Multi-protocol valve island communication structure with ip67 protection rating

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of IP67 protection level's multi-protocol valve island communication structure, including communication module, the communication module is connected to fieldbus by bus interface, communication module is also connected to the valve piece on busbar by communication / signal cable;The communication module inside is equipped with valve island gateway, valve island gateway is connected to the fieldbus of external main station by bus interface communication, and the valve island gateway is IO-Link type gateway or PROFINET type gateway.The utility model has beneficial effect: valve island and outside data exchange only realize by a cable, save wiring time, reduce the equipment volume, enhance the anti-interference ability, make data transmission more reliable.It has the characteristics of fast communication speed, strong anti-interference ability.In addition, IO-Link is a kind of point-to-point low-cost communication protocol, compared with traditional bus, and expansion ability is stronger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of valve island equipment, and in particular relates to a multi-protocol valve island communication structure with an IP67 protection level. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial automation, valve islands occupy a very important position and are widely used in process control, manufacturing, chemical and other industries. Leveraging accumulated technical expertise in industrial communication protocols, the developed communication protocol gateway module for valve islands, through cooperation with external valve island component suppliers, quickly adapts to valve islands of different brands, thereby opening up new growth points in the increasingly competitive remote I / O market. This IP67-protected multi-protocol valve island communication module's communication protocol gateway module supports up to 8 / 16 / 24 valve positions depending on the number of valve plates it supports. The valve island consists of three parts: a coupler, valve plates, and a manifold. The coupler and manifold are connected, and each interface point on the manifold is controlled by a corresponding I / O port of the coupler. Every two I / O points on the manifold drive a dual-electro-controlled valve (e.g., ...). Figure 1 A1 and B1 represent a dual-electro-controlled valve (each A1 and B1 corresponds to an I / O point). The manifold is available with either a single base plate interface or two base plate interfaces, corresponding to contact-type valve plates and outgoing-type valve plates, respectively. Currently, valve islands on the market lack adaptability, failing to simultaneously support electro-controlled valves at different locations, and their protocols are limited and inflexible. Therefore, we have improved and adjusted the various components received, developing a bus-type valve island module to better meet market demands. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a multi-protocol valve island communication structure with an IP67 protection rating to solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0005] A multi-protocol valve island communication structure with IP67 protection rating includes a communication module. The communication module is connected to a fieldbus via a bus interface and is also connected to a valve plate on a busbar via a communication / signal cable. The communication module has a valve island gateway inside, which is connected to the fieldbus of an external master station via a bus interface. The valve island gateway is an IO-Link type gateway or a PROFINET type gateway.

[0006] Furthermore, the IO-Link type gateway includes a gateway housing and a communication interface. The communication interface is located on the surface of the gateway housing, and three gateway indicator lights are provided on one side of the communication interface.

[0007] Furthermore, a mounting foot is provided at each of the two ends of the bottom of the gateway housing, and a clearance groove is provided at each of the four corners of the top of the gateway housing, with a mounting hole provided in each clearance groove.

[0008] Furthermore, both the gateway housing and the main body shell are explosion-proof.

[0009] Furthermore, the PROFINET type gateway includes a main housing, a display screen is mounted on the surface of the main housing, two I / O interfaces are provided on one side of the display screen, and a second communication interface is installed on one side of the two I / O interfaces.

[0010] Furthermore, three status indicator lights are provided on one side of the second communication interface.

[0011] Furthermore, a clearance groove is provided at each of the four corners of the surface of the main body shell, and a mounting hole is provided in each clearance groove. A mounting foot is provided at each of the two ends of the bottom of the main body shell.

[0012] Furthermore, the manifold includes a manifold body, a plurality of valve body interfaces are equidistantly arranged on the surface of the manifold body, and two rows of mounting or air passage interfaces are also provided on the surface of the manifold body. An electrical interface is installed on one side of the manifold body.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the IP67-rated multi-protocol valve island communication structure of this invention has the following advantages:

[0014] The IP67-rated multi-protocol valve island communication structure of this invention enables data exchange between the valve island and the outside world via a single cable, saving wiring time, reducing equipment size, enhancing anti-interference capabilities, and making data transmission more reliable. It features high communication speed and strong anti-interference capabilities. Furthermore, IO-LINK is a point-to-point, low-cost communication protocol with greater scalability compared to traditional buses. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure as described in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an IO-Link type gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3This is a side view schematic diagram of the IO-Link type gateway according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the IO-Link type gateway described in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a PROFINET type gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a side view schematic diagram of the PROFINET type gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top view of the PROFINET type gateway described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Bus interface; 2. Communication module; 3. Busbar; 31. Busbar body; 32. Valve body interface; 33. Mounting or air circuit interface; 34. Electrical interface; 4. Valve plate; 5. Communication / signal cable; 6. IO-Link type gateway; 61. Gateway housing; 62. Communication interface one; 63. Gateway indicator light; 64. Mounting foot one; 65. Clearance groove one; 66. Mounting hole one; 7. PROFINET type gateway; 71. Main body housing; 72. Display screen; 73. Status indicator light; 74. Communication interface two; 75. I / O interface; 76. Clearance groove two; 77. Mounting hole two; 78. Mounting foot two. Detailed Implementation

