JPH04266673A - Fluid unit with local controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the wiring, reduce the burden of a sequencer, and provide an individually controllable fluid unit. CONSTITUTION:A vacuum generating unit 40a with local controller is continuously provided on a manifold 18. The vacuum generating unit 40a has a controller 44a, and the control of a compressed air feed valve 12a, a vacuum breaking valve 14a and a suction confirming switch 16a is partially charged to the controller 44a. The controllers 40a, 40e are serially connected to each other through a signal line 34, made to a bus line, and connected to a sequencer.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluid unit with a local controller, and more particularly to a fluid unit with a local controller having a controller that replaces part of the function of a sequencer that controls the fluid unit.

0002

[Prior Art] A conventional fluid unit, for example, a vacuum generation unit, has peripheral equipment such as a vacuum or compressed air supply valve, a vacuum break valve, a suction confirmation switch, a timer, and a display device, each of which has an individual sequencer, etc. is connected to the control equipment for signal transmission.

A conventional vacuum generating unit is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a connection structure of signal lines between the vacuum equipment 2 and the sequencer 4, each using an ejector as a vacuum source having different vacuum suction conditions. The vacuum generation unit 6a includes a block 10a having an ejector and a vacuum port 8a, a compressed air supply valve 12a, a vacuum break valve 14a,
A vacuum generation unit 6b configured in the same manner as connected with peripheral devices such as a suction confirmation switch 16a.
The vacuum equipment 2 is configured by placing it on the manifold 18 together with 6e to 6e. The manifold 18 supplies compressed air from the compressed air supply port 20 to the vacuum generation units 6a to 6e, and generates negative pressure using the ejector. For example, in the vacuum generation units 6c to 6e, the negative pressure is
Vacuum ports 8c to 8e to tubes 22c to 22e
The liquid is supplied to the suction pads 24c to 24e through the suction pads 24c to 24e. In this way, the suction pads 24c to 24e suction and transport the works 26c to 26e.

The sequencer 4 has an input key 28 on its top.
and a display section 30 such as an LCD, segment, LED, chip LED, etc., and has a signal terminal 32 for a controlled object on the side surface. The peripheral devices of the vacuum generation units 6a to 6e on the manifold 18 each have a signal line 34 and are individually connected to the signal terminal 32 of the sequencer 4.

[0005] The suction conveyance system constructed in this manner operates as described below. Here, to simplify the explanation, a case where the sequencer 4 controls the vacuum generation unit 6e will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

First, the sequencer 4 connects the compressed air supply valve 1
Sends an activation signal to 2e. As a result, compressed air is fed into the ejector inside the vacuum generation unit 6e to generate negative pressure, and the negative pressure is supplied from the vacuum port 8e to the suction pad 24e.

When the suction pad 24e supplied with negative pressure suctions the workpiece 26e, the negative pressure of the vacuum generating unit 6e further increases, and when the negative pressure exceeds the pressure preset on the suction confirmation switch 16e, The suction confirmation switch 16e is activated and sends a suction confirmation signal to the sequencer 4.

When the sequencer 4 receives this signal, it confirms a workpiece movement completion signal sent from a switch on a conveying device such as a cylinder after a certain period of time set by a timer. Thereafter, a stop signal is sent to the compressed air supply valve 12e to stop the compressed air supply valve 12e and stop generating negative pressure in the ejector.

At the same time, the sequencer 4 also operates the vacuum breaker valve 1.
Send an activation signal to 4e. As a result, compressed air is supplied from the vacuum port 8e of the vacuum generation unit 6e to the suction pad 24e, and the suction state of the suction pad 24e to the workpiece 26e is released. The sequencer 4 sends a stop signal to the vacuum breaker valve 14e after a certain period of time set by an internal timer has passed. This completes the suction conveyance operation of the suction pad 24e.

0010

However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems.

That is, the sequencer 4 manages all the signal lines 34 of the peripheral devices of the vacuum generation units 6a to 6e, and also processes all switching timings of the peripheral devices internally. Therefore, if the number of vacuum generation units connected to the sequencer 4 increases, the load on the sequencer 4 becomes too large, creating a problem that individual control of each vacuum generation unit becomes impossible.

Furthermore, as is clear from FIG. 10, the number of signal lines 34 from the peripheral devices of the vacuum generation units 6a to 6e to the sequencer 4 is extremely large, resulting in complicated wiring, the risk of incorrect wiring, and Furthermore, there is a risk that the noise may cause peripheral equipment to malfunction. This problem is common not only to vacuum generation units but also to other fluid units.

[0013] In order to solve this kind of problem, the present invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid unit that can reduce the load on a sequencer and allow individual control of the fluid units.

