Methods for operating a pneumatic system and pneumatic system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a pneumatic system (200) for industrial automation, comprising at least one pneumatic functional unit (211) having a valve assembly (221) and at least one pneumatic actuator (231) that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the valve assembly (221), wherein the pneumatic system (200) further comprises a control device (240) and / or at least one sensor (237, 252) and / or an input device (260) and / or a safety switch, wherein the method comprises the following steps: operating the pneumatic system (200) in a first operating mode, in particular a normal operating mode, in which the valve assembly (221) pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator (231), detecting a condition and / or event, switching the pneumatic system (200) from the first operating mode to a second operating mode in response to the detected condition and / or event.in particular a safety mode, wherein the valve device (221) pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator (231) in the second operating mode taking into account at least one parameter, such that the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a pneumatic system for industrial automation, comprising at least one pneumatic functional unit which has a valve device and at least one pneumatic actuator which can be pneumatically actuated by means of the valve device, wherein the pneumatic system further has a control device and / or at least one sensor and / or an input device and / or a safety switch, wherein the method comprises the following steps: operating the pneumatic system in a first operating mode, in particular a normal operating mode in which the valve device pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator, detecting a state and / or event.

[0002] DE 100 06 367 A1 discloses a fluid power system for safety-oriented control, as well as a fluid power actuator, a local control device for a fluid power system, a software module for a local control device of a fluid power system, and a method for operating a fluid power system. The fluid power actuator is controlled by control means of a local control device. A sensor transmits information about the operating states of the fluid power system to the local control device. For this purpose, it is proposed that the local control device determine from this information whether a safety-critical state exists and, if necessary, execute a predetermined follow-up action. The safety-oriented functions are integrated into the fluid power system, so that it can be used as a prefabricated unit.

[0003] An object of the invention is to provide a high efficiency of the system while ensuring the safety of the pneumatic system.

[0004] The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. The method further comprises the step of, in response to the detected state and / or event, switching the pneumatic system from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode, wherein the valve device pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator in the second operating mode taking into account at least one parameter, such that the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter, wherein the state and / or the event is detected on the basis of an input signal and / or with the control device and / or with the at least one pneumatic functional unit, wherein the input signal can be a sensor signal detected by means of the sensor, an input signal caused by an input of a user into the input device,a safety signal caused by a position of the safety switch and / or a signal caused by the at least one pneumatic functional unit, wherein the pneumatic system comprises a plurality of pneumatic functional units, each having a respective valve device and at least one respective pneumatic actuator that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the respective valve device, wherein in the first operating mode, each valve device pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator, and wherein in the second operating mode, each valve device pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator taking into account a respective parameter, such that the pneumatic actuations in the second operating mode differ from the pneumatic actuations in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameters, wherein preferably at least two of the parameters differ from one another.

[0005] Advantageous further training is the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] The invention further relates to a pneumatic system for industrial automation comprising at least one pneumatic functional unit having a valve device and at least one pneumatic actuator that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the valve device, wherein the pneumatic system is configured to be operated in a first operating mode, in particular a normal operating mode, in which the valve device pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator, wherein the pneumatic system is further configured to detect a state and / or an event, wherein the pneumatic system is additionally configured to be switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode, wherein the valve device is configured to pneumatically actuate the pneumatic actuator in the second operating mode taking into account at least one parameter, such thatthat the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter, wherein the pneumatic system further comprises a control device and / or at least one sensor and / or an input device and / or a safety switch, wherein the pneumatic system is additionally configured to detect the state and / or the event on the basis of an input signal and / or with the control device and / or with the at least one pneumatic functional unit, wherein the input signal is a sensor signal detected by the sensor, an input signal caused by a user input into the input device, a safety signal caused by a position of the safety switch and / or a signal caused by the at least one pneumatic functional unit,wherein the pneumatic system comprises a plurality of pneumatic functional units, each having a respective valve device and at least one respective pneumatic actuator that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the respective valve device, wherein the pneumatic system is configured such that, in the first operating mode, each valve device pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator, and wherein the pneumatic system is configured such that, in the second operating mode, each valve device pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator taking into account a respective parameter, such that the pneumatic actuations in the second operating mode differ from the pneumatic actuations in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameters, wherein preferably at least two of the parameters differ from one another.

