Multi-pole connecting valve terminal

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multi-pole connecting valve terminal which comprises one or more valve modules, and each valve module comprises a base portion, a plurality of valve terminals, a plurality of valve terminals, a plurality of valve terminals and a plurality of valve terminals, and the base portion is internally provided with a channel used for fluid in pressure or vacuum. One or more pneumatic valves mounted on the base and connected to the channel; and a solenoid or a pair of solenoids for each of the pneumatic valves, the solenoids mounted on the bases and connected to the channel, each of the pneumatic valves being removably mounted on a respective base, and each of the solenoids is removably mounted on a respective base and removably mounted relative to an associated pneumatic valve such that each of the pneumatic valves and each of the solenoids are selectively removable from the respective base in a manner independent of each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In particular, the multipolar connection valve island is a modular multipolar valve island. BACKGROUND

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0009] Electrical signals are transmitted via physical electrical wiring to each solenoid in the pilot solenoid valve, which typically includes an interface comprising a multi-pin connector or a multi-pole connector. Control can be provided via wiring that is physically point-to-point connected via wired electrical conductors or conductors on a printed circuit board, or via an electronic communication system that typically employs serial technology.

[0010] In any case, the configuration is established during the island's design phase. Once created, it is no longer possible to modify the electrical diagram between each electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector and the solenoid of the valve island, thus statically determining the one-to-one correspondence between commands and the solenoids of the corresponding pneumatic valves and pilot valves. Therefore, the statically determined connection between the solenoid positions and the control pins of the multi-pole socket limits the rearrangement of the valve island modules.

[0011] Therefore, there is a strong sense of need in this field for a multi-stage valve island that is more versatile and easier to assemble, while also allowing for simplified maintenance and configuration of the multi-stage valve island. Utility Model Content

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

[0013] This and other objectives are achieved by the multi-stage connection valve island as described in this disclosure.

[0014] Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] According to one aspect, the multi-stage valve island includes one or more valve modules, each valve module including a base with channels configured to distribute pressurized fluid or vacuum. The base allows for the installation of up to two independent pneumatic valves with specific functions, as described above, and allows for the installation of up to two solenoids for each pneumatic valve for electromechanical control of the pneumatic valve itself, for example, by opening or closing the compressed air flow. A microprocessor electronic board is integrated into the same base, defined as a secondary or second-level electronic board, having the following functions:

[0016] - Identify the presence of a solenoid pilot valve, or a solenoid or coil of a solenoid pilot valve, used to pilot the pneumatic valve.

[0017] - Power is supplied to the solenoid pilot valve, or the solenoid of the solenoid pilot valve, according to commands given by the main electronic board or primary electronic board mounted on the head of the valve island.

[0018] - It uses serial technology to communicate with the main electronic board and secondary electronic boards through specific electrical connections available on the electronic board itself.

[0019] According to one aspect, the multi-stage valve island includes one or more valve modules, each valve module further including: a base in which a passage for pressurizing fluid or vacuum is provided; and one or more pneumatic valves, such as two pneumatic valves, having an associated solenoid mounted on the base and connected to the passage.

[0020] In this specification, "solenoid" is used to refer to a solenoid pilot valve or a solenoid electrically operated pilot valve. As is well known, a solenoid pilot valve or a solenoid electrically operated pilot valve includes an electrically powered coil to actuate the movement of a movable core, thereby opening or closing the flow of compressed air to the corresponding pneumatic valve. In this way, the solenoid or solenoid pilot valve assembly with the corresponding pneumatic valve is an indirectly operated solenoid valve.

[0021] According to one aspect, the multi-stage connection valve island includes at least one head having a connector for supplying fluid under pressure or supplying fluid under pressure to a vacuum generator.

[0022] According to one aspect, the multi-pole valve island includes: a microprocessor unit, or a main electronic board having a processor, the microprocessor unit, or the main electronic board having a processor, mounted on the at least one head; and a multi-pole connector or multi-pole socket for controlling the solenoid and for electrically supplying power to the island.

