An expandable valve island

Abstract

An expandable valve island includes a valve housing and a control housing. The upper surface of the control housing has an IO-Link coupling section connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The upper surface of the control housing also has a communication interface with multiple communication terminals. These terminals are connected to a control unit, which is located within the control housing. A solenoid valve is electrically connected to the control unit on the base of the valve housing. This design, through the IO-Link coupling section, receives IO-Link control signals and converts them into electrical signals via the ADC. The converted electrical signals can be output through multiple output terminals, which can be further extended to other valve islands via communication ports. This achieves distributed, multi-port transmission of control signals to multiple valve islands, meeting the valve island layout requirements under different operating conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of control valve design, and more particularly to a multifunctional valve island. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, existing valve islands all control the system directly via electrical signals, such as those in 201710443077.X and 201921488228.4, which only support simple electrical communication. There are no valve island designs that can respond to direct access to special industrial control protocols such as IO-Link signals. This drawback is that they cannot meet the requirements of integration. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, a new type of valve island is needed to solve the problem of the limited practicality of valve island functions in a more intelligent way.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the inventors provide an expandable valve island, including a valve housing and a control housing. The upper surface of the control housing is provided with an IO-Link coupling part, which is connected to an analog-to-digital converter. The upper surface of the control housing is also provided with a communication interface, which contains multiple communication terminals. These communication terminals have the following structure.

[0005] The communication terminal is connected to the control unit, which is housed within the control housing.

[0006] The valve housing is also equipped with a solenoid valve, which is electrically connected to the control unit. The valve housing is also equipped with a solenoid valve, and the analog-to-digital conversion unit is also connected to the solenoid valve.

[0007] Furthermore, the valve housing includes multiple solenoid valves, and the control unit has multiple output terminals, which are respectively connected to the multiple solenoid valves.

[0008] Specifically, the control housing includes a cover, the control unit is disposed inside the cover, and a communication interface is provided on the upper surface of the cover.

[0009] Furthermore, the cover is fixed to the base of the valve island by screws.

[0010] Preferably, the cover further includes a light-transmitting portion for transmitting light emitted by the light-emitting unit, the light-emitting unit being connected in series in the branch from the output end of the control unit to the solenoid valve.

[0011] Specifically, the number of light-transmitting parts is the same as the number of output terminals of the control unit.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a hub, which is an inverted bucket shape with a larger bottom and a smaller top. The lower opening of the hub is adapted to the communication interface, and the upper opening is provided for the power supply line to pass through.

[0013] Unlike existing technologies, the above solution designs an IO-Link coupling section to receive IO-Link control signals, which are then converted into electrical signals by an analog-to-digital converter and sent. The converted electrical signals can be output through multiple output terminals, which can also be connected to communication ports to extend to other valve islands. This achieves the effect of distributing and multi-porting control signals to multiple valve islands, meeting the valve island layout requirements under different operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a valve island with IO-Link access according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a valve island with a communication interface according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the communication terminal structure according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the expandable valve island according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a circuit module connection diagram according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a hub according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0021] 1. Valve housing;

[0022] 10. Solenoid valve

[0023] 2. Control and containment section;

[0024] 20. Cover;

[0025] 201. Screw;

[0026] 21. IO-Link coupling section;

[0027] 22. Base;

[0028] 23. Communication interface;

[0029] 230. Communication terminal;

[0030] 2301, Top Slab;

[0031] 2302, base plate;

[0032] 2303, Plug-in port;

[0033] 2304. Elastic components for pressure lines;

[0034] 2304a, Fixed end;

[0035] 2304b, Active Terminal;

[0036] 2305, convex surface;

[0037] 24. Opening;

[0038] 25. Light-transmitting part;

[0039] 26. Hub. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, objectives, and effects of the technical solution, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 This invention discloses a valve island with IO-Link access, comprising a valve housing 1 and a control housing 2. An IO-Link coupling part 21 is provided on the upper surface of the control housing. This IO-Link coupling part can be an IO-Link socket with specific pins and interfaces, transmitting IO-Link signals through these pins. The IO-Link coupling part is connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which can be located inside the control housing (not shown in the figure). The valve housing is equipped with a solenoid valve 10, and the ADC is also connected to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is an electrically controlled pneumatic or hydraulic valve. The ADC converts the received IO-Link control signal into an electrical signal to control the operation of the solenoid valve. This design enables the valve island to operate directly using IO-Link signals, improving ease of use and production efficiency.

