EP1059458B1 - Fluid power control device - Google Patents

Fluid power control device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1059458B1
EP1059458B1 EP20000104940 EP00104940A EP1059458B1 EP 1059458 B1 EP1059458 B1 EP 1059458B1 EP 20000104940 EP20000104940 EP 20000104940 EP 00104940 A EP00104940 A EP 00104940A EP 1059458 B1 EP1059458 B1 EP 1059458B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
devices
control unit
individual devices
unit according
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP20000104940
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1059458A3 (en
EP1059458A2 (en
Inventor
Herbert Frisch
Thomas Lichtenberger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Festo SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Festo SE and Co KG
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Publication date
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Application filed by Festo SE and Co KG filed Critical Festo SE and Co KG
Publication of EP1059458A2 publication Critical patent/EP1059458A2/en
Publication of EP1059458A3 publication Critical patent/EP1059458A3/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0832—Modular valves
    • F15B13/0839—Stacked plate type valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0807—Manifolds
    • F15B13/0814—Monoblock manifolds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0821—Attachment or sealing of modular units to each other
    • F15B13/0825—Attachment or sealing of modular units to each other the modular elements being mounted on a common member, e.g. on a rail
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0846—Electrical details
    • F15B13/0853—Electric circuit boards
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0846—Electrical details
    • F15B13/0857—Electrical connecting means, e.g. plugs, sockets
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0846—Electrical details
    • F15B13/086—Sensing means, e.g. pressure sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0846—Electrical details
    • F15B13/0867—Data bus systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
    • F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
    • F15B13/06—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with two or more servomotors
    • F15B13/08—Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
    • F15B13/0803—Modular units
    • F15B13/0878—Assembly of modular units
    • F15B13/0885—Assembly of modular units using valves combined with other components
    • F15B13/0889—Valves combined with electrical components

