Patent Application
20060011240
The invention relates to a fluid power controller device comprising valve modules arranged in sequence in a row direction and collected together as an array-like unit, such modules each including a principal valve fitted with at least one moving valve member and at least one electrically operated valve drive for the principal valve.
The German patent publication 29,909,529 U1 discloses various forms of such a controller device, several valve modules being collected together in each case to constitute an array-like unit and such unit being either designed to be self-supporting or being placed on a plate-like module carrier. The valve modules each comprise a principal valve serving for the control of a principal valve subject to positive or negative pressure medium pressure and at least one electrically operated valve drive serving for the operation of the principal valve.
If the controller devices are employed in complex machines there is a need for a precise monitoring of the operational state of the principal valves. Such monitoring has so far been performed visually using optical inspection means, which indicate the switching state of the valve drive. It would also be feasible to detect the switching state of the valve drives electrically, for example on the basis of amperage measurement. In all cases there is however the disadvantage that from the switching state of the valve drive no conclusions may be drawn about the operational state of the principal valve. Owing to trouble conditions for example the switching over of the principal valve may be prevented, although the valve drive has been activated.
Accordingly one object of the present invention is to propose measures which render possible a more precise monitoring of the state of the principal valves of a fluid power controller device.
In order to achieve this object in the case of a fluid power controller device of the type initially mentioned there is the provision that at least two valve modules placed in sequence in the row direction are spaced apart with the formation of an intermediate space, a diagnostic module being placed in the intermediate space for the detection of at least one operational state of one or both of the adjacent principal valves.
It is in this manner that while maintaining compact dimensions of the valve modules a precise detection of the operational condition of one or more principal valves is possible. At least the majority of the measures necessary for such detection is implemented in the diagnostic module, whereas on the principal valve itself no or only a few design changes are necessary departing from a conventional design. Accordingly the principal valve may be usually operated selectively in connection with a diagnostic module or without one, something which renders possible an extremely simple adaptable arrangement of fluid power controller devices. Owing to the placement of the diagnostic module or modules between adjacent valve modules there is a direct proximity to the state information, which is to be detected, this leading to a high of precision. Since the valve modules collected together as array-like units are frequently basically arranged at a small distance apart, the diagnosis may be implemented without any extreme enlargement of the overall dimensions of the controller device. In any case by detecting at least one operational state of the principal valve or valves highly precise state monitoring may be performed, something favoring an integration in an electronic control system.
Further advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
There is in principle the possibility of arranging a respective diagnostic module between all sequentially placed valve modules. In such a case each diagnostic module will be designed for dealing with the operational data of only one principal valve. However, there is also the advantageous possibility of so designing the diagnostic module that it may detect the operational state of both principal valves flanking it. Accordingly the number of the diagnostic modules to be employed may be reduced.
Leaving aside possibly the longitudinal dimensions in the row direction there is no increase in the dimensions of the controller device, if the diagnostic modules have such dimensions that they are within the outline of the adjacent valve modules.
The output signals of the diagnostic modules are conveniently transmitted by way of an electrical concatenation means, with which the valve modules and, respectively, their valve drives, are connected. The internal wiring is not then made more complex or is only slightly increased in complexity.
The use of the diagnostic modules is inter alia possible in the case of such controller devices, in which the array-like unit comprising the valve modules has at least one fluid duct extending through it, which is made up of aligned through ducts of the individual valve modules. In this case diagnostic modules are utilized, which possess corresponding through ducts so that the desired fluid duct is still present, more particularly for the central supply and/or removal of the pressure medium.
It is possible to do without such through ducts in the diagnostic module, if the valve modules are not directly connected together for fluid transmission, but are jointly mounted on a plate-like module support, which performs the function of fluid power concatenation between the individual valve modules. In this case as well however the diagnostic modules are preferably integrated in the already present electrical concatenation means of the valve modules.
The diagnostic modules preferably possess a flat configuration and are more particularly disk-like or plate-like in form. They are placed between adjacent valve modules so that their plane of extent runs at a right angle to the row direction.
The diagnostic modules present are preferably provided with suitable sensor means, which detect the desired operational state of the adjacent principal valve or valves and produce the corresponding output signals. Such sensor signals may be directly supplied to central electronic control circuitry which is placed on board the controller device or is placed externally, or however be supplied in the form of processed diagnostic signals, for which purpose a respective diagnostic module may have its own evaluating electronic circuitry.