[0026] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] It should be noted that a valve island refers to a control device composed of multiple valves, pipelines, and accessories arranged as a whole, capable of switching, distributing, controlling, and regulating multiple pipelines. The structure and principle of a valve island are relatively complex, consisting of a communication module, a pneumatic module, and various interfaces. The control principle of a valve island is to integrate various components and regulate the flow of media through different valve combinations to achieve specific control functions.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, the IP67-rated multi-protocol valve island communication structure includes a communication module 2. The communication module 2 is connected to the fieldbus via a bus interface 1 and also to the valve plate 4 on the busbar 3 via a communication / signal cable 5. The communication module 2 internally houses a valve island gateway, which is connected to the fieldbus of an external master station via the bus interface 1. The valve island gateway is either an IO-Link type gateway 6 or a PROFINET type gateway 7. In this embodiment, the valve island's communication module is generally referred to as a coupler. The coupler is the control unit of the entire valve island. Commands are sent from the external master station to the coupler to control the signals at each I / O point, thereby controlling the valve plate 4 on the busbar 3.

[0032] In this embodiment, the valve island needs to communicate with the external master station via fieldbus. Bus interface 1 is responsible for accessing the fieldbus network (such as Profibus, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, etc.) to realize the reception of control signals and the feedback of status signals. It is the communication bridge between the valve island and the external master station.

[0033] In this embodiment, the communication module 2 processes the signals transmitted from the fieldbus interface and converts them into control signals for the solenoid valve unit (valve disc) (such as electrical signals driving the solenoid coil); it also collects status feedback from the solenoid valve unit (valve disc) (such as valve core position, fault signals) and sends it back to the fieldbus interface. It is the control core of the valve island, integrating signal processing, logic control, and other functions.

[0034] In this embodiment, the manifold 3 serves as the mechanical and pneumatic foundation of the valve island, used to mount the solenoid valve unit (valve plate 4) and integrate pneumatic and electrical connection terminals. Through a standardized interface, it allows multiple solenoid valves to share the pneumatic source and control signals, simplifying system wiring and installation.

[0035] In this embodiment, valve plate 4 is a solenoid valve unit mounted on the manifold. Each valve plate 4 controls one pneumatic circuit, and the opening and closing of the air circuit is achieved by controlling the valve core movement through the energization / de-energization of the solenoid coil. Multiple valve plates 4 can be installed on the manifold 3 to form a multi-loop pneumatic control system.

[0036] In this embodiment, the communication / signal cable 5 is used for signal transmission between the communication module 2 and the busbar 3. It undertakes the functions of transmitting control commands (from the communication module 2 to the valve plate 4) and transmitting status signals (from the valve plate 4 to the communication module 2), ensuring the reliability of signal interaction between the various components of the valve island.

[0037] In this embodiment, communication module 2 provides an interface for the central controller and other fieldbus devices (such as distributed peripheral systems). Electrical connection technologies can be implemented via fieldbus, multi-pole interfaces, or common interfaces. Commonly used fieldbus protocols include PROFIBUS DP, Profinet I / O, Modbus / TCP, and Ethernet I / P. This approach enables continuous automation from process valves to the control level.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the IO-Link type gateway 6 includes a gateway housing 61 and a communication interface 62. The communication interface 62 is located on the surface of the gateway housing 61, and three gateway indicator lights 63 are provided on one side of the communication interface 62. A mounting foot 64 is provided at each end of the bottom of the gateway housing 61, and a clearance groove 65 is provided at each of the four corners of the top of the gateway housing 61. A mounting hole 66 is provided in each clearance groove 65. The gateway housing 61 is an explosion-proof housing. In this embodiment, the gateway indicator lights 63 are used for status monitoring. The mounting feet 64 and mounting holes 66 are for easy installation and fixation. This utility model does not improve the internal control module of the IO-Link type gateway 6 and the PROFINET type gateway 7, but only improves the housing structure of the IO-Link type gateway 6 and the PROFINET type gateway 7 to realize the communication conversion between the IO-Link protocol or the PROFINET protocol and other industrial buses, and to support data interaction between valve islands and other devices and the control system.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the PROFINET type gateway 7 includes a main housing 71. A display screen 72 is mounted on the surface of the main housing 71. Two I / O interfaces 75 are provided on one side of the display screen 72, and a communication interface 74 is mounted on one side of the two I / O interfaces 75. Three status indicator lights 73 are provided on one side of the communication interface 74. A clearance groove 76 is provided at each of the four corners of the surface of the main housing 71, and a mounting hole 77 is provided in each clearance groove 76. A mounting foot 78 is provided at each end of the bottom of the main housing 71. In this embodiment, the mounting feet 78 and mounting holes 77 are for easy installation and fixation. The main housing 71 is an explosion-proof shell used to carry internal circuits and other components, providing structural support and protection. The display screen 72 is used to display the gateway's working status, parameter settings, and other information, facilitating user viewing and operation. The status indicator lights 73 correspond to different functions such as power supply, communication status, and fault, providing a clear view of the gateway's operating status. Communication interface 74 is an M12 or similar connector used to establish communication connections between the gateway and other devices in the Profinet network, transmitting data signals. The two I / O interfaces 75, labeled LX1 and LX2 respectively, are input / output interfaces used to connect external sensors, actuators, and other devices to input or output signals, expanding the gateway's control or monitoring functions. Each I / O interface 75 can correspond to a different I / O channel for connecting different peripheral devices.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the manifold 3 includes a manifold body 31. The surface of the manifold body 31 is provided with a plurality of valve body interfaces 32 at equal intervals. The surface of the manifold body 31 also has two rows of mounting or pneumatic interfaces 33. An electrical interface 34 is mounted on one side of the manifold body 31. In this embodiment, the manifold body 31 serves as the basic mounting and connection carrier for the valve island, integrating and mounting multiple valve plates 4, interfaces, and pipelines, facilitating system installation, maintenance, and layout, reducing cluttered external pipeline connections, and improving the compactness and reliability of the pneumatic system. The valve body interfaces 32 serve as interfaces for the valve plates 4. The mounting or pneumatic interfaces 33 are threaded holes or quick-connect interfaces, used to fix the mounting holes of the valve island components (fixing the valve and manifold to the equipment or mounting bracket with screws), or can be input / output interfaces for the pneumatic circuit, etc. These interfaces enable the manifold to connect with external air sources, actuators, or other pneumatic circuits, transmitting compressed air to drive downstream pneumatic equipment. Electrical interface 34 is a pin socket or multi-core connector used for electrical connection between the valve island and the external master station, and for transmitting the on / off power signal of valve plate 4.