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fluidic control device, with a plurality of successively arranged in a row direction and combined into a battery-like unit devices of different types, which are at least partially designed as fluid devices and their device housing, seen in the row direction coinciding viewing direction, over an at least substantially identical outer contour feature.
  • a fluidic control device of this kind is apparent from US-A-5,184,647. It comprises a plurality of individual devices arranged in succession in a row direction of different types in the form of valve devices and vacuum generator devices, which have an at least substantially identical outer contour when viewed in line with the row direction. Thus, several different fluidic control tasks can be handled simultaneously, for example, the control of both fluid-operated working cylinders and vacuum handling devices.
  • a fluidic control unit which emerges from DE 44 13 657 C includes a plurality of individual devices combined to form a subassembly, successive in a row direction, which are embodied consistently as valve devices, so that the control device as a whole constitutes a valve arrangement.
  • Each valve device can be electrically activated to control the fluid loading of a connected consumer.
  • the individual devices When viewed in the row direction coincident viewing direction, the individual devices have the same outer contour.
  • the US-A-4,861,232 fluidic control unit also several individual units are combined to form a battery-like unit.
  • the individual devices here are vacuum generator devices that can be used to create vacuum as needed, which can be used in handling devices to transport and handle articles based on negative pressure.
  • control unit that has at the same time on individual devices of different types of devices including pure electronic and / or electrical devices, so that various control tasks can be handled with a central unit.
  • the outer contour of the individual devices that is displayed when looking in the direction of the row is listed at least essentially identically, irrespective of the type of device, so that identical fastening measures can be used if required, which allows a very simple installation and also reduces the space requirement to a minimum.
  • valve devices and / or vacuum generator devices in one Summarize control unit and also integrate electronic devices, such as electronic controller that allow a controlled electronic control of electrical components of a machine or system.
  • the combination options are very diverse, due to the matching outer contouring usually the placement order within the battery-like unit can be varied as needed and in particular the possibility exists to equip a fluidic control unit individually with the required for a specific control purpose single device types.
  • the individual devices can be combined by mechanical connection to form a self-supporting assembly, as can be seen for example from DE 44 13 675 C.
  • a self-supporting assembly as can be seen for example from DE 44 13 675 C.
  • mount the individual devices on a common device carrier, as is explained in US Pat. No. 4,861,232.
  • a modular design of the device carrier is conceivable, for example, such that each individual device is seated on a specially adapted device carrier module, wherein the device carrier modules are in turn mechanically connected to one another, in order to finally obtain the device carrier.
  • the device housing of the individual devices may have a plate-like shape, with their larger side surfaces are expediently oriented in and against the row direction.
  • width dimensions of the device housings measured in the row direction can vary in particular depending on the respective device type, a structure with identical width dimensions of the individual device types appears particularly advantageous, because here a particularly simple standardization of the interfaces to external devices, cables, fluid lines or the like can be realized ,
  • the drawing shows various embodiments of a fluid power control unit 1, which is used to control a machine, a system or individual tools, the devices to be controlled at least fluidly, so for example pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated.
  • the control devices also allow the control of electrical devices, such as the control of electrically operated valves or electrically operated drives.
  • All illustrated controllers 1 have in common that they include a plurality of individual devices 2, which are arranged in a row direction indicated by an arrow 3 consecutively and combined to form a battery-like device unit 4.
  • the device housing 5 of the various individual devices 2 are standardized in terms of their external shape. When viewed in the direction of the row direction 3 results for the device housing 5 of all individual devices 2 at least substantially and preferably a total of identical outer contour. This can be a rectangular outer contour of the individual devices 2 according to the illustrations.
  • the control unit 1 is composed of individual devices 2 different types of devices together.
  • at least one individual device 2 is formed as a fluid device 6, wherein in the case of the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 a total of four fluid devices 6 and in the case of Figure 3 a total of seven fluid devices 6 are present.
  • two individual devices 2 designed as pure electronic and / or electrical devices 7 are present; according to FIG. 3, only one such electronic and / or electrical device 7 is present.
  • the fluid devices 6 within a respective control device 1 can also be of different types.
  • two fluid devices 6 are designed as valve devices 8 and two further fluid devices 6 as vacuum generator devices 9.
  • the embodiment according to FIG. 3 includes four valve devices 8 and four vacuum generator devices 9.
  • valve devices 8 each contain at least one valve member 12 which is indicated only schematically in FIG. 2 and which can be positioned in various positions, electrical drives being provided for positioning, to which the required actuation energy can be supplied via electrical contact means 13. These may be pilot operated or directly actuated valve devices 8. Depending on the switching state of the respective valve device 8, the control of fluidly connected consumers takes place, for example, fluid-operated drives, wherein corresponding fluid lines are indicated in Figure 3 at 14.
  • the valve devices 8 may be pneumatic and / or hydraulic valve devices.
  • the vacuum generator devices 9 are designed to generate a negative pressure in outgoing fluid lines 15 if necessary. This negative pressure can be used, for example, to do handling work, for example transporting and / or positioning, articles in the packaging industry or of workpieces in manufacturing and assembly technology.
  • the fluid lines 15 may be associated with suitable suction cups or suction plates for this purpose, which are placed on the product to be handled.
  • dash-dot vacuum generator units 16 are indicated, which are integrated into the vacuum generator devices 9 and which are generally ejector devices which operate on the jet pump principle.
  • the desired operating state can be influenced by at least one control valve 17 integrated into the relevant vacuum generator 9, which is indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2 and whose operating energy can be supplied to the valve devices 8 via electrical contact means 13 '.
  • the existing in the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 electronic or electrical equipment 7 are for example designed as electronic controller, which have electrical outputs and / or inputs 18, 22 can be output and fed in conjunction with further electrical lines electrical signals.
  • These regulators can be used, for example, to carry out an electronically controlled positioning of fluidic and / or electrical drives.
  • the electronic and / or electrical devices 7 also have electrical contact means 13 '' for feeding electrical control signals.
  • control electronics 23 is associated with one of the longitudinal sides of the unit unit 4, wherein on this longitudinal side and the electrical contact means 13, 13 ', 13' 'are present, so that an electrical contact can be made from a single side.
  • the control electronics 23 may include at least one printed circuit board which extends over the various individual devices 2.
  • control electronics 23 is provided in a control block 29, from which the individual devices 2 are supplied with electrical actuation signals.
  • the control electronics 23 may include its own control program and / or form a field bus unit, via the communication of a connected field bus 24 with other control devices or with a higher-level external control unit.
  • the individual devices 2 are equipped with plate-like device housings 5, whose two larger side surfaces are oriented respectively in and against the row direction 3, wherein the device housing. 5 immediately adjacent individual devices 2 abut each other directly.
  • suitable connection means 25 for example in the form of all single devices 2 pulling through the tie rods 21, the unit unit 4 is a firmly connected self-supporting assembly.
  • the unit unit 4 in the row direction 3 is penetrated by one or more central channels, wherein according to Figures 1 and 2, a total of three such central channels 25 are present, one of which is indicated in Figure 2.
  • These central channels 25 are composed of individual fluid channels 26 which pass through the individual device housing 5 in the row direction 3 and which are aligned with each other to form the central channels 25. Inserted sealing measures cause a fluid-tight connection between the various individual devices. 2
  • a central channel 25 is designed as a central feed channel, via which a pressure medium, in particular compressed air, is fed into the unit unit 4 and from which the fluid devices 6 are fed.
  • a pressure medium in particular compressed air
  • one or more central channels are present, which act as venting or discharge channels and over which the used pressure medium is discharged again.
  • the venting can be done directly to the environment of the control unit 1, preferably via suitable muffler 27, which are fastened to the control unit 1.
  • the feeding and / or removal of the pressure medium in or out of the unit 4 is advantageously carried out on an end face by means of a separate, preferably plate-like closure member 28, which is attached to one of the two end-side individual devices 2 of the device unit 4.
  • a comparable end portion 28 ' may also be attached to the opposite end side, so that a supply and removal of the pressure medium can be made via either one of the two end faces, wherein unused connection openings can be closed by closure means 32.
  • the pure electronics or electrical appliances 7 are penetrated by one or more of the central channels 25, the corresponding fluid channels are designed as pure through-channels.
  • the individual devices 2 are installed independently of each other individually on a plate-shaped or strip-shaped device carrier 32. However, they are arranged as close to each other as possible to obtain a compact arrangement and can even touch each other.
  • the supply of the individual devices 2 with fluidic and / or electrical energy is expediently carried out by means of the device carrier 32, which may be equipped with corresponding internal channels.
  • the device carrier 32 may be designed as a one-piece component, but would also be a modular design with a subdivision in the row direction 3 sequentially arranged device carrier modules, which are fixed by suitable connecting means to each other, so that a structure comparable to the device unit 4 according to Figures 1 and 2 can result.
  • the device housings of all individual devices 2 have the same width (measured in the row direction 3). It can also be combined with individual devices 2 different widths.
  • a fluidic control unit 1 which according to Figures 1 and 2, a cuboid and, if appropriate Number of individual devices 2, also cube-like structure has, with externally independent of the individual placement of individual devices 2 results in a uniform appearance. Since the installation space required for the installation of the control unit, regardless of the type of individual devices 2 used with respect to the perpendicular to the row direction 3 required transverse dimensions always remains the same, the integration of the control devices in the construction of a machine or plant can plan relatively easily.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein fluidtechnisches Steuergerät, mit mehreren in einer Reihenrichtung aufeinanderfolgend angeordneten und zu einer batterieartigen Einheit zusammengefassten Einzelgeräten verschiedener Gerätearten, die zumindest teilweise als Fluidgeräte ausgebildet sind und deren Gerätegehäuse, bei mit der Reihenrichtung übereinstimmender Blickrichtung gesehen, über eine zumindest im wesentlichen identische Außenkontur verfügen.The invention relates to a fluidic control device, with a plurality of successively arranged in a row direction and combined into a battery-like unit devices of different types, which are at least partially designed as fluid devices and their device housing, seen in the row direction coinciding viewing direction, over an at least substantially identical outer contour feature.

