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EP2622229B1 - Compressed air maintenance unit, and consumer control device equipped with the same - Google Patents

Compressed air maintenance unit, and consumer control device equipped with the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2622229B1
EP2622229B1 EP12703245.6A EP12703245A EP2622229B1 EP 2622229 B1 EP2622229 B1 EP 2622229B1 EP 12703245 A EP12703245 A EP 12703245A EP 2622229 B1 EP2622229 B1 EP 2622229B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compressed air
switch
electronic control
outlet
air maintenance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12703245.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2622229A1 (en
Inventor
Ralf Medow
Michael Streck
Rolf Hartnagel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Festo SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Festo SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Festo SE and Co KG filed Critical Festo SE and Co KG
Publication of EP2622229A1 publication Critical patent/EP2622229A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2622229B1 publication Critical patent/EP2622229B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/06—Control using electricity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B19/00—Testing; Calibrating; Fault detection or monitoring; Simulation or modelling of fluid-pressure systems or apparatus not otherwise provided for
    • F15B19/002—Calibrating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B19/00—Testing; Calibrating; Fault detection or monitoring; Simulation or modelling of fluid-pressure systems or apparatus not otherwise provided for
    • F15B19/005—Fault detection or monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B21/00—Common features of fluid actuator systems; Fluid-pressure actuator systems or details thereof, not covered by any other group of this subclass
    • F15B21/04—Special measures taken in connection with the properties of the fluid
    • F15B21/048—Arrangements for compressed air preparation, e.g. comprising air driers, air condensers, filters, lubricators or pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/30—Directional control
    • F15B2211/31—Directional control characterised by the positions of the valve element
    • F15B2211/3105—Neutral or centre positions
    • F15B2211/3111—Neutral or centre positions the pump port being closed in the centre position, e.g. so-called closed centre
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
    • F15B2211/63—Electronic controllers
    • F15B2211/6303—Electronic controllers using input signals
    • F15B2211/6306—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a pressure
    • F15B2211/6309—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a pressure the pressure being a pressure source supply pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
    • F15B2211/63—Electronic controllers
    • F15B2211/6303—Electronic controllers using input signals
    • F15B2211/632—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a flow rate
    • F15B2211/6323—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a flow rate the flow rate being a pressure source flow rate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/80—Other types of control related to particular problems or conditions
    • F15B2211/857—Monitoring of fluid pressure systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/80—Other types of control related to particular problems or conditions
    • F15B2211/88—Control measures for saving energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/80—Other types of control related to particular problems or conditions
    • F15B2211/885—Control specific to the type of fluid, e.g. specific to magnetorheological fluid
    • F15B2211/8855—Compressible fluids, e.g. specific to pneumatics

