Reversible circuit board for single and dual manifold solenoid valve assemblies

Abstract

The fluid valve manifold includes an electrical conduit for receiving a circuit board assembly that actuates multiple valve units. The circuit board assembly can be reversibly and rotatably mounted in the conduit in either a first or second position, allowing a corresponding set of electrical connectors located at a first end or a second set of electrical connectors located at a second end opposite the first end to be positioned appropriately to receive electrical signals through the corresponding connectors. When in one position, the circuit board assembly can serve a single solenoid valve unit. When in a second rotational position, the circuit board assembly can serve two solenoid valve units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed circuit board assembly for a manifold solenoid valve assembly. Background Art

[0002] Manifold solenoid valve assemblies are commonly used in industrial production lines to selectively direct pneumatic pressure to various pneumatically operated field devices. Manifold assemblies are typically modular and assembled from multiple individual fieldbus modules, including I / O modules, communication modules, and valve manifold components. The manifold assembly includes one or more control valves mounted on a manifold block within a housing. The control valves typically include a spool valve that slides within a cylinder chamber and is operated by pilot pressure, which is selectively provided by the solenoid and valve assembly when the solenoid is actuated.

[0003] A spool valve can be driven into one position (normally actuated) by a single solenoid valve, and a spring can return the spool to a second position (normally unactuated). The power to a single solenoid control valve needs to be continuously on to hold the spool in the actuated position. Due to their power requirements, single solenoid valves are most commonly used when the actuated position is open for short periods of time. Another common type of spool valve is controlled by two solenoid valves, where the first solenoid valve drives the spool into the first position, while the second solenoid valve drives the spool into the second position. While adding a second control valve may increase cost, it saves energy because only a single pulse of energy is needed to drive the spool into each position. In other words, the control valve does not need to be continuously open to hold the spool in either the actuated or unactuated position.

[0004] Manifold assemblies integrate numerous connected manifold blocks and valve stations to operate numerous remote field devices within large manufacturing or industrial production lines. Consequently, there are numerous manifold sets of varying sizes, each with one, two, or more solenoid valve stations, and consequently, numerous printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) of varying sizes, designed for these manifold sets. Furthermore, the PCBAs must be appropriately sized to control either a single or dual solenoid valve station. Consequently, the large number of PCBAs of varying sizes for both single and dual solenoid valve stations creates inventory challenges.

[0005] These printed circuit boards typically have traces, i.e., lines with a step-down contact at each end, so that the output electrical contacts step down for connection to subsequent printed circuit boards. For example, U.S. Patent 10,006,557 to DeCarolis discloses a general layout for a circuit board for multiple valve stations having electrical connectors and traces on both surfaces of the board, with each valve station having single or double step-down contacts to accommodate a single solenoid valve or dual solenoid valves that are not on the same board.

[0006] To simplify switching between single- and dual-type solenoid valves, attempts have been made to produce reversible printed circuit boards. However, these previous attempts still present unacceptable difficulties. Reversibility is achieved by flipping the entire board to accommodate either single or dual solenoid valves. Consequently, these reversible boards require electrical connectors on both surfaces of the board to connect to the solenoid valves. Furthermore, a separate intermediate connector must be connected to the selected connector on the appropriate surface of the board. These two features increase expense and inconvenience. Furthermore, these reversible boards are not suitable for use with boards that have pin components permanently mounted on one surface of the printed circuit board.

[0007] What is needed is a quickly constructed and easy to use printed circuit board assembly that can accommodate single and dual solenoid valve groups, thereby significantly reducing printed circuit board inventory requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid valve manifold has an electrical conduit for receiving a circuit board assembly that actuates a plurality of valve units mounted to the fluid valve manifold. The circuit board assembly has a circuit board, commonly referred to as a printed circuit board, having electrical connectors thereon. The circuit board assembly is reversibly mounted in a first position or a second position in the electrical conduit so that a corresponding first set of electrical connectors at a first end or a second set of electrical connectors at a second end opposite the first end can be positioned appropriately to receive electrical signals through the corresponding connectors. The circuit board has a set of electrically conductive valve wires at opposite first and second ends of the circuit board that are connected to and extend between the corresponding first and second sets of electrical connectors.