[0014]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides at least a switching valve for supplying and shutting off fluid, a detection means for confirming the state of the fluid in the device, and The fluid unit includes a controller that locally controls switching of the detection means and the switching valve.

[0015]

[Operation] In the fluid unit with a local controller according to the present invention, since each fluid unit has a controller, the load on the sequencer is reduced even when a large number of fluid units are connected by a manifold, and individual control is possible. . Furthermore, electrical wiring is provided between the peripheral devices of each fluid unit, such as the compressed air supply valve, vacuum breaker valve, and suction confirmation switch of the vacuum generation unit, and the controller.
The electrical wiring between the controller and the sequencer is simplified because it is electrically wired between the controller and the sequencer.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a fluid unit with a local controller according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the same reference numerals as in the conventional example are given to the same components as in the conventional example, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. Although all of the following embodiments are explained with respect to a vacuum generation unit, it is of course applicable not only to the vacuum generation unit but also to other fluid units.

First, a first embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a vacuum device 42 in which a plurality of vacuum generating units 40a to 40e with local controllers are arranged in series by a manifold 18. A vacuum generation unit 40a with a local controller placed on the upper part of the manifold 18 includes a block 10a having an ejector, a compressed air supply valve 12a, a vacuum break valve 14a, an adsorption confirmation switch 16a, and a controller 44a. The peripheral devices of the vacuum generation unit 40a with a local controller, that is, the compressed air supply valve 12a, the vacuum break valve 14a, the suction confirmation switch 16a using a pressure sensor or a pneumatic bridge, each have a signal line 46a, and are connected to the controller 44a. individually connected. The controller 44a has a signal terminal 48a on its upper part, and is connected to the signal line 34 via a connector 50a. The same applies to the other vacuum generation units 40b to 40e with local controllers. Each controller 44a to 44e
The signal terminals 48a to 48e are connected to the connectors 50a to 50a.
0e and a signal line 34, and is connected from a signal terminal 48e at the end of the manifold 18 to a sequencer (not shown). The signal line 34 is divided into an address signal line and a data signal line for information transmission in order to identify the signals of the sequencer and the individual controllers 44a to 44e, and each controller and unit has an address setting means. have Therefore, by establishing communication between the sequencer and the individual controllers 44a to 44e via address signal lines, the controller 44
It is possible to convert the signal wirings a to 44e into bus lines. Furthermore, the sequencer and controllers 44a to 44e
It is also possible to perform the communication using a single wire by using complete serial communication. Further, space transmission such as wireless, light, radio waves, etc. may be performed between the communication means, the bus line, and the signal line inside and outside the device.

In this embodiment, despite the multiple operation using the manifold 18, the controller 44 is connected between the sequencer and the peripheral devices of the vacuum generation units 40a to 40e.
A to 44e are installed to reduce the load on the sequencer, and the signal line 34 is converted into a bus line, thereby significantly reducing the number of signal lines.

Next, by explaining the second embodiment, the operation will be explained in a state where the load on the sequencer is reduced and individual control is possible. In this embodiment, FIG. 2 shows control of one vacuum generation unit with a local controller by one sequencer. This vacuum generation unit with a local controller uses an ejector as a vacuum source, and includes peripheral devices such as a compressed air supply valve, a vacuum breaker valve, a pressure sensor with a pressure display, and a controller with various display devices. The signal lines of these peripheral devices are respectively connected to the controller. The operation of this vacuum generation unit with a local controller is based on the assumption that a workpiece is suctioned and conveyed using a suction pad or the like.

First, the sequencer sends an operation command to the controller of the vacuum generation unit with local controller. The controller sends said actuation signal to the compressed air supply valve and immediately thereafter also to the pressure sensor. Therefore, compressed air is fed into the ejector inside the vacuum generation unit with a local controller to generate vacuum pressure, which is then introduced into the suction pad via the tube. During this time, the pressure sensor measures the vacuum pressure at the vacuum port, displays this information, and sequentially sends it to the controller. The controller compares this information with preset vacuum failure prediction limits and suction confirmation vacuum pressure. The display may be displayed by a display circuit from the controller.

[0021] The vacuum failure prediction limit is a vacuum pressure limit that may cause a problem in suction conveyance by the vacuum generation unit with a local controller. If the vacuum pressure at the vacuum port does not satisfy the vacuum failure prediction limit, a failure prediction is displayed on the controller, and at the same time, the signal is sent to the sequencer.

The suction confirmation vacuum pressure is the vacuum pressure used to confirm that the workpiece has been suctioned to the suction pad to which vacuum has been introduced and that the vacuum pressure at the vacuum port has increased. When the vacuum pressure of the vacuum port exceeds the preset suction confirmation vacuum pressure, the controller displays a suction confirmation display.

