EP0909898B1 - Compressed air maintenance unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a compressed air maintenance unit comprising several attachable to each other in any order, with module housings modules, such as pressure regulators, filters, Oiler or the like, there is one of these modules as Monitoring module designed for the other modules and electrical connected to them.

With a compressed air maintenance unit known from W0 96/38 671 the monitoring module has this type on the underside Plug connections for plugs of transmission lines, which too the other modules lead to the sensor signals of these modules Feed monitoring module. The disadvantage of this arrangement is in the fact that in particular with a large number of lined up Modules on the underside creates a tangle of cables, that gets even bigger when through the monitoring module actuators in the modules should also be controlled. Because each connector is connected to a specific cable one of the Assigned modules leads to incorrect insertion to malfunction. If you want what is provided and possible is to choose a different arrangement of modules afterwards, i.e. for example, interpose an additional module, so the cable lengths are no longer correct and the cables must be replaced or shortened or extended. Finally, another disadvantage is that of the maximum possible number on the monitoring module of plug connections must be provided, otherwise extensions would not be possible through additional modules. However, since often only a smaller number of modules selected this complex connector arrangement is unnecessary expensive and space-consuming. Additional modules originally were not intended and for which no plug connection exists, cannot be grown, not even when reprogramming or changing the circuit of the monitoring module. From the magazine "Oil hydraulics and pneumatics", United specialist publishers Mainz, No. 8, pp. 622 to 623 is already in the article "The ABC decentralized compressed air treatment "the use of a Bus systems in connection with a compressed air maintenance unit known, but it is a remote monitoring by means of a PC or a PLC via a bus system, but not a bus system for information transfer between the individual modules of a compressed air maintenance unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a Compressed air maintenance unit of the type mentioned at the beginning create, in which the individual modules in almost any Number and order can be attached to each other, without making adjustments to electrical connection lines necessary or faulty connections occur can.

This object is achieved in that a the bus line of a bus system connecting the modules it is provided that that also performs control functions Monitoring module with a central unit of the Bus system and the other modules, each with a bus subscriber station are provided, each in or on one Module existing sensors and / or actuators to the assigned Bus subscriber station are connected and that the Central unit and / or the bus subscriber stations in separate Arranged housing and this on the module housing Modules can be plugged in or otherwise attached are that a row arrangement is formed.

In the compressed air maintenance unit according to the invention the individual modules in any desired and desired Sequence and number can be strung together. For electrical Only the bus line of the Bus system, which excludes faulty connections, because all modules connected in parallel in the same way become. An adjustment of lines is also not necessary as the bus line from module to module can continue regardless of the order of the modules. When a further module is connected, this becomes only connected to the direct neighboring module. Direct connections to the monitoring module are available at the erdassf bus system according to the invention is not required. With everyone Extension only needs to add another piece of bus line all bus line sections are identical. On this way is faster and absolutely safer electrical Connection possible between the modules, whereby the bus line when changing the order of the Modules can remain unchanged and only one plugging is required. There is only one bus line connection on the monitoring module required regardless of how many Modules are connected. The number of modules can therefore can also be expanded as required, whereby with a new module, that was not previously planned, just reprogramming the central unit may be required.

Almost the entire bus system can be before or after the mechanical one Assembly plugged in and individual bus subscriber stations can be easily replaced. Another advantage is there in that the modules in very simple designs can also be delivered without a bus system by simply separate housing is not required.

By the measure listed in the subclaims are advantageous further developments and improvements of the compressed air maintenance unit specified in claim 1 possible.

An advantageous embodiment of the bus system continues achieved by the modules including the Monitoring module with electrical connectors for Plug in the bus subscriber stations of all modules and connecting the central unit and bus line provided with corresponding mating connectors are equipped, the bus line in particular designed as a bus line or bus line strip is. The separate housings are preferably at least the bus subscriber stations with these electrical Provide plug-in devices for plugging in the bus line. This also allows the bus line to be plugged in easily attached after mechanical assembly and at any time be replaced in whole or in part. Even with one Change the mechanical order of the modules or at The bus line can be expanded by additional modules immediately made functional again by simply plugging it in again become possible without any faulty connections would. The separate housings are also useful with additional electrical plug devices for plug connections provided with actuators and / or sensors of the respective module. An even more flexible and easy adjustment with regard to changes in the order and expansion of the module arrangement is achieved in that the bus line strip trained bus line consists of individual strip elements, each of which is the connector of two adjacent modules connects each other and each plug device for receiving of two mating devices of two in a row Last elements is formed. With the same width of Modules can have the same design for all strip elements be, with an expansion just another module an additional strip element for expansion the bus line needs to be plugged in. Here are the Strip elements expediently in the inserted state with one another interlocked to a mechanical and therefore also electrically to achieve a more stable arrangement.