[0009] When the board is in the first position, the conductive valve wires extending from the corresponding first electrical connectors on the first surface of the circuit board to the third connector are operatively connected to the voltage side of the valve unit for the single solenoid valve unit. When the circuit board assembly is in the first position, the conductive common wires extending from the first electrical connectors to the second electrical connectors are operatively connected to the opposite voltage side of the single solenoid valve unit at the third connector.

[0010] When the board is in the second position, two conductive valve wires extending from the corresponding second electrical connectors to the third connector lead to one voltage side of the valve unit to service the dual solenoid valve unit. When the circuit board assembly is in the second position, the conductive common wire is operatively connected to the opposite voltage side of the dual solenoid valve unit at the third connector. Preferably, the third connector is mounted on the first surface of the circuit board, located along the central longitudinal axis of the circuit board. In one embodiment, the plurality of third connectors are mounted along the central longitudinal axis of the circuit board and are symmetrically arranged along the central transverse axis of the width of the circuit board.

[0011] In one embodiment, the conductive valve wire assembly includes a single solenoid valve wire assembly extending from the first electrical connector and decreasing by one level for each third connector mounted on the circuit board to the second electrical connector. The conductive valve wire assembly includes a dual solenoid valve wire assembly extending from the second electrical connector to the first electrical connector and decreasing by two levels for each third connector mounted on the circuit board. Preferably, both the single solenoid valve wire assembly and the dual solenoid valve wire assembly connected to the third connector are located on the first surface of the circuit board.

[0012] Preferably, the single solenoid valve wire set and the double solenoid valve wire set not connected to the third connector are located on two sides of the circuit board.

[0013] Preferably, the second electrical connector of the circuit board is configured to be connectable to the first electrical connector of the sequentially connected circuit board, and the first electrical connector of the circuit board is configured to be connectable to the second electrical connector of the sequentially connected circuit board. The communication circuit line is located on one surface of the circuit board and extends from the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector without any attenuation.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a circuit board assembly for a fluid valve manifold includes a circuit board assembly having a plurality of connectors on a surface of the circuit board for connecting to at least one valve unit mounted to the fluid valve manifold. The circuit board assembly includes a plurality of electrically conductive valve wires extending from one end to a second end and is reversibly mountable in a first position or a second position in the valve unit such that a corresponding first set of electrical connectors at the first end or a corresponding second set of electrical connectors at a second end opposite the first end can be positioned appropriately to receive electrical signals through the corresponding connectors.

[0015] When the circuit board assembly is in the first position, the conductive valve wires extending from the respective first electrical connectors of the circuit board to the third connector are operatively connected to one voltage side of the valve unit to service the single solenoid valve unit. A conductive common wire also extends to the first electrical connector and to a second electrical connector connected to the third connector, operatively connected to the opposite voltage side of the valve unit.

[0016] When the circuit board assembly is in the second position, two conductive valve wires extending from the corresponding second electrical connector to the third connector can be connected to one voltage side of the valve unit to serve the dual solenoid valve unit. The conductive valve wires are connected to opposite voltage sides of the dual solenoid valve unit. The conductive valve wire set includes a single solenoid valve wire set extending from the first electrical connector and decreasing by one step to the second electrical connector for each third connector mounted on the circuit board. The conductive valve wire set includes a dual solenoid valve wire set extending from the second electrical connector and decreasing by two steps to the first electrical connector for each third connector mounted on the circuit board. The single solenoid valve wire set and the dual solenoid valve wire set connected to the third connector are on the same surface of the circuit board above the third connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a circuit board installed in an electrical pathway of a manifold formed by a plurality of valve units and actuator assemblies operably connected together, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 an enlarged perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged plan view of the front surface of the circuit board assembly shown;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 an enlarged plan view of the back side of the circuit board assembly shown;