[0042] In other specific embodiments, the valve housing 1 includes multiple solenoid valves 10, and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has multiple output terminals, each connected to one of the multiple solenoid valves. The ADC's conversion function can be implemented using existing IO-Link chips, such as FPGAs, through a multi-pin configuration to set multiple output terminals. Controlling multiple solenoid valves using this method can further improve production efficiency.

[0043] Specifically, the control housing 2 includes a cover 20, as shown in the figure. The cover 20 is cuboid, such as rectangular, with its lower opening surrounding the internal components along with the base 22 of the control housing. As can be seen in the figure, the cover is fixed to the base of the control housing by screws 201. There can be only one base, extending below both the control housing and the valve housing. The analog-to-digital converter and other electronic modules are housed inside the cover. An opening 24 is provided on the upper surface of the cover, and the IO-Link coupling part 21 is located at the opening. The IO-Link coupling part 21 can be an IO-Link plug, with one end connected to the analog-to-digital converter and the other end located below or protruding from the opening, thus allowing it to protrude from the opening. This solution protects the internal electronic components by providing a cover, preventing wear and corrosion and extending the service life of the solution. The opening on the cover also allows the IO-Link coupling part to connect to external signal lines.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, an IO-Link connection unit is also included. This IO-Link connection unit is communicatively connected to the IO-Link coupling unit and is used to transmit IO-Link signals. Specifically, the IO-Link connection unit can be an IO-Link wireless receiver with wireless reception capability, or a wired data cable. By communicating with the IO-Link coupling unit, the above solution can receive control signals from the host computer through the IO-Link connection unit, thereby better controlling the solenoid valve and improving the practicality of this solution.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, another embodiment of this solution provides a valve island including a valve housing 1 and a control housing 2. The upper surface of the control housing 2 is provided with a communication interface 23, which contains multiple communication terminals 230. These communication terminals are connected to a control unit, which can be housed within the control housing (not shown in the figure). The control unit can transmit received signals to other control units. Specifically, in... Figure 3 As shown in the schematic diagram of the communication terminal, the communication terminal has the following structure, including a cage and a wire clamping elastic element 2304;

[0046] The cage includes a top plate 2301 and a bottom plate 2302, and a wiring port 2303 is provided between the top plate and the bottom plate;

[0047] One end of the pressure line elastic element 2304 is a fixed end 2304a, and the other end of the pressure line elastic element is a movable end 2304b; the pressure line elastic element is compressed between the top plate and the bottom plate of the cage, and the fixed end is connected to the top plate, while the movable end abuts against the bottom plate under its own elastic force.

[0048] A boss 2305 is provided on the side of the movable end. The boss extends out of the cage body and can swing along the direction of the elastic force applied to the movable end. If it is necessary to separate the movable end from the bottom plate of the cage, the boss can be pressed in the opposite direction of the elastic force applied to the movable end, so that the boss moves the movable end in the opposite direction of the elastic force applied to the movable end. During this process, the pressure wire elastic element continues to store elastic potential energy. Afterward, if it is necessary to return the movable end 2304b to the state of abutting against the bottom plate of the cage, simply release the boss. The pressure wire elastic element releases the elastic potential energy, and the movable end 2304b will move in the direction of the elastic force applied to the movable end 2304b under the action of the elastic force until the movable end is completely abutting against the bottom plate of the cage. In some preferred embodiments, the communication terminal 230 is vertically disposed inside the cover, and the boss 2305 is further configured as a holding part (not shown in the figure) that bends upwards and protrudes above the upper surface of the valve receiving part. This allows operation without the need for additional tools; the holding part protruding to the valve receiving part can be controlled from outside the valve control part. Alternatively, other separate designs or levers can be used to control the movement of the movable end from the upper part of the cover. The communication terminal in the above solution can better hold the cable connector pin, thus facilitating operation. By using the control unit to transfer the signal from the cable connector pin to control the solenoid valve, the technical effect of signal reception and control is better achieved. Simultaneously providing multiple communication terminals also allows for the control of multiple solenoid valves, improving the practicality of this solution. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the valve housing 1 includes multiple solenoid valves 10, all arranged on the base 22. The control unit has multiple output terminals, each connected to one of the solenoid valves. The solenoid valves can be pneumatic or hydraulic valves. By generating multiple outputs from the control unit to control the multiple solenoid valves, multiple pathways can be switched on and off, thus improving the ability to manipulate complex pipelines. The solenoid valves are electrically connected to the control unit, which can be an FPGA or a signal processing chip, as long as it can forward the electrical signals from the communication terminal. It can also include delay and storage functions. By setting the communication terminal to receive signals, the above solution facilitates user plugging and unplugging and achieves a secure signal line, while simultaneously providing the control unit with the ability to receive signals from the communication terminal and control the operation of the solenoid valves. This enhances the practicality of the solution.