[0023] Thereafter, after a certain period of time set by the supply valve timer, the controller receives a signal sent from a transfer device such as a cylinder that confirms the movement of the workpiece by a signal from a switch on the transfer device such as a cylinder. , sends a signal to stop the operation of the compressed air supply valve.

The compressed air supply valve stops operating in response to this signal, and the ejector stops generating vacuum pressure. At the same time, the controller sends an activation command to the vacuum breaker valve, which operates the vacuum breaker valve to send compressed air to the suction pad through the vacuum port to break the vacuum. At this time, you can control the air supply time using a timer, etc.
It performs destruction by receiving signals from switches and other external sources.

During this time, the pressure sensor measures the pressure in the vacuum port, displays this information and sequentially sends it to the controller. The controller compares this information with a preset destruction confirmation air pressure.

The destruction confirmation air pressure is the air pressure used to confirm that the workpiece has completely detached from the suction pad and that the destruction air pressure of the vacuum port has approached atmospheric pressure. When the air pressure falls below this destruction confirmation air pressure preset in the controller, the controller displays a destruction confirmation display and at the same time sends a signal to stop the operation of the vacuum breaker valve and the pressure sensor. This causes the vacuum breaker valve and pressure sensor to stop operating. after that,
The controller sends a series of operation completion reports to the sequencer, and completes all suction and conveyance operations of the vacuum generation unit with local controller.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the load on the sequencer is reduced by having the controller take over part of the control of the sequencer. By reducing the load on the sequencer, it becomes possible to control a larger number of vacuum generation units. Alternatively, if the controller has sufficient control capability, it is possible to perform detailed control of the vacuum generation unit, which was previously impossible.

Various forms and functions can be considered for such a controller that reduces the burden on the sequencer. First, as a means of realizing functions, the controller uses a complete hardware method such as an electric circuit, or a CPU.
, a method using programmable software using memory or the like, a judgment function based on a combination of the above, and a programmatic setting of setting items, etc. can be considered. In addition, regarding the control method or the setting method of sensors, addresses, programs, etc., we also provide information on dip, rotary multi,
Directly using wire matrix switches, trimmers, etc., connecting a programming device such as a teaching pendant to the controller, and downloading data such as programs all at once from a parent control device such as a sequencer at startup, etc. Furthermore, a method of directly connecting a storage device such as a ROM or a memory card may be considered. Next, to display information from the controller, use the LCD
Possible methods include direct display by a controller using LEDs, lamps, buzzers, etc., a method of centrally displaying the displays of a plurality of controllers such as a manifold using a display device, and a method of centrally displaying the display of a plurality of controllers such as a manifold using a parent control device such as a sequencer. Furthermore, regarding the control function of the fluid unit, in addition to predicting the failure of the fluid unit as shown in the embodiment, display of the failure location and failure type at the time of failure, display when replacing parts such as silencers and filters, etc. Self-failure diagnosis of the controller itself such as program errors or sequence errors, self-resetting by self-resetting, self-recovery function by reprogramming, etc.Furthermore, workpiece fall prevention and fluid spout prevention in emergencies such as failures, fluid pressure failures, power outages, etc. Safely shutting down and restoring fluid system functionality by installing backup equipment such as power supplies, sensors, circuits, etc., setting addresses for serial or parallel communication with a parent control device such as a sequencer, and communicating with the parent control device. Possible functions include prioritizing workpieces, a timer function for the operating time of operating valves and release valves, etc., reading the status and type of the workpiece using sensors, and controlling the pressure and flow rate of the fluid to match the capacity of the fluid unit. .

On the other hand, even in a configuration consisting of a control device such as a sequencer, a controller, and a fluid unit, one controller can control multiple fluid systems, and multiple controllers such as a manifold can be used as a unit to communicate, set, program, and information the controllers. It is conceivable to hierarchize the control structure using an intermediate (management) controller that manages display and the like.

Further, a third embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows vacuum generation units 52a to 52c with local controllers, which are constructed of blocks for each function. The vacuum generation unit 52a includes a filter block 56 on the top of the manifold block 54a.
a, ejector block 58a, pressure sensor block 60
a, a valve block 62a having a compressed air supply valve and a vacuum break valve, a control block 68a having a condition setting section 64a and a display section 66a, and are connected by a connecting member 70a. Each block 54a to 62a
, 68a are electrical connection parts 72 made of rubber contacts.
Equipped with a.