Definitions

  • the invention further relates to a consumer control device suitable for controlling a consumer device, which is equipped with at least one compressed air maintenance device of the aforementioned type and an electronic control device connected or connectable thereto.
  • a trained in the aforementioned sense of the prior art is known from DE 19746179 C2 known.
  • This is a compressed air maintenance unit which can be fluidly connected to a consumer device to be supplied with compressed air.
  • the compressed air maintenance unit consists of several modules that can be strung together in any order and number.
  • a module of the known compressed air maintenance unit is designed as a monitoring module which has an electronic central unit and can be connected to an external bus system via a corresponding interface.
  • the monitoring module may be provided with indicators and controls, or alternatively may include a diagnostic and operator interface for an external display and control device.
  • a pressure sensor is used for pressure detection connected.
  • a flow meter module for measuring the air flow rate may be present.
  • the known compressed air maintenance unit includes a switch valve module equipped with a switch-on valve, with the aid of which the input-side supplied compressed air can either be passed or shut off.
  • on-off valves also have a three-way function, so that when the compressed air is shut off, they assume a venting position, in which the working outlet is connected to the atmosphere, so that it adjoins the working outlet Outlet channel including the connected consumer device is vented.
  • a compressed air maintenance device which is composed of a plurality of modules, among which, for example, a start valve, a flow meter, a control module or a monitoring module is located. Also sensor devices for pressure detection or flow detection can be present.
  • the DE 10355250 A1 describes a method and an associated device for detecting leakage in a working device equipped with a working cylinder.
  • the device includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the pressure medium, wherein due to the pressure fluctuations, a loss of the pressure medium is determined.
  • a volumetric flow sensor arranged in the supply lines detects the volumetric flow of the flowing pressure medium, whereby due to a physical equation the pressure measurement value and the volumetric flow measured value are brought into a specific relationship in order to determine the leakage occurring thereon.
  • Compressed air maintenance devices of the type mentioned are generally equipped with on-valves, which have two possible switching positions.
  • a first switching position is designed as a working position and establishes a connection of the feed input to the working output and thus to a connected external consumer device.
  • the feed input is from the working output separated.
  • the second switching position is a venting position, the outlet channel with the external consumer device connected to it is also vented at the same time.
  • Other types of shut-off valves completely shut off the outlet channel in the second switching position, so that no venting is possible.
  • the bleeding function is an important aspect in the compressed air supply of a connected consumer device.
  • a disadvantage of previous compressed air maintenance devices whose on-valve has a venting position is the fact that in an operating stoppage of the connected external consumer device, an unnecessary air consumption is recorded.
  • the switch-on valve remains in the working position, compressed air is constantly forced into the outlet channel under high pressure despite the fact that the consumer device is not operated, and this is lost in part due to unavoidable leakage.
  • the on-off valve is switched to the venting position, a complete emptying of the outlet channel and the consumer device connected thereto takes place, so that when the consumer device starts up again, the emptied channel system must first be completely filled again. From an energetic point of view, such concomitant circumstances are no longer up to date when it comes to driving external consumers.
  • the object is also achieved in a consumer control device which has such a configured compressed air maintenance device and a connected or connectable external electronic control device.
  • the inventive idea includes that the compressed air maintenance device with both a pressure sensor and a Flow sensor is equipped or - depending on the type of monitoring required - has only one pressure sensor or only one flow sensor.
  • flow is used by way of example and for simplification for the correct terms such as "volume flow”, “flow rate” or “flow rate” and denotes a flow rate per unit time.
  • the switch-on valve which has a three-way function, is designed as a 3/3-way valve and can assume a total of three alternative switch positions.
  • a venting position or a shutoff position can be realized in order either to completely empty the compressed air located in the outlet channel and the external consumer device connected thereto or to block it as a closed volume during temporary pauses in the operation of the external consumer device.
  • the internal electronic control unit which can be operated optionally in a teach-in mode or in a monitoring mode.
  • the latter enables the output of an arbitrarily usable electrical diagnostic signal, if the internal pressure sensor and / or flow sensor of the compressed air service unit are used to determine compressed air conditions that are caused by deviate from the expected or tolerable values during normal operation. Deviating operating states can be based, for example, on leakage or malfunction of components of a connected external consumer device.
  • a particularly effective monitoring is made possible by the fact that the internal electronic control device - in particular in connection with the first commissioning of a connected external consumer device - is operable in a teach-in mode to individually record reference information relating to pressure and / or flow, which in the subsequent operation during a Monitoring mode of the internal electronic control unit can be used for comparison with currently measured actual information.
  • the monitoring functionality of the compressed air maintenance device can thus be adapted very flexibly to the particular application.
  • the pressure sensor it is possible, in particular, to monitor the pressure drop of the outlet pressure during the shut-off position of the on-off valve and, if necessary, to output an alarm signal if the pressure drop is too fast by comparison with the taught reference information. In this way, leakage monitoring of the example formed by a machine external consumer device is possible.
  • the compressed air maintenance device is designed in the form of a self-supporting assembly in which all its components are integrated, so that there is an extremely compact and easy to integrate in existing compressed air networks compressed air maintenance unit.
  • the compressed air service device is equipped with a flow sensor which determines the flow rate on the basis of determined pressure values, in particular on the basis of determined pressure differences
  • a pressure sensor belonging to the flow sensor can simultaneously also be used as a pressure sensor for detecting the outlet pressure prevailing in the outlet channel. A separate pressure sensor is then unnecessary.
  • the compressed air maintenance device is expediently provided directly with optical display means and / or with acoustic warning means which can be actuated on the basis of an electrical diagnostic signal generated by the output means in order to point out problematic operating conditions directly on site.
  • the compressed air maintenance device is designed so that the electrical diagnostic signal generated by it can be processed externally.
  • the compressed air maintenance device may be equipped with at least one communication interface to which an external electronic control device, in particular acting as a higher-level controller, and / or an electronic information reader and / or at least one further external electronic device can be connected.
  • an external electronic control device in particular acting as a higher-level controller
  • two communication interfaces may be present, one of which is usable for communication with the external electronic control device, while the other is used as a diagnostic interface for connection to the information reader can be used.
  • the respective communication interface is preferably of an electromechanical type, which allows a very secure signal transmission, in particular via a connectable electrical cable.
  • at least one of the communication interfaces is designed as a bus interface to allow the connection of an external bus leading to an external electronic control device, wherein any bus standards are applicable.
  • At least one communication interface is equipped for wireless signal transmission, in particular for fault reporting via a mobile radio network and / or for other wireless network connection.
  • Particularly advantageous is a pertinent design of the at least one communication interface that a bidirectional signal transmission is possible.
  • At least one communication interface can be designed for input and / or output of binary and / or analog signals.
  • Such a communication interface is present in particular in addition to a communication interface embodied as a bus interface.
  • the switching commands for the switch-on valve are expediently fed from the outside into the compressed air maintenance device and originate from the connected external electronic control device.
  • the internal electronic control unit has to act in this case only as a transmitter of switching signals, without the same process even more specific. This reduces the burden of at least one to the internal electronic control device associated microprocessor.
  • the compressed air maintenance device is expediently equipped with suitable input means.
  • suitable input means consist for example of at least one button and / or at least one switch, which are arranged outside easily accessible on the housing of the compressed air maintenance device.
  • possibilities can also be provided to be able to carry out teaching or teaching purely electrically, for example via a special operator control device or by an external electronic control device which usually communicates with the compressed air maintenance device, for which purpose the compressed air maintenance device has at least may have an electrical interface, which may be formed in particular by one of the already mentioned communication interfaces.
  • the actual information required during the monitoring mode of the internal electronic control unit is expediently recorded in the same time interval as before the reference information during the teach-in mode.
  • the internal electronic control device regularly records the actual information only once or several times or several times, depending on the mode of operation.
  • the electrical diagnostic signal can also be used to initiate certain, in particular safety-relevant actions, in addition to pure operational monitoring.
  • the compressed air maintenance device may be formed, for example, in response to the comparison result of the comparator means to cause a switching operation of the on-off valve. For example, switching over of the on-off valve into the shut-off position may be caused if no appreciable flow is detected in the outlet channel during the working position over a relatively long period of time.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a preferred construction of the consumer control device according to the invention with an inventive integrated compressed air maintenance device of a particularly useful structure.
  • the designated in its entirety by reference numeral 1 consumer control device contains as a main component at least one preferably designed in the form of a self-supporting unit compressed air service unit 2.
  • This compressed air service unit 2 can, if necessary together with other maintenance modules, one of which is indicated by dash-dotted lines 3, to a Compressed air treatment device 4 are summarized.
  • At least one further maintenance module is for example a pressure control module, a filter module and / or an air drying module in question.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 has a device housing 5, illustrated in a simplified manner as a frame, which carries and / or encloses the further components of the compressed air maintenance device 2.
  • the device inlet 6 On the outside of the device housing 5 there is a device inlet 6, a device outlet 7 and a vent outlet 8.
  • the device inlet 6 is designed to be connected to a compressed air source P via a fluid line designated as a feed line 12 to become. Shown is the connected to the device inlet 6 state of such a compressed air source P.
  • the device outlet 7 is designed to connect to a leading to an external consumer device A, designated as working line 13 fluid line can. Shown is a state in which a consumer device A - for example, a machine having a plurality of fluid-operated working components - connected to the device outlet 7.
  • the vent outlet 8 communicates with the atmosphere R.
  • a not further muffler is suitably connected to the vent outlet 8. Even a controlled exhaust air discharge by means of a connectable fluid line is possible.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 has an electrically actuated, due to its function as "On" 14 designated multi-way valve.
  • the switch-on 14 is conveniently housed inside the device housing 5. It has a 3/3-valve functionality, so has three ways or connections and three possible switching positions. By way of example, it is realized in the form of a single valve unit, but it could also be realized by suitable interconnection of a plurality of valve units of lower functionality.
  • the switch-on valve 14 is preferably an electropneumatically pilot-operated valve, but it could also be designed as a directly electrically operable valve.
  • the switch-on valve 14 has an exemplary designed as a middle position first switching position, which is apparent from the drawing. On the basis of this, it can be selected by Activation each one of two electrically actuated valve actuators 15a, 15b are selectively switched to a second switching position or a third switching position. The second and third switching position remains in each case as long as the associated valve drive 15a, 15b is electrically activated.
  • the electric valve drive 15a, 15b is in particular a solenoid device, although other types of electric drive means can be used.
  • the three terminals of the on-off valve 14 form a feed input 16, a working output 17 and a vent outlet 18.
  • the feed input 16 is permanently connected to the device inlet 6 or forms this directly.
  • the working outlet 17 is permanently connected to the vent outlet 18 or forms this immediately.
  • the working outlet 17 is connected via an internal outlet channel 22 of the compressed air maintenance device 2 with the device outlet 7 in connection.
  • the outlet channel 22 expediently runs in the interior of the device housing 5.
  • the switch-on valve 14 can assume a shut-off position which, by way of example, corresponds to the middle position present in the unactuated state.
  • the working outlet 17 is separated from both the feed inlet 16 and the vent outlet 18.
  • the outlet channel 22 is shut off and the fluid volume contained therein and in the working line 13 and the adjoining channel system of the consumer device A is trapped.
  • the other two possible switching positions of the on-off valve 14 define a working position and a venting position.
  • the working position of the working output 17 is connected to the feed input 16 and simultaneously separated from the vent outlet 18.
  • the venting position the working outlet 17 is connected to the venting outlet 18 and simultaneously separated from the feed inlet 16.
  • the outlet channel 22 and with this the connected consumer device A is supplied in the working position of the on-valve 14 with compressed air from the compressed air source P and vented to the atmosphere in the venting position.
  • the switch-on valve 14 is held during the operating times of the connected consumer device A in the working position. During these operating times, the consumer device A works a predetermined operating cycle once or periodically. The course of this operating cycle is controlled by an external electronic control device 23, which communicates with the consumer device A in a manner not shown in a control-technical respect.
  • the switch-on valve 14 can be switched to the venting position, so that the consumer device A is vented and no dangerous situations can arise.
  • the switch-on valve 14 can be positioned in the shut-off position. As a result, the existing in the consumer device A volume of air is maintained and is available for the new operation recording again. This saves a complete renewed filling of the consumer device A with compressed air.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with a pressure sensor 24 and with a flow sensor 25. Both sensors 24, 25 are expediently located in the interior of the device housing 5. In addition, both sensors 24, 25 communicate with the outlet channel 22, wherein the pressure sensor 24 is connected to the outlet channel 22 by way of example and the flow sensor 25 is switched into the course of the outlet channel 22.
  • the pressure sensor 24 is capable of measuring the pressure prevailing in the outlet channel 22, this pressure being referred to below as the outlet pressure.
  • the flow sensor 25 is capable of determining the current flow rate of the compressed air flowing through the outlet channel 22, that is to say the flow of this compressed air. In the following, this measured flow is referred to as outlet flow.
  • a pressure sensor belonging to the flow sensor 25 can also assume the function of the aforementioned pressure sensor 24, so that an independent pressure sensor 24 can be saved.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 contains a preferably housed inside the device housing 5 internal electronic control unit 26, which is equipped with at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. For the sake of simplicity, it will also be referred to below as “internal control unit 26".
  • the internal control unit 26 is signal-technically via internal electrical signal lines 27 of the compressed-air maintenance device 2 with the valve drives 15a, 15b of the on-off valve 14, with the pressure sensor 24 and with the flow sensor 25 connected.
  • the internal control unit 26 may receive electrical pressure readings and flow readings from the pressure sensor 24 and the flow sensor 25, respectively, and may output electrical actuation signals to the on-off valve 14.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with an electrical interface which is designated below for better distinction as the first communication interface 28 and which enables signal-technical communication between the internal control unit 26 and the external electronic control unit 23.
  • the first communication interface 28 is arranged in particular on an outer side of the device housing 5 and expediently connected to the internal control unit 26 via internal electrical conductors 32.
  • the first communication interface 28 of electromechanical type and in particular designed as a plug connection device, so that a only schematically indicated external signal cable 33 can be connected in particular releasably, which allows connection to the external electronic control device 23.
  • the first communication interface 28 may also be designed as a wireless interface in order to be able to communicate with the external electronic control device 23 in particular via radio signals.
  • the first communication interface 28 is preferably a bus interface capable of transmitting serial bus signals between the internal control unit 26 and the external electronic control unit 23.
  • the external signal cable 33 like the internal electrical conductors 32, can be realized in the form of a serial bus system.
  • the internal control unit 26 has electronic storage means 34, comparator means 35 and output means 36.
  • pressure values of the outlet pressure measured by the pressure sensor 24 and flow values of the outlet flow rate measured by the flow sensor 25 can be stored as reference information and preferably also as actual information.
  • the comparator means 35 are able to compare stored reference information with, in particular, also cached or also directly measured actual information.
  • the output means 36 are capable of outputting an electrical diagnostic signal as a function of the comparison result determined by the comparator means 35.
  • the output means 36 of the internal control unit 26 preferably output the electrical diagnostic signal to the first communication interface 28, from where it can be transmitted to the external electronic control device 23 for further processing as required.
  • the electrical diagnostic signal can also be fed to optical display means 37 of the compressed air maintenance device 2 to visualize them in any way.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with only indicated by dashed lines acoustic warning means 38, such as a buzzer, so that upon receipt of a corresponding diagnostic signal on site, an audible warning signal can be issued.
  • acoustic warning means 38 such as a buzzer
  • the internal control unit 26 is operable in a monitoring mode in which it can receive and process measurement signals originating from the pressure sensor 24 and / or from the flow sensor 25 as actual information. In this way The internal control unit 26 receives current values of the discharge pressure and / or the discharge flow rate as actual information in a time-dependent manner. The internal control unit 26 may be configured to output this actual information electrically or visually on the first communication interface 28 and / or on the optical display means 37.
  • the internal control unit 26 can also be operated in a teach-in mode, which can also be referred to as a teach mode.
  • the internal control unit 26 can record the already indicated reference information and store it in the storage means 34 for further processing.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 is expediently equipped with input means 42 which serve to activate the teach-in mode as required. It can also be provided that by means of these input means 42 it is possible to switch between the teach-in mode and the monitoring mode as required.
  • the internal control unit 26 is provided with an internal control program which provides for automatically switching to the monitoring mode when the teaching phase is completed.
  • the learning mode is expediently activated both in the shut-off position and in the working position of the switch-14.
  • a time-dependent pressure drop of the outlet pressure prevailing in the outlet channel 22 is recorded and stored as first reference information 43 in the storage means 34. This happens, for example, by pressing or pressing a key or a switch 42a of the input means 42 twice at any desired time interval.
  • the internal Control unit 26 then absorbs the pressure drop of the outlet pressure over time and forms a reference curve 43a illustrated in the exemplary embodiment as a straight line.
  • the course of the curve plays no role in the later evaluation, since ultimately only the absolute value of the pressure drop (p1-p2) during the measured time interval (t2-t1) is of importance.
  • a time-dependent flow profile Q (t) of the outlet flow 22 prevailing in the outlet channel 22 can be determined and stored in the form of second reference information 44 in the storage means 34 of the internal control unit 26 as well. This takes place during operation of the connected consumer device A, wherein the flow rate profile 44a forming the second reference information 44 preferably covers the duration of an entire processing cycle of the consumer device A.
  • the second reference information 44 is therefore conceivable as a curve representing the instantaneous exhaust flow at any time during a typical machining cycle.
  • the internal control unit 26 operating in monitoring mode can generate an electrical diagnostic signal from a comparison between measured actual information with the associated first or second reference information 43, 44, which provides information about the energy situation of the connected consumer device A.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 offers the possibility of carrying out a leakage monitoring when the shut-off valve 14 is in the shut-off position.
  • the internal control unit 26 recorded actual information supplied by the pressure sensor 24 during the shut-off position of the on-off valve 14 and compared with the first reference information 43 recorded and stored during the teach-in mode.
  • the time measuring interval for the recording of the actual information is the same as that in the recording of the first reference information 43, which is monitored and controlled via a control program contained in the internal control unit 26.
  • the actual pressure measurement should also take place with an output value of the outlet pressure which is at least approximately the same size as in the case of the reference pressure measurement, which is likewise monitored by the internal control unit 26. In this way it is ensured that the information to be compared can also be assigned to the same operating state.
  • the internal control unit 26 causes the output of a diagnostic signal via the output means 36, for example, when the pressure drop of the outlet pressure determined in the monitoring mode falls below the reference value recorded during the learning mode by a predetermined tolerance value.
  • the measurement of the actual information may be coupled to the switching operation of the on-valve 14.
  • the recording of the actual information for example, at the same time or at a predetermined time delay after the output of a switching signal, which is sent from the internal control unit 26 to the on-valve 14.
  • the output of a switching signal for the turn-on valve 14 may be used by the internal control unit 26 as an initiator for recording actual flow information.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 preferably opens alternatively or additionally the possibility of applying a trigger signal supplied by the connected electronic control device 23 as an initiator for the recording process of the actual information.
  • This trigger function of the external electronic control device 23 is especially advantageous in flow monitoring, because this provides the possibility of not only monitoring the operating cycle of the consumer device A on a flat-rate basis, but also of carrying out individual monitoring of one or more subcycles of the entire operating cycle.
  • the flow monitoring takes place when switched to the working position on valve 14.
  • compressed air normally flows from the compressed air source P to the consumer device A and operates there one or more activatable by fluid force working components of the consumer device A.
  • One or more of these working components are, for example, pneumatic actuators.
  • the internal control unit 26 is in particular designed such that it outputs an electrical diagnostic signal when a determined actual information differs by a predetermined tolerance value from the associated second reference information 44 recorded during the teach-in mode.
  • the tolerance values are expediently stored in the form of tolerance bands 45a, 45b in the internal control unit 26, which flank the characteristic curve 44a of the second reference information 44 above and below.
  • the tolerance values to be taken into account when generating the diagnostic signal are preferably input to the internal control unit 26 individually.
  • the user of the compressed air maintenance device 2 can thus adapt the tolerance values and thus the output of the diagnostic signal individually to his needs.
  • the already mentioned input means 42 that is, for example, an arrangement of keys and / or switches 42a and / or - for electronic input - an electrical interface formed, for example, by the first communication interface 28, to which an operating device and expediently / or a personal computer (PC) can be connected.
  • the input of the tolerance values is expediently carried out during the teach-in mode.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 can also offer the possibility of changing the tolerance values in the current monitoring mode in order to be able to flexibly take into account changed operating circumstances.
  • the teach-in mode can be individually parameterized by input means 42.
  • the parameterization can be done directly on the compressed air maintenance unit 2 by activating keys and / or switches 42a or by the external electronic control device 23 through the intermediary of the serial bus connection 33.
  • the parameterization can be used to specify, for example, how often actual information is evaluated in the internal control unit 26 during the relevant operating position of the on-off valve.
  • the change in the tolerance values for example the change in the bandwidth of the tolerance bands 45a, 45b, can also be subsumed under the term parameterization.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with a further, second communication interface 29, which can be used as a diagnostic interface and to which in particular an electronic information reader 46 of the consumer control device 1 is at least temporarily connectable.
  • an information reader 46 makes it possible, for example, to read out measured actual information, in particular in conjunction with the assigned reference information, so that it is possible, for example in conjunction with the flow monitoring, to verify at the same time or subsequently at which point of the recorded reference profile an irregularity has occurred.
  • the internal control unit 26 is expediently designed or at least programmable such that it can initiate at least one further action in addition to the output of a diagnostic signal as a function of the comparison result ascertained by the comparator means 35.
  • a diagnostic signal as a function of the comparison result ascertained by the comparator means 35.
  • an additional function in causing a switching operation of the on-off valve 14.
  • the electrical diagnostic signal directly causes a switching operation of the on-valve 14.
  • the switch position of the switch-on valve 14 is expediently commanded exclusively by the external electronic control device 23, which supplies the necessary switchover signals via the first communication interface 28 into the internal control unit 26 feeds.
  • the latter acts as a mere transmitter of the switching signals to the on-off valve 14, without again processing in any form the switching signals obtained from the external electronic control device 23. In this way, the processor load of the microprocessor included in the internal control unit 26 is minimized.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 can be equipped with any other electrical interfaces. In this way, any number of switching outputs can be provided, the output of analog values is possible, or even a configuration by means of a connectable personal computer.
  • the connection of the preferably present external electronic control device 23 is carried out as mentioned expediently in serial signal transmission technology by a suitable bus, which may correspond, inter alia, the so-called IO-Link standard.
  • An advantage of the compressed air maintenance device 2 is its easy commissioning. In principle, it is sufficient to install the compressed air maintenance device 2 in an existing compressed air system and then teach it or teach. Then it is ready for use.
  • the connected consumer assembly A without venting its supply line 22, 13 can be shut off in pneumatic terms, so that no energy waste occurs during temporary downtime. Nevertheless, the three-position functionality of the on-off valve 14 makes it possible, if necessary, to vent the connected consumer device A.
  • the existing pressure sensor 24 compares the pressure drop in the outlet channel 22 after shutting off with a taught nominal course or reference curve and, if the pressure drop is too fast, gives a diagnostic signal. In this way, leakage monitoring of the consumer device A is possible.
  • the switch-on valve 14 assumes the working position, the profile of the flow value measured in the outlet channel 22 can be monitored in order to output a diagnostic signal in the event of deviations from the taught-in target value. In this way, consumption monitoring of the consumer device A is possible.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 When the compressed air maintenance device 2 is realized as a structural unit, it has compact dimensions and combines many functions in a small space.
  • the compressed air maintenance device 2 can also be equipped with reduced monitoring functionality by either only the outlet pressure or only the outlet flow is monitorable. In these cases, either the flow sensor 25 or the pressure sensor 24 can be dispensed with as a rule.
  • the dual implementation of both monitoring measures in one and the same compressed air maintenance device 2 is particularly advantageous because it ensures a particularly effective monitoring energy-related parameters.