Ein fluidtechnisches Steuergerät dieser Art geht aus der US-A-5,184,647 hervor. Es beinhaltet mehrere in einer Reihenrichtung aufeinanderfolgend angeordnete Einzelgeräte unterschiedlicher Art in Gestalt von Ventilgeräten und Vakuumerzeugergeräten, die bei mit der Reihenrichtung übereinstimmender Blickrichtung gesehen über eine zumindest im wesentlichen identische Außenkontur verfügen. Somit können mehrere unterschiedliche fluidische Steuerungsaufgaben gleichzeitig bewältigt werden, beispielsweise die Ansteuerung von sowohl fluidbetätigten Arbeitszylindern als auch von Vakuum-Handhabungsgeräten.A fluidic control device of this kind is apparent from US-A-5,184,647. It comprises a plurality of individual devices arranged in succession in a row direction of different types in the form of valve devices and vacuum generator devices, which have an at least substantially identical outer contour when viewed in line with the row direction. Thus, several different fluidic control tasks can be handled simultaneously, for example, the control of both fluid-operated working cylinders and vacuum handling devices.

Ein aus der DE 44 13 657 C hervorgehendes fluidtechnisches Steuergerät beinhaltet eine Mehrzahl von zu einer Baugruppe zusammengefassten, in einer Reihenrichtung aufeinanderfolgenden Einzelgeräten, die untereinander übereinstimmend als Ventilgeräte ausgeführt sind, so dass das Steuergerät insgesamt eine Ventilanordnung darstellt. Jedes Ventilgerät lässt sich elektrisch aktivieren, um die Fluidbeaufschlagung eines angeschlossenen Verbrauchers zu steuern. Bei mit der Reihenrichtung übereinstimmender Blickrichtung betrachtet, haben die Einzelgeräte untereinander die gleiche Außenkontur.A fluidic control unit which emerges from DE 44 13 657 C includes a plurality of individual devices combined to form a subassembly, successive in a row direction, which are embodied consistently as valve devices, so that the control device as a whole constitutes a valve arrangement. Each valve device can be electrically activated to control the fluid loading of a connected consumer. When viewed in the row direction coincident viewing direction, the individual devices have the same outer contour.

Eine vergleichbare Anordnung geht aus der EP-A-0704647 hervor.A comparable arrangement is evident from EP-A-0704647.

Bei einem aus der US-A-4,861,232 hervorgehenden fluidtechnischen Steuergerät sind ebenfalls mehrere Einzelgeräte zu einer batterieartigen Einheit zusammengefasst. Die Einzelgeräte sind hier Vakuumerzeugergeräte, durch die sich bei Bedarf Vakuum erzeugen lässt, das bei Handhabungsvorrichtungen einsetzbar ist, um Gegenstände auf der Basis von Unterdruck zu transportieren und handzuhaben.In one resulting from the US-A-4,861,232 fluidic control unit also several individual units are combined to form a battery-like unit. The individual devices here are vacuum generator devices that can be used to create vacuum as needed, which can be used in handling devices to transport and handle articles based on negative pressure.

Bei der Ansteuerung technischer Anlagen sind meist auch noch rein elektrische Ansteuerungen gefragt, wobei die betreffenden Steuergeräte bisher separat installiert werden. Dies hat einen sehr hohen Installationsaufwand zur Folge und führt zu einem beträchtlichen Platzbedarf für die Unterbringung der einzelnen Komponenten.In the control of technical systems usually also purely electrical controls are required, the control units in question are previously installed separately. this has a very high installation costs result and leads to a considerable space requirement for the accommodation of the individual components.

Es ist die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, Maßnahmen zu treffen, die den Installationsaufwand und den Platzbedarf für die Komponenten einer fluidtechnischen Steuerung reduzieren.It is the object of the present invention to take measures that reduce the installation effort and space requirements for the components of a fluid power control.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe durch ein fluidtechnisches Steuergerät der eingangs genannten Art, bei dem die Einzelgeräte zumindest teilweise auch als reine Elektronik- und/oder Elektrogeräte ausgebildet sind.This object is achieved by a fluid control device of the type mentioned, in which the individual devices are at least partially designed as pure electronic and / or electrical devices.

