Multi-pole connection valve terminal and kit

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-pole connecting valve terminal and a kit. The multi-pole connection valve terminal comprises at least one valve module comprising: a base provided with a passage for fluid under pressure or vacuum; a pneumatic valve mounted on the base and connected to the passage; and a solenoid for the pneumatic valve, mounted on the base and connected to the passage. The multi-pole connection valve terminal comprises a main electronic board with a processor and a multi-pole connector connected to the main electronic board, the valve module comprises a secondary electronic board with a corresponding processor, and the secondary electronic board detects the existence and the position of a solenoid of the corresponding valve module and controls the solenoid. The secondary electronic board is directly connected to the primary electronic board or is connected to the primary electronic board via a secondary electronic board of an adjacent valve module, the primary electronic board receives a solenoid control signal to control the solenoid, and the primary electronic board supplies power to each secondary electronic board without an external power supply device other than the solenoid control signal. A primary electronic board communicates in series with each secondary electronic board.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a multipolar connection valve island, or a valve island with a multipolar type electric control interface.

[0002] In particular, the multipolar connection valve island is a fast or automatic configuration multipolar valve island. BACKGROUND

[0003] Known are multipolar connection valve islands, i.e. groups of pneumatic valves for controlling devices, equipped with centralized energy and air supply means, and programmable control units. The valve islands are used to manage a given number of valves and to process the signals of these valves. This allows, for example, to control actuators via compressed air.

[0004] The valve islands are designed to manage groups of pneumatic valves connected to actuators and which allow the control of the actuators using compressed air. The opening or closing of the valves is mainly carried out by means of an electrical command which powers the coil or solenoid of a solenoid pilot valve or solenoid electric pilot which electromechanically acts to allow or prevent the flow of compressed air to operate the corresponding pneumatic valve which in turn distributes or does not distribute compressed air to the actuators.

[0005] Typically, each pneumatic valve of the valve island can be single-stable or double-stable, for example 3 / 2, 5 / 2 or 5 / 3, controlled by one or two solenoids which receive an electrical signal to actuate the pneumatic valve associated with them.

[0006] The pneumatic valve controls the direction of the flow of compressed air which drives the actuators or moving elements, such as cylinders.

[0007] The valve island is connected to a vacuum generator, or to a pneumatic supply line which feeds the vacuum generator with compressed air, to an electrical supply line which provides power to the solenoids of the solenoid pilot valves, and to an electrical communication line which controls the operation of the valve island, where the electrical supply line and the electrical communication line are two independent electrical lines.

[0008] In the known type of valve island, the electrical signals between the main electronic board of the island and each of the solenoids are generated via physical wiring according to an electrical diagram defined during the design phase of the island. Therefore, it is no longer possible to modify the electrical diagram of the island once the island has been completed and assembled.

[0009] The electrical signals are transmitted into each of the solenoids of the pilot solenoid valve via physical electrical wiring having an interface that typically comprises a multi-pin connector or a multipolar connector. The control can be provided by wiring connected in a purely physical point-to-point manner via wired electrical conductors or conductors on a printed circuit board, or can be provided by an electronic communication system, typically employing serial technology.

[0010] In any case, the configuration is established during the design phase of the island, after which it is no longer possible to modify the electrical diagram between each electrical contact or control pin of the multipolar connector and the solenoids of the valve island, thus statically determining a one-to-one correspondence of the commands with the solenoid pilot valves of the corresponding pneumatic valve. The statically determined connection between the solenoid positions and the control pins of the multipolar socket therefore limits the rearrangement of the modules of the valve island.

[0011] There is therefore a strong felt need to provide a multipolar connection valve island with greater versatility and ease of assembly, while at the same time allowing to simplify the maintenance and configuration of the multipolar connection valve island. SUMMARY

[0012] The purpose of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the prior art and to propose a solution that meets the needs described above.

[0013] This and other objects are achieved by the multipolar connection valve island, kit according to the present disclosure. I

[0015] According to one aspect, the multipolar valve island comprises one or more modules, each module comprising a base in which a passage is provided configured to distribute a pressurized fluid or a vacuum. The base allows to mount up to two pneumatic valves independent of each other and having a specific function, as described above, and to mount up to two solenoids for each pneumatic valve for the electro-mechanical control of the pneumatic valve itself, for example by opening or closing the flow of compressed air. The same base incorporates a microprocessor electronic board, defined as secondary or secondary electronic board, having the following functions:

[0016] - identifying the presence of a solenoid pilot valve, or solenoid or coil of a solenoid pilot valve, for piloting the pneumatic valve,

[0017] - powering the solenoid pilot valve, or solenoid of the solenoid pilot valve, according to the commands given by a main or primary electronic board mounted on the head of the valve island, and

[0018] - communicating with the main electronic board and the secondary electronic board, exploiting the specific electrical connections available on the electronic board itself, using serial technology.

[0019] According to one aspect, the multipolar connection valve island comprises one or more valve modules, each valve module in turn comprising: a base in which a channel for a pressurized fluid or vacuum is provided; and one or more pneumatic valves, for example two pneumatic valves, the pneumatic valves having a relative solenoid mounted on said base and connected to said channel.