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Druckluft-Wartungsgerät, das über folgende Bestandteile verfügt:

  • ein elektrisch betätigbares Einschaltventil, das einen mit einer Druckluftquelle verbindbaren Speiseeingang, einen mit der Atmosphäre verbundenen Entlüftungsausgang und einen Arbeitsausgang aufweist und das in eine den Arbeitsausgang mit dem Speiseeingang verbindende Arbeitsstellung sowie in eine den Arbeitsausgang mit dem Entlüftungsausgang verbindende Entlüftungsstellung schaltbar ist,
  • einen mit einer externen Verbrauchereinrichtung verbindbaren Geräteauslass, der über einen Auslasskanal mit dem Arbeitsausgang des Einschaltventils verbunden ist,
  • einen zur Messung des in dem Auslasskanal herrschenden Auslassdruckes geeigneten Drucksensor und/oder einen zur Messung des in dem Auslasskanal auftretenden Auslassdurchflusses geeigneten Durchflusssensor,
  • und eine interne elektronische Steuereinheit, die mit dem Einschaltventil sowie mit dem Drucksensor und/oder dem Durchflusssensor signaltechnisch verbunden ist und die in einem Überwachungsmodus betreibbar ist.
The invention relates to a compressed air maintenance device which has the following components:
  • an electrically operable on-off valve having a feed input connectable to a source of pressurized air, a vent outlet connected to the atmosphere, and a work output and switchable to a work position connecting the work output to the feed input and a vent position connecting the work output to the vent output;
  • a device outlet which can be connected to an external consumer device and which is connected to the working outlet of the on-off valve via an outlet channel,
  • a pressure sensor suitable for measuring the outlet pressure prevailing in the outlet channel and / or a flow sensor suitable for measuring the outlet flow occurring in the outlet channel,
  • and an internal electronic control unit, which is signal connected to the on-off valve and to the pressure sensor and / or the flow sensor and which is operable in a monitoring mode.

Die Erfindung betrifft ferner eine zur Steuerung einer Verbrauchereinrichtung geeignete Verbrauchersteuervorrichtung, die mit mindestens einem Druckluft-Wartungsgerät der vorgenannten Art und einer daran angeschlossenen oder anschließbaren elektronischen Steuereinrichtung ausgestattet ist.The invention further relates to a consumer control device suitable for controlling a consumer device, which is equipped with at least one compressed air maintenance device of the aforementioned type and an electronic control device connected or connectable thereto.

Ein in dem vorgenannten Sinne ausgebildeter Stand der Technik ist aus der DE 19746179 C2 bekannt. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Druckluftwartungseinheit, die fluidisch an eine mit Druckluft zu versorgende Verbrauchereinrichtung anschließbar ist. Die Druckluftwartungseinheit setzt sich aus mehreren Modulen zusammen, die in beliebiger Reihenfolge und Zahl aneinandergereiht werden können. Ein Modul der bekannten Druckluftwartungseinheit ist als Überwachungsmodul ausgebildet, das eine elektronische Zentraleinheit aufweist und über eine entsprechende Schnittstelle an ein externes Bussystem anschließbar ist. Das Überwachungsmodul kann mit Anzeige- und Bedienungselementen versehen sein oder kann alternativ hierzu eine Diagnose- und Bedienungsschnittstelle für eine externe Anzeige- und Bedienungsvorrichtung aufweisen. An die Zentraleinheit im Überwachungsmodul ist ein zur Druckerfassung dienender Drucksensor angeschlossen. Als weiteres Modul der Druckluftwartungseinheit kann ein Durchflussmessermodul zur Messung des Luftdurchsatzes vorhanden sein. Schließlich enthält die bekannte Druckluftwartungseinheit ein mit einem Einschaltventil ausgestattetes Schaltventilmodul, mit dessen Hilfe die eingangsseitig zugeführte Druckluft entweder durchgelassen oder abgesperrt werden kann. Häufig verfügen Einschaltventile auch über eine Dreiwegefunktion, so dass sie bei abgesperrter Druckluft eine Entlüftungsstellung einnehmen, in der der Arbeitsausgang mit der Atmosphäre verbunden ist, so dass der sich an den Arbeitsausgang anschließende Auslasskanal einschließlich der daran angeschlossenen Verbrauchereinrichtung entlüftet wird.A trained in the aforementioned sense of the prior art is known from DE 19746179 C2 known. This is a compressed air maintenance unit which can be fluidly connected to a consumer device to be supplied with compressed air. The compressed air maintenance unit consists of several modules that can be strung together in any order and number. A module of the known compressed air maintenance unit is designed as a monitoring module which has an electronic central unit and can be connected to an external bus system via a corresponding interface. The monitoring module may be provided with indicators and controls, or alternatively may include a diagnostic and operator interface for an external display and control device. To the central unit in the monitoring module, a pressure sensor is used for pressure detection connected. As another module of the compressed air maintenance unit, a flow meter module for measuring the air flow rate may be present. Finally, the known compressed air maintenance unit includes a switch valve module equipped with a switch-on valve, with the aid of which the input-side supplied compressed air can either be passed or shut off. Frequently, on-off valves also have a three-way function, so that when the compressed air is shut off, they assume a venting position, in which the working outlet is connected to the atmosphere, so that it adjoins the working outlet Outlet channel including the connected consumer device is vented.

Aus der DE 102004005982 B3 ist eine Druckluftwartungsvorrichtung bekannt, die sich aus mehreren Modulen zusammensetzt, unter denen sich beispielsweise ein Einschaltventil, ein Durchflussmesser, ein Steuermodul oder ein Überwachungsmodul befindet. Auch Sensoreinrichtungen zur Druckerfassung oder zur Durchflusserfassung können vorhanden sein.From the DE 102004005982 B3 a compressed air maintenance device is known, which is composed of a plurality of modules, among which, for example, a start valve, a flow meter, a control module or a monitoring module is located. Also sensor devices for pressure detection or flow detection can be present.

Die DE 10355250 A1 beschreibt ein Verfahren und eine zugehörige Vorrichtung zur Leckage-Ermittlung bei einer mit einem Arbeitszylinder ausgestatteten Arbeitseinrichtung. Die Vorrichtung enthält einen Drucksensor, der den Druck des Druckmediums erfasst, wobei aufgrund der Druckschwankungen ein Verlust des Druckmediums ermittelt wird. Zusätzlich erfasst ein in den Zuführleitungen angeordneter Volumenstromsensor den Volumenstrom des fließenden Druckmediums, wobei aufgrund einer physikalischen Gleichung der Druckmesswert und der Volumenstrommesswert in eine bestimmte Beziehung zueinander gebracht werden, um darauf basierend die auftretende Leckage zu ermitteln.The DE 10355250 A1 describes a method and an associated device for detecting leakage in a working device equipped with a working cylinder. The device includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the pressure medium, wherein due to the pressure fluctuations, a loss of the pressure medium is determined. In addition, a volumetric flow sensor arranged in the supply lines detects the volumetric flow of the flowing pressure medium, whereby due to a physical equation the pressure measurement value and the volumetric flow measured value are brought into a specific relationship in order to determine the leakage occurring thereon.

Aus der WO 95/19589 A1 ist es bekannt, eine Überwachungsvorrichtung zur Überwachung zyklisch arbeitender Systeme einzusetzen.From the WO 95/19589 A1 It is known to use a monitoring device for monitoring cyclically operating systems.

Druckluft-Wartungsgeräte der eingangs genannten Art sind im Allgemeinen mit Einschaltventilen ausgestattet, die über zwei mögliche Schaltstellungen verfügen. Eine erste Schaltstellung ist als Arbeitsstellung konzipiert und stellt eine Verbindung des Speiseeinganges mit dem Arbeitsausgang und somit zu einer angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung her. In der zweiten Schaltstellung ist der Speiseeingang vom Arbeitsausgang abgetrennt. Handelt es sich bei der zweiten Schaltstellung um eine Entlüftungsstellung, wird zugleich der Auslasskanal mit der daran angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung entlüftet. Andere Arten von Einschaltventilen sperren den Auslasskanal in der zweiten Schaltstellung vollständig ab, so dass keine Entlüftung möglich ist. Die Entlüftungsfunktion ist jedoch ein wichtiger Aspekt bei der Druckluftversorgung einer angeschlossenen Verbrauchereinrichtung.Compressed air maintenance devices of the type mentioned are generally equipped with on-valves, which have two possible switching positions. A first switching position is designed as a working position and establishes a connection of the feed input to the working output and thus to a connected external consumer device. In the second switching position, the feed input is from the working output separated. If the second switching position is a venting position, the outlet channel with the external consumer device connected to it is also vented at the same time. Other types of shut-off valves completely shut off the outlet channel in the second switching position, so that no venting is possible. However, the bleeding function is an important aspect in the compressed air supply of a connected consumer device.

Nachteilig bei bisherigen Druckluft-Wartungsgeräten, deren Einschaltventil über eine Entlüftungsstellung verfügt, ist der Umstand, dass bei einem Betriebsstillstand der angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung ein unnötiger Luftverbrauch zu verzeichnen ist. Bleibt nämlich das Einschaltventil in der Arbeitsstellung, wird trotz nicht betriebener Verbrauchereinrichtung ständig Druckluft unter hohem Druck in den Auslasskanal gepresst, die zum Teil aufgrund unvermeidbarer Leckage verloren geht. Wird das Einschaltventil hingegen in die Entlüftungsstellung geschaltet, findet ein vollständiges Entleeren des Auslasskanals und der daran angeschlossenen Verbrauchereinrichtung statt, so dass bei neuerlichem Betriebsbeginn der Verbrauchereinrichtung das entleerte Kanalsystem zuerst wieder komplett befüllt werden muss. Aus energetischer Sicht sind derartige Begleitumstände beim Ansteuern externer Verbraucher nicht mehr zeitgemäß.A disadvantage of previous compressed air maintenance devices whose on-valve has a venting position is the fact that in an operating stoppage of the connected external consumer device, an unnecessary air consumption is recorded. In fact, if the switch-on valve remains in the working position, compressed air is constantly forced into the outlet channel under high pressure despite the fact that the consumer device is not operated, and this is lost in part due to unavoidable leakage. On the other hand, if the on-off valve is switched to the venting position, a complete emptying of the outlet channel and the consumer device connected thereto takes place, so that when the consumer device starts up again, the emptied channel system must first be completely filled again. From an energetic point of view, such concomitant circumstances are no longer up to date when it comes to driving external consumers.

Es ist die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, Maßnahmen zu treffen, die einen energetisch günstigen Betrieb von mit Druckluft betriebenen Verbrauchereinrichtungen ermöglichen.It is the object of the present invention to take measures that enable an energetically favorable operation of consumer devices operated with compressed air.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist bei einem Druckluft-Wartungsgerät der eingangs genannten Art vorgesehen,

  • dass das Einschaltventil über eine 3/3-Ventilfunktionalität verfügt und zusätzlich in eine Absperrstellung schaltbar ist, in der sein mit dem Geräteauslass verbundener Arbeitsausgang von sowohl dem Speiseeingang als auch dem Entlüftungsausgang abgetrennt ist,
  • dass die interne elektronische Steuereinheit während der Absperrstellung und/oder während der Arbeitsstellung alternativ zu dem Überwachungsmodus in einem Einlernmodus betreibbar ist, in dem während der Absperrstellung ein zeitabhängiger Druckabfall des Auslassdruckes und/oder während der Arbeitsstellung ein zeitabhängiges Durchflussprofil des Auslassdurchflusses ermittelbar und in Form von Referenzinformationen in Speichermitteln der internen elektronischen Steuereinheit abspeicherbar sind,
  • dass die interne elektronische Steuereinheit über Vergleichermittel verfügt, durch die während des Überwachungsmodus von dem Drucksensor und/oder dem Durchflusssensor gelieferte Ist-Informationen mit den zugehörigen Referenzinformationen vergleichbar sind,
  • und dass die interne elektronische Steuereinheit über Ausgabemittel verfügt, die in Abhängigkeit vom Vergleichsergebnis der Vergleichermittel ein elektrisches Diagnosesignal ausgeben können.
To solve this problem is provided in a compressed air maintenance device of the type mentioned,
  • that the on-off valve has a 3/3-valve functionality and is additionally switchable into a shut-off position, in which its outlet connected to the device outlet is disconnected from both the feed inlet and the vent outlet,
  • the internal electronic control unit can be operated during the shut-off position and / or during the working position as an alternative to the monitoring mode in a learning mode in which a time-dependent pressure drop of the outlet pressure and / or during the working position a time-dependent flow profile of the outlet flow can be determined and in the form of Reference information in storage means of the internal electronic control unit are storable,
  • the internal electronic control unit has comparator means by which actual information supplied by the pressure sensor and / or the flow sensor during the monitoring mode is comparable to the associated reference information,
  • and that the internal electronic control unit has output means which can output an electrical diagnostic signal in response to the comparison result of the comparator means.

Die Aufgabe wird außerdem gelöst bei einer Verbrauchersteuervorrichtung, die über ein derart ausgestaltetes Druckluft-Wartungsgerät und eine daran angeschlossene oder anschließbare externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung verfügt.The object is also achieved in a consumer control device which has such a configured compressed air maintenance device and a connected or connectable external electronic control device.