Auf diese Weise liegt ein Steuergerät vor, das gleichzeitig über Einzelgeräte unterschiedlicher Gerätearten einschließlich reiner Elektronik- und/oder Elektrogeräte verfügt, so dass mit einem Zentralgerät verschiedene Steuerungsaufgaben bewältigt werden können. Die sich bei Blick in Reihenrichtung darstellende Außenkontur der Einzelgeräte ist zumindest im wesentlichen identisch aufgeführt, unabhängig von der jeweiligen Geräteart, so dass bei Bedarf auf identische Befestigungsmaßnahmen zurückgegriffen werden kann, was eine sehr einfache Installation gestattet und zudem den Platzbedarf auf ein Minimum reduziert. Es besteht so insbesondere die Möglichkeit, Ventilgeräte und/oder Vakuumerzeugergeräte in einem Steuergerät zusammenzufassen und zusätzlich auch Elektronikgeräte zu integrieren, beispielsweise elektronische Regler, die eine geregelte elektronische Ansteuerung elektrischer Komponenten einer Maschine oder Anlage gestatten. Die Kombinationsmöglichkeiten sind sehr vielfältig, wobei aufgrund der übereinstimmenden äußeren Konturierung meist auch die Platzierungsreihenfolge innerhalb der batterieartigen Einheit nach Bedarf variiert werden kann und insbesondere die Möglichkeit besteht, ein fluidtechnisches Steuergerät individuell mit den für einen speziellen Steuerungszweck benötigten Einzelgerätetypen auszustatten.In this way, there is a control unit that has at the same time on individual devices of different types of devices including pure electronic and / or electrical devices, so that various control tasks can be handled with a central unit. The outer contour of the individual devices that is displayed when looking in the direction of the row is listed at least essentially identically, irrespective of the type of device, so that identical fastening measures can be used if required, which allows a very simple installation and also reduces the space requirement to a minimum. There is thus in particular the possibility of valve devices and / or vacuum generator devices in one Summarize control unit and also integrate electronic devices, such as electronic controller that allow a controlled electronic control of electrical components of a machine or system. The combination options are very diverse, due to the matching outer contouring usually the placement order within the battery-like unit can be varied as needed and in particular the possibility exists to equip a fluidic control unit individually with the required for a specific control purpose single device types.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung gehen aus den Unteransprüchen hervor.Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Die Einzelgeräte können durch mechanische Verbindung zu einer selbsttragenden Baugruppe zusammengefasst werden, wie dies beispielsweise aus der DE 44 13 675 C hervorgeht. Möglich wäre aber auch eine Montage der Einzelgeräte auf einem gemeinsamen Geräteträger, wie dies in der US-A-4,861,232 erläutert wird. Im letzteren Falle ist auch eine modulartige Ausgestaltung des Geräteträgers denkbar, beispielsweise derart, daß jedes Einzelgerät auf einem speziell angepaßten Geräteträgermodul sitzt, wobei die Geräteträgermodule ihrerseits mechanisch miteinander verbunden sind, um schließlich den Geräteträger zu erhalten.The individual devices can be combined by mechanical connection to form a self-supporting assembly, as can be seen for example from DE 44 13 675 C. However, it would also be possible to mount the individual devices on a common device carrier, as is explained in US Pat. No. 4,861,232. In the latter case, a modular design of the device carrier is conceivable, for example, such that each individual device is seated on a specially adapted device carrier module, wherein the device carrier modules are in turn mechanically connected to one another, in order to finally obtain the device carrier.

Die Gerätegehäuse der Einzelgeräte können plattenartige Gestalt haben, wobei ihre größeren Seitenflächen zweckmäßigerweise in und entgegen der Reihenrichtung orientiert sind.The device housing of the individual devices may have a plate-like shape, with their larger side surfaces are expediently oriented in and against the row direction.

Obgleich die in Reihenrichtung gemessenen Breitenabmessungen der Gerätegehäuse insbesondere in Abhängigkeit von der jeweiligen Geräteart variieren können, erscheint ein Aufbau mit identischen Breitenabmessungen der einzelnen Gerätearten besonders vorteilhaft, weil sich hier eine besonders einfache Vereinheitlichung der Schnittstellen zu externen Einrichtungen, Kabeln, Fluidleitungen oder dergleichen realisieren läßt.Although the width dimensions of the device housings measured in the row direction can vary in particular depending on the respective device type, a structure with identical width dimensions of the individual device types appears particularly advantageous, because here a particularly simple standardization of the interfaces to external devices, cables, fluid lines or the like can be realized ,

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. In dieser zeigen:

Figur 1
ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines fluidtechnischen Steuergerätes in perspektivischer, schematischer Darstellung,
Figur 2
das Steuergerät aus Figur 1 in Seitenansicht mit Blick gemäß Pfeil II, und
Figur 3
ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines fluidtechnischen Steuergerätes, wiederum in schematischer Darstellung und in Seitenansicht.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:
FIG. 1
A first embodiment of a fluid power control device in a perspective, schematic representation,
FIG. 2
the control unit of Figure 1 in side view with a view according to arrow II, and
FIG. 3
a further embodiment of a fluid power control device, again in a schematic representation and in side view.

Die Zeichnung zeigt verschiedene Ausführungsformen eines fluidtechnisches Steuergerätes 1, das zur Ansteuerung einer Maschine, einer Anlage oder einzelner Arbeitsgeräte verwendbar ist, wobei die anzusteuernden Einrichtungen zumindest fluidisch, also beispielsweise pneumatisch und/oder hydraulisch, betrieben werden. Vorzugsweise ermöglichen die Steuergeräte zusätzlich auch die Ansteuerung elektrischer Einrichtungen, beispielsweise die Ansteuerung elektrisch betätigter Ventile oder elektrisch betätigter Antriebe.The drawing shows various embodiments of a fluid power control unit 1, which is used to control a machine, a system or individual tools, the devices to be controlled at least fluidly, so for example pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated. Preferably, the control devices also allow the control of electrical devices, such as the control of electrically operated valves or electrically operated drives.