[0020] In the present description, solenoid is used to indicate a solenoid pilot valve or solenoid electric pilot valve, as is known, comprising a coil powered electrically to actuate the movement of a movable core, thus opening or closing the flow of compressed air to the corresponding pneumatic valve. In this way, the solenoid or solenoid pilot valve is an indirectly operated solenoid valve with the assembly of the corresponding pneumatic valve.

[0021] According to one aspect, the multipolar connection valve island comprises at least one head having connectors for feeding fluid under pressure or feeding fluid under pressure to a vacuum generator.

[0022] According to one aspect, the multipolar valve island comprises: a microprocessor unit, or main electronic board with processor, mounted on said at least one head; and a multipolar connector or multipolar connection socket for controlling said solenoids and for electrically powering the island.

[0023] According to one aspect, the multipolar valve island comprises: a main electronic board with microprocessor technology, mounted on a housing formed in said head, connected to specific output interfaces or connectors to be connected to secondary electronic boards; and input interfaces or multipolar connectors with standard multipolar connection, such as, for example, "D-SUB" type connectors for receiving command or serial communication signals. The serial communication commands or signals are organized according to the number of multipolar connectors used. If the multipolar connector has, for example, 25 electrical contacts, there will be 24 electrical commands configured to transmit serial communication signals. The 25th electrical contact has the function of negative reference voltage, i.e. return signal. In general, with n-pin connectors, n-1 control signals will be available.

[0024] According to one aspect, the main electronic board does not provide for external power supply means, but is powered directly with electrical control voltages or control signals supplied by an external control unit, such as, for example, a programmable logic controller, more commonly known as "PLC", to control the corresponding solenoids or solenoid pilot valves. The main electronic board also supplies power to the secondary electronic boards of each valve module via electrical control voltages.

[0025] According to an aspect, each of the pneumatic valves is mounted in a removable manner, and each of the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves is mounted in a removable manner on a respective base, and wherein each pneumatic valve can be removed from association with one or more solenoids or solenoid pilot valves of that pneumatic valve, so that all of the pneumatic valves and all of the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves of a respective valve module can be selectively removed from the respective base of the valve module independently of one another.

[0026] Thanks to this feature, it will be possible to replace selectively only one pneumatic valve and / or only one solenoid or solenoid pilot valve or a pair of solenoids or solenoid pilot valves independently of the other solenoids or solenoid pilot valves, or to change the configuration of the valve island without having to modify the overall architecture of the valve island.

[0027] It is also provided that, in the case where the valve island comprises two or more of the valve modules, one or more of the two or more valve modules can be selectively removed, or one or more of the valve modules can be selectively added.

[0028] According to an aspect, the multipole connection valve island is fully customizable without any pre-established electrical diagram, since there is no physical connection via a cable or a track between each solenoid or solenoid pilot valve and the pins of the multipole connector or plug or socket, nor is there a unique determined logical association between the pins of the multipole connector and any solenoid of the valve module. According to an aspect, the microprocessor unit comprises at least one main electronic board with a microprocessor having male pins or a male connector for electrical connection to one of the valve modules. Each valve module comprises a secondary electronic board with an associated processor which in turn comprises: male pins or a male module connector for connection to the secondary electronic board of an adjacent first valve module in the valve module; and a module socket for the pins or male connector of the main electronic board or the electronic board of an adjacent second valve module in the valve module. According to an aspect, each secondary electronic board of each module controls the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves of the module itself, for example the number of solenoids or solenoid pilot valves can be from 1 to 4, while the main electronic board of the multipole valve island controls the secondary electronic boards of the modules in series, depending on the number of pins of the multipole connector, plug or socket. For example, for a d-sub socket or plug of, for example, 25 pins, where 1 pin is for the return signal, the remaining available pins are connected and communicate in series with the solenoids present in the island, for a d-sub of 25 pins the solenoids can be a maximum of 24, or for a d-sub of n pins the solenoids are typically n-1 pins.

[0029] According to one aspect, the multipolar connection valve island can be configured by a configuration program which allows associating one pin of the multipolar connector, socket or plug, in sequence, to a first available solenoid.

[0030] According to one aspect, the multipolar island can be configured progressively to associate the pins or electrical contacts or command number 1 of the multipolar connector to a first electromechanical command, i.e. to the first solenoid or first solenoid pilot valve available starting from the valve module which is the closest to the head supporting the main electronic board, and to associate the pins or electrical contacts or command number 2 of the multipolar connector to a second electromechanical command, i.e. to the second solenoid pilot valve available after the first solenoid or first solenoid pilot valve, and so on, so that the sequence depends only on the individual electromechanical controls, i.e. solenoids or solenoid pilot valves, installed in the valve modules.

[0031] In other words, the pins of the multipolar connector are connected only to the solenoids which have been installed, while none of the pins of the multipolar connector is assigned to an empty station. Therefore, the unconnected pins of the multipolar connector will remain idle.

[0032] With a particular sequence of operations, called automatic configuration, the secondary electronic board of the valve modules acquires the number or presence and position of the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves installed in the respective valve module, the main electronic board in the head acquires the identity of each valve module, i.e. the number of solenoids or solenoid pilot valves installed and the relative position of the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves installed, and the main electronic board in the head assigns the electrical contacts or pins or commands of the multipolar connector of the head to the specific solenoid or solenoid pilot valve present in the valve module according to the above criteria. In this way, it is possible to overcome the known pre-established electrical configuration which associates the electrical contacts or pins or controls of the multipolar connector coupled with the main electronic board housed in the head to each position of the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves which can be connected or are connected.