[0023] According to one aspect, the multi-pole valve island includes: a main electronic board with microprocessor technology, mounted on a housing formed in the head, the main electronic board being connected to a specific output interface or connector for connection to a secondary electronic board; and an input interface or multi-pole connector with standard multi-pole connections, such as a "D-SUB" type connector for receiving commands or serial communication signals. Serial communication commands or signals are organized according to the numbering of the multi-pole connector used. If the multi-pole connector has, for example, 25 electrical contacts, then there will be 24 electrical commands configured to transmit serial communication signals. The 25th electrical contact has a negative reference voltage, i.e., a return signal function. Typically, using an n-pin connector, n-1 control signals will be available.

[0024] According to one aspect, the main electronic board does not have an external power supply device. Instead, it is directly powered by electrical control voltages or control signals supplied by an external control unit, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), to control the corresponding solenoids or solenoid pilot valves. The main electronic board also supplies power to the secondary electronic boards of each valve module via electrical control voltages.

[0025] According to one aspect, each pneumatic valve in the pneumatic valve is removably mounted, and each solenoid or solenoid pilot valve in the solenoid or solenoid pilot valve is removably mounted on a corresponding base, wherein each pneumatic valve can be de-associated with one or more solenoids or solenoid pilot valves of the pneumatic valve, such that all the pneumatic valves and all the solenoids or solenoid pilot valves of the corresponding valve module can be selectively and independently removed from the corresponding base of the valve module.

[0026] Because of this feature, it will be possible to selectively replace only one pneumatic valve and / or only one solenoid or solenoid pilot valve or a pair of solenoid or solenoid pilot valves in a manner independent of other solenoid or solenoid pilot valves, or it will be possible to change the configuration of the valve island without modifying the overall architecture of the valve island.

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

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

[0029] According to one aspect, the multi-pole connection valve island can be configured via a configuration program that allows a pin of a multi-pole connector, socket, or plug to be sequentially associated with a first available solenoid.

[0030] According to one aspect, the multi-pole island can be progressively configured to associate the pins or electrical contacts or command number 1 of the multi-pole connector with a first electromechanical command, that is, to associate the pins or electrical contacts or command number 1 of the multi-pole connector with a first solenoid or first solenoid pilot valve available starting from the valve module closer to the head supporting the main electronic board, and to associate the pins or electrical contacts or command number 2 of the multi-pole connector with a second electromechanical command, that is, to associate the pins or electrical contacts or command number 2 of the multi-pole connector with a second solenoid pilot valve available after the first solenoid or first solenoid pilot valve, and so on, so that the sequence depends only on the individual electromechanical controller installed in the valve module, that is, the solenoid or solenoid pilot valve.

[0031] In other words, the pins of the multipole connector are only connected to the installed solenoids, and none of the pins of the multipole connector are assigned to empty stations. Therefore, the unconnected pins of the multipole connector will remain idle.

[0032] Utilizing a specific operational sequence known as automatic configuration, the secondary electronics board of the valve module acquires the number, presence, and location of solenoids or solenoid pilot valves installed in the respective valve modules. The main electronics board in the head acquires the consistency of each valve module, namely the number of installed solenoids or solenoid pilot valves and their relative positions. The main electronics board in the head then assigns the electrical contacts or pins or commands of the multi-pole connector in the head to the specific solenoids or solenoid pilot valves present in the valve modules according to the aforementioned criteria. In this way, known pre-established electrical configurations can be overcome, which associate the electrical contacts or pins or controls of the multi-pole connector coupled to the main electronics board housed in the head with each location of a solenoid or solenoid pilot valve that can be connected or has already been connected.

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

[0034] Therefore, there is a lack of pre-configured electrical diagrams with cable or pin-to-pin connection rails located between the multipole connector and the solenoid.

[0035] If the island's configuration changes, for example due to the addition or removal of a module's solenoid, a reset and a new automatic configuration can be performed.

[0036] After the automatic configuration, the configuration will be remembered, that is, the order of the stations or positions of the solenoids connected to the relevant base, or the existing valve modules, and the existing solenoids will be remembered.

[0037] Then, the island's main electronic board will automatically reconfigure correctly. The island can also be reconfigured if modifications are made to it.