[0022] Figure 5 It is combined with Figure 6 and 7 A perspective view of another valve manifold of another circuit board assembly is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 is used for Figure 5 a plan view of a second embodiment of the circuit board assembly of the illustrated manifold assembly, showing the front surface of the circuit board; and

[0024] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 A plan view of the rear surface of the circuit board assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Fluid control system 10 is modular in nature and has varying numbers of interconnected valve manifold blocks 12, depending on the application. For simplicity in the drawing, only four manifold blocks 12 are shown, each with eight valve units 13, with two valve units installed per block. Some valve units 13 may be operated by a single solenoid valve, while some may be operated by dual solenoid valves. Dual solenoid valve units are also referred to as dual solenoid valves. All blocks 12 are operably connected to a communication module 15.

[0026] Preferably, each valve manifold block 12 can accommodate two valve units 13, each valve unit 13 being a single or dual solenoid valve type. The manifold block can accommodate one single solenoid valve type valve unit 13 and one dual solenoid valve type valve unit 13. Each valve manifold block 12 has a channel 28 for receiving a printed circuit board assembly 30, which will be described in more detail.

[0027] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , circuit board assembly 30 has a printed circuit board 34 having pin connectors 36, 37, 38, and 39 (commonly referred to as J-type pin connectors) mounted on the front surface 24 of the printed circuit board. Each pin connector is mounted symmetrically along the longitudinal center axis 20 of the circuit board 34. In addition, the set of pin connectors 36-39 are symmetrically arranged along the minor transverse axis 22 of the board 34. Preferably, the J-type pin connectors are equidistant and symmetrically arranged about the minor transverse axis 22 to accommodate evenly spaced and positioned valve units. This symmetry allows the circuit board assembly 30 to be rotated about an axis 23, which, as described in more detail later, passes through the thickness of the board 34 and is perpendicular to the axes 20 and 22.

[0028] Each board 34 has a first edge 40 and a second edge 42 and respective connectors in the form of electrical contacts 44 and 46. These contacts 44 and 46 may be traces printed directly on the board 34. The contacts 44 and 46 are connected together by a line 50, also in the form of a trace. Figure 2 As shown, the standard bridge connector 43 is connected within the connector 43. Figure 1 The aligned contacts 44 and 46 of adjacent boards 30 are shown electrically connected.

[0029] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the contacts 44, 46 and wires 50 can be on both the front surface 24 and the rear surface 26 of the board. Depending on how the circuit board is mounted, the contacts 44, 46 and wires 50 are typically arranged to accommodate single and dual solenoid valves. Figure 3 As shown, the trace contacts 44 each have a specific location labeled A1, A2, A3 and are connected to lines (50) on the circuit board. The circuit board 34 shown shows a capacity of thirty (30) electrical contacts at each edge, indicating that the valve manifold using this circuit board is limited to a maximum of thirty single solenoid valves. The electrical connectors are also symmetrically spaced about the longitudinal axis 20. As long as the connectors are symmetrically spaced about the longitudinal axis 20, the circuit board can be outlined with more or fewer contacts and lines depending on the capacity and application required by the end user.

[0030] The first four contacts A1-A4 lead to corresponding first pin socket contacts 56 at corresponding pin connectors 36, 37, 38, and 39. Each pin socket contact 56 can be connected to a corresponding solenoid valve unit 13 of a single solenoid valve type. Each solenoid valve unit 13 is also connected to a contact pin socket 58, which is connected to a common voltage line 60 that leads to a common voltage (Vcomm) electrical connector having a common voltage. The common voltage connector is typically connected to a 24 volt power supply to power all valve units 13 when the circuit is complete. As shown, the first four contacts A1-A4 and the corresponding wires 50 are located on the same front surface 24 of the printed circuit board 34.

