Pneumatic control system

Abstract

The pneumatic control system comprises a main controller, a valve terminal structure and n IO modules, the valve terminal structure comprises a bottom plate, an interface communication module and an electromagnetic valve plate assembly, the interface communication module and the electromagnetic valve plate assembly are arranged on the bottom plate, the interface communication module is provided with an input network interface, an output network interface, an IO interface and a plurality of IO-LINK interfaces which are in communication connection, and the input network interface, the output network interface, the IO interface and the IO-LINK interfaces are in communication connection. The interface communication module communicates with the electromagnetic valve plate assembly through the IO interfaces, each IO module is connected with the corresponding IO-LINK interface, and the interface communication module communicates with the main controller through the input network interface. According to the utility model, the IO function can be expanded, the communication speed is improved, and the control cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of communication technologies, in particular to a pneumatic control system. Background Art

[0002] As Figure 1 shown, existing pneumatic control systems are all communicatively connected to a PLC (programmable logic controller) (not shown) through an interface communication module 102 integrally arranged with a pneumatic solenoid valve 103 and an IO module 101, as Figure 1 shown in the structure. Although this structure can solve the on-site configuration of valves and inputs, this integrated structure has a high cost, and since the interface communication module is a slave device, each IO module can only be arranged side by side at a short distance, which is less applicable to loads that need to be distributed over a long distance. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] In view of the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:

[0004] An embodiment of the utility model provides a pneumatic control system, including: a main controller, a valve island structure, and n IO modules. The valve island structure includes a bottom plate and an interface communication module and a solenoid valve sheet assembly arranged on the bottom plate. The interface communication module is provided with a communicatively connected input network interface, an output network interface, an IO interface, and n IO-LINK interfaces. Communication between the interface communication module and the solenoid valve sheet assembly is carried out through the IO interface. The i-th IO module is connected to the i-th IO-LINK interface. Communication between the interface communication module and the main controller is carried out through the input network interface, where n≥2 and i ranges from 1 to n.

[0005] The utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0006] In the pneumatic control system provided by the embodiment of the utility model, since the interface communication module is connected to the IO module, i.e., the IO-LINK slave, through the IO-LINK interface, the interface communication module can be used as an IO-LINK master to communicate with the IO-LINK slave, which can realize the expansion of IO functions and enable the IO modules to be arranged without being side by side with the interface communication module and the solenoid valve, with strong applicability. In addition, the interface communication module is also provided with two industrial Ethernet interfaces, which can adapt to different main controller systems, support multiple industrial Ethernet protocols, and realize the cascading of interface modules to achieve expansion functions. In addition, the interface communication module is directly connected to the main controller through the Ethernet interface, which can improve the communication speed and reduce the control cost. Description of the Drawings

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings required for description in the embodiments. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an existing pneumatic control system.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic control system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0010] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the valve island structure provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0011] Figure 5 It is a sectional view of the side wall of the interface communication module of the valve island structure;

[0012] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the seal on the circuit board;

[0013] Figure 7 It is a sectional view of the circuit board. Specific embodiments

[0014] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0015] The embodiment of the present utility model provides a pneumatic control system, and the application scenario is to control control objects such as sensors, proportional valves, relays, and manipulators that need to be controlled on a factory production line.

[0016] As Figure 2 shown, the pneumatic control system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model may include: a main controller 1, a valve island structure 2, and n IO (input / output) modules 3.

[0017] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the valve island structure 2 may include a bottom plate 201 and an interface communication module 202 and a solenoid valve sheet assembly 203 disposed on the bottom plate 201.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present utility model, the solenoid valve sheet assembly 203 may be composed of multiple solenoid valve sheets, and the solenoid valve sheet may be an existing structure. In the embodiment of the present utility model, the main controller may be a PLC.

[0019] In the embodiment of the present utility model, an input network interface 23, an output network interface 24, an IO interface (not shown), and n IO-LINK interfaces 21 for communication connection are provided on the interface communication module 202, that is, the interface communication module of the present utility model has the function of an IO-LINK master station.

[0020] Among them, the interface communication module communicates with the solenoid valve sheet assembly through the IO interface. In a schematic embodiment, the IO interface may be provided on the main control board of the interface communication module.