[0038] Therefore, this feature allows the island to be assembled in a fully customizable manner, enabling the addition / removal of pneumatic valves, solenoids, and valve modules during the initial first assembly stage and in subsequent stages of island reconstruction, without physically modifying the electrical contacts of the island itself in any way.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a multi-stage connecting valve island is provided, the multi-stage connecting valve island comprising: one or more valve modules, wherein each valve module comprises: a base, wherein the base is provided with a passage for fluid under pressure or vacuum; one or more pneumatic valves, the pneumatic valves being mounted on the base and connected to the passage; and a solenoid or a pair of solenoids for each pneumatic valve, the solenoids being mounted on the base and connected to the passage, characterized in that each pneumatic valve is removably mounted on a corresponding base, and each solenoid is removably mounted on a corresponding base and removably mounted relative to the associated pneumatic valve, such that each pneumatic valve and each solenoid can be selectively removed from the corresponding base independently of each other.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each pneumatic valve in the pneumatic valves can be selectively removed from the corresponding base independently of other pneumatic valves mounted on the corresponding base, and each solenoid in the solenoids can be selectively removed from the corresponding base independently of other solenoids mounted on the corresponding base.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-pole connection valve island includes a main electronic board and at least one multi-pole connector connected to the main electronic board. The main electronic board includes a processor. Each valve module in the valve module includes a secondary electronic board having a corresponding processor. Each secondary electronic board is configured to detect the presence and position of the solenoid of the corresponding valve module. Each secondary electronic board is configured to control the solenoid of the corresponding valve module. The secondary electronic board of the valve module is directly connected to the main electronic board, or the secondary electronic board of the valve module is connected to the main electronic board via the secondary electronic board of an adjacent valve module. The main electronic board is configured to receive solenoid control signals to control one or more solenoids. The main electronic board is configured to supply power to each secondary electronic board without requiring an external power supply device other than the solenoid control signals. The main electronic board is configured to communicate in series with each secondary electronic board.

[0042] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the solenoid control signal comes from a programmable logic controller.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device to deassociate the position of a detected solenoid with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector associated with that solenoid; wherein, the main electronic board is configured to: after the multi-pole connection valve island is rearranged, receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device to detect the presence of each valve module and the position of each solenoid present in the corresponding valve module, and sequentially associate the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector with the position of the first detected and usable solenoid among the solenoids, until all detected and usable solenoids have been logically sequentially associated with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector, wherein, the main electronic board is configured to convert the reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device into a serial communication configuration signal for transmission to the secondary electronic board, thereby logically associating the present and usable solenoids in the multi-pole connection valve island with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device after the multi-pole connection valve island has been rearranged, so as to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector associated with the solenoid.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device after removing or adding one or more of the valve modules, and / or after removing or adding one or more of the pneumatic valves, and / or after removing or adding one or more of the solenoids, so as to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector associated with the solenoid.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main electronic board is configured to power each secondary electronic board via a solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or a reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device, and / or wherein the main electronic board and the multi-pole connector do not have electrical connections dedicated to power supply, or wherein the main electronic board is configured to be powered only via a solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or a reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device, wherein, in the absence of the solenoid control signal or the reset and configuration signal, the main electronic board and the secondary electronic board avoid absorbing electrical energy and / or are not powered.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary electronic board of each valve module includes: pins, the pins of the secondary electronic board being configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board of an adjacent first valve module in the valve module; and a socket, the socket of the secondary electronic board being configured to be connected to the pins of the secondary electronic board of an adjacent second valve module in the valve module or to the pins of the main electronic board configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the multi-stage connecting valve island includes two opposite heads, each head being provided with a supply connection for fluid under pressure or vacuum and a discharge connection, wherein the main electronic board is mounted on one of the heads.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each valve module includes a device for mechanical connection of a corresponding solenoid, wherein the base of each valve module includes a seat, a corresponding secondary electronic board is accommodated in the seat, and the device for mechanical connection of the solenoid is accommodated in the seat.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the channels provided in the base of each valve module include: at least one base supply channel; at least one base discharge channel; and at least two base use channels for each pneumatic valve, wherein each base use channel is configured to connect to an external facility.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the channels provided in the base of each valve module include the following channels for the solenoid: at least one pair of solenoid supply channels; at least one pair of solenoid discharge channels; wherein the solenoid is a solenoid pilot valve or a solenoid electric pilot configured to control a corresponding pneumatic valve.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each pneumatic valve includes a spool-like component and a valve body. The valve body has a receiving seat configured to movably accommodate the spool-like component. The valve body also has at least one solenoid use channel for the solenoid to drive the movement of the spool-like component. Furthermore, the valve body has at least one valve supply channel configured to connect to a base supply channel formed in a related base mechanically connected to the valve body. The valve body also has at least one valve discharge channel configured to connect to a corresponding base discharge channel obtained in the related base. Finally, the valve body has a valve use channel configured to connect to a corresponding base use channel obtained in the related base.