[0031] The remaining conductive valve traces 50, labeled A5-A30 on surfaces 24 and 26, extend from one edge 40 to the second edge and may decrease in four steps or positions from edge 40 to edge 42, i.e., one step for each valve unit of a single solenoid valve type. For example, see trace A5, which leads to trace B15, which may then be connected to trace A1 or B1 in a subsequent circuit board, depending on the rotational position of subsequent circuit board 34.

[0032] Other lines 62 on the bottom of the circuit board may provide auxiliary power lines or serve as protective ground lines or as serial communication lines. Lines 62 and the common voltage line 60 extend through the circuit board without any step-down.

[0033] Now refer to Figure 3 Describing second edge 42, which becomes the left edge when circuit board 34 is rotated 180 degrees about axis 23, each two electrical contacts 46 labeled B1 and B2 are connected to pin connector 39, electrical contacts labeled B3 and B4 are connected to pin connector 38, electrical contacts labeled B5 and B6 are connected to pin connector 37, and electrical contacts labeled B7 and B8 are connected to pin connector 36. Respective contacts B1, B3, B5, and B7 are connected to a third pin connector 56 of each corresponding connector 36, 37, 38, and 39, while contacts B2, B4, B6, and B8 are connected to a third pin connector 64 of each corresponding connector 36, 37, 38, and 39.

[0034] Pin socket contacts 56 and 64 are connected to the respective solenoid valves of each dual solenoid valve unit 13. Wire 62, now in a common voltage position, is operatively connected to the opposite voltage side of each solenoid valve. Each valve solenoid unit 13 is also connected to a pin socket 66, now in the upper left position shown in the figure, for connection to wire 62, which is in a common voltage position.

[0035] The remaining conductive valve contacts 46 and lines 50, labeled B9-B30 on surfaces 24 and 26, extend from edge 42 to edge 40 and decrease in eight steps or positions from edge 40 to edge 42, i.e., two steps per valve unit in a dual solenoid valve type. For example, see contact B9, whose line is connected to A15 and can then be connected to contact B1 in the subsequent board 34. Line 60, which used to be the common voltage line for the individual solenoid valves, can now be used as an auxiliary power line, a protective ground line, or a fast communication line.

[0036] Traces 50 leading to connectors A6-A30 and B10-B30 have been omitted to simplify and clarify the drawings. These traces can be stepped or can switch from the front surface 24 to the rear surface 26 and back again as needed. It is also foreseeable that lines 60 or 62, depending on the direction of rotation of the circuit board about axis 23, can also be used as detection lines that can be used to determine whether the circuit board is single or double. The layout of contacts A5-A30 and B8-B30 that are not connected to pin connectors 52-55, detection lines and single serial communication lines is fully described in U.S. Patent 10,006,557 to DeCarolis, published on June 26, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the appropriate label "single" or "dual" is placed near the corresponding edge 40 and 42.

[0037] Now refer to Figure 5-7 , shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the fluid control assembly 100 can have an integrally formed manifold 112 with a valve unit 113 mounted on top. A communication module 115 can be mounted near one end. Figure 6 and 7 The single board 134 shown in FIG can extend across the entire manifold. The primary difference between this embodiment and the previous one is that the circuit board lacks edge connectors or edge traces 44 and 46. Instead, it has pin connectors 144 and 146 at each end that connect to traces 148. The pin connectors are mounted on the same surface as the J-shaped pin connectors 136, 137, 138, and 139. The J-shaped pin connectors are rotated 45° while still providing the desired symmetry about the longitudinal axis 120 and the transverse axis 122. The additional pin contacts are provided for longer circuit boards with more valve stations. Each board has a separate pin connector 147 and 149 at each edge, which can be used to attach to additional valve units 117 connected via other circuit boards. Only two traces 148 are shown extending from each individual connector 147 and 149. Each circular pin connector can have up to six traces extending between connectors 147 and 146 and between pin connectors 148 and 149.