[0021] In the embodiment of the present utility model, the i-th IO module is connected to the i-th IO-LINK interface, that is, one IO-LINK interface is connected to one IO module, where n≥2 and the value of i ranges from 1 to n. The number of IO-LINK interfaces can be set according to actual needs. In the embodiment of the present utility model, n = 2.

[0022] In the embodiment of the present utility model, since multiple IO-LINK interfaces are provided on the interface communication module, distributed IO modules can be expanded. In this way, during the layout process of the IO modules, to a certain extent, the problem of distance limitation does not need to be considered.

[0023] Further, in the embodiment of the present utility model, the interface communication module may further include an MCU, an integrated chip with a PHY, and an IO-LINK PHY chip. Among them, the network PHY chip is respectively connected to the network input interface and the network output interface, and specifically may be connected to the network input interface and the network output interface through a network transformer. The IO-LINK PHY chip is connected to n IO-LINK

[0024] interfaces. The IO module may include an MCU, an IO interface circuit, an IO-LINK interface, and an IO-LINK PHY chip. Among them, the MCU of the IO module is respectively connected to the IO interface circuit and the IO-LINK PHY chip of the IO module. The IO interface circuit of the IO module is connected to the corresponding control object, and the IO-LINK interface of the IO module is connected to the IO-LINK interface of the interface communication module.

[0025] In the embodiment of the present utility model, the PHY chips may all use existing chips with corresponding functions.

[0026] Further, in the embodiment of the present utility model, a power interface 25 is also provided on the interface communication module for connecting to an external power supply to supply power to the interface communication module.

[0027] Further, in the present utility model, communication between the interface communication module and the main controller is carried out through the input network interface. In an embodiment of the present utility model, the input network interface can communicate with the main controller through Ethernet. In this way, in the embodiment of the present utility model, the network input interface can support multiple industrial Ethernet protocols for communication, such as common protocols like Profinet, EtherCat, Ethernet / IP, CCLINK-IE, etc., so as to adapt to different controller systems.

[0028] Further, in an embodiment of the present utility model, there may be m interface communication modules, where m≥2. Among them, the input network interface of the first interface communication module is communicatively connected to the main controller, and the input network interface of the jth interface communication module is communicatively connected to the output network interface of the (j - 1)th interface communication module, where j ranges from 2 to m. In this way, cascading of the interface communication modules can be achieved through two network interfaces, enabling extended functions.

[0029] Further, in an embodiment of the present utility model, both the network interface and the IO-LINK interface are M12 interfaces.

[0030] Further, in an embodiment of the present utility model, a transparent window 22 is also provided on the interface communication module, and a rotary code switch is provided in the setting window. The function of the rotary code switch is to select the communication protocol between the input network interface and the main controller.

[0031] In addition, a reset key, a programming socket, etc. are also provided inside the window 22. The function of the reset key is that when using the Ethernet / IP protocol for communication and the user forgets the IP address, the button can be pressed to restore the default address; the function of the programming socket is that it can be used to program the MAC address, for debugging, and for programming the software version, etc.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present utility model, the interface communication module 22 in the present utility model can be integrally arranged in a housing. Specifically, the interface communication module 22 may include an upper housing 26 and a lower housing 27 that are detachably connected. The window, the input network interface, the output network interface, the power interface, and the IO-LINK interface are all provided on the upper housing, and the lower housing is connected to the bottom plate specifically through a plug connector.

[0033] Further, as Figure 5As shown, a groove 261 is provided on the edge of the upper housing 26, specifically on the bottom edge, and a boss 271 adapted to the groove is provided on the edge of the lower housing 27, specifically on the upper edge. A sealing ring 29 is provided in the groove 261. The transverse cross-section of the sealing ring 29 is slightly smaller than the width of the groove 261, and the longitudinal cross-section of the sealing ring 29 is slightly larger than the depth of the groove 261. In a schematic embodiment, the sealing ring can be a rubber sealing ring.

[0034] In addition, an embedded nut is provided on the upper housing, and a bolt through-hole for a bolt adapted to the embedded nut to pass through is provided on the lower housing. The embedded nut and the bolt through-hole are both located outside the groove.