[0007] Further exemplary details and exemplary embodiments are explained below with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 a pneumatic system, Fig. 2 another pneumatic system with an input device, Fig. 3 a further pneumatic system with a first pneumatic functional unit and a second pneumatic functional unit, and Fig. 4 a method for operating a pneumatic system.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a pneumatic system 200. The pneumatic system 200 comprises a first pneumatic functional unit 211. The first pneumatic functional unit 211 has a first valve device 221 and a first pneumatic actuator 231 that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the first valve device 221.

[0009] The valve device 221 preferably has at least one proportional valve, in particular a plurality of proportional valves. Furthermore, the proportional valves are each preferably arranged in a valve cartridge, wherein the valve device 221 has a plurality of valve cartridges. Such a valve device 221 with a plurality of valve cartridges is also referred to as a valve island. A plurality of valve cartridges can be combined in a so-called valve disc. In particular, a valve disc has four or five valve cartridges. The valve island can have a plurality of valve discs. Particularly preferably, each valve cartridge has two proportional valves, one of which is assigned to a pneumatic supply line and another to a pneumatic discharge line. In particular, the proportional valves are designed as piezo valves, i.e. the proportional valves each have a valve member which is designed as a piezo bender orcoupled with a piezo bender.

[0010] Preferably, the first pneumatic actuator 231 has an actuator member 235. By way of example, the first pneumatic actuator 231 is designed as a pneumatic cylinder. Furthermore, by way of example, the actuator member 235 is designed as a piston with a piston rod. Alternatively or additionally, the first pneumatic actuator 231 can be designed as a gripper, a swivel drive, or a rodless cylinder.

[0011] For example, the pneumatic actuator 231 is a single-acting cylinder with a return element, e.g. a return spring, or a double-acting cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, the pneumatic functional unit 211 has at least one sensor designed as a position sensor 237, with which the position of the actuator element 235 can be detected. The position sensor 237 is designed purely as an example as an end position sensor. Alternatively, the position sensor 237 can be designed as a continuous position measuring system. In this way, the position of the actuator element 235, in particular in the cylinder, can be detected. Preferably, a further position sensor 237 is provided (in Fig. 1 not shown), which is also designed as an end-position sensor purely by way of example. For example, a position sensor 237 designed as a lower end-position sensor and a position sensor 237 designed as an upper end-position sensor are provided.

[0013] The pneumatic functional unit 211 preferably has at least one sensor designed as a pressure sensor. Furthermore, the pressure sensor is preferably assigned to a pneumatic connection between the valve device 221 and the first pneumatic actuator 231. Particularly preferably, each valve cartridge is assigned at least one pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor can be arranged on the first pneumatic actuator 231. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one pressure sensor can be arranged in the valve device 221.

[0014] The pressure sensor can be designed as a relative pressure sensor, allowing the pressure to be measured independently of a changing ambient pressure. Alternatively or additionally, an ambient pressure sensor can be provided to calculate a relative pressure. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is designed as a temperature-compensated pressure sensor. Alternatively or additionally, a temperature sensor can be provided to compensate for the temperature influence.

[0015] If the first pneumatic actuator 231 is designed as a single-acting cylinder, in particular, a pressure sensor is provided, which is assigned to a pressure chamber of the single-acting cylinder. If the first pneumatic actuator 231 is designed as a double-acting cylinder, in particular, two pressure sensors are provided, one of which is assigned to a first pressure chamber of the double-acting cylinder and another to a second pressure chamber of the double-acting cylinder.

[0016] The pneumatic system 200 preferably has a control device 240. The control device 240 is preferably coupled to the first valve device 221 and the position sensor 237 or the position sensors 237. The first valve device 221 is preferably designed as a pressure control valve device, so that, for example, a pressure applied to a pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder or a pressure applied to one of two pressure chambers of the pneumatic cylinder can be regulated. Alternatively or additionally, the first valve device 221 is designed as a flow control valve device, so that, for example, a flow of compressed air to be achieved with respect to a pressure chamber of the pneumatic cylinder can be regulated. In particular, for the purpose of pressure control and / or for the purpose of flow control, the pressure is measured with the at least one pressure sensor.