[0038] Each edge can have an "S" or "D" indication to inform the operator of the correct rotation direction for connection to a single or dual valve unit. Other indications such as a single notch 168 or a double notch 169 can also be placed on the corresponding edges 140 and 142 to indicate single or dual valve application.

[0039] An advantage of either reversible embodiment is that the circuit board can be used for either a single-valve or dual-valve unit by appropriate rotation of the circuit board. The manifold can be configured to have any desired sequence of single and dual valves by purposefully rotating the circuit boards within the manifold. Furthermore, these circuit boards can be connected to other circuit boards via card edge connectors 43 or via pin connectors. Furthermore, these reversible circuit boards can also be used in conjunction with standard, non-reversible, commercially available circuit boards for single-valve or dual-valve station variants.

[0040] Other variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid valve manifold, characterized in that: The fluid valve manifold has an electrical conduit extending therethrough for receiving a circuit board assembly, the circuit board assembly actuating a plurality of valve units mounted to the fluid valve manifold; The circuit board assembly has a circuit board and electrical connectors located thereon, the circuit board assembly being reversibly mountable in a first position or a second position in the electrical conduit so that a corresponding first set of electrical connectors located at a first end or a corresponding second set of electrical connectors located at a second end opposite the first end are in a suitable position to receive electrical signals through the corresponding connectors; the circuit board having a set of electrically conductive valve wires at opposing first and second ends of the circuit board connected to and extending between respective sets of the first and second electrical connectors; a conductive valve line extending from a corresponding first electrical connector in the first electrical connector set on the first surface of the circuit board to a third connector, operable to lead to one voltage side of one valve unit of the plurality of valve units to serve a single solenoid valve unit, wherein when the circuit board assembly is in the first position, a conductive common line connected to the third connector is operatively connected to an opposite voltage side of the single solenoid valve unit and is also connected to the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector in the second electrical connector set, wherein the third connector is located at a central longitudinal axis of the circuit board; Two conductive valve wires extending from the corresponding second electrical connector to the third connector lead to one voltage side of one valve unit of the multiple valve units to serve the dual solenoid valve unit, and when the circuit board assembly is in the second position, the conductive common wire connected to the third connector is operably connected to the opposite voltage side of the dual solenoid valve unit and is also connected to the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

2. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 1, further characterized by: The third connector is mounted on one surface of the circuit board.

3. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 2, further characterized by: The plurality of third connectors are all installed along the central longitudinal axis of the circuit board and are symmetrically arranged along the central transverse axis in the width direction of the circuit board.

4. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 1, further characterized by: the conductive valve wire set includes a single solenoid valve wire set extending from the first electrical connector and decreasing in level for each third connector on the circuit board to the second electrical connector; and The electrically conductive valve wire set includes a dual solenoid valve wire set extending from the second electrical connector and decreasing by two steps for each third connector on the circuit board to the first electrical connector.

5. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 4, further characterized by: The single solenoid valve wire group and the double solenoid valve wire group are respectively located on the front side and the back side of the circuit board.

6. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 4, further characterized by: The circuit board is a printed circuit board, wherein the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board is configured to be connectable to the first electrical connector of a sequentially connected printed circuit board; and The first electrical connector of the printed circuit board is configured to be connectable to a second electrical connector of a sequentially connected printed circuit board.

7. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 5, further characterized by: A communication circuit line is located on a surface of the circuit board, extending from the first electrical connector and to the second electrical connector without any attenuation.

8. The fluid valve manifold according to claim 4, further characterized by: A communication circuit line is located on a surface of the circuit board, extending from the first electrical connector and to the second electrical connector without any attenuation.