The rubber contact, as shown in FIG.
It is constructed by alternately laminating conductive elastic bodies 74 and non-conductive elastic bodies 76. Electrical connection is achieved by sandwiching the rubber contacts configured as described above between the substrates 78 and 80 of adjacent blocks.

The other vacuum generating units 52b and 52c have similar constructions. The vacuum generating units 52a to 52c are connected to adjacent blocks through locking plates 82a to 82c of the manifolds 54a to 54c. When connected in this way, the manifold block 54a is connected to a compressed air supply source (not shown) at the non-connected side surface.

On the other hand, a wiring block 84 is connected to the vacuum generation unit 52c, and is connected from there to a sequencer (not shown) via a signal line 86.

The wiring block 84 is a serial-parallel converter that communicates with the local controller on the pneumatic equipment in parallel via the electrical connection 72a, and communicates with the sequencer and external control equipment using several signals. This is done on line 86. The wiring block 84 is provided with a display section indicating the operating state and a signal terminal on its upper part. Here, the wiring block 84 functions as an intermediate controller that manages communication between the control blocks 68a to 68c, but it may also perform settings, programs, information display, and integrated control of the controllers.

In this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the wiring can be completed simply by assembling blocks to form a vacuum generation unit, reducing the effort required to connect signal lines. Ru. Furthermore, as is clear from FIG. 3, only one signal line is connected to the sequencer, further simplifying the structure.

Finally, a fourth embodiment will be described. A vacuum generating unit having a configuration similar to that of the third embodiment will be explained with reference to a schematic vertical sectional view in FIG. 5 and a fluid circuit explanatory diagram in FIG. 6.

The vacuum generation unit 250 basically includes a manifold 252 and a filter unit 254 on top of the manifold 252.
, an ejector unit 256, a valve unit 258, and a control unit 260.

[0038] The manifold 252 includes a supply passage 262,
An exhaust passage 264 and a pilot valve exhaust passage 266 are provided, and a connector 268 configured by alternately laminating conductive elastic bodies and non-conductive elastic bodies is provided for electrical connection. The passages 262, 264, 266 and the connectors 268 are provided to connect the manifolds 252 to each other and to the fluid equipment mounted on the upper part of each manifold 252.

The filter unit 254 mounted on the upper part of the manifold 252 has a vacuum port 27 with a built-in one-touch joint for connection to work equipment such as a suction pad.
0 is provided. The vacuum port 270 is formed with a passage communicating with the pressure sensor 304, the ejector 280, etc., and a hydrophobic or water-repellent filter 272, 274 such as a porous fluororesin membrane is provided on each passage.
and check valves 276, 278 are provided. The element of the filter 272 is a cartridge, and the cartridge itself captures dust, and the filter cover can be removed. It can be changed as shown in the dashed line if necessary. The check valve 278 closes when the vacuum of the suction pad is broken, but at that time, for example, fluid enters through a minute hole provided in the check valve 278 and gradually releases the negative pressure state, reducing the pressure. The sensor 304 is prevented from continuing to output a signal indicating the adsorption state.

The ejector unit 256 mounted above the filter unit 254 includes an ejector 280.

A valve unit 258 mounted above the ejector unit 256 includes a supply valve 282 and a vacuum break valve 284. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the supply valve 28
2a to 282c and vacuum break valves 284a to 284
It is interchangeable with c.

The control unit 260 mounted on the upper part of the valve unit 258 has a pressure switch operation indicator light 286, a switch 288 for setting conditions such as sensors, and a pilot valve operation indicator light 290 on its upper surface. Inside, there is a controller auxiliary board 292 for memory and timer, a flow control valve 294, and an LCD 2 for display on the top surface.
96, at the bottom there is an LCD, a switch board 298, a controller main board 300, a pressure sensor board 302,
Pressure sensor 304, hydrophobic and water-blocking filter 30
6. Furthermore, electromagnetic pilot valves 308a, 308b and a valve drive control board 310 are provided.

This controller circuit is divided into several blocks depending on their functions. These include a control section such as an LCD and a switch, a communication interface section, a main (central control section), a timer section, a pressure sensor drive section, a valve drive section, and a memory. These may be configured on a single substrate or may be divided into a plurality of substrates. In addition, most parts can be integrated into one chip, or a small number of dedicated ICs, ASICs,
It may also be configured using a hybrid IC or the like. Further, as for the substrate, a bendable flexible substrate or the like may be used from the viewpoint of space efficiency.

Electrical connections between the board and each unit are as follows:
This is done with the connector 268 that uses the conductive elastic body described above. However, there are also connectors equipped with male and female pins other than the connector 268.