[0035] When using bolts to connect the upper housing and the lower housing, the bolts are screwed into the embedded nuts in the upper housing through the through-holes in the lower housing. When the bolts are tightened, the sealing ring is pressed into the groove in the upper housing by the boss of the lower housing. The compressed rubber sealing ring generates a certain resilience, making the outer surface in close contact with the plane of the boss of the lower housing to achieve dust and water-proof sealing.

[0036] Further, as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, a circuit board mounting groove 211 for mounting a circuit board 210 is provided on the bottom plate 21. A socket connector 212 is provided on the circuit board 210, specifically including a first socket connector connected to the plug connector of the interface communication module and a second socket connector connected to the plug connector of the solenoid valve plate assembly. Fixing threaded holes (not shown) are provided in the circuit board mounting groove 211, and stoppers 213 are provided at both ends.

[0037] As Figure 4 shown, positioning holes, a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure are provided on the circuit board 210.

[0038] The first sealing structure includes a plurality of first sealing members 34 connected in sequence. Each first sealing member is provided in the first wrapping area of the corresponding substrate segment. The first wrapping area is the area on the corresponding substrate segment except for the areas corresponding to the socket connector and the positioning holes, that is, the first sealing member does not wrap the socket connector. A groove structure 35 is formed on each first sealing member. The groove structure is provided around the corresponding socket connector. Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, the groove structure includes an annular groove surrounding the corresponding socket connector and a plurality of strip-shaped grooves arranged along the width direction of the substrate. Both ends of each strip-shaped groove are communicated with the annular groove.

[0039] Further, the second sealing structure includes a plurality of second seals 36 that cooperate with the plurality of first seals. Each second seal 36 is disposed on a corresponding second wrapping area of the corresponding groove structure and is at least partially embedded in the groove structure. The second wrapping area is the area of the corresponding area of the groove structure except for the area corresponding to the socket connector.

[0040] Further, a first protrusion adapted to the annular groove and a second protrusion adapted to the strip groove are formed on the second seal. By the cooperation of the protrusion and the groove, the adhesion of the second seal can be improved.

[0041] As is known to those skilled in the art, the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure can be obtained through corresponding molds.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present utility model, the first sealing structure is formed by a plurality of first seals connected in sequence, which can greatly reduce the size of the mold structure, improve the reuse degree of the mold for circuit boards of different sizes, and thus reduce the production cost. The second sealing structure is formed by a plurality of second seals in segments, which can greatly reduce the size of the mold structure, improve the reuse degree of the mold for circuit boards of different sizes, and thus reduce the production cost.

[0043] Further, in the embodiment of the present utility model, the hardness of the first seal is greater than that of the second seal. For example, the first protective member is a hard rubber coating, and the second protective member is a soft rubber coating.

[0044] Further, in the present embodiment, one end of the first seal protrudes outward to form a protruding end, and an embedding groove 39 is formed on the protruding end. A clamping end adapted to the protruding end is formed inside the other end. When the t-th first seal is formed on the circuit board, the glue will be embedded in the embedding groove of the t-th first seal during the rubber coating process of the (t + 1)-th first seal, so that the (t + 1)-th first seal and the t-th first seal form an interleaved joint section. Through these joint sections, the overall strength and sealing performance of the first sealing structure can be greatly improved. The value of t ranges from 1 to h, where h is the number of first seals on the circuit board.

[0045] Further, insert the plug connector 37 of the solenoid valve piece into the corresponding socket connector 3, tighten the solenoid valve mounting screw, and the edge of the solenoid valve piece housing presses the second seal. The pressed surface of the second seal and the edge of the plug connector of the solenoid valve piece are closely fitted to form a sealing surface, achieving the effect of dust and water prevention.

[0046] Further, insert the plug connector 38 of the interface communication module into the corresponding socket connector, and tighten the mounting screws on the interface communication module. The edge of the plug connector of the interface communication module presses against the second seal, and the pressure-receiving surface of the second seal fits tightly against the edge of the plug connector of the interface communication module to form a sealing surface, achieving the effect of dust and water prevention.

