control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device, in particular a position controller, preferably an electrodynamic and / or electrohydraulic position controller, wherein the control device has a base body which consists of or is made of an extruded profile, in particular of a longitudinal section of an extruded profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, particularly a position controller, preferably an electro-pneumatic and / or electro-hydraulic position controller, wherein the control device has a base. Background Technology

[0002] A control device, such as a position controller, is used to control the process valve assembly. Typically, such a control device has a control element in the form of, for example, a regulating valve. It can contain an electrical input signal, such as a 4-20mA analog signal or a digital signal, and depending on the input, provides a specific pressure or a specific flow rate of the working fluid, such as compressed air or hydraulic fluid.

[0003] Typically, such control devices have a housing to protect the control components from environmental influences such as dirt or humidity. This housing is designed as a multi-part unit and also includes a housing base. Such components are often highly complex because the housing base also contains components for conveying industrial fluids and electrical components. Typically, such components are manufactured as injection-molded parts, requiring high thread counts and precise post-machining.

[0004] The high cost of manufacturing is considered a drawback to some extent because it is associated with high production costs. Furthermore, various position controllers require the manufacture of at least a variety of housing components, leading to high manufacturing complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative control device that particularly avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] This objective is achieved in the control device of the style described at the beginning by making the substrate consist of or made of an extruded profile, particularly a longitudinal section of an extruded profile.

[0007] The basic idea of ​​this invention is to use a simple extruded profile as the initial material for the substrate. The extruded profile defines a longitudinal direction, along which a defined profile cross-section is extruded. By selecting an extruded profile as the initial material before the substrate, the requirement to provide injection-molded parts is eliminated. Therefore, the high-cost manufacturing of injection molding tools is also eliminated. The extruded material can be directly machined. For example, holes can be introduced or threads can be cut in the longitudinal direction or transversely to the longitudinal direction, particularly in the vertical direction. Corresponding through-holes in the longitudinal direction can already be introduced during the manufacturing of the extruded profile, thus eliminating the need for machining these through-holes in the longitudinal direction. This further simplifies manufacturing.

[0008] Extruded profiles or substrates can be made of commercially available plastics.

[0009] Preferably, the control device includes a control component that is fastened to the upper side of the substrate, particularly screwed to the substrate. For this purpose, corresponding fastening holes can be introduced into the substrate from the upper side. Preferably, these fastening holes extend laterally, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the extruded profile. The fastening holes can be provided with corresponding threads.

[0010] The substrate or extruded profile can have a downwardly opening fastening groove extending longitudinally. Preferably, the fastening groove has a T-shaped cross-section. The idea behind this design is that the fastening of the control device in an article, such as in a corresponding electrical cabinet, can be achieved through the fastening groove having a particularly T-shaped cross-section. The T-shaped cross-section results in a wider groove section engaging with a narrower groove section. In this way, for example, a T-shaped groove can be used, or the substrate can be pushed onto the corresponding profile using the fastening groove. The fastening groove can be arranged in the lateral edge region of the substrate.

[0011] The substrate or extruded profile can have through-holes extending in the longitudinal direction for providing electrical power and / or electrical signals to the control device. The extruded profile can have these through-holes pre-formed during manufacturing. The through-holes can be located in the lateral edge region of the substrate, particularly in the lateral edge region of the substrate opposite the fastening groove. The through-holes can have a diameter of at least 8 mm and / or a maximum of 20 mm. For supplying electrical power and / or electrical signals to the control components, a cable connector can be screwed into at least one, particularly exactly one end, of the through-hole.

[0012] The end of the power hole can be sealed by a dummy plug. Preferably, the dummy plug is screwed into the power hole.

[0013] The substrate or extruded profile can have at least one, particularly multiple, preferably exactly two or three fluid through-holes extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction for compressed air or hydraulic fluid. Preferably, a total of three fluid through-holes are provided. The first fluid through-hole can be used to supply working fluid to a control device. The second fluid through-hole can be used for drainage. In this way, unwanted excess working fluid, especially into the environment, can be discharged. A third fluid through-hole is used to supply working fluid to a process valve assembly connected to or capable of being connected to the control device. The idea behind these designs is to provide multiple, for example, three, parallel through-holes in the extruded profile for conveying or discharging working fluid. This eliminates the need for high-cost manufacturing processes, such as those involving drilling, of the through-holes.

