.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to a valve arrangement of the type mentioned create whose electronic control device simply favorable conditions can be set or programmed can.

This object is achieved in that a housing containing the electronic control device or housing part with a detachably insertable Programming part for the electronic control device is provided.

The advantage of the solution according to the invention is in particular in that for setting or programming that Programming part removed and good Lighting conditions, for example on the desk, can be adjusted. For example, the setting even after installing the valve assembly respectively. Another advantage is that the Replacement of a valve unit in the event of a repair through the interchangeable programming part remains intact and does not have to be repeated. It only the previous programming part be plugged into the new device.

By the measures listed in the subclaims are advantageous developments and improvements to valve arrangement specified in claim 1 possible.

This is for setting or programming Programming part either provided with setting switches, or it has one through a computer programmable memory, for example an EPROM, an EEPROM or the like. Also in the latter case, this Programming part removed and good Lighting conditions on a computer or another Programming unit can be programmed.

The programming part is useful provided with an electrical connector, when inserting the programming part the electrical connections in the valve unit manufactures. This connector can also be used with a contained programmable memory as a connection for the programming computers.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the valves of each valve unit by a plate-like Housing part covers that the electronic control device as well as the electrical connections. The electronic control device is preferably as bus station controlled by a central station via a bus educated.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the bus station has the invention at least one serial port on that via a connection cable with a serial / parallel converter at least one further valve unit and / or at least one input module for detecting Control signals can be connected, the serial / parallel converter via control lines with the electrical Drives the valves of this at least one more Valve unit for controlling the electric drives these valves through the bus station and / or via sensor cables is connected to the sensors.

When expanding the valve arrangement by an additional one Valve unit this does not need its own bus station, what already leads to cost savings. The additional The valve unit only needs the connection cable and the corresponding serial ports with the Central valve unit having bus station connected become. Because the control of the valves this additional Valve unit via the bus station only has to these are converted to the extension, while the Central station and the bus almost untouched by the change stay. There may be a new bus configuration necessary.

The central valve unit provided with the bus station appropriately has a connector connection for the bus, the electrical or as fiber optic connection can be carried out so that here a connection through the bus line can be simply plugged in.

The at least one serial port of the central Valve unit and at least one serial connection of the at least one further valve unit or at least an input module is advantageously as a plug connection trained for the connecting cable so that a additional valve unit using the connecting cable by simply plugging in the central valve unit or can be connected to the bus station. each Valve unit and each input module has expediently two plug connections, so that additional valve units can be easily infected without Distributors are required.

The plug connections and the at least one connecting cable are preferably also provided for power supply, so no additional wiring for the power supply is required.

The valves of every other valve unit are also through a plate-like housing part that covers the serial / parallel converter as well as the electrical connections. Preferably, the plate-like housing part of the central valve unit also a power supply part included, which the various voltages required for Provides.

The plate-like housing part has electrical plug connections for the individual electric drives of the Valves that are designed so that when the plate-like housing part on the lined up Valves automatically make the necessary electrical connections be produced and no wiring here either is required.

Fig. 1

eine Ventilanordnung mit einer zentralen, eine Busstation aufweisenden Ventileinheit, an die zwei weitere Ventileinheiten über flexible Kabel angeschlossen sind, in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und

Fig. 2

ein mit Einstellschaltern versehenes, lösbar in die zentrale Ventileinheit einsteckbares Programmierteil.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a valve arrangement with a central valve unit having a bus station, to which two further valve units are connected via flexible cables, in a perspective view and

Fig. 2

a programming part provided with setting switches that can be detachably inserted into the central valve unit.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 Valve arrangement consists of a central valve station 10 six side-by-side plate valves 11 with in essential rectangular plate outline. To the two outer plate valves 11 of this plate valve stack each have a correspondingly contoured end plate 12 bayed. Such a valve unit is, for example known from DE 44 13 657 and therefore does not need any further details to be described. Each plate valve includes, for example one main valve and two to control it Serving pilot valves by electrical drives can be actuated, for example by electromagnet arrangements.