[0053] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the multi-pole connector is a multi-pole connection socket or plug. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a partially exploded three-dimensional view of valve module 100 according to a structural example of an embodiment, showing: a base 400; two valves 200, 200'; a solenoid or a pair of solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' for each valve 200, 200'; a secondary electronic board 110 having a control processor for the solenoids of module 100; and a cover 120 for the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'.

[0056] Figure 2 This shows, from another perspective, the assembly configuration and Figure 1 The same as module 100 in the module.

[0057] Figure 3 It does not include solenoids 300, 310, 300', or 301'. Figure 1 A cross-section of module 100 shows compressed air passages 410-422 and pilot passages 451, 454 formed in the base 400, as well as passages formed in the valve body 210.

[0058] Figure 4 A fully assembled island 500 is shown in an illustrative example.

[0059] Figure 5A three-dimensional view of a partially unassembled island 500' in the second example is shown.

[0060] Figure 6 The configuration stage is illustrated by way of example, where the solenoids of four valves 1, 2, 3, and 4 are connected to a 25-pin SUB-D25 connector. Three of the four valves 1, 2, 3, and 4 are bistable and each has two solenoids A1, B1, A3, B3, A4, and B4. One of the four valves 2 is monostable and has a single solenoid A2. As shown, the first seven pins of the multipole connector, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7, are sequentially connected to the seven existing solenoids A1, B1, A2, A3, B3, A4, and B4, thus ignoring the empty stations of missing solenoids.

[0061] Figure 7 A reset and learning device is shown, which is configured to connect to the multipole connector of the multipole island to reset a pre-existing configuration in the main electronic board and initiate a new configuration for the multipole valve island, wherein pins P1, P2 of the multipole connector 560 of the island 500 will be sequentially reconnected to each solenoid present in the island, thereby ignoring any empty stations. Detailed Implementation

[0062] According to a general embodiment, a multi-stage valve island 500 is provided, and the multi-stage valve island 500 includes one or more valve modules 100, 100'. Each valve module 100, 100' includes: one or two pneumatic valves 200, 200'; and a solenoid pilot valve or a pair of solenoid pilot valves for each pneumatic valve 200, 200', which are also referred to herein as one or more solenoids 300, 310, 300', 301'.

[0063] In one embodiment, each valve module 100, 100' includes a secondary electronics board 110, which includes a corresponding solenoid control processor to control the solenoids of the corresponding valve module 100. The multi-pole valve island 550 includes: at least one main electronics board 550 having a processor; and a multi-pole connector or multi-pole connector socket or plug 560. In one embodiment, the multi-pole connector 560 is configured to control the solenoids 300, 310, 300', 301' of the valves 200, 200' and to supply power to the island 500. The multi-pole connector 560 is connected to the main electronics board 550. The main electronics board 550 includes a processor or microprocessor. In this specification, configuration as a main electronics board or secondary electronics board can be considered as a processor configured or programmed as a main electronics board or secondary electronics board.

[0064] In one embodiment, each secondary electronic board 110 is configured to detect the presence and position of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' of the corresponding valve module 100. Each secondary electronic board 110 is configured to control the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' of the corresponding valve module 100.

[0065] The secondary electronic board 110 of valve module 100 is directly connected to the main electronic board 550, or the secondary electronic board 110 of valve module 100 is connected to the main electronic board 550 via an adjacent secondary electronic board 110 of valve module 100.

[0066] The main electronic board 550 is configured, for example, to receive solenoid control signals from a programmable logic controller to control one or more of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'.