[0049] Others such as Figure 2In the specific embodiment shown, the control housing 2 includes a cover 20, as shown in the figure. The cover 20 is cuboid, such as rectangular, with its lower opening surrounding the internal components along with the base 22 of the control housing. As can be seen from the figure, the cover is fixed to the base of the control housing by screws 201. The control unit is disposed inside the cover, and a communication interface 23 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 20. The cover is fixed to the base of the valve island by screws. By providing a cover, the internal components can be better protected, and the interface of the communication terminal can be supported, thereby meeting the requirements of durability.

[0050] To indicate the operating status of the solenoid valve, the cover 20 also includes a light-transmitting portion 25. This portion allows light emitted by a light-emitting unit to pass through. The light-emitting unit is connected in series in the branch from the output of the control unit to the solenoid valve. The light-transmitting portion can be open or covered with glass. The light-emitting unit can be an indicator light, LED, or other color-coded unit for better indication. Multiple light-emitting units are configured, each connected in series in the branch from the output of each control unit to the solenoid valve. In some specific embodiments, the number of light-transmitting portions can be the same as the number of outputs of the control units. Marking corresponding numbers on the edges of the multiple light-transmitting portions on the cover can better indicate whether the branch is unobstructed.

[0051] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, we further designed an expandable valve island, including a valve housing 1 and a control housing 2. The upper surface of the control housing is provided with an IO-Link coupling part 21, which is connected to an analog-to-digital conversion unit. The upper surface of the control housing is also provided with a communication interface 23, which contains multiple communication terminals. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The communication terminal has the following structure: a cage and a wire-pressing elastic element 2304; the cage includes a top plate 2301 and a bottom plate 2302, with a wire insertion port 2303 between the top and bottom plates; one end of the wire-pressing elastic element 2304 is a fixed end 2304a, and the other end is a movable end 2304b; the wire-pressing elastic element is compressed between the top and bottom plates of the cage, with the fixed end connected to the top plate and the movable end abutting against the bottom plate under its own elastic force; a protrusion 2305 is provided on the side of the movable end, extending outside the cage and swinging along the direction of the elastic force received by the movable end. The specific usage of the above communication terminal can be referred to the previous example. Figure 3 According to the relevant description, in this example of the application of the expandable valve island, the output of the analog-to-digital converter can be connected to the input of the control unit, so that the control signal can be input to the control unit and the control unit can distribute the command.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, the communication terminal 23 is connected to the control unit, which is housed within the control housing. The communication terminal is electrically connected to the control unit, functioning as a socket. For example, multiple communication terminals can be provided, each connected to multiple signal output terminals of the control unit to receive signal outputs from the control unit. When a wire is inserted into the communication terminal, the output signal of the control unit can be transferred to the wire. If the other end of the wire is connected to a valve island (as described above) that can receive control signals, or further, also has a communication terminal for receiving signals,... Figure 2 As shown, this technology can achieve the effect of outputting multiple signals and simultaneously controlling multiple solenoid valves located on multiple valve islands. It has high environmental adaptability.

[0053] In a further embodiment, a solenoid valve is also provided on the base 22 of the valve housing. The solenoid valve is electrically connected to the control unit, and the analog-to-digital converter is also connected to the solenoid valve. This arrangement enables the control unit to control the solenoid valve in the valve housing. The valve housing includes multiple solenoid valves, and the control unit has multiple output terminals, each connected to one of the multiple solenoid valves. This arrangement further enables the control unit to control the multiple solenoid valves in the valve housing.

[0054] exist Figure 4 As shown, the control housing includes a cover 20, with the control unit disposed inside the cover. A communication interface 23 is provided on the upper surface of the cover. The communication interface is an opening on the upper surface of the cover and can be of any shape, as long as the communication terminals can be exposed. To adapt to the shape of the communication terminals, the communication interface can be square. The upper surface of the cover may also have a tear-off piece, which is concealed within the communication interface and largely separated from its edge. It is only connected to the edge of the communication interface via a knock-off structure, which is a thin plastic strip or similar material integrally formed with the upper surface of the cover, allowing the tear-off piece to be easily and simply separated from the cover.