9. A circuit board assembly for a fluid valve manifold, characterized in that: a circuit board assembly having a plurality of connectors on one surface of the circuit board for connecting to at least one valve unit mounted to the fluid valve manifold; The circuit board assembly has a plurality of electrically conductive valve wires extending from one end to a second end and is reversibly mountable in a first position or a second position in the fluid valve manifold such that a corresponding set of first electrical connectors at the first end or a corresponding set of second electrical connectors at a second end opposite the first end is properly positioned to receive electrical signals through corresponding connectors; the circuit board having a set of electrically conductive valve wires at opposing first and second ends of the circuit board connected to and extending between respective sets of the first and second electrical connectors; a conductive valve line extending from a corresponding first electrical connector in the first electrical connector set on the first surface of the circuit board to a third connector, operable to lead to one voltage side of one valve unit of the at least one valve unit to serve a single solenoid valve unit, when the circuit board assembly is in the first position, a conductive common line connected to the third connector is operatively connected to an opposite voltage side of the single solenoid valve unit and is also connected to the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector in the second electrical connector set, wherein the third connector is located at a central longitudinal axis of the circuit board; Two conductive valve wires extending from the corresponding second electrical connector to the third connector lead to one voltage side of one valve unit of the at least one valve unit to serve the dual solenoid valve unit, and when the circuit board assembly is in the second position, the conductive valve wires connected to the third connector are operably connected to the opposite voltage side of the dual solenoid valve unit and are also connected to the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

10. The circuit board assembly according to claim 9, further characterized by: The third connector is mounted on one surface of the circuit board.

11. The circuit board assembly according to claim 10, further characterized by: The plurality of third connectors are all installed along the central longitudinal axis of the circuit board and are symmetrically arranged along the central transverse axis in the width direction of the circuit board.

12. The circuit board assembly according to claim 9, further characterized by: the conductive valve wire set includes a single solenoid valve wire set extending from the first electrical connector and decreasing in level for each third connector on the circuit board to the second electrical connector; and The electrically conductive valve wire set includes a dual solenoid valve wire set extending from the second electrical connector and decreasing by two steps for each third connector on the circuit board to the first electrical connector.

13. A circuit board assembly for a fluid valve manifold, characterized in that: a circuit board assembly having a plurality of connectors on a surface of the circuit board for connecting to at least one valve unit mounted to the fluid valve manifold; The circuit board assembly has a conductive valve wire set extending from one end to a second end, and is reversibly mountable in a first position or a second position in the fluid valve manifold so that a corresponding first electrical connector set at the first end or a second electrical connector set at a second end opposite the first end is properly positioned to receive electrical signals through the corresponding connector; the conductive valve wire set comprising a conductive valve wire extending from a corresponding first electrical connector in the first electrical connector set of the circuit board to a third connector, operable to lead to one voltage side of the valve unit to serve a single solenoid valve unit, wherein when the circuit board assembly is in the first position, a conductive common wire connected to the third connector is operably connected to an opposite voltage side of the single solenoid valve unit and is also connected to the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector in the second electrical connector set, wherein the third connector is located at a central longitudinal axis of the circuit board; and The conductive valve wire set includes two conductive valve wires extending from the corresponding second electrical connector to the third connector leading to one voltage side of the valve unit to serve a dual solenoid valve unit, and when the circuit board assembly is in the second position, the conductive valve wires connected to the third connector are operatively connected to the opposite voltage side of the dual solenoid valve unit and are also connected to the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector; The electrically conductive valve wire set includes a single solenoid valve wire set extending from the first electrical connector and decreasing in level by one for each third connector on the circuit board to the second electrical connector; The conductive valve wire set includes a dual solenoid valve wire set extending from the second electrical connector and decreasing by two steps for each third connector on the circuit board to the first electrical connector; and The single solenoid valve wire set and the double solenoid valve wire set are located on the surface of the circuit board.

14. The circuit board assembly according to claim 13, further characterized by: Each of the single solenoid valve wire set and the dual solenoid valve wire set is located on opposite surfaces of the circuit board.

Images