The arrangement of plate valves 11 and end plates 12 is covered by a plate-like housing part 13, by means of retaining screws 14 on the two end plates 12 is fixed. This housing part 13 contains a bus station 15, the serial arranged in a bus cable 16 Bus lines with a central station, not shown is connectable. To this central station or to the bus lines can of course still in the usual way further bus stations of other systems or valve arrangements be connected. To connect the bus station 15 with the bus cable 16, this is with a plug 17th provided in a mating connector 18 on the housing part 13 can be inserted. In principle, this housing connection electrically or as a light guide connection his. The bus station is used to control the plate valves 11 15 via control lines 19 with the electric drives of the individual plate valves 11 connected. This includes the housing part 13 the required, not shown Valve driver.

The central valve station 10 is supplied with power via a supply cable 20, which is by means of a plug 21 with a supply input socket 22 on the housing part 13 is connectable. The housing part 13 does not contain one illustrated power supply part, which from the over the Supply cable 20 provided input voltage of 24 volts, for example Voltages are available, for example, for the bus station 15 provides.

The plate-like housing part 13 also has one Output socket 23, via the further valve stations 24, 25 to be connected to the central valve station 10 can. These have further valve stations 24, 25 no own bus station, but only in the similar in shape to the plate-like housing part 13 plate-like housing parts 28 serial / parallel converter 26 housed, each via control lines 27 with the electric drives of the plate valves 11 these further valve stations 24, 25 are connected. in the the rest of these further valve stations 24, 25 are similar the central valve station 10, and the same or components with the same effect have the same reference numerals provided and not described again.

Each of the additional valve stations 24, 25 has two Connection sockets 29, with flexible connection cables 30 for connecting the output socket 23 to a connection socket 29 of the valve station 24 and another Connection socket 29 of the valve station 24 with a connection socket 29 of the valve station 25 are provided. A connecting cable only partially shown on one the connecting sockets 29 of the valve station 25 should indicate that other, additional valve stations can be connected. The flexible connection cables 30 contain serial lines for the transmission of Control commands from the bus station 15 to the serial / parallel converters 26 or to the electric drives the plate valves 11 of the additional valve stations 24, 25. Of course it is also possible to receive feedback, for example sensor feedback to bus station 15, via to transmit these serial lines.

For this purpose, input modules, not shown, can be used instead or in addition to the further valve stations 24, 25 be provided. These input modules have similar to the further valve stations 24, 25 serial / parallel converter 26, which can be connected to various sensors are, for example for monitoring the end positions or other positions of cylinders. These input modules similarly have connection sockets 29 which accordingly with the central valve station 10 or with further valve stations 24, 25 can be connected. The detected sensor signals are then serialized Signals converted and via the flexible connection cable 30 supplied to the bus station 15. It is in principle also possible, such input modules with additional To combine valve stations, that is, these additional valve stations can also Sensor signals are supplied.

The flexible connecting cables 30 furthermore contain Supply lines to from the central valve station 10 from the further valve stations 24, 25 with the necessary To supply operating voltages. For this Basically, the flexible connecting cable 30 only connecting lines and make one unnecessary other cabling.

In principle, it is possible to remove the bus station 15 from the central station, not shown, set and to program, but it has been found that a local setting and / or programming is advisable and is useful. For this purpose, the central valve station has 10 a slot on the plate-like housing part 13, into which a memory module 31 can be detachably inserted. For setting and / or programming the bus station 15, the memory module 31 is pulled out and can on a workplace using a computer or a other programming device programmed and set become. Then it is again in the housing part 13 plugged in. A change in the setting or programming is required, for example, if an additional Valve station is added, for setting the bus address, when the number of plate valves 11 changes, when the functions of individual plate valves change or the like. For this purpose, the memory module 31 has a non-volatile one Memory, for example an EPROM, a EEPROM or a battery-backed memory. The Plug contacts of the memory module 31 for electrical Connection to the bus station 15 can be used simultaneously Serve connection with the programming unit. The bus station 15 can also be used for independent execution be trained by control programs that are independent run from a controller via the central station can. This enables decentralized automation in the A small, flexible and inexpensive solution reached.

In a modification of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 can instead of the memory module 31 also in Fig. 2 shown adjustment module 32 are used instead of the memory module 31 can be inserted into the housing part 13 is. This setting module 32 contains setting switches 33, which are designed as so-called dip switches or dil switches could be. Also by means of these setting switches 33 settings and simple programming can be made like setting Addresses or the like. Of course it is also possible Combined plug-in modules provide both setting switches included as well as memory. In any case the respective module for setting or programming pulled out of the housing part 13, and the required Settings and programming can be done on Work place in good space and light conditions be performed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve stations contain 10, 24, 25 six plate valves 11 each.