[0017] The valve device 221 preferably has an internal control and / or regulating device, which is designed, for example, as a controller. Furthermore, the internal control and / or regulating device is preferably configured to control and / or regulate the operation of the first pneumatic actuator 231. The internal control and / or regulating device is preferably configured to communicate with the control device 240 and / or an industrial PC, in particular to query the at least one parameter to be considered during the operation of the first pneumatic actuator 231 from the control device 240 and / or the industrial PC or to receive it from the latter.

[0018] Preferably, communication between the internal control and / or regulating device and the control device 240 and / or the industrial PC takes place via a bus interface and / or a point-to-point connection, in particular via IO-Link. Furthermore, communication between the internal control and / or regulating device and the control device 240 and / or the industrial PC preferably takes place via a wired and / or wireless connection.

[0019] Preferably, the pressure control and / or the flow control is carried out by means of the control device 240 and / or the internal control and / or regulating device.

[0020] Preferably, the pressure control is position-dependent. The at least one position sensor 237 detects the position of the actuator element 235. Furthermore, it is preferably checked by means of the control device 240 and / or the internal control and / or regulating device whether the actuator element 235 is in a predetermined desired position. If the actuator element 235 has not yet reached this desired position, the first pneumatic actuator 231 is pneumatically actuated by the first valve device 221. If the actuator element 235 reaches the desired position, the position sensor 237 sends a corresponding signal to the control device 240. Preferably, the control device 240 and / or the internal control and / or regulating device then controls the first valve device 221 such that the actuator element 235 does not execute any further movement. In the case of a pneumatic cylinder, this can be achieved by maintaining the pressure in the pressure chamber(s).Alternatively, after the actuator member 235 has reached the desired position, the control device 240 and / or the internal control and / or regulating device controls the first valve device 221 such that the actuator member 235 performs a movement opposite to the previous movement, in particular towards the further position sensor 237. The above-described operation of the pneumatic system 200 is referred to as operation in an operating mode.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 240 and / or the internal control and / or regulating device is configured to perform position control with respect to the actuator element 235. This position control is preferably pressure-related, using signals from the at least one pressure sensor. The position control function and the pressure control function can be implemented in the same component of the pneumatic system 200, e.g., in the control device 140 or in the internal control and / or regulating device. Alternatively, the position control function and the pressure control function can be implemented in different components of the pneumatic system 200, e.g., the position control function can be implemented in the control device 140 and the pressure control function in the internal control and / or regulating device, or vice versa.

[0022] The pneumatic system 200 is configured to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode.

[0023] Preferably, the pneumatic system 200 is configured to operate in a regular operating mode in which no malfunction of the pneumatic system 200 is present. A regular operating mode is, for example, a normal operating mode. Furthermore, the pneumatic system 200 is preferably configured to operate in an irregular system mode in which a malfunction of the pneumatic system 200 is taken into account while still allowing operation of the pneumatic system. An irregular operating mode is, for example, a safety mode.

[0024] During operation of the pneumatic system 200, in particular during the pressure control described above, ambient conditions relevant to operation may change. For example, it may be necessary for the actuator element 235 to move to the target position more quickly in order to accelerate a process. Alternatively, it may be necessary to save energy, for which purpose the compressed air consumption can be reduced and the actuator element would move more slowly. Furthermore, it may be necessary to reduce the size of the movement-related properties of the actuator element 235, in particular to meet increased safety requirements. Movement-related properties of the actuator element 235 include, for example, its speed and its momentum. The change in the ambient conditions relevant to operation is recorded as a corresponding event. The changed ambient conditions relevant to operation are recorded as a corresponding state.

[0025] For example, the entry of a person into a safety area can be detected as an event and / or the presence of the person in the safety area as a corresponding state. In response to the detected state and / or event, the pneumatic system 200 is switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode. In the second operating mode, the detected state and / or event is taken into account. Here, the first valve device 221 pneumatically actuates the first pneumatic actuator 231, taking into account at least one parameter, such that the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter.