Certain states of a principal valve, for example the switching position of the valve member, may be detected, using suitable sensor means, without any direct access to the internal space of the respective principal valve. This applies for example for contact-less interrogation of the switching position, more particularly using inductive proximity sensors. If however for example an optical monitoring of switching position or the detection of the fluid pressures obtaining in the principal valve is desired, the respective principal valve will conveniently have an opening for access, which is open toward the diagnostic module, and which however is covered over by the respective diagnostic module so that externally there is no inconvenience. If the principal valves are directly provided with through ducts running in the row direction, one or more of such through ducts may be utilized as access opening for detection of states.
In the following the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The illustrated controller devices 1 have the feature in common that same comprise a plurality of valve modules 2, which are arranged in a row direction 3 indicated by a double arrow and are collected together as an array-like unit 9.
As further components of this array-like unit 9 there are several preferably disk-like or plate-like flat diagnostic modules 4, of which respectively one is placed between two valve modules 2 following each other in sequence in the row direction 3. In order to minimize the overall length of the controller device 1 the diagnostic modules 4 are so aligned that their planes of extent run at a right angle to the row direction 3.
Valve modules 2 which are directly adjacent in the row direction 3 are accordingly at a distance apart and define a gap-like intermediate space 5 between them, in which a respective diagnostic module 4 is seated.
In the case of the controller device 1 of
In the working embodiment illustrated in
Among other things
The valve drive 14 more particularly operates on an electromagnetic or piezoelectric basis. Its operation drives the principal valve 13, something which, more precisely stated, means that switching position of a valve member 16 movably mounted in the principal valve housing 15 is set in accordance with needs. In the case of the valve member 16 it is a question more particularly of a valve spool, preferably a piston spool. Its operation is preferably with a pilot function, the valve drive 14 being a component of a pilot valve, which is able to be subjected to a pilot fluid by means of the valve member 16 in order to set the switching position. The principal-valve 13 could also comprise several valve members.
The valve member 16 is located in a receiving space 17 in the interior of the principal valve housing 15. Two power ducts 18a and 18b communicate with this receiving space 16, which open at an external face, perpendicular to the means 3, of the principal valve housing 15 and which are able to be connected with fluid lines leading to a load to be operated, as for instance a drive operated by fluid power.
The receiving space 17 communicates furthermore with a supply duct 22 and at least one relief duct 23, two such relief ducts 23 being provided in the working example. By way of the supply duct 22 fluid under pressure is supplied, which in accordance with the switching position of the valve member 16 is passed into the one or other power duct 18a and 18b. The relief ducts 23 communicate with the atmosphere and serve for the return flow of the spent fluid from the connected load. If the controller device 1, as is the case with the working example, is operated with compressed air, the relief ducts 23 respectively constitute a venting duct.
In the case of both working examples central supply and removal of pressure medium to and, respectively, from the valve modules 2 is provided for. For this purpose in the working example in
Branch ducts 26 extend from the above mentioned fluid ducts 24, and open at the surface, termed the component mounting face 27, of the module support 12, on which the components of the array-like unit 9 are fixed. In this case the branch ducts 26 extending from the supply duct 24a communicate with the supply ducts 22 and the branch ducts 26 extending from the discharge ducts 24b communicate with the relief ducts 23 of the individual valve modules 2.
In the case of the controller device of
Sealing means 32 are arranged around the through ducts 28a and 28b opening at the two lateral faces of each valve module 2 and of the diagnostic module 4, such sealing means causing a sealing effect when the modules are braced in the row direction so that no fluid may leak out between adjacent fluid ducts into the surroundings.
Instead of having only one valve member 16 the principal valves 13 could, as already mentioned, each be provided with several valve members.
While the valve modules 2 of the working example are designed to distribute medium under a positive pressure, it would be feasible for it to be designed to distribute vacuum or negative pressure, it being possible for a vacuum producer to be directly integrated in the respective valve module 2. Inside a controller device 1 valve modules 2 for vacuum and positive pressure could be combined if necessary.
The diagnostic modules 4 are designed to detect at least one operational state of one or both principal valves 13, by which it is flanked on opposite sides. In the two working embodiments both possibilities are illustrated, three diagnostic modules 4a performing diagnosis on one side determining the operating states of only one adjacent principal valve 13, whereas a further diagnostic module 4b performs a diagnosis on two sides determining the operating state of both principal valves 3 flanking it.