In principle, of course, any number of Plate valves 11 are strung together. It is just required, correspondingly large housing parts 13, 28 to provide the appropriate number of plate valves 11 cover. It has proven to be useful Housing parts 13 and 28 for stacks of four, six or to provide eight plate valves.

The invention is of course not applicable to the application limited for plate valves 11, but can can also be used for valve stations, the other Have valve series arrangements.

In the exemplary embodiment, all sockets 22, 23, 29 are the same shown. For better differentiation, they can but also stand out from each other, for example Supply input socket 22 on the housing part 13 a have a different shape, especially if they is used exclusively for power supply. on the other hand this input socket 22 can also have the same function as have the output socket 23, that is, to them additional valve stations can be connected. The supply voltage must then on the housing part 13 be supplied in other ways, for example via the Bus cable 16.

The housing parts 13, 28 are in one piece in the exemplary embodiment shown. In a modification of the invention they can also be in two parts in the form of two superimposed Plates can be formed, the to the Plate valves 11 adjacent sub-plate connectors or connecting contacts for the various electrical Drives of the plate valves 11 has and corresponding Conductor tracks or connecting lines leading to a Plug contact arrangement for connection to the outer guide the second plate. The second outer panel then contains the described electronic components and sockets. When attaching the one or two-part Housing parts 13, 28 on the valve assembly are automatic the electrical connections are made.

The plate-like housing parts 13, 28 can still Control lights to check the operating status of the have individual plate valves 11.

Claims (17)

1. Valve assembly with one or more valve units comprising several electrically actuable valves and with an electronic control unit connected via control lines to the electrical drives of the valves, characterised in that a casing or casing part (13) containing the electronic control unit is provided with a programming element (31, 32) for the electronic control unit, which may be releasably plugged into the casing.
2. Valve assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the programming element (32) is provided with setting switches (33).
3. Valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the programming element (31) is provided with a memory, in particular EPROM, EEPROM, battery-buffered working memory or the like, programmable by a computer or a programming device.
4. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the programming element (31, 32) is provided with an electrical connector plug (34) which makes the electrical connections when the programming element (31, 32) is plugged into the valve unit (10).
5. Valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (11) of the valve unit (10) are covered by a plate-like casing part (13) which contains the electrical control unit together with electrical connections (22, 23).
6. Valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electronic control unit is in the form of a bus station (15) controlled from a central station via a bus.
7. Valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bus station (15) is designed for independent processing of control programs.
8. Valve station according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the bus station (15) has one or more series (19) connections which may be connected via a connection cable (30) to a series-parallel converter (26) of one or more further valve units (24, 25) and/or one or more input modules for acquiring sensor signals, wherein the series-parallel converter (26) is connected via control lines (27) to the electrical drives of the valves (11) of this or these further valve units (24, 25) in order to control the electrical drives of these valves through the bus station (15) and/or via sensor lines to the sensors.
9. Valve assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the central valve unit (10) provided with the bus station (15) has a plug-in connection (18) for the bus, which may be in the form of an electrical or a fibre optic connection.
10. Valve assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the series connection or connections (23) of the central valve unit (10) together with at least one series connection (29) of the further valve unit or units (24, 25) or input module or modules is or are in the form of a plug-in connection for the connection cable (30).
11. Valve assembly according to claim 10, characterised in that each valve unit (10, 24, 25) and each input module has two connections (22, 23, 29) in the form of plug-in connections.
12. Valve assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the two connections (22, 23, 29) in the form of plug-in connections and the connection cable or cables (30) are also provided for power supply.
13. Valve assembly according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the valves (11) of the further valve unit or units (24, 25) are covered by a plate-like casing part (28) which has the series-parallel converter (26) together with the electrical connections (29).
14. Valve assembly according to claim 5 or 13, characterised in that the plate-like casing part (13, 28) has electrical plug-in connections which, when the plate-like casing part (13, 28) is pushed on to the lined-up valves (11), make the electrical connections to the individual drives of these valves (11).
15. Valve assembly according to claim 5 or 14, characterised in that the plate-like casing part (13) of the central valve station (10) also contains a power supply component.
16. Valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valves (11) are in the form of plate valves.
17. Valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that one of the connections (22) of the casing part (13) of the central valve station (10) is in the form of a power supply socket.

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