[0041] Industrial applications of valve islands reduce errors and costs associated with manual intervention. They also enable remote control, supporting remote monitoring and control, allowing users to view the valve island's operational status in real time via a network and perform remote operations. Furthermore, they offer flexibility and convenience, improving production efficiency and responsiveness.

[0042] Data exchange between the valve island and the outside world is achieved through a single cable, saving wiring time, reducing equipment size, enhancing anti-interference capabilities, and making data transmission more reliable. The bus valve island can be configured in linear, ring, star, and other topologies. The bus valve island supports the following protocols: IO-Link / PROFINET / EtherCAT / EtherNet / IP / Modbus TCP, and the D-SUB interface is considered for future development; among them, Industrial Ethernet features high communication speed and strong anti-interference capabilities. IO-LINK is a point-to-point, low-cost communication protocol with greater scalability compared to traditional buses.

[0043] It should be noted that this application only improves the mechanical structure of the valve island communication structure, and does not improve the control program. The control program and its electrical components involved are all existing technologies.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-protocol valve island communication structure with IP67 protection rating, comprising a communication module (2), wherein the communication module (2) is connected to a fieldbus via a bus interface (1), characterized in that: The communication module (2) is connected to the valve plate (4) on the busbar (3) via a communication / signal cable (5); the communication module (2) is equipped with a valve island gateway, which is connected to the fieldbus of the external master station via a bus interface (1). The valve island gateway is an IO-Link type gateway (6) or a PROFINET type gateway (7). The IO-Link type gateway (6) includes a gateway housing (61) and a communication interface (62). The communication interface (62) is located on the surface of the gateway housing (61), and three gateway indicator lights (63) are provided on one side of the communication interface (62). The PROFINET type gateway (7) includes a main housing (71), a display screen (72) is mounted on the surface of the main housing (71), two I / O interfaces (75) are provided on one side of the display screen (72), and a second communication interface (74) is installed on one side of the two I / O interfaces (75).

2. The IP67 protection level multi-protocol valve island communication structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gateway housing (61) has a mounting foot (64) at each of its two bottom ends, and a clearance groove (65) is provided at each of the four corners of the top of the gateway housing (61). Each clearance groove (65) has a mounting hole (66) in it.

3. The IP67 protection level multi-protocol valve island communication structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the gateway housing (61) and the main body housing (71) are explosion-proof housings.

4. The multi-protocol valve island communication structure with IP67 protection level according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second communication interface (74) has three status indicator lights (73) on one side.

5. The multi-protocol valve island communication structure with IP67 protection level according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body shell (71) has a relief groove (76) at each of the four corners of its surface, and a mounting hole (77) is provided in each relief groove (76). A mounting foot (78) is provided at each of the two ends of the bottom of the main body shell (71).

6. The multi-protocol valve island communication structure with IP67 protection level according to claim 1, characterized in that: The manifold (3) includes a main body of the manifold (3), and a plurality of valve body interfaces (32) are provided at equal intervals on the surface of the main body of the manifold (3). The main body of the manifold (3) is also provided with two rows of upper and lower mounting or air passage interfaces (33). An electrical interface (34) is installed on one side of the main body of the manifold (3).

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