[0026] Depending on requirements and / or changing ambient conditions, more than two operating modes can be provided, for example three, four, five, up to ten or up to 20 operating modes. Other possible operating modes are, for example, a fast mode in which process time is reduced or an energy-saving mode in which the required process energy is reduced. As described above, the first pneumatic actuator 231 can be operated in a pressure-controlled or flow-controlled manner. Preferably, it is further provided that it is possible to switch between pressure-controlled operation and flow-controlled operation. The switch between pressure-controlled and flow-controlled operation can take place within an operating mode, for example within the first operating mode, and / or by moving the pneumatic system 200 from one operating mode to another operating mode, for example.with the transfer of the pneumatic system 200 from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0027] A parameter can be either a value of an operating parameter or an operating parameter with at least one associated value. Preferably, multiple parameters are provided. Furthermore, preferably, multiple parameters are combined into parameter sets, each parameter set having at least one parameter.

[0028] Preferably, the parameter and / or the parameter set or the parameters and / or the parameter sets are stored on the control device 240. Alternatively, the parameter and / or the parameter set or the parameters and / or the parameter sets are stored on the first pneumatic functional unit 211. If several pneumatic functional units are provided (cf. below to Fig. 3) Preferably, all parameters and / or parameter sets are stored in the pneumatic functional units assigned to them.

[0029] Furthermore, the first pneumatic functional unit 211 is preferably controlled by the control device 240, at least in that the control device 240 provides a control signal to the first pneumatic functional unit 211, on the basis of which the parameter is called.

[0030] Preferably, the state and / or event is detected with the first pneumatic functional unit 211.

[0031] The parameter can be provided directly to the first pneumatic functional unit 211 and is therefore considered component-specific. The parameter can also be provided to the entire pneumatic system 200 and is therefore considered system-specific.

[0032] The parameter is a parameter related to the movement of the first pneumatic actuator 231 and can be, for example, a maximum pressure, a maximum travel distance, an end position, a maximum speed, or a maximum force, or can be configured to change these attributes. Accordingly, by taking the parameter into account, the movement behavior of the first pneumatic actuator 231 or the pneumatic system 200 is influenced or changed.

[0033] Preferably, a parameter within the meaning of the invention is not to be understood as a setpoint value for a control, in particular for a pressure control with the first valve device 221. Rather, the parameter influences this setpoint value.

[0034] Preferably, the parameter is a limiting parameter that limits the pneumatic actuation of the pneumatic actuator 231 and / or a movement of an actuator member 235 of the pneumatic actuator 231.

[0035] Preferably, the state and / or event is detected by the control device. Furthermore, the first pneumatic functional unit 211 is preferably controlled by the control device 240, at least by the at least one parameter being provided by the control device 240 to the first pneumatic functional unit 211.

[0036] The first pneumatic actuator 231 can be designed in different sizes. For example, the limiting parameter is selected according to the size of the first pneumatic actuator 231. The limiting parameter can be a maximum or minimum pressure for pneumatic actuation. A minimum pressure is a pressure at which the pneumatic actuation of the first pneumatic actuator 231 is maximally limited without – taking into account various external influences, such as temperature – disabling the pneumatic actuator 231. Rather, the first pneumatic actuator 231 remains functional when the minimum pressure is applied, whereby movement-related properties, such as speeds and / or forces, of the first pneumatic actuator 231 are reduced.

[0037] A maximum pressure is a pressure at which the pneumatic actuation of the first pneumatic actuator 231 is minimally limited, in particular is not limited, particularly preferably is amplified by means of an amplification parameter, without - taking into account various external influences, such as temperature - there being an unmanageable risk that the first pneumatic actuator 231 is damaged due to the pneumatic actuation.

[0038] In particular, differently dimensioned pneumatic actuators are provided, wherein the minimum pressure for the smaller dimensioned pneumatic actuator, in particular the first pneumatic actuator 231, is not sufficient to actuate the larger dimensioned pneumatic actuator, in particular a second pneumatic actuator 232 (cf. Fig. 3) into a functional state.