Der erfinderische Gedanke schließt ein, dass das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät mit sowohl einem Drucksensor als auch einem Durchflusssensor ausgestattet ist oder aber - je nach Art der gewünschten Überwachung - nur einen Drucksensor oder nur einen Durchflusssensor aufweist.The inventive idea includes that the compressed air maintenance device with both a pressure sensor and a Flow sensor is equipped or - depending on the type of monitoring required - has only one pressure sensor or only one flow sensor.

Der Begriff "Durchfluss" wird stellvertretend und zur Vereinfachung für die an sich korrekten Begriffe wie "Volumenstrom", "Strömungsrate" oder "Durchflussrate" verwendet und bezeichnet eine Strömungsmenge pro Zeiteinheit.The term "flow" is used by way of example and for simplification for the correct terms such as "volume flow", "flow rate" or "flow rate" and denotes a flow rate per unit time.

Eine besondere Maßnahme der Erfindung besteht darin, dass das über eine Dreiwegefunktion verfügende Einschaltventil als 3/3-Wegeventil ausgebildet ist und insgesamt drei alternative Schaltstellungen einnehmen kann. Hierbei ist von Vorteil, dass außer der standardmäßig möglichen Arbeitsstellung wahlweise eine Entlüftungsstellung oder eine Absperrstellung realisierbar ist, um die im Auslasskanal und der daran angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung befindliche Druckluft wahlweise entweder komplett abzulassen oder - während vorübergehender Betriebspausen der externen Verbrauchereinrichtung - als geschlossenes Volumen einzusperren. Ohne auf die Vorteile einer Entlüftungsmöglichkeit zu verzichten, kann somit während eines vorübergehenden Stillstandes von beispielsweise einer als Verbrauchereinrichtung fungierenden Maschine sowohl eine übermäßige Leckage als auch ein unnötiges Entleeren des auslassseitigen Kanalsystems vermieden werden. Dies ermöglicht einen energetisch effizienten Betrieb.A particular feature of the invention is that the switch-on valve, which has a three-way function, is designed as a 3/3-way valve and can assume a total of three alternative switch positions. In this case, it is advantageous that, in addition to the standard possible working position, either a venting position or a shutoff position can be realized in order either to completely empty the compressed air located in the outlet channel and the external consumer device connected thereto or to block it as a closed volume during temporary pauses in the operation of the external consumer device. Thus, without sacrificing the advantages of venting capability, during a temporary stoppage of, for example, a machine functioning as a consumer device, both excessive leakage and unnecessary drainage of the exhaust-side duct system can be avoided. This enables energy-efficient operation.

Einen weiteren Beitrag zur Effizienzsteigerung liefert die wahlweise in einem Einlernmodus oder in einem Überwachungsmodus betreibbare interne elektronische Steuereinheit. Letztere ermöglicht die Ausgabe eines beliebig verwertbaren elektrischen Diagnosesignals, wenn durch den internen Drucksensor und/oder Durchflusssensor des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes Druckluftzustände ermittelt werden, die von den im Normalbetrieb erwarteten beziehungsweise tolerierbaren Werten abweichen. Abweichende Betriebszustände können beispielsweise auf Leckage oder auf Funktionsstörungen von Komponenten einer angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung beruhen. Eine besonders effektive Überwachung wird dadurch ermöglicht, dass die interne elektronische Steuereinrichtung - insbesondere in Verbindung mit der Erstinbetriebnahme einer angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung - in einem Einlernmodus betreibbar ist, um individuell Referenzinformationen in Bezug auf Druck und/oder Durchfluss aufzuzeichnen, die im anschließenden Betrieb während eines Überwachungsmodus der internen elektronischen Steuereinheit zum Vergleich mit aktuell gemessenen Ist-Informationen herangezogen werden können. Die Überwachungsfunktionalität des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes kann somit sehr flexibel an den jeweiligen Anwendungsfall angepasst werden.A further contribution to the increase in efficiency is provided by the internal electronic control unit which can be operated optionally in a teach-in mode or in a monitoring mode. The latter enables the output of an arbitrarily usable electrical diagnostic signal, if the internal pressure sensor and / or flow sensor of the compressed air service unit are used to determine compressed air conditions that are caused by deviate from the expected or tolerable values during normal operation. Deviating operating states can be based, for example, on leakage or malfunction of components of a connected external consumer device. A particularly effective monitoring is made possible by the fact that the internal electronic control device - in particular in connection with the first commissioning of a connected external consumer device - is operable in a teach-in mode to individually record reference information relating to pressure and / or flow, which in the subsequent operation during a Monitoring mode of the internal electronic control unit can be used for comparison with currently measured actual information. The monitoring functionality of the compressed air maintenance device can thus be adapted very flexibly to the particular application.

Unter Verwendung des Drucksensors besteht insbesondere die Möglichkeit, während der Absperrstellung des Einschaltventils den Druckabfall des Auslassdruckes zu überwachen und durch Vergleich mit den geteachten Referenzinformationen gegebenenfalls ein Alarmsignal bei zu schnellem Druckabfall auszugeben. Auf diese Weise ist eine Leckage-Überwachung der beispielsweise von einer Maschine gebildeten externen Verbrauchereinrichtung möglich.Using the pressure sensor, it is possible, in particular, to monitor the pressure drop of the outlet pressure during the shut-off position of the on-off valve and, if necessary, to output an alarm signal if the pressure drop is too fast by comparison with the taught reference information. In this way, leakage monitoring of the example formed by a machine external consumer device is possible.

Mit Hilfe der von einem Durchflusssensor gelieferten Informationen können bei in Arbeitsstellung befindlichem Einschaltventil Rückschlüsse auf einen erhöhten Luftverbrauch der angeschlossenen externen Verbrauchereinrichtung gezogen werden, beispielsweise als Pauschalinformation bezogen auf einen gesamten Betriebszyklus der Verbrauchereinrichtung oder auch bezogen auf bestimmte Teilzyklen des Betriebszyklus. Vorzugsweise ist das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät in Form einer selbsttragenden Baueinheit ausgebildet, in der sämtliche ihrer Komponenten integriert sind, so dass eine äußerst kompakte und einfach in vorhandene Druckluftnetze integrierbare Druckluftwartungseinheit vorliegt.With the help of supplied by a flow sensor information can be drawn in the working position Einschaltventil conclusions on increased air consumption of the connected external consumer device, for example, as a package information based on an entire operating cycle of the consumer device or based on certain sub-cycles of the operating cycle. Preferably, the compressed air maintenance device is designed in the form of a self-supporting assembly in which all its components are integrated, so that there is an extremely compact and easy to integrate in existing compressed air networks compressed air maintenance unit.

Wenn das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät mit einem Durchflusssensor ausgestattet ist, der die Strömungsrate auf der Basis ermittelter Druckwerte bestimmt, insbesondere auf der Basis ermittelter Druckdifferenzen, kann ein zu dem Durchflusssensor gehörender Drucksensor gleichzeitig auch als Drucksensor zur Erfassung des im Auslasskanal herrschenden Auslassdruckes genutzt werden. Ein separater Drucksensor erübrigt sich dann.If the compressed air service device is equipped with a flow sensor which determines the flow rate on the basis of determined pressure values, in particular on the basis of determined pressure differences, a pressure sensor belonging to the flow sensor can simultaneously also be used as a pressure sensor for detecting the outlet pressure prevailing in the outlet channel. A separate pressure sensor is then unnecessary.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät ist zweckmäßigerweise unmittelbar mit optischen Anzeigemitteln und/oder mit akustischen Warnmitteln ausgestattet, die auf der Basis eines durch die Ausgabemittel erzeugten elektrischen Diagnosesignals betätigbar sind, um unmittelbar vor Ort auf problematische Betriebszustände hinzuweisen.The compressed air maintenance device is expediently provided directly with optical display means and / or with acoustic warning means which can be actuated on the basis of an electrical diagnostic signal generated by the output means in order to point out problematic operating conditions directly on site.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät so ausgebildet, dass das von ihm erzeugte elektrische Diagnosesignal extern verarbeitet werden kann. Zu diesem Zweck kann das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät mit mindestens einer Kommunikationsschnittstelle ausgestattet sein, an die sich eine insbesondere als übergeordnete Steuerung fungierende externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung und/oder ein elektronisches Informationsauslesegerät und/oder mindestens eine weitere externe elektronische Einrichtung anschließen lässt. Beispielsweise können zwei Kommunikationsschnittstellen vorhanden sein, von denen die eine zur Kommunikation mit der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung nutzbar ist, während die andere als Diagnoseschnittstelle zur Verbindung mit dem Informationsauslesegerät verwendet werden kann. Die jeweilige Kommunikationsschnittstelle ist vorzugsweise elektromechanischer Art, was eine sehr sichere Signalübertragung ermöglicht, insbesondere über ein daran anschließbares elektrisches Kabel. Vorzugsweise ist mindestens eine der Kommunikationsschnittstellen als Busschnittstelle konzipiert, um das Anschließen eines zu einer externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung führenden externen Busses zu ermöglichen, wobei beliebige Busstandards anwendbar sind.Conveniently, the compressed air maintenance device is designed so that the electrical diagnostic signal generated by it can be processed externally. For this purpose, the compressed air maintenance device may be equipped with at least one communication interface to which an external electronic control device, in particular acting as a higher-level controller, and / or an electronic information reader and / or at least one further external electronic device can be connected. For example, two communication interfaces may be present, one of which is usable for communication with the external electronic control device, while the other is used as a diagnostic interface for connection to the information reader can be used. The respective communication interface is preferably of an electromechanical type, which allows a very secure signal transmission, in particular via a connectable electrical cable. Preferably, at least one of the communication interfaces is designed as a bus interface to allow the connection of an external bus leading to an external electronic control device, wherein any bus standards are applicable.

Bei einer alternativen Ausführungsform ist mindestens eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle zur drahtlosen Signalübertragung ausgestattet, insbesondere zur Störungsmeldung über ein Mobilfunknetz und/oder für sonstigen drahtlosen Netzwerkanschluss.In an alternative embodiment, at least one communication interface is equipped for wireless signal transmission, in particular for fault reporting via a mobile radio network and / or for other wireless network connection.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist eine dahingehende Auslegung der mindestens einen Kommunikationsschnittstelle, dass eine bidirektionale Signalübertragung möglich ist.Particularly advantageous is a pertinent design of the at least one communication interface that a bidirectional signal transmission is possible.

Mindestens eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle kann zur Eingabe und/oder Ausgabe binärer und/oder analoger Signale ausgebildet sein. Eine solche Kommunikationsschnittstelle ist insbesondere zusätzlich zu einer als Busschnittstelle ausgebildeten Kommunikationsschnittstelle vorhanden.At least one communication interface can be designed for input and / or output of binary and / or analog signals. Such a communication interface is present in particular in addition to a communication interface embodied as a bus interface.

Die Umschaltbefehle für das Einschaltventil werden zweckmäßigerweise von außen her in das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät zugeführt und stammen von der angeschlossenen externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung. Die interne elektronische Steuereinheit hat in diesem Fall lediglich als Übermittler von Umschaltsignalen zu fungieren, ohne selbige noch spezifisch zu verarbeiten. Dies reduziert die Belastung des mindestens einen zu der internen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung gehörenden Mikroprozessors.The switching commands for the switch-on valve are expediently fed from the outside into the compressed air maintenance device and originate from the connected external electronic control device. The internal electronic control unit has to act in this case only as a transmitter of switching signals, without the same process even more specific. This reduces the burden of at least one to the internal electronic control device associated microprocessor.

Zur Aktivierung und/oder Parametrisierung des Einlernmodus ist das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät zweckmäßigerweise mit geeigneten Eingabemitteln ausgestattet. Solche Eingabemittel bestehen beispielsweise aus mindestens einer Taste und/oder mindestens einem Schalter, die außen am Gehäuse des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes leicht zugänglich angeordnet sind. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können auch Möglichkeiten vorgesehen sein, um das Einlernen beziehungsweise Teachen rein elektrisch vornehmen zu können, beispielsweise über ein spezielles Bediengerät oder durch eine in der Regel mit dem Druckluft-Wartungsgerät kommunizierende externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung, zu welchem Zweck das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät über mindestens eine elektrische Schnittstelle verfügen kann, die insbesondere von einer der schon erwähnten Kommunikationsschnittstellen gebildet sein kann.To activate and / or parameterize the teach-in mode, the compressed air maintenance device is expediently equipped with suitable input means. Such input means consist for example of at least one button and / or at least one switch, which are arranged outside easily accessible on the housing of the compressed air maintenance device. In addition or as an alternative, possibilities can also be provided to be able to carry out teaching or teaching purely electrically, for example via a special operator control device or by an external electronic control device which usually communicates with the compressed air maintenance device, for which purpose the compressed air maintenance device has at least may have an electrical interface, which may be formed in particular by one of the already mentioned communication interfaces.

Die während des Überwachungsmodus der internen elektronischen Steuereinheit benötigten Ist-Informationen werden zweckmäßigerweise im gleichen Zeitintervall aufgezeichnet wie zuvor die Referenzinformationen während des Einlernmodus.The actual information required during the monitoring mode of the internal electronic control unit is expediently recorded in the same time interval as before the reference information during the teach-in mode.