To achieve a particularly variable system for building Modules and the compressed air maintenance unit are the module housing at least each of the modules provided with bus subscriber stations on two opposite, on the mutual fastening sides adjacent sides for attachment and / or recording of components required for the respective module function and / or formed by cover elements. This allows in principle all modules are based on the same module housing that such components are plugged in or in any other way be attached. So not only the electronic Components, but also the mechanical or pneumatic Components in a simple way to the same module housing plugged in or attached in some other way.

Those for the respective module functions are also advantageous necessary components at least partially electrical mating devices provided with actuators and / or sensors of this respective component are connected, where when attaching this component to a module housing Mating connector a connector with the additional Plug device of the separate housing attached to the module housing automatically creates. This eliminates work and assembly processes for separate connection of actuators and sensors with the bus subscriber stations.

Actuators controlled by the central unit via the bus system are, for example, valves and / or heating devices or controllable pressure or flow regulators.

The monitoring module expediently has a connection device and a corresponding interface for connection the central unit to an external bus system. This allows the functions and activities of the compressed air maintenance unit from outside, for example influenced by a central computer become. This can also perform additional monitoring functions take over, for example, all compressed air maintenance units monitor a plant or building centrally and / or control.

In a first embodiment, the monitoring module is included Provide display and control elements. Alternatively can the monitoring module in a second preferred Embodiment a diagnostic and user interface for Connection of a display to a remote location and Have control device leading cable. hereby is a remote control or remote diagnosis in an advantageous manner feasible, especially since such compressed air maintenance units often difficult to access places are arranged where the reading of display elements and the actuation of control elements is relatively difficult to carry out.

In a particularly variable embodiment of the monitoring module is at a plug-in or assembly location of the monitoring module attachable, especially attachable or insertable Equipment element provided that as with the display and control elements equipped equipment and / or as with equipment equipped with the diagnostic and operating interface is trained. Different equipment elements or even cover elements can thus alternatively be attached to the plug or assembly location.

A serial bus system is particularly suitable as the bus system.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer aus vier Modulen einschließlich eines Überwachungsmoduls ausgestattete Druckluftwartungseinheit als Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Figur 2

eine Querschnittsdarstellung durch die vier aneinandergereihten Modulgehäuse der in Figur 1 dargestellten Durckluftwartungseinheit, wobei jeweils in separaten Gehäusen angeordnete Busteilnehmerstationen angesteckt sind, die durch eine Busleitungsleiste verbunden sind,

Figur 3

eine schematische Blockdarstellung einer aus vier Modulen aufgebauten Druckluftwartungseinheit und

Figur 4

ein mit verschiedenen Ausrüstelementen verbindbares Überwachungsmodul.

Show it:

Figure 1

1 shows a perspective illustration of a compressed air maintenance unit equipped with four modules including a monitoring module as an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2

2 shows a cross-sectional view through the four modular housings of the compressed air maintenance unit shown in FIG. 1, bus subscriber stations arranged in separate housings which are connected by a bus line bar,

Figure 3

is a schematic block diagram of a compressed air maintenance unit constructed from four modules and

Figure 4

a monitoring module that can be connected to various equipment elements.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 A compressed air maintenance unit is a monitoring module 10 with three further modules 11 to 13 in a row arrangement connected. The module 11 is designed as a switching valve module and has a switching valve 20 to the supplied on the input side Let compressed air through in a manner not shown or to shut off. The module 12 is a pressure regulator module trained to set a desired, predetermined pressure to be able to. The partially cut shown and in two parts separated module 13 is designed as a filter module.