[0039] Preferably, taking into account the at least one parameter in the safety mode results in at least one movement-related variable having a lower value than this at least one movement-related variable in the normal operating mode. In particular, the pressure assigned to the pneumatic actuator is lower in the safety mode than in the normal operating mode. Furthermore, the speed of the pneumatic actuator and / or the force exerted by the pneumatic actuator is preferably lower in the safety mode than in the normal operating mode.

[0040] Furthermore, a third operating mode designed as a fast mode is preferably provided and / or alternatively, the second operating mode is designed as a fast mode. In particular, taking into account the at least one parameter in the fast mode results in at least one movement-related variable having a greater value than this at least one movement-related variable in the normal operating mode. In particular, the pressure assigned to the pneumatic actuator is greater in the fast mode than in the normal operating mode. Furthermore, the speed of the pneumatic actuator and / or the force exerted by the pneumatic actuator is preferably greater in the fast mode than in the normal operating mode.

[0041] The Fig. The pneumatic system 200 shown in Figure 2 is based on the Fig. 1 shown pneumatic system 200, whereby in the Fig. 2, an input device 260 is further provided. Preferably, the input device 260 is configured to transmit an input signal 292 to the control device 240. Alternatively, the input device 260 is configured to transmit the input signal 292 directly to the first valve device 221. Upon detection of the input signal 292, a corresponding state and / or event is detected. Preferably, the input device 260 is configured to provide a user with a selection of operating modes. Furthermore, the input device 260 is preferably configured to enable the user to select an operating mode to be set. If the user selects an operating mode, in particular the second operating mode, the input device 260 transmits a corresponding input signal 292 to the pneumatic system 200, whereupon a state and / or event is detected by the pneumatic system 200 in a corresponding manner.As described above, in response to the detected condition and / or event, the pneumatic system 200 is shifted from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0042] Preferably, the state and / or the event is detected on the basis of an input signal 292, wherein the input signal 292 is a sensor signal detected by means of a sensor assigned to the pneumatic system 200 (cf. below to Fig. 3), an input signal caused by a user input into an input device 260 assigned to the pneumatic system 200, a safety signal caused by a position of a safety switch assigned to the pneumatic system 200 and / or a signal caused by the pneumatic functional unit.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a pneumatic system 200 with a first pneumatic functional unit 211 and a second pneumatic functional unit 212. The Fig. 3 pneumatic system 200 is based on the one shown in Fig. 1 shown pneumatic system 200, wherein the Fig. 3, the pneumatic system 200 is arranged next to the first pneumatic functional unit 211, which also Fig. 1, additionally comprises a second pneumatic functional unit 212. Preferably, the first pneumatic functional unit 211 and the second pneumatic functional unit 212 are functionally identical. The above explanation regarding the first pneumatic functional unit 211 also applies to the second pneumatic functional unit 212.

[0044] By way of example, the second pneumatic functional unit 212 has a second valve device 222, which is similar to the first valve device 221, a position sensor 237, and a second pneumatic actuator 232, which is at least functionally similar to the first pneumatic actuator 231. However, the second pneumatic actuator 232 is preferably smaller than the first pneumatic actuator 231. A smaller pneumatic actuator is understood to be a pneumatic actuator for whose operation a lower pressure is applied in the pressure chamber than for a larger pneumatic actuator. For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the pressure chamber of the smaller pneumatic actuator has a smaller base area than the pressure chamber of the larger pneumatic actuator.

[0045] Preferably, the control device 240 is coupled to the second valve device 222 and / or the position sensor 237 associated with the second pneumatic actuator 232.

[0046] The pneumatic system 200 preferably further comprises a safety door 250 and a sensor configured as a safety sensor 252, which is assigned to the safety door 250. By way of example, the safety door 250 is configured to shield the remaining pneumatic system 200, in particular the first pneumatic actuator 231 and the second pneumatic actuator 232. For this purpose, a safety fence is additionally provided, which can be passed through the safety door 250. In particular, the safety sensor 252 is configured to detect a position of the safety door 250. By way of example, the safety sensor 252 is configured to detect when the safety door 250 is opened and / or is open. The safety sensor 252 is preferably coupled to the control device 240.