[0067] In one embodiment, advantageously, the main electronic board 550 is configured to power each secondary electronic board 110 without requiring an external power supply device other than a solenoid control signal, and the main electronic board 550 is configured to communicate in series with each secondary board 110. In this way, the solution can be simplified compared to known solutions, in which the valve island is activated only when it receives a solenoid control signal, ensuring continuous power supply to the multi-pole connected valve island, and in the absence of a solenoid control signal, the multi-pole connected valve island is shut off and does not consume or absorb electrical energy.

[0068] In one embodiment, the multipole connector 560 includes a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins and a return electrical contact or return pin.

[0069] In one embodiment, in order to configure the multi-pole valve island 500, the main electronic board 550 is configured to communicate with each secondary electronic board 110 to receive from each secondary electronic board 110 the detected positions of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' in the corresponding valve module 100, and the main electronic board 550 is configured to sequentially associate the positions of each detected solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' with the corresponding control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560.

[0070] In one embodiment, the multi-pole valve island 500 includes a communication module comprising the main electronic board 550 and the multi-pole connector 560. In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is mechanically and electrically connected in series to various secondary electronic boards 110 according to a progressive assembly sequence of one or more valve modules 100 relative to the communication module.

[0071] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to communicate with each of the secondary electronic boards 110 according to a progressive assembly sequence to receive from each secondary electronic board 110 the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' that has been detected in the corresponding valve module 100.

[0072] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to store the positions of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' received from each secondary electronic board 110 in the order of their existing solenoid positions. In one embodiment, the order of existing solenoid positions is the order in which the positions of the solenoids detected in each valve module are ordered progressively according to the valve modules attached to the main electronic board in series.

[0073] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to sequentially associate the positions of each detected solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' with the corresponding control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multipole connector 560 according to the positional order of the existing solenoids.

[0074] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to avoid associating the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multipole connector 560 with the locations of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' that have not yet been detected.

[0075] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to: detect the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in each valve module 100 and the presence of each valve module 100 by means of a serial communication configuration signal between the main electronic board 550 and each of the secondary electronic boards 110 of the valve module 100, wherein each secondary electronic board 110 is connected in series to the main electronic board 550 by means of the progressive assembly sequence, and / or, the valve module 100 is connected relative to the main electronic board 550 by means of the progressive assembly sequence.

[0076] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to sequentially associate the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560 with the position of the first detected and available solenoid among the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' by means of a serial configuration communication signal between the main electronic board 550 and each of the secondary electronic boards 110 of the valve module 100. The first detected and available solenoid refers to a solenoid that has not yet been logically associated with another control electrical contact or control pin among the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... until all detected and available solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' have been sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560.

[0077] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to convert solenoid control signals received from a programmable logic controller into serial communication command signals for transmission to the secondary electronic board 110, thereby selectively controlling one or more solenoids among the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' that are associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multipole connector 560.

[0078] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 to remove the association between the positions of the detected solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' and the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560 associated with the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'; for example, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 after the multi-pole connection valve island 500 has been rearranged to remove the association between the positions of the detected solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' and the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560 associated with the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'. The associated control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... are de-associated; for example, the main electronic board 550 is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 after removing or adding one or more valve modules of the valve module 100, and / or removing or adding one or more pneumatic valves of the pneumatic valve 200, and / or removing or adding one or more solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301', to de-associate the positions of the detected solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' with the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multipole connector 560 associated with the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'.

[0079] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to: receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device 600 after the multi-pole connection valve island 500 has been rearranged; detect the presence of each valve module 100 and the position of each solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in the corresponding valve module 100; and sequentially associate the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560 with the positions of the first detected and available solenoids among the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301', until all detected and available solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' have been logically sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560.

[0080] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to convert reset and configuration signals received from the reset and learning device 600 into serial communication configuration signals for transmission to the secondary electronic board 110, thereby logically associating the positions of solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' or the positions of solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' present and available in the multi-pole connection valve island 500 with the electrical contacts or control pins P1, P2, ... of the multi-pole connector 560.

[0081] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 and the multipole connector 560 do not have electrical connections dedicated to power supply.