[0047] In addition, a plurality of branch air passage through-holes (not shown) are provided at the edge of the bottom plate, and a plurality of main air passage through-holes (not shown) are provided at both ends of the bottom plate.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the interface communication module includes a separately provided first communication module and a second communication module. The input network interface, the output network interface, and the IO interface are provided on the first communication module, and the n IO-LINK interfaces are provided on the second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are communicatively connected, and communication between the first communication module and the solenoid valve plate assembly is performed through the IO interface. In this embodiment, an MCU is provided on each communication module.

[0049] In this embodiment, the interface communication module includes two separately provided first communication modules and a second communication module. When the master station function is not required, the second communication module can be not used, thereby further reducing costs.

[0050] In summary, the embodiment of the present utility model provides a pneumatic control system. Since the interface communication module is provided with IO-LINK interfaces, it has the IO-LINK master station function. By connecting to the IO module through the IO-LINK interface, IO function expansion can be performed. In addition, the interface communication module is also provided with two industrial Ethernet interfaces, which can adapt to different controller systems and achieve cascading of interface modules to realize expansion functions. In addition, the interface communication module is directly connected to the main controller through the Ethernet interface, which can improve communication speed and reduce control costs.

[0051] Although some specific embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are only for illustration and not for limiting the scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should also understand that various modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present utility model. The scope disclosed by the present utility model is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pneumatic control system, characterized in that: include: A main controller, a valve island structure and n IO modules, the valve island structure includes a base plate and an interface communication module and a solenoid valve plate assembly arranged on the base plate, the interface communication module is provided with an input network interface, an output network interface, an IO interface and n IO-LINK interfaces for communication connection, the interface communication module communicates with the solenoid valve plate assembly via the IO interface, the i-th IO module is connected to the i-th IO-LINK interface, the interface communication module communicates with the main controller via the input network interface, n≥2, and the value of i is 1 to n.

2. The pneumatic control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes m interface communication modules, m≥2; wherein the input network interface of the 1st interface communication module is communicatively connected to the main controller, the input network interface of the jth interface communication module is communicatively connected to the output network interface of the j-1th interface communication module, and the value of j is 2 to m.

3. The pneumatic control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface communication module is also provided with a window, and a rotary code switch is provided in the window.

4. The pneumatic control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The interface communication module comprises an upper shell and a lower shell that are detachably connected, the window, the input network interface, the output network interface and the IO-LINK interface are arranged on the upper shell, and the lower shell is connected to the base plate.

5. The pneumatic control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The edge of the upper shell is provided with a groove, the edge of the lower shell is provided with a boss matched with the groove, and a sealing ring is provided in the groove; an embedded nut is also provided on the upper shell, and a bolt through hole is also provided on the lower shell.

6. The pneumatic control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate is provided with a circuit board mounting groove for mounting a circuit board, and the circuit board is provided with a first socket connector connected to the plug connector of the interface communication module and a second socket connector connected to the plug connector of the solenoid valve sheet assembly.

7. The pneumatic control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The circuit board is provided with a positioning hole, a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure, the first sealing structure includes a plurality of first seals connected in sequence, each first seal is arranged in a first wrapping area of ​​the corresponding substrate segment, the first wrapping area is an area on the corresponding substrate segment excluding the area corresponding to the socket connector and the positioning hole, a groove structure is formed on each first seal, the second sealing structure includes a plurality of second seals matched with the plurality of first seals, each second seal is arranged on a second wrapping area corresponding to the corresponding groove structure and is at least partially embedded in the groove structure, the second wrapping area is an area corresponding to the groove structure excluding the area corresponding to the socket connector.

8. The pneumatic control system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hardness of the first sealing member is greater than the hardness of the second sealing member.

9. The pneumatic control system according to claim 7, characterized in that: One end of the first sealing member protrudes outward to form a protruding end, the protruding end is formed with an embedding groove, and the other end is internally formed with a clamping end matched with the protruding end.

10. The pneumatic control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface communication module includes a first communication module and a second communication module which are separately arranged. The first communication module is provided with the input network interface, the output network interface and the IO interface, and the second communication module is provided with the n IO-LINK interfaces. The first communication module and the second communication module are communicatively connected, and the first communication module communicates with the solenoid valve sheet assembly through the IO interface.

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