Während des Überwachungsmodus zeichnet die interne elektronische Steuereinrichtung die Ist-Information je nach Betriebsweise lediglich einmal oder mehrmals oder mehrmals regelmäßig auf.During the monitoring mode, the internal electronic control device regularly records the actual information only once or several times or several times, depending on the mode of operation.

Das elektrische Diagnosesignal kann außer zur reinen Betriebsüberwachung auch noch zur Initiierung bestimmter, insbesondere sicherheitsrelevanter Aktionen genutzt werden. So kann das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät beispielsweise ausgebildet sein, um in Abhängigkeit vom Vergleichsergebnis der Vergleichermittel einen Umschaltvorgang des Einschaltventils hervorzurufen. Beispielsweise kann ein Umschalten des Einschaltventils in die Absperrstellung hervorgerufen werden, wenn während der Arbeitsstellung über einen längeren Zeitraum hinweg kein nennenswerter Durchfluss in dem Auslasskanal detektiert wird.The electrical diagnostic signal can also be used to initiate certain, in particular safety-relevant actions, in addition to pure operational monitoring. Thus, the compressed air maintenance device may be formed, for example, in response to the comparison result of the comparator means to cause a switching operation of the on-off valve. For example, switching over of the on-off valve into the shut-off position may be caused if no appreciable flow is detected in the outlet channel during the working position over a relatively long period of time.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. Die einzige Figur (Figur 1) zeigt in schematischer Darstellung einen bevorzugten Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Verbrauchersteuervorrichtung mit einem darin integrierten erfindungsgemäßen Druckluft-Wartungsgerät eines besonders zweckmäßigen Aufbaus.The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The only figure ( FIG. 1 ) shows a schematic representation of a preferred construction of the consumer control device according to the invention with an inventive integrated compressed air maintenance device of a particularly useful structure.

Die in ihrer Gesamtheit mit Bezugsziffer 1 bezeichnete Verbrauchersteuervorrichtung enthält als Hauptkomponente mindestens ein vorzugsweise in Form einer selbsttragenden Baueinheit ausgebildetes Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2. Dieses Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 kann bei Bedarf zusammen mit anderen Wartungsmodulen, von denen eines bei 3 strichpunktiert angedeutet ist, zu einer Druckluft-Aufbereitungsvorrichtung 4 zusammengefasst werden. Als mindestens ein weiteres Wartungsmodul kommt beispielsweise ein Druckregelmodul, ein Filtermodul und/oder ein Lufttrocknungsmodul in Frage.The designated in its entirety by reference numeral 1 consumer control device contains as a main component at least one preferably designed in the form of a self-supporting unit compressed air service unit 2. This compressed air service unit 2 can, if necessary together with other maintenance modules, one of which is indicated by dash-dotted lines 3, to a Compressed air treatment device 4 are summarized. As at least one further maintenance module is for example a pressure control module, a filter module and / or an air drying module in question.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 verfügt über ein vereinfacht als Rahmen illustriertes Gerätegehäuse 5, das die weiteren Komponenten des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes 2 trägt und/oder umschließt.The compressed air maintenance device 2 has a device housing 5, illustrated in a simplified manner as a frame, which carries and / or encloses the further components of the compressed air maintenance device 2.

Außen an dem Gerätegehäuse 5 befindet sich ein Geräteeinlass 6, ein Geräteauslass 7 und ein Entlüftungsauslass 8. Der Geräteeinlass 6 ist ausgebildet, um über eine als Speiseleitung 12 bezeichnete Fluidleitung mit einer Druckluftquelle P verbunden zu werden. Abgebildet ist der an den Geräteeinlass 6 angeschlossene Zustand einer solchen Druckluftquelle P.On the outside of the device housing 5 there is a device inlet 6, a device outlet 7 and a vent outlet 8. The device inlet 6 is designed to be connected to a compressed air source P via a fluid line designated as a feed line 12 to become. Shown is the connected to the device inlet 6 state of such a compressed air source P.

Der Geräteauslass 7 ist ausgebildet, um eine zu einer externen Verbrauchereinrichtung A führende, als Arbeitsleitung 13 bezeichnete Fluidleitung anschließen zu können. Gezeigt ist ein Zustand, in dem eine Verbrauchereinrichtung A - beispielsweise eine über mehrere fluidbetätigte Arbeitskomponenten verfügende Maschine - an den Geräteauslass 7 angeschlossen ist.The device outlet 7 is designed to connect to a leading to an external consumer device A, designated as working line 13 fluid line can. Shown is a state in which a consumer device A - for example, a machine having a plurality of fluid-operated working components - connected to the device outlet 7.

Der Entlüftungsauslass 8 kommuniziert mit der Atmosphäre R. Hierzu ist an den Entlüftungsauslass 8 zweckmäßigerweise ein nicht weiter abgebildeter Schalldämpfer angeschlossen. Auch eine gefasste Abluftabfuhr mittels einer anschließbaren Fluidleitung ist möglich.The vent outlet 8 communicates with the atmosphere R. For this purpose, a not further muffler is suitably connected to the vent outlet 8. Even a controlled exhaust air discharge by means of a connectable fluid line is possible.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 verfügt über ein elektrisch betätigbares, aufgrund seiner Funktion als "Einschaltventil" 14 bezeichnetes Mehrwegeventil. Das Einschaltventil 14 ist zweckmäßigerweise im Innern des Gerätegehäuses 5 untergebracht. Es verfügt über eine 3/3-Ventilfunktionalität, hat also drei Wege beziehungsweise Anschlüsse und drei mögliche Schaltstellungen. Exemplarisch ist es in Gestalt einer einzigen Ventileinheit realisiert, wobei es jedoch auch durch geeignete Verschaltung mehrerer Ventileinheiten niedrigerer Funktionalität verwirklicht werden könnte. Vorzugsweise handelt es sich bei dem Einschaltventil 14 um ein elektropneumatisch vorgesteuertes Ventil, jedoch könnte es auch als direkt elektrisch betätigbares Ventil ausgebildet sein.The compressed air maintenance device 2 has an electrically actuated, due to its function as "On" 14 designated multi-way valve. The switch-on 14 is conveniently housed inside the device housing 5. It has a 3/3-valve functionality, so has three ways or connections and three possible switching positions. By way of example, it is realized in the form of a single valve unit, but it could also be realized by suitable interconnection of a plurality of valve units of lower functionality. The switch-on valve 14 is preferably an electropneumatically pilot-operated valve, but it could also be designed as a directly electrically operable valve.

Das Einschaltventil 14 hat eine exemplarisch als Mittelstellung konzipierte erste Schaltstellung, die aus der Zeichnung ersichtlich ist. Ausgehend hiervon kann es durch wahlweise Aktivierung jeweils eines von zwei elektrisch betätigbaren Ventilantrieben 15a, 15b wahlweise in eine zweite Schaltstellung oder eine dritte Schaltstellung umgeschaltet werden. Die zweite und dritte Schaltstellung bleibt jeweils so lange bestehen, wie der zugeordnete Ventilantrieb 15a, 15b elektrisch aktiviert ist. Bei dem elektrischen Ventilantrieb 15a, 15b handelt es sich insbesondere um eine Elektromagneteinrichtung, wobei allerdings auch andere Arten elektrischer Antriebsmittel verwendbar sind.The switch-on valve 14 has an exemplary designed as a middle position first switching position, which is apparent from the drawing. On the basis of this, it can be selected by Activation each one of two electrically actuated valve actuators 15a, 15b are selectively switched to a second switching position or a third switching position. The second and third switching position remains in each case as long as the associated valve drive 15a, 15b is electrically activated. The electric valve drive 15a, 15b is in particular a solenoid device, although other types of electric drive means can be used.

Die drei Anschlüsse des Einschaltventils 14 bilden einen Speiseeingang 16, einen Arbeitsausgang 17 und einen Entlüftungsausgang 18. Der Speiseeingang 16 ist ständig mit dem Geräteeinlass 6 verbunden oder bildet diesen unmittelbar. Der Arbeitsausgang 17 ist ständig mit dem Entlüftungsauslass 18 verbunden oder bildet diesen unmittelbar. Der Arbeitsausgang 17 steht über einen internen Auslasskanal 22 des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes 2 mit dem Geräteauslass 7 in Verbindung. Der Auslasskanal 22 verläuft zweckmäßigerweise im Innern des Gerätegehäuses 5.The three terminals of the on-off valve 14 form a feed input 16, a working output 17 and a vent outlet 18. The feed input 16 is permanently connected to the device inlet 6 or forms this directly. The working outlet 17 is permanently connected to the vent outlet 18 or forms this immediately. The working outlet 17 is connected via an internal outlet channel 22 of the compressed air maintenance device 2 with the device outlet 7 in connection. The outlet channel 22 expediently runs in the interior of the device housing 5.

Das Einschaltventil 14 kann eine Absperrstellung einnehmen, die exemplarisch der im unbetätigten Zustand vorliegenden Mittelstellung entspricht. Hierbei ist der Arbeitsausgang 17 von sowohl dem Speiseeingang 16 als auch dem Entlüftungsausgang 18 abgetrennt. Auf diese Weise ist der Auslasskanal 22 abgesperrt und das darin sowie in der Arbeitsleitung 13 und dem sich daran anschließenden Kanalsystem der Verbrauchereinrichtung A befindliche Fluidvolumen ist eingesperrt.The switch-on valve 14 can assume a shut-off position which, by way of example, corresponds to the middle position present in the unactuated state. In this case, the working outlet 17 is separated from both the feed inlet 16 and the vent outlet 18. In this way, the outlet channel 22 is shut off and the fluid volume contained therein and in the working line 13 and the adjoining channel system of the consumer device A is trapped.

Die beiden anderen möglichen Schaltstellungen des Einschaltventils 14 definieren eine Arbeitsstellung und eine Entlüftungsstellung. In der Arbeitsstellung ist der Arbeitsausgang 17 mit dem Speiseeingang 16 verbunden und gleichzeitig vom Entlüftungsausgang 18 abgetrennt. In der Entlüftungsstellung ist der Arbeitsausgang 17 mit dem Entlüftungsausgang 18 verbunden und gleichzeitig vom Speiseeingang 16 abgetrennt. Somit wird der Auslasskanal 22 und mit diesem die angeschlossene Verbrauchereinrichtung A in der Arbeitsstellung des Einschaltventils 14 mit Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle P versorgt und in der Entlüftungsstellung zur Atmosphäre hin entlüftet.The other two possible switching positions of the on-off valve 14 define a working position and a venting position. In the working position of the working output 17 is connected to the feed input 16 and simultaneously separated from the vent outlet 18. In the venting position, the working outlet 17 is connected to the venting outlet 18 and simultaneously separated from the feed inlet 16. Thus, the outlet channel 22 and with this the connected consumer device A is supplied in the working position of the on-valve 14 with compressed air from the compressed air source P and vented to the atmosphere in the venting position.

Das Einschaltventil 14 wird während der Betriebszeiten der angeschlossenen Verbrauchereinrichtung A in der Arbeitsstellung gehalten. Während dieser Betriebszeiten arbeitet die Verbrauchereinrichtung A einen vorgegebenen Betriebszyklus einmalig oder periodisch ab. Der Ablauf dieses Betriebszyklus wird durch eine externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung 23 gesteuert, die in nicht weiter abgebildeter Weise in steuerungstechnischer Hinsicht mit der Verbrauchereinrichtung A kommuniziert.The switch-on valve 14 is held during the operating times of the connected consumer device A in the working position. During these operating times, the consumer device A works a predetermined operating cycle once or periodically. The course of this operating cycle is controlled by an external electronic control device 23, which communicates with the consumer device A in a manner not shown in a control-technical respect.

Soll die Verbrauchereinrichtung A für einen längeren Zeitraum nicht betrieben werden, beispielsweise während Betriebspausen am Wochenende, kann das Einschaltventil 14 in die Entlütungsstellung geschaltet werden, so dass die Verbrauchereinrichtung A entlüftet wird und keine Gefahrensituationen entstehen können.If the consumer device A is not operated for a longer period of time, for example during breaks at the weekend, the switch-on valve 14 can be switched to the venting position, so that the consumer device A is vented and no dangerous situations can arise.

Während nur kurzzeitiger Betriebspausen der Verbrauchereinrichtung A lässt sich das Einschaltventil 14 in der Absperrstellung positionieren. Dadurch bleibt das in der Verbrauchereinrichtung A vorhandene Luftvolumen erhalten und steht für die neuerliche Betriebsaufnahme wieder zur Verfügung. Man erspart sich somit ein erneutes komplettes Befüllen der Verbrauchereinrichtung A mit Druckluft.During only brief pauses in the operation of the consumer device A, the switch-on valve 14 can be positioned in the shut-off position. As a result, the existing in the consumer device A volume of air is maintained and is available for the new operation recording again. This saves a complete renewed filling of the consumer device A with compressed air.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 ist mit einem Drucksensor 24 und mit einem Durchflusssensor 25 ausgestattet. Beide Sensoren 24, 25 befinden sich zweckmäßigerweise im Innern des Gerätegehäuses 5. Außerdem kommunizieren beide Sensoren 24, 25 mit dem Auslasskanal 22, wobei exemplarisch der Drucksensor 24 an den Auslasskanal 22 angeschlossen und der Durchflusssensor 25 in den Verlauf des Auslasskanals 22 eingeschaltet ist.The compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with a pressure sensor 24 and with a flow sensor 25. Both sensors 24, 25 are expediently located in the interior of the device housing 5. In addition, both sensors 24, 25 communicate with the outlet channel 22, wherein the pressure sensor 24 is connected to the outlet channel 22 by way of example and the flow sensor 25 is switched into the course of the outlet channel 22.