The four modules 10 to 13 can also be in a different order be connected with each other, with others in their Function known modules can be applied, such as a soft start module for controlled pressure build-up, an oiler module for defined oil addition or a flow meter module for measurement of air flow. For example, it is also possible to accommodate several module functions in one module, for example a combined pressure regulator / filter module.

Modules 10 to 13 essentially consist of one unit Module housing 15 to 18, the top and bottom open is, as is the case for example with the module housing shown in section 18 is recognizable. The adjacent module housing 15 to 18 lie together with one side and are with only schematically illustrated fasteners 19 together connected. Such fasteners 19 can for example dovetail guides with clamping or Screw pieces, screw connections, snap connections, clamp connections or connections according to the above State of the art. An air duct, not shown runs across the interconnected module housing 15, 18, such that the air flow at the opposite Openings of the module housing 15 to 18 connected or inserted devices or by these is passed through. The module housing 15 to 18 point to this on the mutual fastening sides connection openings, not shown on when assembling the module housing 15 to 18 are connected to each other in a sealing manner.

At the upper opening of the module housing 16 as a switching valve module trained module 11, a switching valve 20 is arranged, to interrupt the passage of the flowing air to be able to. The lower opening is closed by a cover 21. In the monitoring module 10 there is a housing 22 at the bottom for electronic components attached while the top of the corresponding module housing 15 is closed. This can done by a closed module housing 15, so far deviates from the remaining module housings 16 to 18, or by a cover. At the front of the module housing 15 is a display and control panel 23 with a display 24 and Controls 25 plugged in or snapped into place. This display- and control panel 23 can be operated by operating a Unlocking element 26 are unlocked and removed. This is explained in more detail in connection with Figure 4.

In the case of the module 12 designed as a pressure regulator module, the module housing is 17 closed at the bottom, while an adjustable one at the top Pressure regulator unit 27 is used. This has a rotary knob 28 to set the desired pressure. This can alternatively or additionally by the monitoring module 10 be controlled or regulated.

In the module 13 designed as a filter module, the upper opening of the module housing 18 by a cover, not shown closed, while from below a filter unit 29 is used to filter the air flowing through. In the illustrated This filter unit 29 has an exemplary embodiment a bayonet lock 30 on by an opening lever 31 can be opened again, but there are also others here known fastening devices possible. For wall mounting the compressed air maintenance unit serves two attachable to the wall Holding devices 32, which are not shown in detail Are connected to the compressed air maintenance unit, for example screwed or locked. These fixtures 32 also carry a horizontally arranged holding rail 33.

The front sides of the module housings 16 to 18 have cover panels 34, the shape of the display and control panel 23 are adapted. On the back of the module housing 15 to 18 are additional housings 35 to 38, in particular according to FIG. 2 plugged in or locked. The additional housings 36 to 38 each contain a bus subscriber station of a bus system, the is designed as a serial bus system. In principle would also be a parallel bus system is conceivable. The on the monitoring module 10 plugged in additional housing 35 contains a central processing unit 40 of the bus system. The bus subscriber stations 39 and the central unit 40 are one above the other a multi-core Bus line strip 42 containing bus line 41 is connected to one another. This bus line strip 42 consists of individual strip elements 43, each at their ends mating connectors 44 which have corresponding plug devices 45 the additional housing 35 to 38 can be inserted are. From the central unit 40 and the bus subscriber stations 39 are only the corresponding ones in FIG. 2 for simplification Boards 46, 47 without the electronic components located thereon shown. Two plug devices 45 are on the boards 46, 47 arranged so that two abutting strip elements 43 can be inserted. These two connectors 45 are on a bus line on the boards 46, 47th each connected so that the bus line as a whole when plugging in a further strip element 43 accordingly is continued. The strip elements are in the inserted state 43 interlocked with one another via toothings 48.

In deviation from the illustrated embodiment, this could attached housing 35 also in one piece with the module housing 15 be connected. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment the central unit 40 can also be accommodated in the housing 22, then the board 46 only for electrical signal transmission is set up. The strip elements 43 or the bus line strip 42 is attached to the holding rail 33 or snapped on. Detents 49 are used for this purpose. In a simpler version can of course also on the locking lugs 49 and the holding rails 33 are dispensed with.