[0047] Preferably, the Fig. 3 is operated in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the first pneumatic actuator 231 is pneumatically actuated by the first valve device 221, and the second pneumatic actuator 232 is pneumatically actuated by the second valve device 222. Furthermore, the first pneumatic actuator 231 and the second pneumatic actuator 232 are preferably operated at the same pressure, for example, at 6 bar.

[0048] If the safety door 250 is opened and / or the safety door 250 is open, the safety sensor 252 detects this event and / or this state and sends a corresponding signal to the control device 240. In response to the detected state and / or event, the pneumatic system 200 is then switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode. For this purpose, a parameter is provided, in particular by the control device 240, to the first valve device 221 and / or the second valve device 222. This parameter(s) results in the pneumatic actuation of the first pneumatic actuator 231 and / or the second pneumatic actuator 232 in the second operating mode differing from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter(s). At least two of the parameters differ from one another.

[0049] Preferably, the consideration of at least one parameter results in the pressure applied in the pressure chamber of the first pneumatic actuator 231 and / or the pressure chamber of the second pneumatic actuator 232 differing from the pressure applied in a corresponding manner during the first operating mode. In particular, in the second operating mode, the pressure assigned to the first pneumatic actuator 231 is greater than the pressure assigned to the second pneumatic actuator 232. Furthermore, the pressure assigned to the first pneumatic actuator 231 and / or the second pneumatic actuator 232 in the second operating mode is preferably sufficient to just enable pneumatic actuation of the first pneumatic actuator 231 and / or the second pneumatic actuator 232. In particular, in the second operating mode, the pressure assigned to the second pneumatic actuator 232 is not sufficient to pneumatically actuate the first pneumatic actuator 231.By way of example, in the second operating mode, the pressure assigned to the first pneumatic actuator 231 is greater than the pressure assigned to the second pneumatic actuator 232. Furthermore, by way of example, in the second operating mode, the pressure assigned to the first pneumatic actuator 231 is 4 bar, while the pressure assigned to the second pneumatic actuator 232 is 3 bar.

[0050] The parameter taken into account in the first and / or second operating mode can be assigned to an individual pneumatic functional unit, i.e., for example, the first pneumatic functional unit 211 or the second pneumatic functional unit 212. Such an operating mode is referred to as component mode. Here, only the first valve device 221 or the second valve device 222 of the first pneumatic functional unit 211 or the second pneumatic functional unit 212, to which the component mode is assigned, pneumatically actuates the first pneumatic actuator 231 or the second pneumatic actuator 232, taking into account a respective parameter assigned to the component mode.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the parameter taken into account in the first and / or second operating mode can be assigned to multiple pneumatic functional units, i.e., for example, the first pneumatic functional unit 211 and the second pneumatic functional unit 212. The first operating mode is then referred to as a system mode assigned to the pneumatic system 200, in which each valve device 221 and / or 222 pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator 231 and / or 232, taking into account a respective parameter assigned to the system mode.

[0052] Furthermore, the parameter is preferably assigned to an operating mode. In particular, each operating mode is assigned a parameter set, for example, a parameter set that leads to an increase in movement-related variables of the first pneumatic actuator 231 and / or second pneumatic actuator 232 and is assigned to the fast mode, and a parameter set that leads to a reduction in movement-related variables of the first pneumatic actuator 231 and / or second pneumatic actuator 232 and is assigned to a safety mode and / or energy-saving mode and / or slow mode.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a method 100 for operating a pneumatic system 200, in particular one of the Fig. 1 to 3 pneumatic systems 200.

[0054] In a first step 110, the pneumatic system 200 is operated in a first operating mode, in particular a normal operating mode, in which the valve device 221 and / or 222 pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator 231 and / or 232. In a second step 120 following the first step 110, a state and / or event is detected.In a third step 130 following the second step 120, in response to the detected state and / or event, the pneumatic system 200 is switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode, wherein the valve device 221 and / or 222 pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator 231 and / or 232 in the second operating mode, taking into account at least one parameter, such that the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter.

