Control and evaluation unit for processing sensor signals and controlling actuators

Abstract

A control and evaluation unit for processing sensor signals and controlling external actuators, in particular 24 V solenoid valves, characterized in that the control and evaluation unit comprises a compact housing (1) with an integrated controller board (4), LCD display (3), and M8 3-pin sockets for sensor inputs (5) S1, S2, S3, S4 and a switching output (6) R1, wherein the unit has programmable time delays (switch-on delay EV and switch-off delay AV) as well as logic functions (AND / OR, time logic ZL / sensor logic SL, step sequence function SK, and loop function) which are adjustable via a graphical user interface on the LCD display (3) and enable an automated query / switching cycle that is activated by a main start button. The unit is operated with a 24 V supply voltage via a 3-pin panel-mount connector (7).

Description

[0001] Conventional control and evaluation devices for processing sensor signals and controlling external actuators, such as solenoid valves, typically consist of a combination of hardware components like housings, circuit boards, and connectors. They may include programmable functions to implement time delays or simple logic. In their simplest form, they comprise a central control unit with inputs for sensors and outputs for actuators and are suitable for use in industrial environments (e.g., for pneumatic systems).

[0002] Such devices are used to automate sequence and switching processes in industrial applications, particularly in the control of pneumatic cylinders. However, a flexible combination of logic functions and sensor queries is often not possible without complex programming or additional components. A standard control unit with standardized timing and logic modes cannot simply be used to remedy this, as this hinders adaptability to different processes and complicates user-friendly configuration.

[0003] The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem of creating a compact control and evaluation device that combines simple, programmable processing of sensor signals with flexible logic functions to enable automated cycles in industrial processes without external programming, while ensuring intuitive operation and protection against unauthorized modification.

[0004] This problem is solved by the features listed in claim 1.

[0005] The invention enables the control and evaluation unit to efficiently process sensor signals and control actuators, with programmable time delays and logic modes allowing for versatile automation. Access to settings is protected by a key lock during operation. Additional functions such as statistics and manual mode facilitate monitoring and manual control. The device is compact, suitable for industrial use, and reduces the need for separate control components.

[0006] An external release ensures global switching on and off of the device. This advantageous function of the invention is described in claim 2.

[0007] Claims 3 and 4 describe how the sensor inputs S1 and S2 enable cycle start using AND or OR logic, thus increasing flexibility in signal processing. They also include a light / dark function that allows a cycle to start even when no signal input is present.

[0008] Further advantageous functions are described in claims 4 and 5. In sensor logic mode (SL), sensor states are additionally queried. The step sequence and loop functions allow for combinable sequences for complex processes.

[0009] Another advantageous feature of the invention is described in claim 8. The keypad lock with PIN protects sensitive settings from unauthorized access.

[0010] Further advantageous features are described in claims 9 to 11. Features such as hand mode, multilingual UI, screensaver and statistics improve usability and maintenance. List of designations 1 case 2 lids 3 LCD displays 4 circuit boards 5 M8 3-pin female panel mount connectors 6 M8 3-pin female panel mount connectors 7 M8 3-pin male panel mount connectors

Claims

[1] Control and evaluation unit for processing sensor signals and for controlling external actuators, in particular 24 V solenoid valves, characterized by The control and evaluation unit comprises a compact housing (1) with an integrated controller board (4), LCD display (3), and M8 3-pin sockets for sensor inputs (5) S1, S2, S3, S4 and a switching output (6) R1. The unit features programmable time delays (switch-on delay EV and switch-off delay AV) as well as logic functions (AND / OR, time logic ZL / sensor logic SL, step sequence function SK, and loop function) that are adjustable via a graphical user interface on the LCD display (3) and enable an automated query / switching cycle activated by a main start button. The unit is powered by a 24V supply voltage via a 3-pin panel-mount connector (7). [2] Control and evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized byThe 24V supply voltage can be externally enabled via the built-in connector (7). This allows the device to be switched off externally. It also ensures that the device cannot be switched on without external authorization, thus increasing safety. [3] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by The cycle can also be started even without a signal input. This is controlled via the Light / Dark function. [4] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor inputs S1 and S2 are used to start the cycle and can optionally perform an AND or OR function. [5] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in time logic mode (ZL) the cycle is based exclusively on the delays EV and AV, while in sensor logic mode (SL) the sensor states S3 and S4 are additionally queried with adjustable delays to check switching and reset states, whereby the sensor inputs S3 and S4 are used to query the position of a pneumatic cylinder. [6] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the step sequence function (SK) activates the switching output R1 through S1 and deactivates it through S2, whereby this function can be combined with ZL / SL, but not with AND / OR. [7] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the loop function continuously repeats the cycle as long as signals are present at S1 or S2, and only starts after a new signal change when deactivated, whereby this function can be combined with AND / OR, ZL / SL and SK. [8] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a key lock can be activated via a PIN (4-10 digits), which locks settings such as EV / AV, logic modes and additional functions, whereby the password can be changed. [9] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a manual mode manually activates or deactivates the switching output R1. [10] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a screensaver with adjustable times (Off, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min) displays the states of the sensor and switching outputs as LED symbols and is controlled by touching the display or using the power button. [11] Control and evaluation device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a statistics function records the total number of switching operations and can be reset, the user interface is available in several languages ​​(German, English), and a connection diagram with QR code for the online operating instructions and an information page with device data are integrated into the user interface.

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