Der Drucksensor 24 ist in der Lage, den im Auslasskanal 22 herrschenden Druck zu messen, wobei dieser Druck im Folgenden als Auslassdruck bezeichnet sei. Der Durchflusssensor 25 ist in der Lage, die aktuelle Strömungsrate der durch den Auslasskanal 22 hindurchströmenden Druckluft, also den Durchfluss dieser Druckluft, zu ermitteln. Im Folgenden sei dieser gemessene Durchfluss als Auslassdurchfluss bezeichnet.The pressure sensor 24 is capable of measuring the pressure prevailing in the outlet channel 22, this pressure being referred to below as the outlet pressure. The flow sensor 25 is capable of determining the current flow rate of the compressed air flowing through the outlet channel 22, that is to say the flow of this compressed air. In the following, this measured flow is referred to as outlet flow.

Wenn das Messprinzip des Durchflusssensors 25 auf einer Druckerfassung basiert, kann auch ein zum Durchflusssensor 25 gehörender Drucksensor die Funktion des vorgenannten Drucksensors 24 übernehmen, so dass ein eigenständiger Drucksensor 24 eingespart werden kann.If the measuring principle of the flow sensor 25 is based on a pressure detection, a pressure sensor belonging to the flow sensor 25 can also assume the function of the aforementioned pressure sensor 24, so that an independent pressure sensor 24 can be saved.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 enthält eine bevorzugt im Innern des Gerätegehäuses 5 untergebrachte interne elektronische Steuereinheit 26, die mit mindestens einem Mikroprozessor beziehungsweise Mikrocontroller ausgestattet ist. Zur Vereinfachung sei sie im Folgenden auch nur als "interne Steuereinheit 26" bezeichnet.The compressed air maintenance device 2 contains a preferably housed inside the device housing 5 internal electronic control unit 26, which is equipped with at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. For the sake of simplicity, it will also be referred to below as "internal control unit 26".

Die interne Steuereinheit 26 ist über interne elektrische Signalleitungen 27 des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes 2 mit den Ventilantrieben 15a, 15b des Einschaltventils 14, mit dem Drucksensor 24 und mit dem Durchflusssensor 25 signaltechnisch verbunden. Die interne Steuereinheit 26 kann elektrische Druckmesswerte und Durchflussmesswerte vom Drucksensor 24 beziehungsweise vom Durchflusssensor 25 empfangen und kann elektrische Betätigungssignale an das Einschaltventil 14 ausgeben.The internal control unit 26 is signal-technically via internal electrical signal lines 27 of the compressed-air maintenance device 2 with the valve drives 15a, 15b of the on-off valve 14, with the pressure sensor 24 and with the flow sensor 25 connected. The internal control unit 26 may receive electrical pressure readings and flow readings from the pressure sensor 24 and the flow sensor 25, respectively, and may output electrical actuation signals to the on-off valve 14.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 ist mit einer im Folgenden zur besseren Unterscheidung als erste Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 bezeichneten elektrischen Schnittstelle ausgestattet, die eine signaltechnische Kommunikation zwischen der internen Steuereinheit 26 und der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 ermöglicht. Die erste Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 ist insbesondere an einer Außenseite des Gerätegehäuses 5 angeordnet und zweckmäßigerweise über interne elektrische Leiter 32 mit der internen Steuereinheit 26 verbunden. Vorzugsweise ist die erste Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 von elektromechanischer Art und insbesondere als Steckanschlusseinrichtung konzipiert, so dass sich ein nur schematisch angedeutetes externes Signalkabel 33 insbesondere lösbar anschließen lässt, das eine Verbindung zu der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 ermöglicht.The compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with an electrical interface which is designated below for better distinction as the first communication interface 28 and which enables signal-technical communication between the internal control unit 26 and the external electronic control unit 23. The first communication interface 28 is arranged in particular on an outer side of the device housing 5 and expediently connected to the internal control unit 26 via internal electrical conductors 32. Preferably, the first communication interface 28 of electromechanical type and in particular designed as a plug connection device, so that a only schematically indicated external signal cable 33 can be connected in particular releasably, which allows connection to the external electronic control device 23.

Alternativ kann die erste Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 auch als drahtlos arbeitende Schnittstelle konzipiert sein, um insbesondere über Funksignale mit der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 kommunizieren zu können.Alternatively, the first communication interface 28 may also be designed as a wireless interface in order to be able to communicate with the external electronic control device 23 in particular via radio signals.

Bei der ersten Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 handelt es sich vorzugsweise um eine Busschnittstelle, die in der Lage ist, serielle Bussignale zwischen der internen Steuereinheit 26 und der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 zu übertragen. Das externe Signalkabel 33 kann ebenso wie die internen elektrischen Leiter 32 in Form eines seriellen Bussystems realisiert sein.The first communication interface 28 is preferably a bus interface capable of transmitting serial bus signals between the internal control unit 26 and the external electronic control unit 23. The external signal cable 33, like the internal electrical conductors 32, can be realized in the form of a serial bus system.

Die interne Steuereinheit 26 verfügt über elektronische Speichermittel 34, über Vergleichermittel 35 und über Ausgabemittel 36. In den Speichermitteln 34 lassen sich Druckwerte des vom Drucksensor 24 gemessenen Auslassdruckes und Durchflusswerte des vom Durchflusssensor 25 gemessenen Auslassdurchflusses als Referenzinformationen und vorzugsweise auch als Ist-Informationen abspeichern. Die Vergleichermittel 35 sind in der Lage, gespeicherte Referenzinformationen mit insbesondere ebenfalls zwischengespeicherten oder auch mit unmittelbar gemessenen Ist-Informationen zu vergleichen. Die Ausgabemittel 36 sind in der Lage, in Abhängigkeit von dem durch die Vergleichermittel 35 ermittelten Vergleichsergebnis ein elektrisches Diagnosesignal auszugeben.The internal control unit 26 has electronic storage means 34, comparator means 35 and output means 36. In the storage means 34, pressure values of the outlet pressure measured by the pressure sensor 24 and flow values of the outlet flow rate measured by the flow sensor 25 can be stored as reference information and preferably also as actual information. The comparator means 35 are able to compare stored reference information with, in particular, also cached or also directly measured actual information. The output means 36 are capable of outputting an electrical diagnostic signal as a function of the comparison result determined by the comparator means 35.

Vorzugsweise geben die Ausgabemittel 36 der internen Steuereinheit 26 das elektrische Diagnosesignal an die erste Kommnikationsschnittstelle 28 aus, von wo aus es zur bedarfsgemäßen weiteren Verarbeitung an die externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung 23 übermittelbar ist.The output means 36 of the internal control unit 26 preferably output the electrical diagnostic signal to the first communication interface 28, from where it can be transmitted to the external electronic control device 23 for further processing as required.

Das elektrische Diagnosesignal kann auch optischen Anzeigemitteln 37 des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes 2 zugeleitet werden, um sie in beliebiger Weise zu visualisieren.The electrical diagnostic signal can also be fed to optical display means 37 of the compressed air maintenance device 2 to visualize them in any way.

Es ist ferner möglich, dass das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 mit nur gestrichelt angedeuteten akustischen Warnmitteln 38 ausgestattet ist, beispielsweise ein Summer, so dass bei Empfang eines entsprechenden Diagnosesignals vor Ort ein akustisches Warnsignal ausgegeben werden kann.It is also possible that the compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with only indicated by dashed lines acoustic warning means 38, such as a buzzer, so that upon receipt of a corresponding diagnostic signal on site, an audible warning signal can be issued.

Die interne Steuereinheit 26 ist in einem Überwachungsmodus betreibbar, in dem sie von dem Drucksensor 24 und/oder von dem Durchflusssensor 25 stammende Messsignale als Ist-Informationen empfangen und verarbeiten kann. Auf diese Weise empfängt die interne Steuereinheit 26 zeitabhängig aktuelle Werte des Auslassdruckes und/oder des Auslassdurchflusses als Ist-Informationen. Die interne Steuereinheit 26 kann ausgebildet sein, um diese Ist-Informationen an der ersten Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 und/oder an den optischen Anzeigemitteln 37 elektrisch oder visuell auszugeben.The internal control unit 26 is operable in a monitoring mode in which it can receive and process measurement signals originating from the pressure sensor 24 and / or from the flow sensor 25 as actual information. In this way The internal control unit 26 receives current values of the discharge pressure and / or the discharge flow rate as actual information in a time-dependent manner. The internal control unit 26 may be configured to output this actual information electrically or visually on the first communication interface 28 and / or on the optical display means 37.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann die interne Steuereinheit 26 alternativ zu dem Überwachungsmodus auch in einem Einlernmodus betrieben werden, der auch als Teach-Modus bezeichnet werden kann. Im Rahmen dieses Einlernmodus kann die interne Steuereinheit 26 die schon angedeuteten Referenzinformationen aufnehmen und zur weiteren Verarbeitung in den Speichermitteln 34 abspeichern.Advantageously, as an alternative to the monitoring mode, the internal control unit 26 can also be operated in a teach-in mode, which can also be referred to as a teach mode. Within the scope of this learning mode, the internal control unit 26 can record the already indicated reference information and store it in the storage means 34 for further processing.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 ist zweckmäßigerweise mit Eingabemitteln 42 ausgestattet, die zur bedarfsgemäßen Aktivierung des Einlernmodus dienen. Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass durch diese Eingabemittel 42 ein bedarfsgemäßes Umschalten zwischen dem Einlernmodus und dem Überwachungsmodus möglich ist. Vorzugsweise ist die interne Steuereinheit 26 mit einem internen Steuerprogramm ausgestattet, das für ein selbsttätiges Umschalten in den Überwachungsmodus sorgt, wenn die Einlernphase abgeschlossen ist.The compressed air maintenance device 2 is expediently equipped with input means 42 which serve to activate the teach-in mode as required. It can also be provided that by means of these input means 42 it is possible to switch between the teach-in mode and the monitoring mode as required. Preferably, the internal control unit 26 is provided with an internal control program which provides for automatically switching to the monitoring mode when the teaching phase is completed.

Der Einlernmodus ist zweckmäßigerweise sowohl in der Absperrstellung als auch in der Arbeitsstellung des Einschaltventils 14 aktivierbar. Bei während der Absperrstellung aktiviertem Einlernmodus wird ein zeitabhängiger Druckabfall des im Auslasskanal 22 herrschenden Auslassdruckes aufgenommen und als erste Referenzinformation 43 in den Speichermitteln 34 abgelegt. Dies geschieht beispielsweise durch zweimaliges Drücken bzw. Betätigen einer Taste bzw. eines Schalters 42a der Eingabemittel 42 in einem beliebigen zeitlichen Abstand. Die interne Steuereinheit 26 nimmt dann den Druckabfall des Auslassdruckes über der Zeit auf und bildet eine beim Ausführungsbeispiel als Gerade illustrierte Referenzkurve 43a. Allerdings spielt der Kurvenverlauf bei der späteren Auswertung keine Rolle, da letztlich nur der absolute Wert des Druckabfalls (p1-p2) während des gemessenen Zeitintervalls (t2-t1) von Bedeutung ist.The learning mode is expediently activated both in the shut-off position and in the working position of the switch-14. When the learning mode is activated during the shut-off position, a time-dependent pressure drop of the outlet pressure prevailing in the outlet channel 22 is recorded and stored as first reference information 43 in the storage means 34. This happens, for example, by pressing or pressing a key or a switch 42a of the input means 42 twice at any desired time interval. The internal Control unit 26 then absorbs the pressure drop of the outlet pressure over time and forms a reference curve 43a illustrated in the exemplary embodiment as a straight line. However, the course of the curve plays no role in the later evaluation, since ultimately only the absolute value of the pressure drop (p1-p2) during the measured time interval (t2-t1) is of importance.

Durch Ausführen des Einlernmodus während der Arbeitsstellung des Einschaltventils 14 lässt sich ein bei Bezugsziffer 44a angedeutetes zeitabhängiges Durchflussprofil Q(t) des im Auslasskanal 22 herrschenden Auslassdurchflusses ermitteln und in Form zweiter Referenzinformationen 44 in ebenfalls den Speichermitteln 34 der internen Steuereinheit 26 abspeichern. Dies erfolgt bei laufendem Betrieb der angeschlossenen Verbrauchereinrichtung A, wobei das die zweiten Referenzinformationen 44 bildende Durchflussprofil 44a vorzugsweise die Zeitdauer eines gesamten Bearbeitungszyklus der Verbrauchereinrichtung A abdeckt. Die zweiten Referenzinformationen 44 sind folglich als Kurve vorstellbar, die den momentanen Auslassdurchfluss zu jedem Zeitpunkt während eines typischen Bearbeitungszyklus wiedergibt.By executing the teach-in mode during the working position of the on-off valve 14, a time-dependent flow profile Q (t) of the outlet flow 22 prevailing in the outlet channel 22 can be determined and stored in the form of second reference information 44 in the storage means 34 of the internal control unit 26 as well. This takes place during operation of the connected consumer device A, wherein the flow rate profile 44a forming the second reference information 44 preferably covers the duration of an entire processing cycle of the consumer device A. The second reference information 44 is therefore conceivable as a curve representing the instantaneous exhaust flow at any time during a typical machining cycle.

