Patent Publication Number: US-2017356475-A1

Title: Ventilinsel-basismodul und ventilinsel

Description:
This invention relates to a valve island base module. 
     In addition, this invention relates to a valve island. 
     Valves, valve islands and valve island base modules are used in many fields of process and manufacturing automation. Valves of a valve island and the valve island itself typically are controlled via a field bus or by an individual connection. In numerous applications it is necessary to at least sectionally safely shut off the valves and/or the valve island or to put them into a safe operating condition in the case of an incorrect actuation or a potentially unsafe system condition. For example, this may be necessary during malfunctions, maintenance work or upon actuation of an emergency-off switch. 
     Against this background a solenoid valve module, which also is referred to as actuating drive, with a safety circuit is known from DE 20 2013 007 990 U1. In the case of an incorrect actuation of the actuating drive the same can be shut off. The safety circuit is directly connected to the solenoid valve module or the actuating drive comprising at least one solenoid valve via an electrical connection. In valve islands, such solenoid valve modules can replace standard valve modules without safety circuit. 
     Against a similar background a module arrangement is known from EP 2 026 156 B1, which also can be referred to as valve island. The module arrangement comprises valve modules, control modules and at least one safety module. The safety module can have valve and/or control modules associated thereto. The safety module is designed such that it can interrupt the power supply of associated modules. Such safety modules can be integrated into existing valve islands without safety circuit by corresponding reconstruction measures. 
     From DE 11 2013 002 370 T5 there is furthermore known an electromagnetic valve system which can execute a safety function. The safety function is realized by safety switches with which the power supply to selected valve units can be interrupted. The safety switches can be arranged in a control unit and interrupt the power supply to valves which are associated to the control unit. Alternatively, the safety switches are arranged in a valve. They can then interrupt the power supply to this valve and to valves associated to this valve. 
     It is the object of the present invention to further improve valve islands with safety circuits. In particular, it should be possible to use standard valve modules in the valve island. 
     The object is solved by a valve island base module with at least one valve module receptacle, which comprises means for the attachment of a plurality of valve modules each including at least one electrically actuatable valve to the valve island base module and a fluidic as well as an electrical valve module connection for the power supply of the valve modules with electric current, a power supply line which is electrically connected with the electrical valve module connections, and a safety interface accessible from outside, which is formed to selectively interrupt the power supply of at least one electrical valve module connection. Preferably, the valve island base module comprises two, four or eight valve module receptacles for accommodating a corresponding number of valve modules. Due to the arrangement of the safety interface on the valve island base module, standard valves, i.e. valves without safety circuit, can be used on the same. It thereby also is easily possible to retrofit safety assemblies or circuits. From a fluidic and electrical point of view, these valves are connected in parallel, when they are arranged on the valve island base module. Useful electrically actuatable valves include e.g. electromagnetic control valves or piezoelectric valves. Preferably, the safety interface is arranged on an external surface of the valve island base module, so that the safety interface is easily accessible from outside. This facilitates the assembly, maintenance and repair of safety assemblies and/or circuits. The safety circuit also is independent of the control of the valve island base module. This means that even in the case of an interruption of the power supply by the safety interface, the controller of the valve island base module still is operable. In addition, the safety interface can be associated to different groups of valve modules. 
     According to one embodiment, at least one bus line extends in the valve island base module, which is equipped to control valve modules attached to the valve module receptacle. Bus lines by default are used to control valve modules. Thus, the valve island base module can be coupled with a plurality of different valve modules. 
     Preferably, the valve island base module comprises a module control unit which is equipped to control valve modules attached to the valve module receptacle, and preferably can be coupled with a superordinate control unit via a bus line. Certain control tasks thus can be executed in the valve island base module. Via the superordinate control unit the activities of the valve island can be coordinated in a wider context. 
     One design variant provides that the valve module connections are electrically connectable with the power supply line via switching means integrated in the base module and the supply of electrical power selectively can be interrupted by the switching means. The switching means preferably are controlled by the module control unit. Thus, in operation of the valve island, more exactly of the valve island base module, individual valve module connections and thus individual valve modules can be cut off from the power supply. The switching means preferably are arranged in branch lines, which extend between a valve module connection and a power supply line continuously extending in a line-up direction of the valve modules. 