[0014] The fluid passage can have a diameter of at least 5 mm and / or up to 12 mm.

[0015] A connector can be provided at at least one end of each fluid through-hole. The connector can be designed as a plug-in connection element. Preferably, the connector is screwed into the corresponding fluid through-hole. This allows for quick and easy connection of hoses or other delivery pipes. Accordingly, the fluid through-hole can be provided with internal threads in its end region. The internal threads can be easily inserted into the through-holes already present in the extruded profile.

[0016] The ends of the fluid passages can be sealed using dummy plugs. Preferably, the dummy plugs are screwed into and / or glued into the fluid passages. A seal, such as a sealing ring or sealing plate, can be provided on the dummy plug. This allows for sealing of the respective fluid passages at their ends.

[0017] At least one connecting hole is branched from each electrical through-hole and / or at least one, particularly each fluid through-hole, with the connecting holes facing upwards and opening towards the upper side of the substrate. Therefore, working fluid and / or electrical energy and / or electrical signals can be provided to control components fastened to the upper side of the substrate. Such connecting holes can be introduced from the upper side into the extruded profile and merge into corresponding through-holes extending in the longitudinal direction. The connecting holes can be provided with internal threads facing upwards and / or extend laterally, particularly perpendicular to the corresponding through-holes and / or vertically.

[0018] Preferably, the base has a central vertical receiving hole for a rotatably supported shaft. In another design, the receiving hole can vertically penetrate the entire base. The control component fastened to the upper side of the base can have an output shaft that penetrates the receiving hole of the base and extends downward from the base. The output shaft can be rotatably supported within the base. In this way, information can be transmitted outward via the position of the control component. In other words, the position of the control component can be deduced from the rotational position of the output shaft. The rotatable support of the output shaft in the base can be achieved by a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing. In particular, the receiving hole can be designed in stages and widens at the upper and / or lower ends of the base. Corresponding rolling bearings, such as radial ball bearings or sliding bearings, can be present in these areas to support the shaft. To prevent unintentional loosening of the output shaft, a corresponding safety element, such as a safety ring, can be provided.

[0019] Viewed from above, the substrate can have a cross-section that is at least substantially rectangular. In other words, it is possible to manufacture a substrate in which the profile is extruded and separated perpendicular to its longitudinal direction.

[0020] The control device can have a housing fixed to the base. The housing, together with the base, can form an internal space, particularly a generally cubic shape, in which the control components are arranged. In this way, the control components can be protected from environmental influences, especially humidity or dirt.

[0021] Specifically, the housing can have surrounding, enclosed sidewall elements that extend from the upper side of the base and surround the internal space. The sidewall elements can have square through-holes that define the internal space. A seal can be disposed between the sidewall elements and the base. The seal can be constructed as an annular, surrounding sealing band.

[0022] Sidewall components can be manufactured as extruded profiles. This allows for particularly simple manufacturing because such extruded profiles only require attention to the correct length. Typically, no additional rework is needed. Extruded profiles can be anodized.

[0023] The housing can have a lid that is at least substantially flat, defining the top of the interior space. A seal can be provided between the sidewall elements and the lid. In particular, the seal can include an annular sealing strip, which is preferably compressed between the lid and the sidewall elements. In this way, contaminants can be prevented from entering the interior space with a high degree of security.

[0024] The sidewall elements and the cover can have through holes arranged coaxially with each other. Preferably, the through holes extend in a vertical direction. Threads corresponding to the through holes can be arranged in the base. Furthermore, fastening bolts can be provided, passing through the through holes and screwed into the base to hold the housing onto the base. The cover and sidewall elements can be clamped toward the base by means of the fastening bolts. In other words, the cover and sidewall elements can be clamped between the bolt head and the base. In this way, a seal, such as an annular sealing strip, can also be squeezed between the cover and the sidewall elements on one hand and between the sidewall elements and the base on the other.