The block diagram shown in Figure 3 shows schematically the electrical connection of the bus subscriber stations 39 and the central unit 40 with one another via the bus line 41 or the strip elements 43 of the bus line strip 42. In the module 11 is the switching valve 20 as an actuator with the bus subscriber station 39 connected. As a result, this switching valve 20 of the Central unit 40 are controlled from.

To the bus subscriber station 39 in the form of a filter module Module 13 are a condensate level sensor 50, a condensate drain valve 51, a temperature sensor 52 and a heating device 53 connected. This can cause the condensate fill level automatically detected in the central unit 40 and the condensate drain valve 51 can be operated automatically when a maximum permissible fill level has been exceeded. Via the temperature sensor 52 and the heater 53, the temperature in the module 12 are recorded or regulated.

This module 13, which is designed as a filter module, can also be combined Filter controller module are formed, i.e., this module represents a combination of modules 12 and 13 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bottom of the corresponding module housing Filter unit 29 and the pressure regulator unit 27 mounted above is.

As a further module 14, not previously described, is an oiler module connected. To the bus subscriber station 39 of this module 14 are an oil level sensor 54, an oil refill valve 55, a temperature sensor 56 and a heater 57 connected. The central unit 40 accordingly the oil level is monitored and, if necessary, the oil refill valve 55 opened for refilling oil. By the temperature sensor 56 and the heater 57 are similarly one Temperature detection and control possible.

A pressure sensor is connected to the central unit 40 in the monitoring module 10 58, a diagnostic interface 59, one as a CP / CAN interface trained interface 60 and a power supply 61 connected. Via an external connection 62 the power supply 61 is supplied with a supply voltage and at the same time the interface 60 with an external Bus system connected, if there is one and a connection to the central unit 40 is desired. The Power supply for electronic and electrical devices in modules 11 to 14 takes place via not shown Supply lines that run parallel to bus line 41 run, the connections in a corresponding manner by means of the bus line strip 42 are manufactured. The digital interface 59 becomes even closer in connection with FIG explained. The pressure sensor 58 is used to detect the pressure, this pressure sensor 58 also in the pressure regulator module or in a combined filter regulator module can be arranged.

The connection of the actuators and sensors and optionally also the Interfaces takes place according to Figure 1 in that the to Module housing 15 to 18 attachable or insertable equipment elements, like the switching valve 20 or the filter unit 29 with electrical Mating connectors 62 are provided, which at the Anoder Insert or fasten to the respective module housing 15 to 18 in plug devices 63 of the additional housing 35 to 38 are inserted, so that automatically the electrical connection between the actuators and the sensors on the one hand and the assigned bus subscriber station 39 on the other hand becomes. For this purpose, the boards 47 are at the top and bottom provided such plug devices 63, in a simpler Execution only provided such a plug device could be. The same applies to the monitoring module 10, where the housing 22 with such a mating device 62 (not recognizable) is provided when plugging in the module housing 15 with a plug device 63 of the additional Housing 35 is electrically connected regardless whether the additional housing 35 is integral with the module housing 15 connected or formed as a separate housing. The electrical connection of the display and control panel 23 with the monitoring module 10 can be done in the same way.

Of course, the additional housing 36 to 38 accordingly in one piece with the associated module housing 16 to 18 connected.

In Figure 4, the monitoring module 10 and the display and Control panel 23 shown schematically. As already described, then this display and control panel 23, the can also be box-shaped, to a corresponding one Slot 64 or in a corresponding slot inserted or releasably engaged according to Figure 1. This is also the electrical connection to the central unit 40 manufactured. On the display 24, the detected Parameters are displayed and monitored in the modules. This can be done automatically or by means of the control elements 25. With the help of these controls 25 can also Limit values changed and / or directly control commands can be entered for actuators. Furthermore, in principle, too Reprogramming of the central unit 40 possible.

Instead of the display and control panel 23 can also with the diagnostic interface 59 provided connector 65 attached become. This can also be done via a line 66 with a Locally remote connector 67 are connected to the the display and control panel 23 can be plugged on. To this Ways can monitor and operate the compressed air maintenance unit also take place from a remote location and the The compressed air maintenance unit itself has no display and operating device more. Instead of the plug 67 and the Display and control panel 23 can of course also an alternatively designed display and control unit the location remote from the compressed air maintenance unit to step.