[0033] Essentially, the processor of the main electronic board of the island communicates with the processor of the secondary electronic board of the valve modules through a dedicated serial communication signal which activates and communicates only with the solenoid to be used.

[0034] Therefore, there is no pre-configured electrical diagram with cable or pin-to-pin connection tracks between the multipolar connector and the solenoids.

[0035] If the configuration of the island changes, for example due to the addition or removal of solenoids of the modules, it is possible to perform a reset and a new automatic configuration.

[0036] After the automatic configuration, the configuration will be memorized, i.e. the order of the stations or positions connected to the relevant base's solenoid, or the valve modules present, and the solenoids present will be memorized.

[0037] Then, the main electronic board of the island will automatically reconfigure correctly. In case of modification of the island, the island can also be reconfigured.

[0038] This feature therefore allows to assemble the island in a completely customizable way, being able to add / remove pneumatic valves, solenoids and valve modules in the initial first assembly phase and in the subsequent phases of reconfiguration of the island, without having to physically modify the electrical contacts of the island itself in any way.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present application, a multipolar connection valve island is provided, comprising one or more valve modules, wherein each valve module comprises: a base provided with a passage for a fluid under pressure or vacuum; one or more pneumatic valves mounted on the base and connected to the passage; and a solenoid or a pair of solenoids for each pneumatic valve, mounted on the base and connected to the passage, wherein the multipolar connection valve island comprises a main electronic board and at least one multipolar connector connected to the main electronic board, wherein the main electronic board comprises a processor, wherein each of the valve modules comprises a secondary electronic board with a corresponding processor, wherein each secondary electronic board is configured to detect the presence and position of the solenoids of the corresponding valve module, wherein each secondary electronic board is configured to control the solenoids of the corresponding valve module, wherein the secondary electronic boards of the valve modules are connected directly to the main electronic board or via the secondary electronic boards of the adjacent valve modules to the main electronic board, wherein the main electronic board is configured to receive solenoid control signals to control one or more of the solenoids, wherein the main electronic board is configured to power each secondary electronic board without the need for external power supplies other than the solenoid control signals, and the main electronic board is configured to communicate in series with each secondary electronic board.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present application, the solenoid control signals come from a programmable logic controller.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present application, the multipole connector comprises a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins and comprises a return electrical contact or return pin, wherein, in order to configure the multipole connection valve island, the master electronic board is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board to receive from each secondary electronic board the position of each solenoid in the corresponding valve module that has been detected to exist, and the master electronic board is configured to sequentially associate to the corresponding control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector the respective position of each solenoid that has been detected to exist.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present application, the multipole connection valve island comprises a communication module comprising the master electronic board and the multipole connector, wherein the master electronic board is mechanically and electrically serially connected to each secondary electronic board according to a progressive assembly order of one or more valve modules with respect to the communication module, wherein the master electronic board is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board according to the progressive assembly order to receive from each secondary electronic board the position of each solenoid in the corresponding valve module that has been detected to exist, wherein the master electronic board is configured to store the position of each solenoid received from each secondary electronic board in the order of the solenoids that exist, wherein the master electronic board is configured to sequentially associate to the corresponding control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector the respective position of each solenoid that has been detected to exist according to the order of the solenoids that exist, wherein the master electronic board is configured to avoid associating the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector with the position of the solenoids that have not been detected to exist.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to: detect the position of each solenoid in each valve module and the presence of each valve module by means of a serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board and each of the secondary electronic boards of the valve module, based on a progressive assembly sequence in which each secondary electronic board is connected in series to the main electronic board and / or based on a progressive assembly sequence in which the valve modules are connected relative to the main electronic board. The main electronic board is also configured to: sequentially connect the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multi-pole connector by means of the serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board and each of the secondary electronic boards of the valve module. The location of the first detected and available solenoid in the solenoid is associated with the solenoid that is not yet logically associated with another control contact or control pin in the control electrical contact or control pin, until all detected and available solenoids have been sequentially associated with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector. The main electronic board is configured to convert the solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller into a serial communication control signal for transmission to the secondary electronic board, thereby selectively controlling one or more solenoids associated with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device to deassociate the position of a detected solenoid with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector associated with that solenoid; wherein, the main electronic board is configured to: after the multi-pole connection valve island is rearranged, receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device to detect the presence of each valve module and the position of each solenoid present in the corresponding valve module, and sequentially associate the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector with the position of the first detected and usable solenoid among the solenoids, until all detected and usable solenoids have been logically sequentially associated with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector, wherein, the main electronic board is configured to convert the reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device into a serial communication configuration signal for transmission to the secondary electronic board, thereby logically associating the present and usable solenoids in the multi-pole connection valve island with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device after the multi-pole connection valve island has been rearranged, so as to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector associated with the solenoid.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device after removing or adding one or more of the valve modules, and / or after removing or adding one or more of the pneumatic valves, and / or after removing or adding one or more of the solenoids, so as to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector associated with the solenoid.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to power each secondary electronic board via a solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or a reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device, and / or wherein the main electronic board and the multi-pole connector do not have electrical connections dedicated to power supply, or wherein the main electronic board is configured to be powered only via a solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or a reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device, wherein, in the absence of the solenoid control signal or the reset and configuration signal, the main electronic board and the secondary electronic board avoid absorbing electrical energy and / or are not powered.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary electronic board of each valve module includes: pins, the pins of the secondary electronic board being configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board of an adjacent first valve module in the valve module; and a socket, the socket of the secondary electronic board being configured to be connected to the pins of the secondary electronic board of an adjacent second valve module in the valve module or to the pins of the main electronic board configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-stage connecting valve island includes two opposite heads, each head being provided with a supply connection for fluid under pressure or vacuum and a discharge connection, wherein the main electronic board is mounted on one of the heads.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present application, in each of the valve modules, each of the pneumatic valves is mounted in a removable manner on a respective base, and each of the solenoids is mounted in a removable manner on the respective base and in a removable manner with respect to the associated pneumatic valve, so that each of the pneumatic valves and each of the solenoids can be selectively removed from the respective base in a manner independent of one another.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present application, each valve module comprises means for mechanical connection of the respective solenoid, wherein the base of each valve module comprises a seat in which the respective secondary electronic board is housed, and in which the means for mechanical connection of the solenoid are housed.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present application, the passages provided in the base of each valve module comprise at least one base supply passage; at least one base discharge passage; at least two base use passages for each pneumatic valve, wherein each base use passage is configured to be connected to an external facility.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the present application, the passages provided in the base of each module comprise, for the solenoids: at least one pair of solenoid supply passages; at least one pair of solenoid discharge passages; wherein the solenoids are solenoid pilot valves or solenoid electric pilots configured to control the respective pneumatic valve.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present application, each pneumatic valve comprises a reel-like element and a valve body in which a housing seat is formed, configured to house the reel-like element in a removable manner, wherein at least one solenoid use passage for the solenoid is formed in the valve body, to drive the movement of the reel-like element, wherein at least one valve supply passage is formed in the valve body, configured to be connected to a base supply passage formed in the associated base mechanically connected to the valve body, wherein at least one valve discharge passage is formed in the valve body, configured to be connected to the respective base discharge passage obtained in the associated base, wherein a valve use passage is formed in the valve body, configured to be connected to the respective base use passage obtained in the associated base.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present application, the multipolar connector is a multipolar connection socket or plug.