Im späteren Normalbetrieb der Verbrauchersteuervorrichtung 1 kann die im Überwachungsmodus arbeitende interne Steuereinheit 26 aus einem Vergleich zwischen gemessenen Ist-Informationen mit den zugeordneten ersten oder zweiten Referenzinformationen 43, 44 ein elektrisches Diagnosesignal generieren, das Aufschluss über die energetische Situation der angeschlossenen Verbrauchereinrichtung A liefert.During later normal operation of the consumer control device 1, the internal control unit 26 operating in monitoring mode can generate an electrical diagnostic signal from a comparison between measured actual information with the associated first or second reference information 43, 44, which provides information about the energy situation of the connected consumer device A.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 bietet insbesondere die Möglichkeit, bei in Absperrstellung befindlichem Einschaltventil 14 eine Leckage-Überwachung vorzunehmen. Hierzu werden durch die interne Steuereinheit 26 während der Absperrstellung des Einschaltventils 14 von dem Drucksensor 24 gelieferte Ist-Informationen aufgezeichnet und mit den während des Einlernmodus aufgezeichneten und abgespeicherten ersten Referenzinformationen 43 verglichen. Das Zeitmessintervall für die Aufnahme der Ist-Informationen ist hierbei gleichgroß wie dasjenige bei der Aufnahme der ersten Referenzinformationen 43, was über ein in der internen Steuereinheit 26 enthaltenes Steuerprogramm überwacht und gesteuert wird. Nach Möglichkeit sollte die Istdruckmessung auch bei einem zumindest annähernd gleichgroßen Ausgangswert des Auslassdruckes wie bei der Referenzdruckmessung stattfinden, was ebenfalls durch die interne Steuereinheit 26 überwacht wird. Auf diese Weise ist gewährleistet, dass die zu vergleichenden Informationen auch dem gleichen Betriebszustand zugerechnet werden können.In particular, the compressed air maintenance device 2 offers the possibility of carrying out a leakage monitoring when the shut-off valve 14 is in the shut-off position. For this purpose are by the internal control unit 26 recorded actual information supplied by the pressure sensor 24 during the shut-off position of the on-off valve 14 and compared with the first reference information 43 recorded and stored during the teach-in mode. The time measuring interval for the recording of the actual information here is the same as that in the recording of the first reference information 43, which is monitored and controlled via a control program contained in the internal control unit 26. If possible, the actual pressure measurement should also take place with an output value of the outlet pressure which is at least approximately the same size as in the case of the reference pressure measurement, which is likewise monitored by the internal control unit 26. In this way it is ensured that the information to be compared can also be assigned to the same operating state.

Die interne Steuereinheit 26 veranlasst über die Ausgabemittel 36 beispielsweise dann die Ausgabe eines Diagnosesignals, wenn der im Überwachungsmodus ermittelte Druckabfall des Auslassdruckes den während des Einlernmodus aufgenommenen Referenzwert um einen vorgegebenen Toleranzwert unterschreitet.The internal control unit 26 causes the output of a diagnostic signal via the output means 36, for example, when the pressure drop of the outlet pressure determined in the monitoring mode falls below the reference value recorded during the learning mode by a predetermined tolerance value.

Das Messen der Ist-Informationen kann an den Umschaltvorgang des Einschaltventils 14 gekoppelt sein. So kann das Aufnehmen der Ist-Informationen beispielsweise zeitgleich mit oder um einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum zeitverzögert nach der Ausgabe eines Umschaltsignals erfolgen, das von der internen Steuereinheit 26 an das Einschaltventil 14 gesendet wird.The measurement of the actual information may be coupled to the switching operation of the on-valve 14. Thus, the recording of the actual information, for example, at the same time or at a predetermined time delay after the output of a switching signal, which is sent from the internal control unit 26 to the on-valve 14.

Auch bei der Überwachung des Ausgangsdurchflusses kann die Ausgabe eines für das Einschaltventil 14 bestimmten Umschaltsignals der internen Steuereinheit 26 als Initiator für die Aufzeichnung von Durchfluss-Ist-Informationen verwendet werden.Also in the monitoring of the output flow rate, the output of a switching signal for the turn-on valve 14 may be used by the internal control unit 26 as an initiator for recording actual flow information.

Ebenso wie bei der Überwachung des Auslassdruckes kann auch bei der Überwachung des Ausgangsdurchflusses eine nur einmalige oder aber eine mehrmalige Aufzeichnung von Ist-Informationen stattfinden, wobei eine mehrmalige Aufzeichnung von Ist-Informationen insbesondere in zeitlicher Regelmäßigkeit stattfinden kann.As in the case of monitoring the outlet pressure, it is also possible to record actual information only once or several times during the monitoring of the output flow, wherein a repeated recording of actual information can take place, in particular with temporal regularity.

Das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 eröffnet vorzugsweise alternativ oder zusätzlich die Möglichkeit, ein von der angeschlossenen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 geliefertes Triggersignal als Initiator für den Aufzeichnungsvorgang der Ist-Informationen zugrunde zu legen. Diese Triggerfunktion der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 ist vor allem bei der Durchflussüberwachung besonders vorteilhaft, weil hierdurch die Möglichkeit besteht, den Betriebszyklus der Verbrauchereinrichtung A nicht nur pauschal zu überwachen, sondern auch eine individuelle Überwachung eines oder mehrerer Teilzyklen des gesamten Betriebszyklus durchzuführen.The compressed air maintenance device 2 preferably opens alternatively or additionally the possibility of applying a trigger signal supplied by the connected electronic control device 23 as an initiator for the recording process of the actual information. This trigger function of the external electronic control device 23 is especially advantageous in flow monitoring, because this provides the possibility of not only monitoring the operating cycle of the consumer device A on a flat-rate basis, but also of carrying out individual monitoring of one or more subcycles of the entire operating cycle.

Die Durchflussüberwachung findet bei in die Arbeitsstellung umgeschaltetem Einschaltventil 14 statt. In dieser Arbeitsstellung strömt normalerweise Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle P zur Verbrauchereinrichtung A und betätigt dort eine oder mehrere mittels Fluidkraft aktivierbare Arbeitskomponenten der Verbrauchereinrichtung A. Eine oder mehrere dieser Arbeitskomponenten sind beispielsweise pneumatische Antriebe. Durch einen Vergleich der während des Überwachungsmodus erfassten Auslassdurchfluss-Ist-Informationen mit den zugeordneten zweiten Referenzinformationen 44 lässt sich sehr einfach überwachen, ob während des Betriebszyklus oder während bestimmter Phasen beziehungsweise Teilzyklen des Betriebszyklus ein erhöhter Luftverbrauch auftritt, was ein Anzeichen für Funktionsstörungen oder fehlerhafte Arbeitskomponenten ist.The flow monitoring takes place when switched to the working position on valve 14. In this working position, compressed air normally flows from the compressed air source P to the consumer device A and operates there one or more activatable by fluid force working components of the consumer device A. One or more of these working components are, for example, pneumatic actuators. By comparing the exhaust flow actual information acquired during the monitoring mode with the associated second reference information 44, it is very easy to monitor whether increased air consumption occurs during the operating cycle or during certain phases or sub-cycles of the operating cycle, indicating malfunction or faulty working components is.

Auch bei der Durchflussüberwachung ist die interne Steuereinheit 26 insbesondere so ausgebildet, dass sie ein elektrisches Diagnosesignal dann ausgibt, wenn eine ermittelte Ist-Information um einen vorgegebenen Toleranzwert von der zugeordneten und während des Einlernmodus aufgezeichneten zweiten Referenzinformation 44 abweicht. Die Toleranzwerte sind im Falle der Durchflussüberwachung zweckmäßigerweise in Form von Toleranzbändern 45a, 45b in der internen Steuereinheit 26 hinterlegt, die die Kennlinie 44a der zweiten Referenzinformationen 44 oberhalb und unterhalb flankieren.In the case of flow monitoring, too, the internal control unit 26 is in particular designed such that it outputs an electrical diagnostic signal when a determined actual information differs by a predetermined tolerance value from the associated second reference information 44 recorded during the teach-in mode. In the case of flow monitoring, the tolerance values are expediently stored in the form of tolerance bands 45a, 45b in the internal control unit 26, which flank the characteristic curve 44a of the second reference information 44 above and below.

Die bei der Generierung des Diagnosesignals zu berücksichtigenden Toleranzwerte sind vorzugsweise individuell in die interne Steuereinheit 26 eingebbar. Der Nutzer des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes 2 kann somit die Toleranzwerte und mithin die Ausgabe des Diagnosesignals individuell an seine Bedürfnisse anpassen. Zur Eingabe der Toleranzwerte können insbesondere die schon erwähnten Eingabemittel 42 genutzt werden, also beispielsweise eine Anordnung von Tasten und/oder Schaltern 42a und/oder - zur elektronischen Eingabe - eine beispielsweise von der ersten Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 gebildete elektrische Schnittstelle, an die zweckmäßigerweise ein Bediengerät und/oder ein Personalcomputer (PC) angeschlossen werden kann.The tolerance values to be taken into account when generating the diagnostic signal are preferably input to the internal control unit 26 individually. The user of the compressed air maintenance device 2 can thus adapt the tolerance values and thus the output of the diagnostic signal individually to his needs. For inputting the tolerance values, it is possible in particular to use the already mentioned input means 42, that is, for example, an arrangement of keys and / or switches 42a and / or - for electronic input - an electrical interface formed, for example, by the first communication interface 28, to which an operating device and expediently / or a personal computer (PC) can be connected.

Die Eingabe der Toleranzwerte erfolgt zweckmäßigerweise während des Einlernmodus. Allerdings kann das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 auch die Möglichkeit bieten, die Toleranzwerte im laufenden Überwachungsmodus zu verändern, um veränderten Betriebsumständen flexibel Rechnung tragen zu können.The input of the tolerance values is expediently carried out during the teach-in mode. However, the compressed air maintenance device 2 can also offer the possibility of changing the tolerance values in the current monitoring mode in order to be able to flexibly take into account changed operating circumstances.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist der Einlernmodus durch Eingabemittel 42 individuell parametrierbar. Die Parametrierung kann unmittelbar am Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 durch Aktivierung von Tasten und/oder Schaltern 42a vorgenommen werden oder durch die externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung 23 unter Vermittlung der seriellen Busverbindung 33. Durch die Parametrierung kann beispielsweise vorgegeben werden, wie häufig während der dafür relevanten Betriebsstellung des Einschaltventils 14 Ist-Informationen in der internen Steuereinheit 26 ausgewertet werden. Auch die Veränderung der Toleranzwerte, beispielsweise die Veränderung der Bandbreite der Toleranzbänder 45a, 45b, lässt sich unter den Begriff der Parametrierung subsumieren.Expediently, the teach-in mode can be individually parameterized by input means 42. The parameterization can be done directly on the compressed air maintenance unit 2 by activating keys and / or switches 42a or by the external electronic control device 23 through the intermediary of the serial bus connection 33. The parameterization can be used to specify, for example, how often actual information is evaluated in the internal control unit 26 during the relevant operating position of the on-off valve. The change in the tolerance values, for example the change in the bandwidth of the tolerance bands 45a, 45b, can also be subsumed under the term parameterization.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 mit einer weiteren, zweiten Kommunikationsschnittstelle 29 ausgestattet, die als Diagnoseschnittstelle nutzbar ist und an der insbesondere ein elektronisches Informationsauslesegerät 46 der Verbrauchersteuervorrichtung 1 zumindest zeitweilig anschließbar ist. Ein solches Informationsauslesegerät 46 ermöglicht beispielsweise das Auslesen gemessener Ist-Informationen, insbesondere in Verbindung mit den zugeordneten Referenzinformationen, so dass sich beispielsweise in Verbindung mit der Durchflussüberwachung zeitgleich oder auch noch nachträglich verifizieren lässt, an welcher Stelle des aufgezeichneten Referenzprofils eine Unregelmäßigkeit aufgetreten ist.In the exemplary embodiment, the compressed air maintenance device 2 is equipped with a further, second communication interface 29, which can be used as a diagnostic interface and to which in particular an electronic information reader 46 of the consumer control device 1 is at least temporarily connectable. Such an information reader 46 makes it possible, for example, to read out measured actual information, in particular in conjunction with the assigned reference information, so that it is possible, for example in conjunction with the flow monitoring, to verify at the same time or subsequently at which point of the recorded reference profile an irregularity has occurred.