[0025] Specifically, a total of four fastening bolts can be installed, which are arranged at the corners of the base when viewed from above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] For further embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and to the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 A perspective view of the control device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Front view of the lower area of ​​the control device; and Figure 3 Show Figure 1 An exploded view of the control device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 A control device 1 according to the invention is shown, specifically an electro-pneumatic position controller. The control device includes a base 2 and a housing 3, which are particularly as shown in... Figure 3 As can be identified, it has sidewall elements 4 and a substantially flat lid 5.

[0028] A control component 6 is securely fastened to the upper side of the base 2. Specifically, the control component is screwed onto the base 2. To protect the control component 6 from contaminants, a housing 3 forms an internal space. Seals in the form of annular sealing strips 7 are provided between the sidewall element 4 and the base 2, and between the cover 5 and the sidewall element 4. The two sealing strips 7 are then compressed.

[0029] The sidewall element 4 and the cover 5 have through holes 8 arranged coaxially and extending vertically. Threaded holes 9 corresponding to the through holes are arranged in the base 2. Furthermore, a total of four fastening bolts 10 are provided, passing through the through holes 8 and screwed into the base 2. In this manner, the housing 3 is held onto the base 2. The fastening bolts 10, viewed from above, are arranged at the corners of the base 2.

[0030] The substrate 2 is made from a longitudinal section of an extruded profile. Facing downwards, the substrate 2 has a fastening groove 11 extending in the longitudinal direction. The fastening groove has a T-shaped cross-section and is arranged in the lateral edge region of the substrate 2.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, an L-shaped through hole 12 is provided above the fastening groove 11. This through hole can, for example, be used for ventilation of the internal space.

[0032] Furthermore, the base 2 has a longitudinally extending through-hole 13 for providing electrical power and / or electrical signals to the control device 1. A cable connector 14 is screwed into the end of the through-hole 13. The opposite ends of the through-hole 13 are closed by a dummy plug 15, which is screwed into the through-hole 13. For this purpose, corresponding internal threads are provided on the two ends of the through-hole 13.

[0033] Furthermore, the substrate 2 has three parallel fluid through-holes 16, 17, and 18 extending longitudinally for supplying or discharging working fluid, currently compressed air. Fluid through-hole 16 is used to supply working fluid to the control device 1. Another fluid through-hole 17 is used for discharge, and a third fluid through-hole 18 is used to supply working fluid to a process valve assembly that can be connected to the control device 1.

[0034] Each fluid through-hole 16, 17, 18 has internal threads at both ends, i.e., on the end sides of the base 2. A connector in the form of a plug-in connector 19 is screwed into the end of each fluid through-hole 16, 17, 18. The other ends of the corresponding fluid through-holes 16, 17, 18 are closed using dummy plugs 20. These dummy plugs are also screwed in. Figure 2 Connector 19 is not shown.

[0035] Connection holes 21 are respectively connected to the electrical through-hole 13 and each fluid through-hole 16, 17, 18. The corresponding connection holes 21 extend vertically upward and open toward the upper side of the base 2. In this way, the control component 6 is connected to the corresponding through-holes 13, 16, 17, 18.

[0036] Furthermore, the base 2 has a central vertical receiving hole 22. The receiving hole extends vertically through the base 2 and completely penetrates it. An output shaft 23, rotatably connected to the control component 6, is formed within the receiving hole 22. The output shaft 23 protrudes towards the lower side of the base 2.

[0037] This application of the extruded profile enables the simple manufacture of the substrate 2. The longitudinal section can be easily separated from the longitudinal extruded profile to form the substrate 2. Through holes 13, 16, 17, and 18 are already present in the extruded profile, as are the fastening groove 11 and the L-shaped through hole 12. Only the vertically extending holes must be cut in. Similarly, the internal threads on the ends of the through holes 13, 16, 17, and 18 must be cut into the extruded profile. Thus, the injection molding process, which traditionally requires specialized tools and subsequently much more extensive post-processing, can be significantly simplified. At the same time, relatively simple extrusions can be applied to the sidewall element 4 and the housing cover 5. The manufacture and installation of the control device 1 according to the invention are significantly simplified compared to conventional control devices manufactured as injection molded parts. Furthermore, a smaller, lighter, and more compact structure can be achieved.

[0038] Although the invention has been set forth and described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0039] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a defined concept, terms include masculine, feminine, and other parts of speech.