[0056] According to some embodiments of the present application, a kit is provided, said kit comprising: at least one multipolar connection valve island according to embodiments of the present application, wherein said multipolar connector comprises a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins and comprises a return electrical contact or return pin, and a reset and learning device, wherein said reset and learning device is selectively connectable to said multipolar connector, wherein said reset and learning device is configured to send a reset and configuration signal to said main electronic board to associate each control electrical contact or control pin of said multipolar connector with the position of a corresponding solenoid of said multipolar connection valve island, and / or to disassociate each control electrical contact or control pin of said multipolar connector from the position of a corresponding solenoid of said multipolar connection valve island which has already been associated with a control electrical contact or control pin of said multipolar connector, and subsequently to associate each control electrical contact or control pin of said multipolar connector with the position of a corresponding solenoid of said multipolar connection valve island. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0057] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, of preferred embodiments, made with reference to the attached drawings, briefly described hereinafter.

[0058] Figure 1 is a partially exploded three-dimensional view of a valve module 100 in a structural example according to an embodiment, in which the following are shown: a base 400; two valves 200, 200'; a solenoid or a pair of solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' for each valve 200, 200'; a secondary electronic board 110 having a control processor of the solenoids of the module 100; and a cover 120 of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'.

[0059] Figure 2 is shown from another angle, in an assembled configuration, of the same module 100 as in Figure 1 .

[0060] Figure 3 is the module 100 of Figure 1 without the solenoids 300, 310, 300', 301', in which the compressed air passages 410-422 and the pilot passages 451, 454 formed in the base 400, and the passages formed in the valve body 210 can be seen.

[0061] Figure 4 is shown the fully assembled island 500 in an illustrative example.

[0062] Figure 5A three-dimensional view of the partially unassembled island 500' in the second example is shown.

[0063] Figure 6 A configuration phase is shown for the case where the solenoids of four valves 1, 2, 3, 4, three of which 1, 3, 4 are bistable and each have two solenoids Al, Bl, A3, B3, A4, B4, and one of which 2 is monostable and has a single solenoid A2, are connected to a SUB-D 25 connector with 25 pins, where, as shown, the first 7 pins Pl, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7 of the multipolar connector are connected in sequence to the 7 solenoids Al, Bl, A2, A3, B3, A4, B4 present, thus ignoring the empty stations of the missing solenoids.