The vacuum generating unit 250 constructed as described above operates as follows. That is, first, according to the conditions set by the controller, an electric signal is sent to the electromagnetic pilot valve 308 to open it, thereby communicating the supply passage 262 of the manifold 252 with the pilot chamber of the supply valve 282, and opening the supply valve 282. Therefore, the supply passage 262 and the ejector 280 communicate with each other, and air is transferred from the work equipment such as the suction pad to the vacuum port 270 and the filter 2.
72, the check valve 276 is opened to draw suction. The aspirated air and the air used in the ejector 280 are exhausted from the exhaust passage 264 of the manifold 252. At this time, the pressure sensor 304 is made of a silicon diaphragm or the like and is sensitive to water, so it detects the pressure state of the working equipment in a state in which water is removed through the filters 274 and 306 to prevent deterioration, and detects the pressure state of the working equipment. emit a signal to control the On the other hand, when breaking the vacuum, a signal is sent from the controller to the electromagnetic pilot valve 308a and the supply valve 2
82 is closed, a signal is sent to the electromagnetic pilot valve 308b, and the vacuum breaker valve 284 is opened. therefore,
Vacuum port 270 communicating with supply passage 262 and work equipment
communicates and releases the negative pressure state of the work equipment. At this time, the check valve 278 closes to prevent the pressure sensor 304 from being destroyed due to rapid pressure fluctuations, and the minute hole provided in the check valve 278 gradually releases the negative pressure state to prevent accidental damage. This prevents the activation signal from being emitted.

[0046] The whole or a part may be made of transparent plastic, and the filter, ejector, valve, coil, controller, passage, silencer, wiring, etc. may be visually maintained. In addition, the ejector unit 256
It is possible to remove the supply valve 282 and configure it as a vacuum pump compatible unit by using the vacuum switching valve.

This embodiment also provides the same effects as the third embodiment.

[0048]

[Effects of the Invention] According to the fluid unit with a local controller according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

In other words, by providing a controller inside the fluid unit, the load on the sequencer is reduced.
More advanced control such as individual control corresponding to the workpiece is possible. Wiring is simplified by replacing the signal line that was directly connected to the sequencer from the peripheral equipment of the fluid unit with the signal line from the controller, and converting the signal line into a bus line, serialization, or internal wiring of the block body.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an electrical connection state diagram of a vacuum generation unit with a local controller and a sequencer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of control of a vacuum generation unit with a local controller of a sequencer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical connection state diagram of a vacuum generation unit with a local controller and a sequencer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of electrical connections of a rubber contact according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a vacuum generation unit in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fluid circuit of a vacuum generation unit in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a valve body used in a vacuum generation unit in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a valve body used in a vacuum generation unit in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a valve body used in a vacuum generation unit in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an electrical connection state diagram of a vacuum generation unit and a sequencer according to the prior art.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the vacuum generation unit control of the sequencer according to the prior art.

[Explanation of symbols]

34, 46, 86...Signal lines 40, 52...Vacuum generation unit with local controller 44...Controller 48...Signal terminal 50...Connector 72...Electrical connection part

Claims (8)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A fluid unit comprising at least a switching valve for supplying and shutting off fluid, and a detection means for checking the state of the fluid in the device, wherein switching of the detection means and the switching valve is performed locally. A fluid unit with a local controller, characterized in that it has a controller for controlling the fluid. 2. A fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller and a sequencer provided outside the fluid unit are connected in a signal manner, and when a plurality of fluid units are connected in series by a manifold. , a fluid unit with a local controller, characterized in that adjacent fluid units are connected to each other in order to signally connect and transmit signals. 3. The fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid unit and a sequencer are connected to each other, and an electric wiring connecting the controller and the sequencer is provided inside the fluid unit. Fluid unit with local controller. 4. The fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the fluid unit is constituted by a block body divided according to function, and the block body is provided with a conductive elastic connector, and A fluid unit with a local controller, characterized in that the block body is electrically connected via the conductive elastic body of the connector. 5. A fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 4, wherein the block body of the fluid unit is provided with a connector made of conductive and non-conductive elastic bodies, and the electrical connection between adjacent block bodies is made by connecting the connector to the block body of the fluid unit. A fluid unit with a local controller that operates via a conductive elastic body. 6. A fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the block body of the fluid unit is provided with a connector in which conductive and non-conductive elastic bodies are alternately laminated, and the block body of the fluid unit has a A fluid unit with a local controller, wherein the connection is made through a conductive elastic body of the connector. 7. The fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the elastic body included in the connector of the block body of the fluid unit is made of synthetic resin or rubber. Fluid unit with. 8. The fluid unit with a local controller according to claim 1, wherein the fluid unit is a vacuum device. unit.