If for each array-like unit 9 several diagnostic modules 4b are employed, the number of the diagnostic modules 4 to be utilized may be reduced, the overall length of the controller device 1 simultaneously being reduced because in this case it is possible to do without a separate diagnostic module 4 between one or more adjacent valve modules 2. In the example this could mean in accordance with
In any case it is an advantage, if the diagnostic modules 4 have such an outline that they lie within the outline of the adjacent valve modules 2, this including the possibility of such outlines being identical.
There is also obviously the possibility of providing a diagnostic module 4 for only some of the principal valves 13. Within the controller device 1 it is accordingly possible for there to be principal valves 13 whose operational states are to be detected and also some not subject to such detection. Owing to the modular design the user has a great deal of free choice as regards the customization of the controller device 1.
To detect one or more operational states of a principal valve 13 the diagnostic modules 4 are fitted with sensor means 33, which are in a position to provide output sensor signals able to be further processed in accordance with the detected operational state.
Other types of sensor means 33 require in addition to the diagnostic principal valve 13 at least one access opening 34, by way of which tapping of the desired state information is possible and which is open toward the associated diagnostic module 4 in order to perform sensor monitoring from this point. Such a design is depicted in
Only by way of example in this connection further position sensor means 33b are provided in the diagnostic module 4 for optical detection of the switching state, such means 33b being in optical communication through an access opening with the valve member 16 thus being able to ascertain the switching state.
Furthermore a plurality of pressure sensor means 33c are present, which by way of the access openings communicate with zones in the interior of the principal valve 13, in which the supply pressure supplied by way of the supply duct 22 and/or the working pressure supplied by way of the working or power ducts 18a and 18b obtain.
Owing to the sensor detection of the switching state of the valve member 16 it is possible to exactly determine whether the principal valve has switched. Owing to the pressure detection comparable or relative detection is possible, but however it is also possible for any problems during pressure build-up—for instance owing to insufficient switching speeds—to be detected. Furthermore rates of flow within the principal valve 13 may be measured. In any case there is the possibility of a comprehensive functional diagnosis of the principal valves 13 of the valve modules 2 at any time during operation of the controller device 1.
As far as possible the access opening 34 may be in the form of one or more through ducts 28a, which are open toward the diagnostic module 4, of the principal valve guide 15. More especially for measuring the working pressure preferably however special access openings 34 are provided in the principal valve housing 15. In the case of operation without a diagnostic module 4 such access openings 34 are then closed by the adjoining valve module 2.
Normally the access openings 34 are sealed over by the associated diagnostic module 4 so that no spurious information is provided as regards the state data.
With respect to the controller device of
The diagnostic modules 4 may in principle be so designed that they have the sensor signals produced by the sensor means 33 as their direct output signal. However, a design is more expedient in which the diagnostic modules 4 comprise processing electronic circuitry 36, which evaluates the sensor signals received by the sensor means 33 to produce processed detection signals. In accordance with the type of sensor means 33 each diagnostic module 4 may be fitted with specifically suitable evaluating electronic circuitry 36.
For the supply of the actuating signals and actuating energy necessary for the operation of the valve modules 2 and for the return of the diagnostic signals from the diagnostic modules 4 all valve modules 2 and diagnostic modules 4 are preferably connected with a common electrical concatenation means 37. To the extent that for the operation of the diagnostic modules 4 actuating signals and/or energy are necessary, same may also be supplied by way of the common electrical concatenation means 37.
The electrical concatenation means 37 comprises a conductor strand 39 comprising a plurality of electrical conductors and extending in the row direction 3. It is connected on the one hand with the above mentioned modules 2 and 4. On the other hand in the case of the design in accordance with
Within the electrical concatenation means 37 the signal may be transmitted both in parallel and also more particularly serially. In the latter case at least the valve modules 2, and preferably however the diagnostic modules 4 as well, have electronic circuitry in a position of reading out the signals addressed to it and/or causing output of addressed signals coming from it into the electrical concatenation means 37.
In the working embodiment illustrated in
In the case of the controller device of
Finally it is to be noted that one or more diagnostic modules 4 may be directly fitted with condition indicating means 46, which are in a position of indicating one or more detected operational states, more particularly in an optical manner. In the case of the condition indicating means 46 it may more especially be a question of LEDs.
If the diagnostic modules 4 do not have any evaluating electronic circuitry of their own, output of the sensor signals generated by the sensor means 33 may obviously be by way of the electrical concatenation means 37.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20219497.3 | Dec 2002 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP03/13061 | 11/21/2003 | WO | 5/10/2005 |