[0064] Figure 7 A reset and learning device is shown, configured to be connected to the multipolar connector of a multipolar island, in order to reset a pre-existing configuration in the main electronic board and start a new configuration of the multipolar valve island, where the pins Pl, P2 of the multipolar connector 560 of the island 500 are reconnected in sequence to each of the solenoids present in the island, thus ignoring any empty stations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] According to a general embodiment, a multipolar connection valve island 500 is provided and comprises one or more valve modules 100, 100'. Each valve module 100, 100' comprises one or two pneumatic valves 200, 200', solenoid pilot valves or pairs of solenoid pilot valves for the respective pneumatic valves 200, 200', also referred to herein as one or more solenoids 300, 310, 300', 301', and a secondary electronic board 110 comprising a respective solenoid control processor to control the solenoids of the respective valve module 100. The multipolar connection valve island 550 comprises at least one main electronic board 550 with a processor and a multipolar connector or multipolar socket or plug 560. In an embodiment, the multipolar connector 560 is configured for controlling the solenoids 300, 310, 300', 301' of the valves 200, 200' and for power supply of the island 500. The multipolar connector 560 is connected to the main electronic board 550. The main electronic board 550 comprises a processor or microprocessor. In this description, a processor configured as a main electronic board or a secondary electronic board can be considered as a processor configured or programmed as a main electronic board or a secondary electronic board.

[0066] Advantageously, each secondary electronic board 110 is configured to detect the presence and the position of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' in the respective valve module 100. Each secondary electronic board 110 is configured to control the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' of the respective valve module 100.

[0067] The secondary electronic boards 110 of the valve modules 100 are directly connected to the main electronic board 550 or the secondary electronic boards 110 of the valve modules 100 are connected to the main electronic board 550 via the secondary electronic boards 110 of the adjacent valve modules 100.

[0068] The main electronic board 550 is configured to receive, for example, solenoid control signals from a programmable logic controller to control one or more solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' of the solenoids.

[0069] In an embodiment, advantageously, the main electronic board 550 is configured to power each secondary electronic board 110 without the need of external power supply means other than the solenoid control signals and the main electronic board 550 is configured to communicate in series with each secondary board 110. In this way, it is possible to simplify the solution with respect to known solutions in which, due to the provision of activation of the valve islands only when the valve islands receive the solenoid control signals, it is foreseen a continuous power supply of the multipolar connection valve islands and, in the absence of solenoid control signals, the multipolar connection valve islands are switched off and do not consume or absorb electric energy.

[0070] In an embodiment, the multipolar connector 560 comprises a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins and comprises a return electrical contact or return pin.

[0071] In an embodiment, to configure the multipolar connection valve island 500, the main electronic board 550 is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board 110 to receive from each secondary electronic board 110 the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' in the respective valve module 100 that has been detected to be present and the main electronic board 550 is configured to associate in sequence each position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' that has been detected to be present to a respective control electrical contact or control pin P1, P2,... of the multipolar connector 560.

[0072] In an embodiment, the multipolar connection valve island 500 comprises a communication module comprising the main electronic board 550 and the multipolar connector 560. In an embodiment, according to a progressive assembly order of one or more valve modules 100 with respect to the communication module, the main electronic board 550 is connected in series, mechanically and electrically, to each secondary electronic board 110.

[0073] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board 110 according to a progressive assembly order to receive from each secondary electronic board 110 the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in the corresponding valve module 100 which has been detected to be present.

[0074] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to store the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' received from each secondary electronic board 110 in a sequence of positions of solenoids present. In an embodiment, the sequence of positions of solenoids present is the sequence of positions of solenoids which have been detected in each valve module, ordered according to the progressive order of valve modules attached in series to the main electronic board.

[0075] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to sequentially associate each position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' which has been detected to be present to a corresponding control electrical contact or control pin PI, P2,... of the multipolar connector 560 according to the sequence of positions of solenoids present.

[0076] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to avoid associating a control electrical contact or control pin PI, P2,... of the multipolar connector 560 to a position of the solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' which has not been detected to be present.

[0077] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to detect the presence of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in each valve module 100 and the presence of each valve module 100 according to a progressive assembly order by means of a serial communication configuration signal between the main electronic board 550 and each of the secondary electronic boards 110 of the valve modules 100, by which each secondary electronic board 110 is connected in series to the main electronic board 550 and / or by which the valve modules 100 are connected with respect to the main electronic board 550.

[0078] In an embodiment, said main electronic board 550 is configured to sequentially associate the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2,... of said multipolar connector 560 to the position of the first detected and available solenoid among said solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' by means of a serial configuration communication signal between said main electronic board 550 and each of said secondary electronic boards 110 of said valve module 100, the first detected and available solenoid referring to the solenoid that has not been logically associated with another of said control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2,... until all the detected and available solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' have been sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2,... of said multipolar connector 560.

[0079] In an embodiment, said main electronic board 550 is configured to convert solenoid control signals received from a programmable logic controller into serial communication command signals to be transmitted to the secondary electronic boards 110 in order to selectively control one or more solenoids among said solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2,... of said multipolar connector 560.

[0080] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 to disassociate the position of a solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' that has been detected to be present from the control electrical contact or control pin PI, P2,... of the multipolar connection valve island 500 associated with this solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301'; for example, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 after the multipolar connection valve island 500 has been rearranged to disassociate the position of a solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' that has been detected to be present from the control electrical contact or control pin PI, P2,... of the multipolar connection valve island 500 associated with this solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301'; for example, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 after one or more of the valve modules 100 have been removed or added, and / or after one or more of the pneumatic valves 200 have been removed or added, and / or after one or more of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' have been removed or added, to disassociate the position of a solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' that has been detected to be present from the control electrical contact or control pin PI, P2,... of the multipolar connection valve island 500 associated with this solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301'.