     The safety interface, the switching means and the valve module connection can electrically be connected in series. The safety interface, the switching means and the valve module connection hence are linked with a logical AND. This means that at the valve module connection power only is available when the safety interface and the switching means are closed in a manner to conduct electricity. Otherwise, there is no power to the valve module connection. This guarantees a safe operation of the valve module connection and of the valve module connected thereto. 
     In one embodiment, the safety interface comprises a safety connection which is coupled with the power supply line integrated in the valve island base module, wherein a safety element, preferably a bridge, a relay, a switch or a switchingly acting semiconductor element is connectable to the safety connection. For example, the safety element can be a transistor. Via the safety connection, the safety element can easily be exchanged and connected. For the case that a bridge is used, the safety function can be bridged electrically. A safety element always is a group of valve module connections and thus associated to a group of valve modules, which then possibly are de-energized by the safety element. The safety connection preferably includes terminal or plug connections. Thus, a simple and intuitive connection of the safety elements is possible, also in the field. 
     Preferably, the safety connections are arranged in the vicinity of the associated valve module connections. 
     In one variant, the valve island base module comprises at least two safety interfaces, wherein the safety interfaces each are formed to selectively interrupt the power supply of a partial quantity of the valve module connections. Different partial quantities of valve module connections and different partial quantities of the valve modules on a valve island can be associated to different safety circuits. Interleaving of the safety circuits likewise is possible. The safety circuit thereby can easily be adapted to the circumstances of an application. In addition, a high operational safety of the valve island base module thus is given. Individual valve module connections and thus individual valve modules also can be associated to a plurality of safety circuits. A special case is the allocation of one safety interface per valve module connection. In addition, for example, in the case of eight valve module connections two safety interfaces can be used for four valve module connections each. 
     Advantageously, the safety interface is spaced from the valve module receptacle and preferably arranged on a side of the valve island base module opposite to the valve module receptacle. This ensures an easy accessibility of the safety interface. An exchange of a safety element connected to the safety interface hence is possible without much effort. 
     In the valve island base module fluidic supply channels also can be arranged, which are formed for a fluidic supply of the valve modules and have interfaces to the valve modules. The supply channels preferably extend along a line-up direction of the valve modules. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the valve island base module comprises a diagnostic means which can detect a state of the safety interface. In particular, it can thus be detected whether or not an electric circuit has been interrupted by the safety interface. Hence, condition monitoring is realized. 
     Preferably, the diagnostic means is coupled with a display means for indicating a state of the safety interface, and the display means preferably is arranged on the valve island base module. The display module indicates states of the safety interface in a manner which is easily detectable by an operator. The display can be arranged on the valve module, the valve island base module or a control module. 
     According to one design alternative, the power supply line and the safety interface are formed such and the valve modules are coupled thereto such that the display means and/or the module control unit can still be operated when the valve module is shut off or when valve modules are shut off. The power supply of the display means and/or of the module control unit thus is not influenced by the states of the safety interface. This ensures an indication which also works in a case of fault. The valve island base module and hence the valve island thus likewise can be actuated at any time. 
     The valve island base module also can be of multi-part design and preferably comprise a fluidic portion, an electrical portion and a connecting portion. In this way, a particularly simple, clear and robust construction of the valve island base module is achieved. 
     Preferably, the electrically actuatable valve comprises a coil. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a safety element is connected to the safety interface of the valve island base module, wherein the safety element preferably is a bridge, a relay, a switch or a switchingly acting semiconductor element. Thus, a safe operation of the valve island base module and a valve island equipped therewith is possible. The safety element can be arranged on the valve island base module, on the valve island or at another suitable point in the machine or system equipped with the valve island base module. 
     In addition, the object is solved by a valve island with at least one valve island base module as mentioned above, wherein at least one valve module is connected to the valve island base module. 
     According to one embodiment of the valve island, the valve island base module is coupled with a control module, wherein in the control module a superordinate control unit preferably is arranged, which is coupled with the valve island base module by means of a bus line. 
     On a bottom side facing the valve island base module, the valve modules include the electrical valve module connections, an outlet for fluid and in addition an interface as fluid inlet. Thus, the electrical system, fluid inlet and fluid outlet each can be coupled on one side. 