Allen abgebildeten Steuergeräten 1 ist gemeinsam, daß sie eine Mehrzahl von Einzelgeräten 2 beinhalten, die in einer durch einen Pfeil angedeuteten Reihenrichtung 3 aufeinanderfolgend angeordnet und zu einer batterieartigen Geräteeinheit 4 zusammengefaßt sind.All illustrated controllers 1 have in common that they include a plurality of individual devices 2, which are arranged in a row direction indicated by an arrow 3 consecutively and combined to form a battery-like device unit 4.

Die Gerätegehäuse 5 der verschiedenen Einzelgeräte 2 sind hinsichtlich ihrer äußeren Formgebung vereinheitlicht. Bei Betrachtung in Richtung der Reihenrichtung 3 ergibt sich für die Gerätegehäuse 5 sämtlicher Einzelgeräte 2 eine zumindest im wesentlichen und vorzugsweise insgesamt identische Außenkontur. Dabei kann es sich gemäß den Abbildungen um eine rechteckförmige Außenkontur der Einzelgeräte 2 handeln.The device housing 5 of the various individual devices 2 are standardized in terms of their external shape. When viewed in the direction of the row direction 3 results for the device housing 5 of all individual devices 2 at least substantially and preferably a total of identical outer contour. This can be a rectangular outer contour of the individual devices 2 according to the illustrations.

Trotz dieser vereinheitlichten Gestaltung setzt sich das Steuergerät 1 aus Einzelgeräten 2 unterschiedlicher Gerätearten zusammen. Dabei ist zumindest ein Einzelgerät 2 als Fluidgerät 6 ausgebildet, wobei im Falle der Ausführungsform gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 insgesamt vier Fluidgeräte 6 und im Falle der Figur 3 insgesamt sieben Fluidgeräte 6 vorhanden sind. Zusätzlich sind bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 zwei als reine Elektronik- und/oder Elektrogeräte 7 ausgeführte Einzelgeräte 2 vorhanden, gemäß Figur 3 ist nur ein derartiges Elektronik- und/oder Elektrogerät 7 vorhanden.Despite this unified design, the control unit 1 is composed of individual devices 2 different types of devices together. In this case, at least one individual device 2 is formed as a fluid device 6, wherein in the case of the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 a total of four fluid devices 6 and in the case of Figure 3 a total of seven fluid devices 6 are present. In addition, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, two individual devices 2 designed as pure electronic and / or electrical devices 7 are present; according to FIG. 3, only one such electronic and / or electrical device 7 is present.

Die Fluidgeräte 6 innerhalb eines jeweiligen Steuergerätes 1 können ebenfalls von unterschiedlicher Art sein. So sind gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 zwei Fluidgeräte 6 als Ventilgeräte 8 und zwei weitere Fluidgeräte 6 als Vakuumerzeugergeräte 9 ausgeführt. Die Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 3 beinhaltet vier Ventilgeräte 8 und vier Vakuumerzeugergeräte 9.The fluid devices 6 within a respective control device 1 can also be of different types. Thus, according to FIGS. 1 and 2, two fluid devices 6 are designed as valve devices 8 and two further fluid devices 6 as vacuum generator devices 9. The embodiment according to FIG. 3 includes four valve devices 8 and four vacuum generator devices 9.

Die Ventilgeräte 8 enthalten jeweils mindestens ein in Figur 2 nur schematisch angedeutetes Ventilglied 12, das in verschiedene Stellungen positionierbar ist, wobei zur Positionierung elektrische Antriebe vorhanden sind, denen über elektrische Kontaktmittel 13 die erforderliche Betätigungsenergie zugeführt werden kann. Dabei kann es sich um vorgesteuerte oder direktbetätigte Ventilgeräte 8 handeln. In Abhängigkeit vom Schaltzustand des jeweiligen Ventilgerätes 8 erfolgt die Ansteuerung fluidisch angeschlossener Verbraucher, beispielsweise fluidbetätigte Antriebe, wobei entsprechende Fluidleitungen in Figur 3 bei 14 angedeutet sind.The valve devices 8 each contain at least one valve member 12 which is indicated only schematically in FIG. 2 and which can be positioned in various positions, electrical drives being provided for positioning, to which the required actuation energy can be supplied via electrical contact means 13. These may be pilot operated or directly actuated valve devices 8. Depending on the switching state of the respective valve device 8, the control of fluidly connected consumers takes place, for example, fluid-operated drives, wherein corresponding fluid lines are indicated in Figure 3 at 14.

Es kann sich bei den Ventilgeräten 8 um pneumatische und/oder hydraulische Ventilgeräte handeln.The valve devices 8 may be pneumatic and / or hydraulic valve devices.

Die Vakuumerzeugergeräte 9 sind dazu ausgelegt, in abgehenden Fluidleitungen 15 bei Bedarf einen Unterdruck zu erzeugen. Dieser Unterdruck kann beispielsweise dazu verwendet werden, Handhabungarbeiten zu erledigen, beispielsweise ein Transportieren und/oder Positionieren, von Gegenständen in der Verpakkungsindustrie oder von Werkstücken in der Fertigungs- und Montagetechnik. Die Fluidleitungen 15 können zu diesem Zweck mit geeigneten Saugnäpfen bzw. Saugtellern in Verbindung stehen, die auf das handzuhabende Produkt aufsetzbar sind.The vacuum generator devices 9 are designed to generate a negative pressure in outgoing fluid lines 15 if necessary. This negative pressure can be used, for example, to do handling work, for example transporting and / or positioning, articles in the packaging industry or of workpieces in manufacturing and assembly technology. The fluid lines 15 may be associated with suitable suction cups or suction plates for this purpose, which are placed on the product to be handled.