[0081] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 after the multipolar connection valve island 500 has been rearranged; to detect the presence of each valve module 100, and the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in the corresponding valve module 100; and to associate the control electrical contacts or control pins PI, P2,... of the multipolar connection valve island 500 with the position of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' that are first detected and available in order, until all solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' that have been detected to be present and available have been logically and sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins PI, P2,... of the multipolar connection valve island 500.

[0082] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to convert the reset and configuration signals received from the reset and learning device 600 into serial communication configuration signals to be transmitted to the secondary electronic board 110, in order to logically associate the positions of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' or the presence and availability of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' in the multipole connection valve island 500 to the electrical contacts or control pins PI, P2,... of the multipole connector 560.

[0083] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 and the multipole connector 560 do not have electrical connections dedicated to the power supply.

[0084] In an embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to be powered only by the received solenoid control signals from the programmable logic controller or by the received reset and configuration signals from the reset and learning device 600.

[0085] In an embodiment, in the absence of solenoid control signals or reset and configuration signals, the main electronic board 550 and the secondary electronic board 110 avoid absorbing electrical energy and / or are not powered.

[0086] In an embodiment, the multipole valve island 500 comprises two heads 510, 520 on which supply connections 531, 532 and discharge connections 541, 542 of fluid under pressure or vacuum are provided. In an embodiment, at least one main electronic board 550 with a processor is mounted on at least one of the heads 510.

[0087] Each valve module 100 comprises a base 400.

[0088] In an embodiment, on each base 400 there is provided a seat 460 for housing the valve 200, 200' and a seat 470 for housing the secondary electronic board 110 which controls the solenoids of the valve module 100.

[0089] In an embodiment, the base 400 also comprises means 480 for mechanical connection of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'. In an embodiment, the base 400 of each valve module 100 comprises a seat 470 in which the respective secondary board 110 is housed and means 480 for mechanical connection of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' are housed.

[0090] Channels for pressurized fluid are implemented in the base 400. In an embodiment, the channels implemented in the base 400 include at least one base supply channel 410, at least one base discharge channel 420, 430, at least two base use channels 441, 442, 443, 444 for each valve 200, 200', wherein each base use channel 441, 442, 443, 444 is configured to be connected to an external facility.

[0091] In an embodiment, the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301 are solenoid pilot valves or solenoid motor pilots configured to control the respective pneumatic valves 200, 200'.

[0092] The base 400 further defines channels for the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'. In an embodiment, the channels for the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' include at least one pair of solenoid supply channels 451, 452, at least one pair of solenoid discharge channels 453, 454.

[0093] In an embodiment, each of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' is removably mounted on the base 400 independently from each other. Similarly, each solenoid or each pair of solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is removably mounted on the base 400 independently from each other and independently from the pneumatic valves 200, 200' mounted on the base. In an embodiment, in each of the valve modules 100, each of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' is removably mounted on the respective base 400, and each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is removably mounted on the respective base 400 or on the respective station implemented by the respective base 400, and each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is removably mounted with respect to the respective pneumatic valve 200, 200' such that each of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' and each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' can be selectively removed from the respective base 400 in an independent manner from each other. In an embodiment, each of the pneumatic valves 200 can be selectively removed from the respective base 400 in a manner independent from the other pneumatic valves 200, 200' mounted on the respective base 400. In an embodiment, each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' can be selectively removed from the respective base 400 in a manner independent from the other solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' mounted on the respective base 400.

[0094] In an embodiment, each pneumatic valve 200 comprises a valve body 210 in which a receiving seat 211 is formed for receiving a movable spool-like member 220. In an embodiment, the valve body 210 is identical for each type of pneumatic valve, e.g. for 3 / 2, 5 / 2 or 5 / 3 pneumatic valves, wherein only the spool-like member 220 is replaced in the same valve body 210 depending on the type of 3 / 2, 5 / 2 or 5 / 3 pneumatic valve.

[0095] In an embodiment, the valve body 210 further defines a solenoid usage channel 230 of a solenoid of a pilot, e.g. an electric pilot or a solenoid, for driving the movement of the spool-like member 220, and a valve supply channel 241, valve discharge channels 242, 243, and valve usage channels 244, 245, which communicate with the channels of the base 400 when the valve 200, 200' is mounted on the base 400.

[0096] The present disclosure also relates to a kit.

[0097] The kit comprises at least one multipolar connection valve island 500 according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multipolar connector 560 comprises a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins, and optionally a plurality of electrical contacts or return pins.

[0098] The kit comprises a reset and learning device 600. The reset and learning device 600 is selectively connectable to the multipolar connector 560. The reset and learning device 600 is configured to send reset and configuration signals to the main electronic board 550 to associate each control electrical contact or control pin of the multipolar connector 560 with the position of a corresponding solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' of the multipolar connection valve island 500, and / or to disassociate each control electrical contact or control pin of the multipolar connector 560 from the position of a corresponding solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' of the multipolar connection valve island 500 which has already been associated with a control electrical contact or control pin of the multipolar connector, and subsequently to associate each control electrical contact or control pin of the multipolar connector 560 with the position of a corresponding solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in the multipolar connection valve island 500.