     The valve modules usually have a cuboid shape and the valve island base modules have an L-shape in a side view. 
    
    
     
       The invention will be explained below with reference to the attached Figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a valve island according to the invention with a valve island base module according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows exemplary safety elements which can be connected to a safety interface of a valve island base module according to the invention, and 
         FIG. 3  shows the valve island in the embodiment according to  FIG. 1  with indicated valves. 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1  shows a valve island  10  which is composed of several modules. It comprises a first valve island base module  12 , a second valve island base module  14 , a control module  16  and valve modules  18   a  to  18   h . All modules are prefabricated, separate construction units which can be coupled to and decoupled from other modules. 
     The valve island  10  can also comprise further modules, as is indicated by the additional modules  20 ,  22  and  24  represented without any further details. 
     The control module  16  is coupled with the additional module  20  and the first valve island base module  12 . 
     The first valve island base module  12  is coupled with the valve modules  18   a  to  18   d  and with the second valve island base module  14 . The valve modules  18   a  to  18   d  are attached to the valve island base module  12  via valve module receptacles  25   a  to  25   d . The second valve island base module  14  has the valve modules  18   e  to  18   h  coupled thereto. The same are attached to the valve island base module  14  via valve module receptacles  25   e  to  25   h.    
     In addition, the additional module  24  is coupled to the second valve island base module  14 . 
     On the first valve island base module  12  there is also arranged a safety interface  26 , and on the second valve island base module  14  a safety interface  28  is arranged. 
     In the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  non-illustrated fluidic supply channels are arranged, which serve the fluidic supply of the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h.    
     The valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  therefor are connected with the supply channels via a non-illustrated fluidic valve module connection which forms the interface between the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  and the respectively associated valve island base module  12 ,  14 . 
     In a non-illustrated embodiment, the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  also can have a multipart design. Then, they comprise a fluidic and an electrical portion as well as a connecting portion. 
     The power supply of the control module  16 , the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  and the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  is effected via a power supply line  30 . 
     In the control module  16 , the power supply line  30  feeds a superordinate control unit  32  with electric current. In the first valve island base module  12  the power supply line  30  supplies a module control unit  34  with electric current. 
     In addition, the power supply line  30  is designed such that it passes through the safety interface  26 . The power supply line  30  comprises several branch lines. 
     The valve modules  18   a  to  18   d , which are connected to the first valve island base module  12 , each are supplied with current via an associated electrical valve module connection  36   a  to  36   d.    
     In addition, a switching means  38   a  to  38   d  in the form of an electric switch is associated to each of the valve module connections  36   a  to  36   d , so that the power supply selectively can be interrupted. 
     Thus, the safety interface  26 , the switching means  38   a  to  38   d  and the valve module connections  36   a  to  36   d  are electrically connected in series. Consequently, the coils  40   a  to  40   d  connected to the valve module connections  36   a  to  36   d  also are connected in series with these components. 
     As regards the power supply via the power supply line  30 , the second valve island base module  14  is constructed analogous to the valve island base module  12 , which is why this will no longer be discussed separately. The reference numerals correspondingly are provided with the letters e to h. 
     The valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  are supplied with current via the electrical valve module connections  36   a  to  36   h  and each comprise a coil  40   a  to  40   h  which is part of an electromagnetic control valve for selectively interrupting a fluid flow. The electromagnetic control valves are not shown in detail in  FIG. 1 , but merely are symbolized by the coils  40   a  to  40   h.    
     The valve island base modules  12 ,  14  for example in a side view (as seen from the left or right in  FIG. 1 ) are L-shaped bodies, with a vertical leg protruding from a base leg. In the top view according to  FIG. 1 , as seen from the upper edge, the vertical leg extends up to before the valve module connections  36   a  to  36   h . Before the valve module connections  36   a  to  36   h  a shoulder extending downwards to the vertical leg is present, which then transitions into an upper side of the horizontal leg. The valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  are inserted into the shoulder which forms the valve module receptacles  25   a  to  25   h.    
     On the upper side of the valve module receptacles  25   a  to  25   h , i.e. of the vertical leg, the valve module connections  36   a  to  36   h  then are provided. 