In Figur 2 sind strichpunktiert Vakuumerzeugereinheiten 16 angedeutet, die in die Vakuumerzeugergeräte 9 integriert sind und bei denen es sich in aller Regel um Ejektoreinrichtungen handelt, die nach dem Strahlpumpenprinzip arbeiten. Der gewünschte Betriebszustand läßt sich über mindestens ein in das betreffende Vakuumerzeugergerät 9 integriertes Steuerventil 17 beeinflussen, das in Figur 2 strichpunktiert angedeutet ist und dessen Betriebsenergie vergleichbar den Ventilgeräten 8 über elektrische Kontaktmittel 13' zugeführt werden kann.In FIG. 2, dash-dot vacuum generator units 16 are indicated, which are integrated into the vacuum generator devices 9 and which are generally ejector devices which operate on the jet pump principle. The desired operating state can be influenced by at least one control valve 17 integrated into the relevant vacuum generator 9, which is indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2 and whose operating energy can be supplied to the valve devices 8 via electrical contact means 13 '.

Die beim Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 vorhandenen Elektronik- bzw. Elektrogeräte 7 sind beispielsweise als elektronische Regler ausgeführt, die über elektrische Ausgänge und/oder Eingänge 18 verfügen, über die in Verbindung mit weiterführenden elektrischen Leitungen 22 elektrische Signale ausgegeben und eingespeist werden können. Diese Regler lassen sich beispielsweise verwenden, um eine elektronisch gesteuerte Positionierung fluidischer und/oder elektrischer Antriebe vorzunehmen.The existing in the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 electronic or electrical equipment 7 are for example designed as electronic controller, which have electrical outputs and / or inputs 18, 22 can be output and fed in conjunction with further electrical lines electrical signals. These regulators can be used, for example, to carry out an electronically controlled positioning of fluidic and / or electrical drives.

Die Elektronik- und/oder Elektrogeräte 7 verfügen ebenfalls über elektrische Kontaktmittel 13'' zur Einspeisung von elektrischen Steuersignalen.The electronic and / or electrical devices 7 also have electrical contact means 13 '' for feeding electrical control signals.

Alle Einzelgräte 2 stehen insbesondere über die erwähnten elektrischen Kontaktmittel 13, 13', 13'' mit einer Steuerelektronik 23 in Verbindung, die als Bestandteil des fluidtechischen Steuergerätes 1 ausgeführt sein kann. Beim Ausführungsbeispiel der Figur ist die Steuerelektronik 23 einer der Längsseiten der Geräteeinheit 4 zugeordnet, wobei an dieser Längsseite auch die elektrischen Kontaktmittel 13, 13', 13'' vorhanden sind, so daß eine elektrische Kontaktierung von einer einzigen Seite her erfolgen kann. Die Steuerelektronik 23 kann hierbei zumindest eine Leiterplatte beinhalten, die sich über die verschiedenen Einzelgeräte 2 hinweg erstreckt.All individual bones 2 are in particular via the mentioned electrical contact means 13, 13 ', 13' 'with an electronic control unit 23 in connection, which may be embodied as part of the fluidtechischen control unit 1. In the embodiment of the figure, the control electronics 23 is associated with one of the longitudinal sides of the unit unit 4, wherein on this longitudinal side and the electrical contact means 13, 13 ', 13' 'are present, so that an electrical contact can be made from a single side. In this case, the control electronics 23 may include at least one printed circuit board which extends over the various individual devices 2.

Im Falle der Bauform gemäß Figur 3 ist die Steuerelektronik 23 in einem Steuerblock 29 vorgesehen, von dem aus die Einzelgeräte 2 mit elektrischen Betätigungssignalen versorgt werden. Wie auch im Falle der Figuren 1 und 2 kann die Steuerelektronik 23 ein eigenes Steuerprogramm beinhalten und/oder eine Feldbus-Einheit bilden, über die unter Vermittlung eines angeschlossenen Feldbusses 24 eine Kommunikation mit weiteren Steuergeräten oder mit einer übergeordneten externen Steuereinheit erfolgen kann.In the case of the design according to Figure 3, the control electronics 23 is provided in a control block 29, from which the individual devices 2 are supplied with electrical actuation signals. As in the case of Figures 1 and 2, the control electronics 23 may include its own control program and / or form a field bus unit, via the communication of a connected field bus 24 with other control devices or with a higher-level external control unit.

Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 sind die Einzelgeräte 2 mit plattenartigen Gerätegehäusen 5 ausgestattet, deren zwei größere Seitenflächen jeweils in und entgegen der Reihenrichtung 3 orientiert sind, wobei die Gerätegehäuse 5 unmittelbar benachbarter Einzelgeräte 2 unmittelbar aneinander anliegen. Durch Verwendung geeigneter Verbindungsmittel 25, beispielsweise in Gestalt sämtliche Einzelgeräte 2 durchziehender Zuganker 21, stellt die Geräteeinheit 4 eine fest zusammenhängende selbsttragende Baugruppe dar.In the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2, the individual devices 2 are equipped with plate-like device housings 5, whose two larger side surfaces are oriented respectively in and against the row direction 3, wherein the device housing. 5 immediately adjacent individual devices 2 abut each other directly. By using suitable connection means 25, for example in the form of all single devices 2 pulling through the tie rods 21, the unit unit 4 is a firmly connected self-supporting assembly.

