EP1158180B1 - Fluid connections blocks stacked and hold together by a frame - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a modular control system for flowing media according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such modular control systems for flowing media, the multiple Module blocks with essentially the same shape and dimensions are used, for example, in the field of analysis technology. So is a modular one in German Utility Model No. 297 03 788.8 Control system for flowing media shown that in analytical technology can be used and has several module blocks. The module blocks can be arranged in rows or offset, depending on the arrangement Different functions of the modular control system arise. there all module blocks have the same outer contour, so that only one injection mold must be made for all module blocks and large-scale production Quantities are possible. Modifications to the design of the individual channels, which are each formed inside the module blocks, are created by simply replacing interchangeable sliders in the Injection mold.

From US-A-3,516,436 a pneumatic control system is known which has several lined-up distributor plates by a frame are surrounded. There are several blocks on the individual distributor plates arranged, which are also surrounded by a frame. The blocks are fluidly with each other and with the distributor plate via connection openings connected with each other. At the bottom of the distribution plates are Output connections provided. The frame surrounding the distribution plates consists of two longitudinal rails and two end rails that pass through Screws are connected.

JP-A-02138502 shows a modular distribution system which consists of consists of several lined up blocks that are connected to each other stand. Each module block consists of a basic body and a Basic body surrounding frame. The frame surrounds the top surface and the adjacent side faces of the base body. The lined up Module blocks end with an end plate on each end face.

US-A-3,605,805 shows a plurality of valve blocks strung together, which are each formed from a cuboid block. The cuboid Blocks have essentially the same shape and dimensions. The single ones Blocks stand by channels formed in the blocks, which on the Side surfaces open into connection openings, in connection with each other. The Blocks are each made up of rods that are attached to the ends of the blocks trained flanges are connected, held in series.

In DE-A-24 32 835 there is a device for connection setup hydraulic control units shown. There are several around a central block Control devices arranged, which are connected to the block.

In DE-A-27 50 035 a hydraulic kit is shown, the one Has distributor plate on which several hydraulic or electrical elements are stacked one above the other. The hydraulic or electrical Elements stand above one another as well as with the distributor plate Channels that open into connection openings in connection with each other.

The invention creates a modular system for flowing media provided, which is mainly made up of standardized components and which has considerable freedom in its design.

According to the invention is a modular control system for flowing media with the in the characterizing part of claim 1 specified features provided.

Because each module block is essentially the same size and shaped as well has at least two opposing pads, it is possible to arrange the individual module blocks in any order, regardless of whether a module block on two of its sides or only on one its sides adjoins another module block. This makes it a big one Flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the module blocks. The Pads of a module block do not only border on neighboring ones Module blocks, but also serve to connect To provide connection elements through which the flowing medium Module blocks of the modular control system is supplied or removed. To this Purpose of the frame is provided with through connection openings, which with each align a selected connection opening of a module block. So had the framework the function, both the individual module blocks in their position too fix as well a simple and reliable solution for taking To provide connection elements.

The frame is composed of several interlocking frame elements, the frame elements comprising side elements and end elements. The side elements and the end elements are each designed uniformly, so that the same frame elements can be used for modular systems, which differ from one another, for example, in the number or sequence of the module blocks. This results in low manufacturing costs for the frame elements, since these, like the module blocks, can be manufactured in large numbers.
Another advantage of the interlocking frame elements is the possibility of subsequently changing the number and / or the sequence of the individual module blocks of a composite modular control system by simply disconnecting the connection between a stimulus element and its adjacent side elements.

Further features and advantageous configurations result from the Dependent claims.

• Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht drei in Reihe angeordnete Modulblöcke gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;
• Figur 2 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht die drei Modulblöcke von Figur 1, wobei die Modulblöcke von einem Rahmen, der aus mehreren Rahmenelementen zusammengesetzt ist, umgeben sind;
• Figur 3 in einer Schnittansicht von Figur 2 die Verbindungsstellen zwischen den Anschlußöffnungen benachbarter Modulblöcke sowie die durchgehende Anschlußöffnung eines Rahmenelements, in der ein Anschlußstecker angeordnet ist;
• Figur 4 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes modulares Steuersystem gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform, mit in Reihe angeordneten Modulblöcken;
• Figur 5 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht einen Modulblock, an dessen oberer Fläche ein wippenartiges Ventil angebracht ist;
• Figur 6a in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein modulares Steuersystem, bei der die Modulblöcke konzentrisch auf einer gemeinsamen Verteilerplatte angeordnet sind;
• Figur 6b in einer schematischen Ansicht von unten das modulare Steuersystem von Figur 6a;
• Figur 7 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein modulares Steuersystem, bei dem die Modulblöcke konzentrisch um einen zentralen Verteilerblock angeordnet sind.