Claims

[1] Method (100) for operating a pneumatic system (200) for industrial automation, comprising at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212) having a valve device (221, 222) and at least one pneumatic actuator (231, 232) that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the valve device (221, 222), wherein the pneumatic system (200) further comprises a control device (240) and / or at least one sensor (237, 252) and / or an input device (260) and / or a safety switch, wherein the method (100) comprises the following steps: - operating the pneumatic system (200) in a first operating mode, in particular a normal operating mode, in which the valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator (231, 232), - Recording a state and / or event, - in response to the detected state and / or event, switching the pneumatic system (200) from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode, wherein the valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator (231, 232) in the second operating mode taking into account at least one parameter, such that the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter, wherein the state and / or the event is detected on the basis of an input signal (292) and / or with the control device (240) and / or with the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212), wherein the input signal (292) is a sensor signal detected by means of the sensor (237, 252), an input signal caused by an input of a user into the input device (260),a safety signal caused by a position of the safety switch and / or a signal caused by the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212), wherein the pneumatic system (200) comprises a plurality of pneumatic functional units (211, 212), each having a respective valve device (221, 222) and at least one respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232) that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the respective valve device (221, 222), wherein in the first operating mode, each valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232), and wherein in the second operating mode, each valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232) taking into account a respective parameter, such thatthat the pneumatic actuations in the second operating mode differ from the pneumatic actuations in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameters, wherein preferably at least two of the parameters differ from each other. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the parameter is a limiting parameter which limits the pneumatic actuation of the pneumatic actuator (231, 232) and / or a movement of an actuator member (235) of the pneumatic actuator (231, 232). [3] Method (100) according to claim 2, characterized by that the limiting parameter is a maximum pressure for pneumatic actuation. [4] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first operating mode is designed as a system mode assigned to the pneumatic system (200), in which each valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232) taking into account a respective parameter assigned to the system mode, or as a component mode assigned to at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212), in which only the valve devices (221, 222) of the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212) to which the component mode is assigned actuates the respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232) taking into account a respective parameter assigned to the component mode, and / or the second operating mode is designed as a system mode or as a component mode. [5] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pneumatic system (200) has a control device (240), wherein the at least one parameter is stored in the control device (240). [6] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one parameter is stored in the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212). [7] Pneumatic system (200) for industrial automation comprising at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212) which has a valve device (221, 222) and at least one pneumatic actuator (231, 232) which can be pneumatically actuated by means of the valve device (221, 222), wherein the pneumatic system (200) is configured to be operated in a first operating mode, in particular a normal operating mode, in which the valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the pneumatic actuator (231, 232), wherein the pneumatic system (200) is further configured to detect a state and / or an event, wherein the pneumatic system (200) is additionally configured to be switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in particular a safety mode, wherein the valve device (221, 222) is configured, the pneumatic actuator (231,232) in the second operating mode taking into account at least one parameter, such that the pneumatic actuation in the second operating mode differs from the pneumatic actuation in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameter, wherein the pneumatic system (200) further comprises a control device (240) and / or at least one sensor (237, 252) and / or an input device (260) and / or a safety switch, wherein the pneumatic system (200) is additionally configured to detect the state and / or the event on the basis of an input signal (292) and / or with the control device (240) and / or with the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212), wherein the input signal (292) can be a sensor signal detected by the sensor (237, 252), an input signal caused by a user input into the input device (260),a safety signal caused by a position of the safety switch and / or a signal caused by the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212), wherein the pneumatic system (200) comprises a plurality of pneumatic functional units (211, 212), each having a respective valve device (221, 222) and at least one respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232) that can be pneumatically actuated by means of the respective valve device (221, 222), wherein the pneumatic system (200) is set up such that, in the first operating mode, each valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232), and wherein the pneumatic system (200) is set up such that, in the second operating mode, each valve device (221, 222) pneumatically actuates the respective pneumatic actuator (231, 232) is pneumatically operated taking into account a respective parameter, in such a way thatthat the pneumatic actuations in the second operating mode differ from the pneumatic actuations in the first operating mode due to the consideration of the parameters, wherein preferably at least two of the parameters differ from each other. [8] Pneumatic system (200) according to claim 7, further comprising a control device (240), wherein the at least one parameter is stored in the control device (240). [9] Pneumatic system (200) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the at least one parameter is stored in the at least one pneumatic functional unit (211, 212).

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