Dabei ist zweckmäßigerweise vorgesehen, daß die Geräteeinheit 4 in der Reihenrichtung 3 von einem oder mehreren Zentralkanälen durchsetzt wird, wobei gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 insgesamt drei solcher Zentralkanäle 25 vorhanden sind, von denen in Figur 2 einer angedeutet ist. Diese Zentralkanäle 25 setzen sich aus einzelnen Fluidkanälen 26 zusammen, die die einzelnen Gerätegehäuse 5 in Reihenrichtung 3 durchsetzen und die unter Bildung der Zentralkanäle 25 miteinander fluchten. Zwischengefügte Dichtungsmaßnahmen bewirken eine fluiddichte Verbindung zwischen den verschiedenen Einzelgeräten 2.It is expediently provided that the unit unit 4 in the row direction 3 is penetrated by one or more central channels, wherein according to Figures 1 and 2, a total of three such central channels 25 are present, one of which is indicated in Figure 2. These central channels 25 are composed of individual fluid channels 26 which pass through the individual device housing 5 in the row direction 3 and which are aligned with each other to form the central channels 25. Inserted sealing measures cause a fluid-tight connection between the various individual devices. 2

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 1 und 2 ist ein Zentralkanal 25 als zentraler Speisekanal ausgeführt, über den ein Druckmedium, insbesondere Druckluft, in die Geräteeinheit 4 eingespeist wird und von dem die Fluidgeräte 6 gespeist werden. Zusätzlich sind ein oder mehrere Zentralkanäle vorhanden, die als Entlüftungs- bzw. Entlastungskanäle fungieren und über die das verbrauchte Druckmedium wieder abgeführt wird. Bei pneumatischen Fluidgeräten 6 gemäß Ausführungsbeispiel kann die Entlüftung unmittelbar zur Umgebung des Steuergerätes 1 erfolgen, und zwar vorzugsweise über geeignete Schalldämpfer 27, die am Steuergerät 1 befestigbar sind.In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a central channel 25 is designed as a central feed channel, via which a pressure medium, in particular compressed air, is fed into the unit unit 4 and from which the fluid devices 6 are fed. In addition, one or more central channels are present, which act as venting or discharge channels and over which the used pressure medium is discharged again. In pneumatic fluid devices 6 according to the embodiment, the venting can be done directly to the environment of the control unit 1, preferably via suitable muffler 27, which are fastened to the control unit 1.

Die Einspeisung und/oder Abfuhr des Druckmediums in die bzw. aus der Geräteeinheit 4 erfolgt zweckmäßigerweise an einer Stirnseite unter Vermittlung eines separaten, vorzugsweise plattenartigen Abschlußteils 28, das an eines der beiden endseitigen Einzelgeräte 2 der Geräteeinheit 4 angesetzt ist. Ein vergleichbares Abschlußteil 28' kann auch an der entgegengesetzten Stirnseite angebracht sein, so daß eine Einspeisung und Abfuhr des Druckmediums über wahlweise eine der beiden Stirnseiten erfolgen kann, wobei nicht benötigte Anschlußöffnungen durch Verschlußmittel 32 verschlossen werden können.The feeding and / or removal of the pressure medium in or out of the unit 4 is advantageously carried out on an end face by means of a separate, preferably plate-like closure member 28, which is attached to one of the two end-side individual devices 2 of the device unit 4. A comparable end portion 28 'may also be attached to the opposite end side, so that a supply and removal of the pressure medium can be made via either one of the two end faces, wherein unused connection openings can be closed by closure means 32.

Im Innern der Fluidgeräte 6 erfolgt die Verteilung des Druckmediums zu den internen Einrichtungen über nicht näher gezeigte interne Fluidkanäle. Soweit gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 auch die reinen Elektronik- bzw. Elektrogeräte 7 von einem oder mehreren der Zentralkanäle 25 durchsetzt werden, sind die entsprechenden Fluidkanäle als reine Durchgangskanäle ausgeführt. Es kann jedoch zweckmäßig sein, beispielsweise zur Druckerfassung, innerhalb einem oder mehreren der Elektronik- und/oder Elektrogeräte 7 einen oder mehrere Sensoren zu installieren, die den Fluiddruck erfassen können, um ihn bei der Ansteuerung angeschlossener Komponenten zu berücksichtigen.In the interior of the fluid devices 6, the distribution of the pressure medium to the internal devices via internal fluid channels, not shown in detail. As far as according to Figures 1 and 2, the pure electronics or electrical appliances 7 are penetrated by one or more of the central channels 25, the corresponding fluid channels are designed as pure through-channels. However, it may be appropriate, for example, for pressure detection to install within one or more of the electronic and / or electrical devices 7, one or more sensors that can detect the fluid pressure to take into account in the control of connected components.