The invention is shown below with reference to four embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In these show:

• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of three module blocks arranged in series according to a first embodiment;
• FIG. 2 shows the three module blocks from FIG. 1 in a perspective view, the module blocks being surrounded by a frame which is composed of a plurality of frame elements;
• Figure 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2, the connection points between the connection openings of adjacent module blocks and the continuous connection opening of a frame element, in which a connector is arranged;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modular control system according to the invention according to a second embodiment, with module blocks arranged in series;
• Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a module block, on the upper surface of which a rocker-type valve is attached;
• Figure 6a is a perspective view of a modular control system in which the module blocks are arranged concentrically on a common distributor plate;
• Figure 6b is a schematic bottom view of the modular control system of Figure 6a;
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of a modular control system in which the module blocks are arranged concentrically around a central distributor block.

The modular control system shown in Figures 1 and 2 has three cuboid module blocks 10, 12, 14, which are arranged in series and in have essentially the same size and dimensions. The Module blocks are preferably designed as injection molded parts. in the Inside the module blocks are channels for the inflow and outflow of flowing Media provided. On selected side surfaces 20 of the module blocks 10, 12, 14 each emerge from channel sections 16a, 16b and form mouth openings 22a, 22b. Adjacent module blocks are each above the mouth openings 22a of adjacent pads 24a with each other in Connection. The channel sections 16b can both inflow and Drain channels. On the upper surfaces 26 of the module blocks 10, 12 are In each case two control areas 28, 30 are provided, which lie opposite one another and into each of the two adjacent channel sections 32a, 32b. On the top Surface 26 of module block 14, on the other hand, only one control area 34 is provided, in the adjacent channel sections 32a, 32b and a channel section 36a which located opposite the channel sections 32a, 32b. On the top Valves 26 of the module blocks 10, 12, 14 can be attached. The Valves of the module blocks 10, 12 preferably each have one Closing element that serves to limit the flow of media between the neighboring ones Channel sections 32a, 32b either to release or to block. With the Closing element of the valve of module block 14 can optionally the media flow released or blocked between the channel sections 32a, 32b and 36a become. On the upper surfaces 26 of the module blocks 10, 12, 14 are each Valve seats molded in one piece so that they the mouth of one of the emerging channels surround and each with a closing element of the valves interact.

A possible configuration of a valve that is located on one of the upper surfaces 26 the module blocks 10, 12 can be attached is shown in Figure 5: At the two control areas 40, 42 are provided on the upper surface of the module block 38, open into the respective adjacent channel sections 44a, 44b and 46a, 46b. On rocker-like valve 48 is attached to the module block 38. The seesaw-like Valve 48 has a membrane 50 through which the media flow can be selected between the adjacent channel sections 44a, 44b and between the adjacent channel sections 46a, 46b can be released or blocked. The rocker-like valve 48 can be actuated with the aid of an electromagnet 52 become. In the de-energized case, the mouth opening 62 of the Channel portion 44a of the diaphragm 50 by the force of a return spring 60 kept closed so that the media flow between the channel sections 44a, 44b is locked. The mouth openings of the adjacent channel sections 46a, 46b are released from the membrane 50, so that medium between the Channel sections 46a, 46b can flow over the control area 42. When a Voltage is applied to the electromagnet 52, a magnetic field is generated, through which an armature 64, which is connected to a rocker 66, counteracts the force the return spring 60 is moved upward. This will make the Mouth opening 62 of the channel section 44a is released from the membrane 50 and the right side of rocker 66 with respect to FIG. 5 is together with the Membrane 50 by the force of the compression spring 70 in the direction of Mouth opening 68 of channel section 46a moves the media flow between the adjacent channel sections 46a, 46b is blocked.