[0055] To ensure a more secure fit and prevent detachment, the cover 20 is fixed to the base of the valve island using screws 201. Alternatively, the cover can be secured using hooks and slots; both methods effectively enhance the overall structural strength of the valve island.

[0056] In such Figure 4In the preferred embodiment shown, the cover further includes a light-transmitting portion 25 for transmitting light emitted by a light-emitting unit, which is connected in series in the branch from the output of the control unit to the solenoid valve. The light-transmitting portion can be open or covered with glass. The light-emitting unit can be an indicator light, LED, etc., and may also be colored for better indication. Multiple light-emitting units are configured, each connected in series in the branch from the output of each control unit to the solenoid valve. In some specific embodiments, the number of light-transmitting portions can be the same as the number of outputs of the control units. Marking corresponding numbers on the edges of the multiple light-transmitting portions on the cover can better indicate whether the branch is unobstructed.

[0057] Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment also provides an equivalent connection diagram for the expandable valve island. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the control signal received by the IO-Link coupling unit enters the IO-Link interface and is converted by the analog-to-digital converter. In practical applications, the analog-to-digital converter can be an existing IO-Link receiver with built-in decoding function, and then transmitted to the input terminal of the control unit. The multiple output terminals of the control unit, as shown on the right, can be directly connected to the solenoid valve 10 installed in the valve receiving part of the current valve island, or can be extended to the solenoid valve of the next-level valve island shown on the right side of the dashed line through the communication terminal 230.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, our solution also includes a hub 26 that works with the communication interface 23, making it suitable for valve islands with communication interfaces. The hub is an inverted bucket shape, wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. The lower opening of the hub is adapted to the communication interface, while the upper part has an opening for the power supply cable to pass through. The upper opening of the hub can also be connected to the bus sheath. The lower end of the hub can also be fixed to the upper surface of the cover using screws or other methods. By designing the hub, it is possible to easily consolidate multiple wiring connections, improving the practicality of this solution.

[0059] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Although the above embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments once they understand the basic inventive concept. Therefore, the above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An expandable valve island, characterized in that, It includes a valve housing and a control housing. The upper surface of the control housing is provided with an IO-Link coupling part, which is connected to an analog-to-digital conversion unit. The upper surface of the control housing is also provided with a communication interface, which contains multiple communication terminals. The communication terminals have the following structure: a cage and a wire-pressing elastic element. The cage includes a top plate and a bottom plate, with a wiring port provided between the top plate and the bottom plate; One end of the pressure line elastic element is a fixed end, and the other end of the pressure line elastic element is a movable end; the pressure line elastic element is compressed and disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate of the cage, and the fixed end is connected to the top plate, while the movable end abuts against the bottom plate under its own elastic force. A protrusion is provided on the side of the movable end, the protrusion extends out of the cage body, and can swing along the direction of the elastic force applied to the movable end. The communication terminal is connected to the control unit, which is housed within the control housing. The base of the valve housing is also provided with multiple solenoid valves, the control unit has multiple output terminals, and the multiple output terminals are respectively connected to multiple solenoid valves. The analog-to-digital conversion unit is also connected to the solenoid valves. Multiple communication terminals are respectively connected to multiple output terminals of the control unit; The IO-Link coupling unit receives the IO-Link control signal, converts it into an electrical signal through the analog-to-digital converter, and outputs it through multiple output terminals. These multiple output terminals are connected to wires via communication terminals to extend to other valve islands, transmitting the control signal to multiple valve islands.

2. The expandable valve island according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control housing includes a cover, the control unit is disposed inside the cover, and a communication interface is provided on the upper surface of the cover.

3. The expandable valve island according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover is fixed to the base of the valve island by screws.

4. The expandable valve island according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover also includes a light-transmitting part, which is used to transmit light emitted by the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit is connected in series with the branch from the output end of the control unit to the solenoid valve.

5. The expandable valve island according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of light-transmitting parts is the same as the number of output terminals of the control unit.

6. The expandable valve island according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hub, which is an inverted bucket shape with a larger bottom and a smaller top. The bottom opening of the hub is adapted to the communication interface, and the top opening is provided for the power supply line to pass through.

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