[0099] The configuration of the multipolar connection island 500 occurs through signals transmitted in serial communication from the processor of the main electronic board 550 of the island 500 to the secondary electronic board 110 of the module 100.

[0100] This configuration occurs automatically at the first activation of the island 500, i.e. when the main electronic board 550 is not yet programmed or configured.

[0101] In the case of reprogramming or reconfiguration of the island, for example by adding / removing one or more valves and / or solenoids and / or modules, after modifying the structure of the island, the island 500 can be configured through the reset and learning device 600, which can be selectively connected to the multipolar connector 560 of the island and start the configuration.

[0102] The device 600 comprises a housing 610, the size and shape of which allow for easy portability, an electronic board, which optionally has a processor, a power supply battery, which is preferably rechargeable, a multipolar socket 620, which is adapted to communicate with the multipolar connector or plug 560 of the island 500, and an activation button 630. Figure 6 An example of an implementation of the device 600 is shown.

[0103] In order to continue with the resetting and reconfiguration of the island, it is sufficient to connect the device 600 to the multipolar connector 560 of the island and to activate the device to activate the main electronic board 550. The device 600 will reset the pre-set configuration in the main electronic board 550 and continue with the new configuration as previously described, in which the pins PI, P2 of the multipolar connector 560 of the island 500 will be sequentially reconnected to each station or position of the solenoids present in the island, disregarding any empty positions or stations in which solenoids are not present.

[0104] During the configuration phase, an acoustic and / or light signal can be emitted to indicate the correct progress of the procedure and / or any error states, and / or the completion of the configuration can be identified by the conclusion of the following specified sequence of acoustic signal emissions: for each detected valve module, a duration of about 0.5 seconds at a frequency of about 1 Hz, then for each detected solenoid, a duration of about 0.2 seconds at a frequency of about 1.2 Hz. If an error occurs, an acoustic signal will be emitted for a duration of about 3 seconds.

Claims

1. A multi-stage connecting valve island (500), the multi-stage connecting valve island comprising one or more valve modules (100), wherein, Each valve module (100) includes: a base (400) having a passage for fluid under pressure or vacuum; one or more pneumatic valves (200, 200') mounted on the base (400) and connected to the passage; and a solenoid or a pair of solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') for each pneumatic valve (200, 200'), the solenoids being mounted on the base (400) and connected to the passage. The multi-pole connection valve island (500) is characterized in that it includes a main electronic board (550) and at least one multi-pole connector (560) connected to the main electronic board (550), wherein the main electronic board (550) includes a processor. Each valve module (100) includes a secondary electronic board (110) with a corresponding processor, wherein each secondary electronic board (110) is configured to detect the presence and position of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') of the corresponding valve module (100). Each secondary electronic board (110) is configured to control the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') of the corresponding valve module (100). The secondary electronic board (110) of the valve module (100) is either directly connected to the main electronic board (550) or connected to the main electronic board (550) via a secondary electronic board (110) of an adjacent valve module (100). In this configuration, the main electronic board (550) is configured to receive solenoid control signals to control one or more of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'), wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to supply power to each secondary electronic board (110) without requiring an external power supply device other than the solenoid control signals, and the main electronic board (550) is configured to communicate in series with each secondary electronic board (110).

2. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid control signal comes from the programmable logic controller.

3. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multipole connector (560) includes a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins and a return electrical contact or return pin, wherein, in order to configure the multipole connection valve island (500), the main electronic board (550) is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board (110) to receive from each secondary electronic board (110) the position of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') that has been detected in the corresponding valve module (100), and the main electronic board (550) is configured to sequentially associate the position of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') that has been detected with the corresponding control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector (560).

4. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multi-pole valve island (500) includes a communication module comprising the main electronic board (550) and the multi-pole connector (560), wherein the main electronic board (550) is mechanically and electrically connected in series with each secondary electronic board (110) according to a progressive assembly order of one or more of the valve modules (100) relative to the communication module, wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board (110) according to the progressive assembly order to receive from each secondary electronic board (110) the presence of each valve module (100) that has been detected in the respective valve module (100). The positions of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') are specified, wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to store the positions of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') received from each secondary electronic board (110) in the order of the positions of the existing solenoids, wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to sequentially associate the positions of each detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the corresponding control electrical contacts or control pins of the multipole connector (560) according to the order of the positions of the existing solenoids. The main electronic board (550) is configured to avoid associating the control electrical contacts or control pins (P1, P2, ...) of the multipole connector (560) with the positions of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') that have not yet been detected.

5. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to: detect the position of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') and the presence of each valve module (100) by means of a serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board (550) and each of the secondary electronic boards (110) of the valve module (100), according to the progressive assembly order in which each secondary electronic board (110) is connected in series to the main electronic board (550) and / or according to the progressive assembly order in which the valve module (100) is connected relative to the main electronic board (550), wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to: sequentially connect the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multi-pole connector (560) according to the progressive assembly order in which each secondary electronic board (110) of the valve module (100) is connected to the main electronic board (550) and / or according to the progressive assembly order in which the valve module (100) is connected relative to the main electronic board (550), by means of a serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board (550) and each of the secondary electronic boards (110) of the valve module (10 ... by means of a serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board (550) and each of the secondary electronic boards (110) of the valve module (100), by means of a serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board (550) and each of the secondary The positions of the first detected and available solenoids among the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') are sequentially associated, where the first detected and available solenoid is one that has not yet been logically associated with another control electrical contact or control pin among the control electrical contacts or control pins, until all detected and available solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') have been sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multi-pole connector (560), wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to convert the solenoid control signals received from the programmable logic controller into serial communication control signals for transmission to the secondary electronic board (110), thereby selectively controlling one or more solenoids among the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multi-pole connector (560).

6. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device (600) to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector (560) associated with the solenoid. The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device (600) after the multi-pole connection valve island (500) is rearranged, in order to detect the presence of each valve module (100) and the position of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') in the corresponding valve module (100), and to sequentially associate the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multi-pole connector (560) with the positions of the first detected and available solenoids among the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'), until all detected solenoids are present. The available solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') are logically sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multipole connector (560), wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to convert reset and configuration signals received from the reset and learning device (600) into serial communication configuration signals for transmission to the secondary electronic board (110), thereby logically associating the available solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') in the multipole connection valve island (500) with the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multipole connector (560).

7. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device (600) after the multi-pole connection valve island (500) is rearranged, so as to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector (560) associated with the solenoid.

8. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device (600) after removing or adding one or more valve modules (100), and / or after removing or adding one or more pneumatic valves, and / or after removing or adding one or more solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'), to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector (560) associated with the solenoid.

9. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to power each secondary electronic board (110) via a solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or via a reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device (600). And / or wherein the main electronic board (550) and the multi-pole connector (560) do not have electrical connections dedicated to power supply, or The main electronic board (550) is configured to be powered only by the solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or by the reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device (600), wherein, in the absence of the solenoid control signal or the reset and configuration signal, the main electronic board (550) and the secondary electronic board (110) avoid absorbing electrical energy and / or are not powered.

10. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The secondary electronic board (110) of each valve module (100) includes: pins (111) configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board (110) of an adjacent first valve module in the valve module; and sockets (112) configured to be connected to pins (111) of the secondary electronic board (110) of an adjacent second valve module in the valve module or to pins of the main electronic board (550) configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board (110).

11. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) includes two opposite heads (510, 520), each head (510, 520) being provided with a supply connection (531, 532) and a discharge connection (541, 542) for fluid under pressure or vacuum, and wherein the main electronic board (550) is mounted on one of the heads (510).

12. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, In each valve module (100), each pneumatic valve (200, 200') is removably mounted on a corresponding base (400), and each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') is removably mounted on the corresponding base (400) and removably mounted relative to the associated pneumatic valve (200, 200'), such that each pneumatic valve (200, 200') and each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') can be selectively removed from the corresponding base (400) independently of each other.

13. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Each valve module (100) includes a device (480) for mechanical connection of the corresponding solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301'), wherein, The base (400) of each valve module (100) includes a seat (470) in which a corresponding secondary electronic board (110) is housed, and the device (480) for mechanical connection of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') is housed.

14. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The channels provided in the base (400) of each valve module (100) include: - At least one base supply channel (410); - At least one base emission channel (420, 430); - At least two base access channels (441, 442, 443, 444) for each pneumatic valve (200, 200'), wherein each base access channel (441, 442, 443, 444) is configured to connect to an external facility.

15. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The channels provided in the base (400) of each module (100) include the following channels for the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'): - At least one pair of solenoid supply channels (451, 452); - At least one pair of solenoid discharge channels (453, 454); The solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301) are solenoid pilot valves or solenoid electric pilots configured to control the corresponding pneumatic valves (200, 200').

16. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to claim 14, characterized in that, Each pneumatic valve includes a spool-like component (220) and a valve body (210), wherein a receiving seat (211) is formed in the valve body, the receiving seat (211) being configured to movably accommodate the spool-like component (220), wherein at least one solenoid access channel (230) for the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') is formed in the valve body (210) to drive the movement of the spool-like component (220), wherein at least one valve supply channel (241) is formed in the valve body (210), the valve supply channel (241) being configured to connect to the valve body (210) formed therein. 0) A base supply channel (410) in a mechanically connected base (400), wherein at least one valve discharge channel (242, 243) is formed in the valve body (210), the valve discharge channel (242, 243) being configured to connect to a corresponding base discharge channel (420, 430) obtained in the relevant base (400), wherein a valve use channel (244, 245) is formed in the valve body (210), the valve use channel (244, 245) being configured to connect to a corresponding base use channel (441, 442, 443, 444) obtained in the relevant base (400).

17. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The multi-pole connector is a multi-pole connection socket or plug.

18. A kit, characterized in that, The kit includes: At least one multi-pole connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the multi-pole connector (560) includes a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins and includes return electrical contacts or return pins, and Reset and learning device (600). The reset and learning device (600) can be selectively connected to the multipole connector (560). The reset and learning device (600) is configured to send a reset and configuration signal to the main electronic board (550) to associate the position of each control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector (560) with the corresponding solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') of the multi-pole connection valve island (500), and / or to deassociate the position of each control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector (560) with the corresponding solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') of the multi-pole connection valve island (500) that was already associated with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector (560), and subsequently associate the position of each control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector (560) with the corresponding solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') of the multi-pole connection valve island (500).

Images