Claims

1. A control device (1), said control device being particularly a position controller, preferably an electro-pneumatic and / or electro-hydraulic position controller, wherein, The control device (1) has a base (2) which is made of or formed of an extruded profile, particularly a longitudinal section of an extruded profile.

2. The control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device includes a control component (6), which is fastened to the upper side of the base (2) by means of bolts.

3. The control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The substrate (2) has a fastening groove (11) that opens downward and extends in the longitudinal direction.

4. The control device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastening groove (11) has a T-shaped cross-section, and / or the fastening groove (11) is arranged in the lateral edge region of the base (2).

5. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The substrate (2) has an electrical through-hole (13) extending in the longitudinal direction for providing electrical energy and / or electrical signals to the control device (1).

6. The control device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, A cable connector (14) is screwed into at least one end of the power hole (13), particularly exactly one end, and / or one end of the power hole (13) is closed by a dummy plug (15), wherein the dummy plug (15) is preferably screwed into the power hole (13).

7. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The substrate (2) has at least one, particularly a plurality, preferably exactly two or three fluid through-holes (16, 17, 18) extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction for conveying or discharging working fluid, particularly compressed air or hydraulic fluid.

8. The control device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, At one end of each of the fluid through-holes (16, 17, 18) is a connector, particularly in the form of a plug-in connector (19), wherein the connector is preferably screwed into the corresponding fluid through-hole (16, 17, 18), and / or One end of each of the fluid through-holes (16, 17, 18) is closed by a dummy plug (20), wherein the dummy plug (20) is preferably screwed into and / or glued to the fluid through-holes (16, 17, 18), and / or There are a total of three fluid through holes (16, 17, 18), wherein the first fluid through hole (16) is used to provide working fluid to the control device (1), the second fluid through hole (17) is used for discharge, and the third fluid through hole (18) is used to provide working fluid to the process valve assembly that is connected to or can be connected to the control device (1).

9. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, Connection holes (21) are respectively branched from the electrical through-hole (13) and / or from at least one, in particular each of the fluid through-holes (16, 17, 18), the connection holes facing upward and opening toward the upper side of the base (2) to provide working fluid and / or electrical energy and / or electrical signals to the control component (6) fastened to the upper side of the base (2).

10. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The base (2) has a centrally vertical receiving hole (22) for rotatably supporting a shaft, wherein the receiving hole (22) vertically and completely penetrates the base (2), wherein in particular, the control member (6) fastened to the upper side of the base (2) has an output shaft (23) that completely penetrates the receiving hole (22) of the base (2) and extends downward from the base (2), wherein preferably, the output shaft (23) is rotatably supported in the base (2).

11. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Viewed from above, the substrate has a cross-section that is at least substantially rectangular.

12. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control device (1) has a housing (3) fastened to the base (2), the housing and the base (2) together forming an interior space that is particularly generally cubic, in which control components (6) are arranged, wherein, in particular, the housing (3) has a surroundingly closed sidewall element (4) that extends from the upper side of the base (2) and surrounds the interior space, wherein preferably, a seal is provided between the sidewall element (4) and the base (2), wherein the seal is preferably implemented as an annular surrounding sealing strip (7).

13. The control device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The housing (3) has a lid (5) that is at least substantially flat, which defines the top of the interior space.

14. The control device (1) according to claims 12 and 13, wherein, The housing (3) has a surroundingly closed sidewall element (4) that extends from the upper side of the base (2) and surrounds the interior space. It is characterized in that a seal is provided between the sidewall element (4) and the cover (5), wherein the seal specifically includes an annular sealing strip (7) that is preferably pressed between the cover (5) and the sidewall element (4).

15. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 12 and 13 or 14, wherein, The housing (3) has a surroundingly closed sidewall element (4) that extends from the upper side of the base (2) and surrounds the interior space. The sidewall element (4) and the cover (5) have through holes (8) arranged coaxially with each other. The through holes preferably extend in the vertical direction and have corresponding threaded holes (9) arranged in the base (2). Fastening bolts (10) are provided, which pass through the through holes (8) and are screwed into the base (2) to hold the housing (3) on the base (2). In particular, a total of four fastening bolts (10) are provided, which are arranged in the corners of the base (2) when viewed from above.

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