The module blocks 10, 12, 14 are surrounded by a frame made up of several Frame elements 80, 82 is formed. Adjacent frame elements are each with the help of dovetail-shaped pins 84 and complementary thereto Recesses 86 connected to each other. The frame elements consist of a pair of end members 82 and a plurality of side members 80. Each of the Frame elements has at least one through connection opening 88 Mistake. The through connection openings 88 are each with a corresponding mouth opening 22a of one in the module blocks 10, 12, 14 formed channel in connection.

Such a connection point between a continuous connection opening 88 of a front element 82 and a mouth opening 22b of a channel is shown in FIG Figure 3 shown. Likewise, a connection point between the Mouth openings 22b of channels of the adjacent module blocks 10, 12 displayed. The mouth openings 22a, 22b are each in one at the Side surfaces 20 formed recess 80 of the module blocks 10, 12, 14 formed. To ensure a gap-free connection between the two orifices 22a is obtained in a cavity 96, which by the adjacent Recesses 80 of the adjacent module blocks 10, 12 is formed Sealing element 92 is provided with a through opening 93. The sealing element 92 has sealing lips 98 toward the media-carrying side. Since the Recesses 90 are each formed so that they are in pairs on the Figure 3 are located left and right side surface of the module block 10, it is optionally also possible to rotate the module block 10 by 180 ° so that it its left side surface with respect to FIG. 3 bears against the module block 12. The through connection opening 88 of the stimulus element 82 is threaded provided and is designed so that common connectors are used can. The connector plug 94 is located on the module block 10 facing end so on the sealing element 92 that a gap-free Connection between the mouth opening 22b and the through opening the connector plug 94 is given.

The modular control system shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be used both for Distribute a medium as well as used to mix different media become. In the "Distribute" application, this opens on module block 10 attached valve so that the medium from the inflow channel 16b via the Channel section 32a can flow into the channel section 32b of the module block 10.

Is the valve attached to the module block 12, through which the optional Media flow between the adjacent channel sections 32a, 32b released or can be blocked, the medium is opened over the channel sections 32a, 32b passed into the channel section 16a of the module block 14. By opening of the valve attached to the module block 14, the medium is then via the adjacent channel sections 32a, 32b and the control area 34 into the two opposite drain channels 16b directed so as to the medium in to distribute different directions.

Conversely, if the two channel sections 16b of the module block 14 as Inflow channels, and not as outflow channels as described above, can act the same arrangement used for mixing two or more media become.

When the module block 10 is 180 ° with respect to the adjacent module block 12 is rotated, a channel 96 takes over, which on the lower surface of the Module blocks 10 exits, the function of the channel 16b, which acts both as an inflow can also act as a drain. In this case, an additional end element required, which will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an end element 100 attached to side members 182 below module blocks 110. The Stim element 100 is provided with through connection openings 184, so that it is also possible to connect a connector to the bottom surface of the To connect module blocks 110 formed mouth opening.

The modular control system shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, which is not part of the invention, has four cuboid module blocks 210 (only two of which are shown here), all of which have essentially the same shape and dimensions. they are on a common manifold plate 204 concentric around a central block 202 arranged. Valves 205 are on the upper surfaces of the module blocks 210 attached, through which the media flow in the module blocks 210 are controlled can. A channel 206 is formed in each case in the interior of a module block 210, which exits at the lower surface of the corresponding module block 210 and there forms an orifice opening 222. The common manifold plate 204 is with Provide connection openings, each with a corresponding Connection opening 222 of a module block 210 are connected. At the bottom surface of the common manifold plate 204 are continuous Connection openings 284 are provided for receiving connector plugs serve. The module blocks 210 are each above openings 212, which are in the Side surfaces of the central block 202 are located with the central block 202 in Connection.

With this modular control system, various control functions can be performed can be easily achieved in that the common distribution plate is exchanged or the arrangement of the module blocks on the common Distribution plate is changed. The individual distributor plates can for example in their arrangement and in the number of their connection openings distinguish from each other. This also changes the number of on the Distribution plate arranged module blocks and the orientation of the module blocks to each other.

The modular control system shown in FIG. 7 and not belonging to the invention has six module blocks 310 (of which only two are shown here); those on a common plate 304 are arranged concentrically around a manifold block 302. On the top Surfaces of the module blocks 310 are attached valves 305 through which the Media flow in the module blocks 310 can be controlled. The outer Surfaces 320 of the distributor block 302, which lie opposite the module blocks 310, are pads and are located on a corresponding pad of a module block 310. Inside the manifold block 310 are channels 306 provided, each emerging from a pad 320 and there a Form mouth opening 322. The channels 306 merge into one common channel 307 formed inside the manifold block 302.