     Preferably, these connections are designed as plug connections, so that fast coupling is possible. The control of the valve island  10  is effected via a bus line  42 . The same passes through all illustrated modules of the valve island  10 , in particular through the control module  16  and the two valve island base modules  12 ,  14 . 
     Via the bus line  42 , the superordinate control unit  32  is coupled with the module control unit  34  of the first valve island base module  12  and with a module control unit  44  of the second valve island base module  14 . 
     Via the bus line  42  the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h , more exactly the electromagnetic control valves  43   a  to  43   h  arranged therein, which are symbolized by the coils  40   a  to  40   h , can be controlled. 
       FIG. 3  shows the electromagnetic control valves  43   a  to  43   h , which are seated in the associated valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  and are actuated by the associated coils  40   a  to  40   h . For a better clarity in  FIG. 3 , only the first and last ones of the rows of coils  40   a  to  40   h  arranged side by side and of the control valves  43   a  to  43   h  are provided with reference numerals. 
     A fluid supply line  45  extends through the control module  16  and through the valve island base modules  12 ,  14 , e.g. through the horizontal leg. 
     On insertion of the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  into the valve module receptacles  25   a  to  25   h , the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h  couple to corresponding interfaces  60   a  to  60   h , which e.g. end on the upper side of the valve module receptacles  25   a  to  25   h , for example by means of a safety coupling with check valve. 
     Between the respective connection  60   a  to  60   h  and an outlet  62   a  to  62   h  at the valve module  18   a  to  18   h , the associated control valve  43   a  to  43   h  then is seated. The outlets  62   a  to  62   h  can end on the front side, as shown in  FIG. 3 , or preferably on the bottom side of the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h , so that their outlet interfaces couple to the upper side of the valve module receptacles  25   a  to  25   h . In the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  corresponding outlet channels then extend up to the front side pointing downwards in  FIG. 3 , where they end towards the outside. 
     Thus, an exactly dosed quantity of fluid can be dispensed by the valve island at each outlet  62   a  to  62   h . Of course, further fluid supply lines  45 ′ can be provided, which can be coupled to selectively. The fluid supply lines  45 ′ for example are provided for supplying pilot control valves. 
     For monitoring states of the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  and/or the valve modules  18   a  to  18   h , the first valve island base module  12  comprises a first diagnostic means  46 , and the second valve island base module  14  comprises a second diagnostic means  48 . 
     The first diagnostic means  46  can comprise a display means  50  by means of which a state of the safety interface  26  can be indicated. In the same way, the diagnostic means  48  comprises a display means  52  by means of which a state of the safety interface  28  can be indicated. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the valve island  10  comprises two valve island base modules  12 ,  14  which each include the safety interface  26 ,  28 . 
     Alternatively, the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  can comprise several safety interfaces. 
     For example, the valve island base modules  12 ,  14  can be combined to form one single valve island base module. Then, the safety interface  26  still would be associated to the valve modules  18   a  to  18   d , and the safety interface  28  would be associated to the valve modules  18   e  to  18   h  and each might interrupt their power supply. 
     The number of safety interfaces arranged in a valve island base module and their interconnection with the electrical valve module connections can be designed depending on the application. 
     To the safety interfaces  26 ,  28  one safety element each is connected, for which by way of example  FIG. 2   a ) shows a switch  53   a ,  FIG. 2   b ) shows a relay  53   b , and  FIG. 2   c ) shows a bridge  53   c . Other switchingly acting semiconductor elements, e.g. a transistor, likewise are conceivable as safety element. 
     The safety elements shown in  FIG. 2  are connected to the first valve island base module  12  via a safety connection  54 , which is part of the safety interface  26 , and to the second valve island base module  14  via a safety connection  56 , which is part of the safety interface  28 . The safety elements  53   a  to  53   c  thereby are coupled with the power supply line  30 . 
     In operation of the valve island  10 , the safety interface  26  now can selectively interrupt the power supply of the electrical valve module connections  36   a  to  36   d . This is effected by interrupting the connection at the safety connection  54 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply of the valve modules  18   a  to  18   d  hence is interrupted. 
     However, the module control unit  34  still is supplied with current. The diagnostic means  46  and the display means  50  also can still be supplied with current. 
     The same applies for the base module  14 , which is why this will not be discussed here in more detail.