[0082] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 is configured to be powered only by a solenoid control signal received from a programmable logic controller or by a reset and configuration signal received from a reset and learning device 600.

[0083] In one embodiment, the main electronic board 550 and the secondary electronic board 110 avoid absorbing electrical energy and / or are not powered in the absence of a solenoid control signal or a reset and configuration signal.

[0084] In one embodiment, the multi-stage valve island 500 includes two heads 510 and 520, each head having a supply connection 531 and 532 for fluid under pressure or vacuum, and a discharge connection 541 and 542. In one embodiment, at least one main electronic board 550 having a processor is mounted on at least one of the heads 510.

[0085] Each valve module 100 includes a base 400.

[0086] In one embodiment, each base 400 is provided with a valve seat 460 for accommodating the valves 200, 200' and a seat 470 for accommodating a secondary electronic board 110 for controlling the solenoid of the valve module 100.

[0087] In one embodiment, the base 400 further includes a device 480 for mechanical connection of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301'. In one embodiment, the base 400 of each valve module 100 includes a seat 470 in which a corresponding secondary plate 110 is received, and the device 480 for mechanical connection of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is received in the seat.

[0088] The passage for pressurized fluid is implemented in the base 400. In one embodiment, the passage implemented in the base 400 includes: at least one base supply passage 410; at least one base discharge passage 420, 430; and at least two base usage passages 441, 442, 443, 444 for each valve 200, 200', wherein each base usage passage 441, 442, 443, 444 is configured to connect to an external facility.

[0089] In one embodiment, the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301 are solenoid pilot valves or solenoid electric pilots configured to control (pilot) the corresponding pneumatic valves 200, 200.

[0090] The base 400 also defines channels for solenoids 300, 301, 300', and 301'. In one embodiment, the channels for solenoids 300, 301, 300', and 301' include: at least one pair of solenoid supply channels 451 and 452; and at least one pair of solenoid discharge channels 453 and 454.

[0091] Advantageously, each of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' is removably and independently mounted on the base 400. Similarly, each solenoid or each pair of solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is removably mounted on the base 400, independently of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' mounted on the base. Advantageously, in each valve module of the valve module 100, each of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' is removably mounted on a corresponding base 400, and each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is removably mounted on the corresponding base 400, or on a corresponding station implemented on the corresponding base 400, and each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' is removably mounted relative to the associated pneumatic valve 200, 200', such that each pneumatic valve in the pneumatic valves 200, 200' and each solenoid in the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' can be selectively removed from the corresponding base 400 in a manner independent of each other. In one embodiment, each of the pneumatic valves 200, 200' can be selectively removed from the respective base 400 independently of other pneumatic valves 200, 200' mounted on the respective base 400. In another embodiment, each of the solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' can be selectively removed from the respective base 400 independently of other solenoids 300, 301, 300', 301' mounted on the respective base 400.

[0092] In one embodiment, each pneumatic valve 200 includes a valve body 210, in which a receiving seat 211 is formed for accommodating a movable reel-like component 220. In one embodiment, the valve body 210 is the same for each type of pneumatic valve, for example, for 3 / 2, 5 / 2, or 5 / 3 pneumatic valves, wherein the reel-like component 220 is replaced only in the same valve body 210, depending on the type of 3 / 2, 5 / 2, or 5 / 3 pneumatic valve.

[0093] In one embodiment, the valve body 210 further defines: a solenoid access channel 230 for a pilot solenoid to drive the movement of the spool-like member 220, the pilot being an electric pilot or a solenoid; and valve supply channels 241, valve discharge channels 242, 243, and valve access channels 244, 245, which communicate with the channels of the base 400 when the valves 200, 200' are mounted on the base 400.

[0094] This disclosure also relates to a kit.

[0095] The kit includes at least one multi-pole connection valve island 500 according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the multi-pole connector 560 includes a plurality of control electrical contacts or control pins, or includes electrical contacts or return pins.

[0096] The kit includes a reset and learning device 600. The reset and learning device 600 can be selectively connected to the multipole connector 560. The reset and learning device 600 is configured to send a reset and configuration signal to the main electronic board 550 to associate each control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector 560 with the position of the corresponding solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' of the multipole connection valve island 500, and / or to deassociate each control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector 560 with the position of the corresponding solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' of the multipole connection valve island 500 that is already associated with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector, and subsequently associate each control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector 560 with the position of the corresponding solenoid 300, 301, 300', 301' present in the multipole connection valve island 500.