In a modular control system according to FIG. 7, the Control functions can be changed easily by the central Distribution block of the modular system is replaced. So they can individual distribution blocks, for example, in the course of their channels from one another distinguish

The modular control systems shown in Figures 6 and 7 can both to distribute one medium as well as to mix different media be used. If the medium from the module blocks 210 and 310 in the central block 202 or 302 is routed, the modular systems can Mixing different media can be used. If the medium of that Central block 202 or 302 each passed into a module block 210 or 310 the modular systems can be used to distribute a medium become.

Because the module blocks are all the same shape and the same dimensions have, they can be produced in the same injection mold. Different configurations with regard to the course of the channels can can be achieved in that the module blocks with individual designed holes are provided.

Claims (13)

1. A modular fluid control system comprising a plurality of distribution modules adapted to be arranged in an aligned abutting relationship, which are each formed of a parallelepiped-shaped module block (10, 12, 14) of essentially the same shape and size, each module block (10, 12, 14) having channels for fluid to flow in and out and at least two porting faces (24a) opposite each other with port openings (22a, 22b) which are each formed by the opening of a channel opening on the associated porting face, selected ones of the channels (16a) communicating with each other via the port openings (22a) of abutting porting faces (24a) of adjacent module blocks (10, 12, 14), and a frame (80, 82) being further provided which surrounds the module blocks (10, 12, 14), characterized in that the frame (80, 82) is provided with connector through ports (88) therein which are each aligned with a selected one of the port openings (22b) of a module block (10, 12, 14), in that the frame is formed of a plurality of inter-engaged frame members (80, 82), in that the frame members comprise a pair of end members (82) and, adjacent to the side faces of the modular control system, a plurality of side members (80) each, and in that the end members (82) and the side members (80) are each of a uniform configuration.
2. The modular control system of claim 1, characterized in that the frame members comprise a further end member (100) connected to selected ones of the side members (80).
3. The modular control system of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the side faces (20) of the module blocks (10, 12, 14) are potential porting faces (24a).
4. The modular control system of claim 3, characterized in that the top face (26) of at least one module block (10, 12, 14) is a potential porting face.
5. The modular control system of claim 3, characterized in that the top faces (26) of the module blocks (10, 12, 14) each have a valve mounted thereon by which the flow of fluid through the channels of the module blocks (10, 12, 14) can be controlled.
6. The modular control system of claim 5, characterized in that the top faces (26) of the module blocks (10, 12, 14) each have at least one integrally moulded valve seat provided thereon which surrounds the opening of a channel.
7. The modular control system of either one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the fluid flow between adjacent channel sections (32a, 32b) which each open into a control space (28, 30, 34) defined at the top face (26) of the module blocks (10, 12, 14) can be selectively enabled or blocked by means of a closure member of the valve.
8. The modular control system of either one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the top faces (26) of the module blocks (10, 12) each have a pair of control spaces (40, 42) defined thereon at equal distance from each other, a pair of adjacent channel sections (44a, 44b, 46a, 46b) opening into each pair of control spaces (40, 42), and that the fluid flow between an associated pair of channel sections (44a, 44b, 46a, 46b) can be selectively enabled or blocked by means of a closure member (50) of the valve (48), the closure member (50) being carried by a rocker-type actuating member (66) of the valve.
9. The modular control system of any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each of the through ports (88) in the frame members (80, 82) is internally threaded for accommodation of a threaded connector plug (94).
10. The modular control system of claim 9, characterized in that the port openings (22a, 22b) are formed in recesses (90) of the porting faces, seal members (92) having a through hole (93) being provided in the recesses (90).
11. The modular control system of claim 10, in which the connector plugs (94) each have an end abutting the seal members (92) such that a connection with zero gap and zero clearance space is produced.
12. The modular control system of any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least some of the module blocks (10, 12, 14) are adapted to be selectively arranged in a first orientation and in a second orientation in relation to the adjacent module block (10, 12, 14), a module block (10, 12, 14) arranged in the second orientation corresponding to a module block (10, 12, 14) arranged in the first orientation and turned through 180°.
13. The modular control system of any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the module blocks (10, 12, 14) are each configured in the form of an injection moulded part.

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