Die interne Steuereinheit 26 ist zweckmäßigerweise derart ausgelegt oder zumindest programmierbar, dass sie in Abhängigkeit von dem durch die Vergleichermittel 35 festgestellten Vergleichsergebnis mindestens eine weitere Aktion zusätzlich zur Ausgabe eines Diagnosesignals veranlassen kann. Beim Ausführungsbeispiel besteht eine solche Zusatzfunktion im Hervorrufen eines Umschaltvorganges des Einschaltventils 14. Selbiges wird beispielsweise dann aus der Arbeitsstellung in die Absperrstellung umgeschaltet, wenn während eines längeren Zeitraumes, der insbesondere frei parametrierbar ist, in dem Auslasskanal 22 kein oder zumindest kein nennenswerter Auslassdurchfluss vorhanden ist. Alternativ kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass das elektrische Diagnosesignal direkt einen Umschaltvorgang des Einschaltventils 14 hervorruft.The internal control unit 26 is expediently designed or at least programmable such that it can initiate at least one further action in addition to the output of a diagnostic signal as a function of the comparison result ascertained by the comparator means 35. In the embodiment, such an additional function in causing a switching operation of the on-off valve 14. The same example, then switched from the working position to the shut-off, if during a longer Period, which in particular is freely parameterizable, in the outlet channel 22 no or at least no appreciable outlet flow is present. Alternatively it can also be provided that the electrical diagnostic signal directly causes a switching operation of the on-valve 14.

Während in den vorgenannten Fällen die Ausgabe eines für das Einschaltventil 14 bestimmten Umschaltsignals durch die interne Steuereinheit 26 initiierbar ist, wird die Schaltstellung des Einschaltventils 14 im Übrigen zweckmäßigerweise ausschließlich durch die externe elektronische Steuereinrichtung 23 befehligt, die hierzu die notwendigen Umschaltsignale über die erste Kommunikationsschnittstelle 28 in die interne Steuereinheit 26 einspeist. Letztere fungiert hierbei als bloßer Übermittler der Umschaltsignale an das Einschaltventil 14, ohne die von der externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 erhaltenen Umschaltsignale nochmals in irgendeiner Form zu verarbeiten. Auf diese Weise wird die Prozessorbelastung des in der internen Steuereinheit 26 enthaltenen Mikroprozessors möglichst gering gehalten.While in the aforementioned cases the output of a switching signal for the switch-on valve 14 can be initiated by the internal control unit 26, the switch position of the switch-on valve 14 is expediently commanded exclusively by the external electronic control device 23, which supplies the necessary switchover signals via the first communication interface 28 into the internal control unit 26 feeds. The latter acts as a mere transmitter of the switching signals to the on-off valve 14, without again processing in any form the switching signals obtained from the external electronic control device 23. In this way, the processor load of the microprocessor included in the internal control unit 26 is minimized.

Es versteht sich, dass das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 mit beliebigen weiteren elektrischen Schnittstellen ausgestattet sein kann. Auf diese Weise kann eine beliebige Anzahl von Schaltausgängen zur Verfügung gestellt werden, die Ausgabe von Analogwerten ist möglich, oder auch eine Konfiguration mittels eines anschließbaren Personalcomputers. Die Anbindung der vorzugsweise vorhandenen externen elektronischen Steuereinrichtung 23 erfolgt wie erwähnt zweckmäßigerweise in serieller Signalübertragungstechnik durch einen geeigneten Bus, der unter anderem auch dem sogenannten IO-Link-Standard entsprechen kann.It is understood that the compressed air maintenance device 2 can be equipped with any other electrical interfaces. In this way, any number of switching outputs can be provided, the output of analog values is possible, or even a configuration by means of a connectable personal computer. The connection of the preferably present external electronic control device 23 is carried out as mentioned expediently in serial signal transmission technology by a suitable bus, which may correspond, inter alia, the so-called IO-Link standard.

Ein Vorteil des Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes 2 liegt in seiner einfachen Inbetriebnahme. Im Prinzip genügt es, das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 in ein vorhandenes Druckluftsystem einzubauen und es anschließend einzulernen beziehungsweise zu teachen. Dann ist es betriebsbereit.An advantage of the compressed air maintenance device 2 is its easy commissioning. In principle, it is sufficient to install the compressed air maintenance device 2 in an existing compressed air system and then teach it or teach. Then it is ready for use.

Weitere besondere Vorteile der beispielhaft geschilderten Anordnung bestehen darin, dass die angeschlossene Verbraucheranordnung A ohne Entlüftung ihrer Zuleitung 22, 13 in pneumatischer Hinsicht absperrbar ist, so dass bei vorübergehenden Stillstandszeiten keine Energieverschwendung auftritt. Gleichwohl besteht durch die Drei-Stellungs-Funktionalität des Einschaltventils 14 bei Bedarf die Möglichkeit, die angeschlossene Verbrauchereinrichtung A zu entlüften. Der vorhandene Drucksensor 24 vergleicht den Druckabfall im Auslasskanal 22 nach dem Absperren mit einem geteachten Sollverlauf beziehungsweise Referenzverlauf und gibt bei zu schnellem Druckabfall ein Diagnosesignal. Auf diese Weise ist eine Leckage-Überwachung der Verbrauchereinrichtung A möglich.Other particular advantages of the exemplary arrangement described are that the connected consumer assembly A without venting its supply line 22, 13 can be shut off in pneumatic terms, so that no energy waste occurs during temporary downtime. Nevertheless, the three-position functionality of the on-off valve 14 makes it possible, if necessary, to vent the connected consumer device A. The existing pressure sensor 24 compares the pressure drop in the outlet channel 22 after shutting off with a taught nominal course or reference curve and, if the pressure drop is too fast, gives a diagnostic signal. In this way, leakage monitoring of the consumer device A is possible.

Während des normalen Betriebes, wenn das Einschaltventil 14 die Arbeitsstellung einnimmt, kann der Verlauf des im Auslasskanal 22 gemessenen Durchflusswertes überwacht werden, um bei Abweichungen gegenüber dem geteachten Soll-Wert wiederum ein Diagnosesignal auszugeben. Auf diese Weise ist eine Verbrauchsüberwachung der Verbrauchereinrichtung A möglich.During normal operation, when the switch-on valve 14 assumes the working position, the profile of the flow value measured in the outlet channel 22 can be monitored in order to output a diagnostic signal in the event of deviations from the taught-in target value. In this way, consumption monitoring of the consumer device A is possible.

Wenn das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 als Baueinheit realisiert ist, verfügt es über kompakte Abmessungen und vereinigt viele Funktionen auf wenig Raum.When the compressed air maintenance device 2 is realized as a structural unit, it has compact dimensions and combines many functions in a small space.

Abschließend ist noch zu erwähnen, dass das Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 auch mit verringerter Überwachungsfunktionalität ausgestattet sein kann, indem entweder nur der Auslassdruck oder nur der Auslassdurchfluss überwachbar ist. In diesen Fällen kann auf entweder den Durchflusssensor 25 oder den Drucksensor 24 in der Regel verzichtet werden. Die duale Implementierung beider Überwachungsmaßnahmen in ein und dasselbe Druckluft-Wartungsgerät 2 ist jedoch besonders vorteilhaft, weil sie eine besonders effektive Überwachung energierelevanter Parameter gewährleistet.Finally, it should be mentioned that the compressed air maintenance device 2 can also be equipped with reduced monitoring functionality by either only the outlet pressure or only the outlet flow is monitorable. In these cases, either the flow sensor 25 or the pressure sensor 24 can be dispensed with as a rule. However, the dual implementation of both monitoring measures in one and the same compressed air maintenance device 2 is particularly advantageous because it ensures a particularly effective monitoring energy-related parameters.

Claims (16)

  1. Compressed air maintenance apparatus, comprising the following components:
    - an electrically actuated switch-on valve (14), which has a feed inlet (16) connectable to a compressed air source, a venting outlet (18) connected to the atmosphere and a working outlet (17), and which can be switched into a working position connecting the working outlet (17) to the feed inlet (16) and into a venting position connecting the working outlet (17) to the venting outlet (18),
    - an apparatus outlet (7), which can be connected to an external user device (A) and which is connected to the working outlet (17) of the switch-on valve (14) via an outlet passage (22),
    - a pressure sensor (24) suitable for measuring the outlet pressure prevailing in the outlet passage (22) and/or a flow sensor (25) suitable for measuring the outlet flow in the outlet passage (22),
    - and an internal electronic control unit (26), which is connected in terms of signal technology to the switch-on valve (14) and to the pressure sensor (24) and/or to the flow sensor (25) and which can be operated in a monitoring mode,
    characterised in that
    - the switch-on valve (14) has a 3/3-valve functionality and can in addition be switched into a blocking position, in which its working outlet (17) connected to the apparatus outlet (7) is disconnected both from the feed inlet (16) and from the vent outlet (18),
    - in that the internal electronic control unit (26) can, in the blocking position and/or in the working position, as an alternative to the monitoring mode be operated in a learning mode, in which, in the blocking position, a time-dependent pressure drop of the outlet pressure and/or, in the working position, a time-dependent flow profile of the outlet flow can be determined and stored in the form of reference information (43, 44) in storage means of the internal electronic control unit (26),
    - in that the internal electronic control unit (26) is provided with comparator means (35), by means of which the actual information supplied in the monitoring mode by the pressure sensor (24) and/or by the flow sensor (25) can be compared to the associated reference information (43, 44),
    - and in that the internal electronic control unit (26) is provided with outputting means (36), which can output an electric diagnostic signal as a function of the comparison result of the comparator means (35).
  2. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that it is designed in the form of an assembly.
  3. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it is provided with visual display means (34) and/or audible warning means (38) which can be activated on the basis of the electric diagnostic signal.
  4. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises at least one communication interface (28, 29), which is connected to the internal electronic control unit (26) and which, for communication with the internal electronic control unit (26), can be connected to an external electronic device, in particular an external electronic control device (23) and/or an electronic data reading device (46) and/or at least one other electronic device, at least one communication interface (28, 29) being expediently designed as a bus interface.
  5. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one communication interface (28, 29) is of the electromechanical type, and/or in that at least one communication interface (28, 29) is designed for wireless signal transmission.
  6. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the internal electronic control unit (26) is designed for transmitting the electric diagnostic signal to at least one communication interface (28) of the compressed air maintenance apparatus (2), and/or in that the internal electronic control unit (26) is designed as a transmitter of switch-over signals from an external electronic control device (23) connected to a communication interface (28) to the switch-on valve (14), in particular in such a way that switch-over signals fed in via the communication interface (28) can be directly transferred to the switch-on valve (14) without being processed by the internal electronic control unit (26).
  7. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it is equipped with inputting means (42) for activating and/or parameterising the learning mode, wherein the inputting means (42) expediently comprise at least one key (42a) and/or at least one switch (42a) and/or at least one electric interface (28).
  8. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the actual information is recorded in a same time interval as the associated reference information.
  9. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, in the monitoring mode, a switch-over signal designed for the switch-on valve (14) and generated and output by the internal electronic control unit (26) and/or a trigger signal supplied by an external electronic control device (23) acts as an initiator for the recording of actual information.
  10. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the actual information, starting with the output of a switch-over signal for the switch-on valve (14) or with a predetermined time delay, can be recorded by the internal electronic control unit (26).
  11. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that actual information of the pressure sensor (24) is, starting with the output of a switch-over signal switching the switch-on valve (14) into the blocking position or with a time delay, recorded, in order to facilitate a leakage monitoring process in particular by a subsequent comparison to the associated reference information (43).
  12. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that actual information of the flow sensor (25) is, starting with the output of a switch-over signal switching the switch-on valve (14) into the working position or with a time delay, recorded once or repeatedly, in order to facilitate an air consumption monitoring process in particular by a subsequent comparison to the associated reference information (44).
  13. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that tolerance values which are taken into account in the generation of the electric diagnostic signal to be output are or can be stored in the internal electronic control unit (26), wherein the tolerance values can be available in the form of at least one tolerance band.
  14. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that the tolerance values can be input individually and in a freely selectable manner, in particular by means of existing inputting means (42) of the compressed air maintenance apparatus (2) and/or via at least one electric interface of the compressed air maintenance apparatus (2).
  15. Compressed air maintenance apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the internal electronic control unit (26) is designed to initiate a switch-over action of the switch-on valve (14) in response to the comparison result of the comparator means (35).
  16. User control device with at least one compressed air maintenance apparatus (2) according to any of claims 1 to 15 and with an external electronic control device (23) connected or connectable thereto.
EP12703245.6A 2011-02-26 2012-02-04 Compressed air maintenance unit, and consumer control device equipped with the same Active EP2622229B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102011012558A DE102011012558B3 (en) 2011-02-26 2011-02-26 Compressed air maintenance device and thus equipped consumer control device
PCT/EP2012/000503 WO2012113504A1 (en) 2011-02-26 2012-02-04 Compressed air maintenance unit, and consumer control device equipped with the same

Publications (2)

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EP2622229A1 EP2622229A1 (en) 2013-08-07
EP2622229B1 true EP2622229B1 (en) 2015-08-19

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EP12703245.6A Active EP2622229B1 (en) 2011-02-26 2012-02-04 Compressed air maintenance unit, and consumer control device equipped with the same

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US (1) US20130323088A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2622229B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103380304B (en)
DE (1) DE102011012558B3 (en)
WO (1) WO2012113504A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
CN103380304A (en) 2013-10-30
DE102011012558B3 (en) 2012-07-12
US20130323088A1 (en) 2013-12-05
EP2622229A1 (en) 2013-08-07
CN103380304B (en) 2016-05-11
WO2012113504A1 (en) 2012-08-30

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