[0097] The configuration of the multi-pole connection island 500 is performed via signals transmitted serially from the main electronic board 550 of the island 500 to the processor of the secondary electronic board 110 of the module 100.

[0098] This configuration occurs automatically when Island 500 is first enabled, that is, when the main electronic board 550 has not yet been programmed or configured.

[0099] If the island needs to be reprogrammed or reconfigured after its structure has been modified, such as by adding / removing one or more valves and / or solenoids and / or modules, the island 500 can be configured by a reset and learning device 600, which can be selectively connected to the island's multipole connector 560 and begin the configuration process.

[0100] The device 600 includes: a housing 610, the size and shape of which allow for easy portability; an electronic board, optionally having a processor; a power supply battery, preferably rechargeable; a multi-pole socket 620 adapted to communicate with the multi-pole connector or plug 560 of the island 500; and an activation button 630. Figure 6 An example of an implementation of device 600 is shown.

[0101] To continue resetting and reconfiguring the island, it is sufficient to connect device 600 to the island's multipole connector 560 and activate the device to activate the main electronic board 550. Device 600 will reset the preset configuration in the main electronic board 550 and continue with the new configuration as described above, wherein pins P1, P2 of the multipole connector 560 of the island 500 will be sequentially reconnected to each station or position of the solenoid present in the island, ignoring any empty positions or stations where the solenoid is not present.

[0102] During the configuration phase, sound and / or light signals can be emitted to indicate the correct progress of the program and / or any error status, and / or the completion of configuration can be identified by the following specified sound signal emission sequence: for each detected valve module, the sound signal lasts for approximately 0.5 seconds at a frequency of approximately 1 Hz, and then for each detected solenoid, the sound signal lasts for approximately 0.2 seconds at a frequency of approximately 1.2 Hz. If an error occurs, a sound signal lasting approximately 3 seconds will be emitted.

Claims

1. A multi-stage connecting valve island (500), the multi-stage connecting valve island comprising: One or more valve modules (100). Each valve module (100) includes: a base (400) having a passage for fluid under pressure or vacuum; one or more pneumatic valves (200, 200') mounted on the base (400) and connected to the passage; and a solenoid or a pair of solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') for each pneumatic valve (200, 200'), the solenoids being mounted on the base (400) and connected to the passage. Its features are, Each of the pneumatic valves (200, 200') is removably mounted on a corresponding base (400), and each of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') is removably mounted on the corresponding base (400) and removably mounted relative to the associated pneumatic valve (200, 200'), such that each pneumatic valve in the pneumatic valves (200, 200') and each solenoid in the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') can be selectively removed from the corresponding base (400) independently of each other.

2. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the pneumatic valves (200, 200') can be selectively removed from the respective base (400) independently of any other pneumatic valve mounted on the respective base (400). Each of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') can be selectively removed from the respective base in a manner independent of other solenoids installed in the respective base (400).

3. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-pole connection valve island (500) includes a main electronic board (550) and at least one multi-pole connector (560) connected to the main electronic board (550), wherein the main electronic board (550) includes a processor. Each valve module (100) includes a secondary electronic board (110) with a corresponding processor, wherein each secondary electronic board (110) is configured to detect the presence and position of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') of the corresponding valve module (100). Each secondary electronic board (110) is configured to control the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') of the corresponding valve module (100). The secondary electronic board (110) of the valve module (100) is either directly connected to the main electronic board (550) or connected to the main electronic board (550) via a secondary electronic board (110) of an adjacent valve module (100). In this configuration, the main electronic board (550) is configured to receive solenoid control signals to control one or more of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'), wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to supply power to each secondary electronic board (110) without requiring an external power supply device other than the solenoid control signals, and the main electronic board (550) is configured to communicate in series with each secondary electronic board (110).

4. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solenoid control signal comes from the programmable logic controller.

5. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device (600) to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector (560) associated with the solenoid. The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device (600) after the multi-pole connection valve island (500) is rearranged, in order to detect the presence of each valve module (100) and the position of each solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') in the corresponding valve module (100), and to sequentially associate the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multi-pole connector (560) with the positions of the first detected and available solenoids among the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'), until all detected solenoids are present. The available solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') are logically sequentially associated with the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multipole connector (560), wherein the main electronic board (550) is configured to convert reset and configuration signals received from the reset and learning device (600) into serial communication configuration signals for transmission to the secondary electronic board (110), thereby logically associating the available solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') in the multipole connection valve island (500) with the control electrical contacts or control pins of the multipole connector (560).

6. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from the reset and learning device (600) after the multi-pole connection valve island (500) is rearranged, so as to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multi-pole connector (560) associated with the solenoid.

7. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to receive a reset and configuration signal from a reset and learning device (600) after removing or adding one or more valve modules (100), and / or after removing or adding one or more pneumatic valves, and / or after removing or adding one or more solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'), to deassociate the position of the detected solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301') with the control electrical contact or control pin of the multipole connector (560) associated with the solenoid.

8. The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main electronic board (550) is configured to power each secondary electronic board (110) via a solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or via a reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device (600). And / or wherein the main electronic board (550) and the multi-pole connector (560) do not have electrical connections dedicated to power supply, or The main electronic board (550) is configured to be powered only by the solenoid control signal received from the programmable logic controller or by the reset and configuration signal received from the reset and learning device (600), wherein, in the absence of the solenoid control signal or the reset and configuration signal, the main electronic board (550) and the secondary electronic board (110) avoid absorbing electrical energy and / or are not powered.

9. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, The secondary electronic board (110) of each valve module (100) includes: pins (111) configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board (110) of an adjacent first valve module in the valve module (100); and sockets (112) configured to be connected to pins (111) of the secondary electronic board (110) of an adjacent second valve module in the valve module (100) or to pins of the main electronic board (550) configured to be connected in series with the secondary electronic board (110).

10. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, The multi-stage connecting valve island (500) includes two opposite heads (510, 520), each head (510, 520) being provided with a supply connection (531, 532) and a discharge connection (541, 542) for fluid under pressure or vacuum, and wherein the main electronic board (550) is mounted on one of the heads (510).

11. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Each valve module (100) includes a device (480) for mechanical connection of the corresponding solenoid (300, 301, 300', 301'), wherein, The base (400) of each valve module (100) includes a seat (470) in which a corresponding secondary electronic board (110) is housed, and the device (480) for mechanical connection of the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') is housed.

12. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The channels provided in the base (400) of each valve module (100) include: - At least one base supply channel (410); - At least one base emission channel (420, 430); - At least two base access channels (441, 442, 443, 444) for each pneumatic valve (200, 200'), wherein each base access channel (441, 442, 443, 444) is configured to connect to an external facility.

13. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The channels provided in the base (400) of each valve module (100) include the following channels for the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301'): - At least one pair of solenoid supply channels (451, 452); - At least one pair of solenoid discharge channels (453, 454); The solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301) are solenoid pilot valves or solenoid electric pilots configured to control the corresponding pneumatic valves (200, 200').

14. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each pneumatic valve includes a spool-like component (220) and a valve body (210), wherein a receiving seat (211) is formed in the valve body, the receiving seat (211) being configured to movably accommodate the spool-like component (220), wherein at least one solenoid access channel (230) for the solenoids (300, 301, 300', 301') is formed in the valve body (210) to drive the movement of the spool-like component (220), wherein at least one valve supply channel (241) is formed in the valve body (210), the valve supply channel (241) being configured to connect to the valve body (210) formed therein. 0) A base supply channel (410) in a mechanically connected base (400), wherein at least one valve discharge channel (242, 243) is formed in the valve body (210), the valve discharge channel (242, 243) being configured to connect to a corresponding base discharge channel (420, 430) obtained in the relevant base (400), wherein a valve use channel (244, 245) is formed in the valve body (210), the valve use channel (244, 245) being configured to connect to a corresponding base use channel (441, 442, 443, 444) obtained in the relevant base (400).

15. The multi-stage connection valve island (500) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, The multi-pole connector is a multi-pole connection socket or plug.

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