Bei dem in Figur 3 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Einzelgeräte 2 unabhängig voneinander einzeln auf einem platten- oder leistenförmigen Geräteträger 32 installiert. Gleichwohl sind sie zum Erhalt einer kompakten Anordnung möglichst nahe beieinander angeordnet und können sich sogar berühren. Die Versorgung der Einzelgeräte 2 mit fluidischer und/oder elektrischer Energie erfolgt zweckmäßigerweise unter Vermittlung des Geräteträgers 32, der entsprechend mit internen Kanälen ausgestattet sein kann. Dabei kann der Geräteträger 32 als einstückiges Bauteil ausgeführt sein, möglich wäre jedoch auch ein modularer Aufbau mit einer Unterteilung in in Reihenrichtung 3 aufeinanderfolgend angeordnete Geräteträgermodule, die durch geeignete Verbindungsmittel aneinander fixiert werden, so daß sich ein Aufbau vergleichbar der Geräteeinheit 4 gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 ergeben kann.In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the individual devices 2 are installed independently of each other individually on a plate-shaped or strip-shaped device carrier 32. However, they are arranged as close to each other as possible to obtain a compact arrangement and can even touch each other. The supply of the individual devices 2 with fluidic and / or electrical energy is expediently carried out by means of the device carrier 32, which may be equipped with corresponding internal channels. In this case, the device carrier 32 may be designed as a one-piece component, but would also be a modular design with a subdivision in the row direction 3 sequentially arranged device carrier modules, which are fixed by suitable connecting means to each other, so that a structure comparable to the device unit 4 according to Figures 1 and 2 can result.

Bei allen dargestellten Ausführungsformen verfügen die Gerätegehäuse sämtlicher Einzelgeräte 2 über die gleiche Baubreite (gemessen in der Reihenrichtung 3). Es können durchaus auch Einzelgeräte 2 unterschiedlicher Breite miteinander kombiniert werden.In all the illustrated embodiments, the device housings of all individual devices 2 have the same width (measured in the row direction 3). It can also be combined with individual devices 2 different widths.

Durch die einheitliche äußere Gestaltung der Gerätegehäuse 5 der verschiedenen Einzelgeräte 2, unabhängig vom Typ bzw. der Art des jeweiligen Einzelgerätes 2, können sehr kompakte Steuergeräte aufgebaut werden, wobei sich mechanische und/oder elektrische und/oder fluidische und/oder optische Schnittstellen realisieren lassen, die vereinheitlicht sind. Die besondere Bauform der Einzelgeräte 2 ermöglicht in modularer Bauweise die Realisierung individueller Steuergeräte mit einer dem jeweiligen Bedarf entsprechenden Ausstattung an Einzelgeräten 2.Due to the uniform external design of the device housing 5 of the various individual devices 2, regardless of the type or type of the respective single device 2, very compact control devices can be constructed, with mechanical and / or electrical and / or fluidic and / or optical interfaces can be realized that are unified. The special design of the individual devices 2 allows in a modular design, the realization of individual control devices with a corresponding requirement for each equipment on individual devices. 2

Besonders vorteilhaft ist ein fluidtechnisches Steuergerät 1, das gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 einen quaderartigen und, bei entsprechender Anzahl von Einzelgeräten 2, auch würfelartigen Aufbau hat, wobei sich äußerlich unabhängig von der individuellen Bestückung mit Einzelgeräten 2 ein einheitliches Aussehen ergibt. Da der für die Installation des Steuergerätes benötigte Einbauraum unabhängig von der Art der verwendeten Einzelgeräte 2 bezüglich der rechtwinkelig zur Reihenrichtung 3 benötigten Querabmessungen stets gleichbleibt, läßt sich die Integration der Steuergeräte bei der Konstruktion einer Maschine oder Anlage relativ einfach einplanen.Particularly advantageous is a fluidic control unit 1, which according to Figures 1 and 2, a cuboid and, if appropriate Number of individual devices 2, also cube-like structure has, with externally independent of the individual placement of individual devices 2 results in a uniform appearance. Since the installation space required for the installation of the control unit, regardless of the type of individual devices 2 used with respect to the perpendicular to the row direction 3 required transverse dimensions always remains the same, the integration of the control devices in the construction of a machine or plant can plan relatively easily.

Claims (12)

  1. Fluid power control unit, with a plurality of individual devices (2) of various types arranged consecutively in the direction of a row (3) and combined to form a battery-like unit (4), which are at least partially designed as fluid devices (6) and the housings (5) of which, if viewed in a direction corresponding to the direction of the row (3), have an at least substantially identical external contour, characterised in that the individual devices (2) are at least partially designed as purely electronic and/or electric devices (7).
  2. Control unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the fluid devices (6) are at least partially designed as valve devices (8).
  3. Control unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the fluid devices (6) are at least partially designed as vacuum generating devices (9).
  4. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one purely electronic and/or electric device (7) is designed as an electronic controller.
  5. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that adjacent individual devices (2) are in immediate contact with one another.
  6. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the individual devices (2) are combined by mechanical connections to form a self-supporting assembly.
  7. Control unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that at least one fluid passage (26) passes through all of the individual devices (2) in the direction of the row (3), the fluid passages (26) of adjacent individual devices (2) being so connected to one another that at least one central passage (25) running through all of the individual devices (2) is formed.
  8. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the individual devices (2) are together installed on a device carrier (32), which is in particular designed in the shape of a plate or rail.
  9. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the housings (5) of the individual devices (2) have a plate-like shape, the larger side faces being oriented in and against the direction of the row.
  10. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised by individual devices (2) of various types with identical or different width dimensions of their housings (5) in the direction of the row (3).
  11. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that all individual devices (2) have an identical external shape.
  12. Control unit according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised by a rectangular external contour of the individual devices (2).
EP20000104940 1999-06-01 2000-03-08 Fluid power control device Revoked EP1059458B1 (en)

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DE29909529U DE29909529U1 (en) 1999-06-01 1999-06-01 Fluid control unit

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EP1059458A3 EP1059458A3 (en) 2003-10-15
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Also Published As

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EP1059458A3 (en) 2003-10-15
DE29909529U1 (en) 1999-08-12
EP1059458A2 (en) 2000-12-13
DE50012712D1 (en) 2006-06-14
ES2259583T3 (en) 2006-10-16

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