If no display and operating procedures are required, so slot 64 can also be shaped accordingly Aperture 68 must be filled or covered.

The interface 60 can also be in a plug-in element 69 be arranged, according to Figure 4 below to the monitoring module 10 is designed to be pluggable. Of course, too other locations are feasible.

Claims (14)

1. Compressed air conditioner comprising a plurality of modules (10-14), such as pressure regulator, filter, lubricator etc., arranged in any sequence and provided with module housings, whereby one of said modules is designed as a monitoring module (10) for the other modules (11-14) and electrically connected thereto, characterised in that a bus line (41) of a bus system is provided to connect the modules (10 to 14) to one another, in that the monitoring module (10), which is also responsible for control functions, is provided with a central processing unit (40) of the bus system while the remaining modules (11 to 14) are each provided with a bus sharing station (39) with sensors (50, 52, 54, 56) and/or actuators (20, 51, 53, 55, 57) in or on each module (10 to 14) being connected to the associated bus sharing station (39), and in that the central processing unit (40) and/or the bus sharing stations (39) are located in separate housings (35 to 38) and these can be connected or otherwise secured to the module housings (15 to 18) of the modules (10 to 14) to form a bank.
2. Compressed air conditioner according to claim 1, characterised in that the modules (10 to 14) including the monitoring module (10) are provided with electrical connectors (45) for inserting the bus line (41), which links the bus sharing stations (39) of all modules (11 to 14) and the central processing unit (40) and is provided with corresponding mating connectors (44), the bus line (41) being in particular designed as a bus line strand or a bus line strip (42).
3. Compressed air conditioner according to claim 2, characterised in that the separate housings (35 to 38) of at least the bus sharing stations (39) are provided with electrical connectors (45) for inserting the bus line (41).
4. Compressed air conditioner according to claim 3, characterised in that the separate housings (35 to 38) are further expediently provided with additional electrical connectors (63) for the connection of actuators and/or sensors of the modules in question.
5. Compressed air conditioner according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the bus line (4 1 ) designed as a bus line strip (42) comprises individual strip elements (43), each of which links the connectors (45) of two adjacent modules (11 to 14), and in that each connector (45) is designed to accept two mating connectors (44) of two strung-together strip elements (43).
6. Compressed air conditioner according to claim 5, characterised in that the strip elements (43) are interlocked in the inserted state.
7. Compressed air conditioner according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housings (15 to 18) of at least those modules (11 to 14) which are provided with bus sharing stations (39) are, on two opposite sides adjoining the sides designed for their mutual attachment, designed for mounting and/or for the location of components (20, 27, 29) required for their respective module functions and/or of covering elements (21).
8. Compressed air conditioner according to claims 4 and 7, characterised in that the components (20, 27, 29) required for the respective module functions are at least in part provided with mating connectors (62) connected to actuators and/or sensors of the component in question, the mating connector (62) establishing a plug-in connection with the additional connector (63) of the separate housing (35 to 38) mounted on the module housing when said component is installed on a module housing (35 to 38).
9. Compressed air conditioner according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one valve (20, 51, 55) and/or at least one heater (53, 57) and/or at least one controllable pressure or flow regulator is provided as an actuator.
10. Compressed air conditioner according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring module (10) is provided with a connecting device (62) and a corresponding interface (60) for connecting the central processing unit (40) to an external bus system.
11. Compressed air conditioner according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring module (10) is fitted with indicators and controls (24, 25).
12. Compressed air conditioner according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring module (10) comprises a diagnostic and control interface (59) for connecting a cable (66) leading to a remote indicating and control device (23).
13. Compressed air conditioner according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that an equipment element designed as equipment element (23) fitted with the indicators and controls (24, 25) and/or as equipment element (65) fitted with the diagnostic and control interface (59) is provided for installation in a slot or at a mounting point (64) of the monitoring module (10), in particular for clipping on or for insertion.
14. Compressed air conditioner according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bus system is a serial bus system.

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