A double two-channel drive system for a pressurized fluid flow

Abstract

 A pneumatic double two-channel drive system for a pneumatic linear power unit (10) is redundant and each movement of all components that may seriously malfunction is monitored. The system comprises two essentially identical units (1, 1') where each unit includes a drive device that is actuated by a control signal, for instance a drive signal generated by respective hands of the operator. The drive device (3) of one unit (1) delivers a start pulse and a holding signal for a power valve (6, 6') in the other unit (1") and vice versa. Each of the two power valves (6, 6') drives a monitoring valve (7, 7') and controls the supply of fluid to the power unit (10). Each unit includes an accumulator (4, 4') which is adapted to be charged when the system is at rest and discharged by actuation of respectice drive devices (3, 3'). The accumulator (4, 4') delivers a start pulse of limited duration, for actuation of one of the power valves. The system is connected to permit activation of the power unit (10) solely when the control pulses are delivered essentially simultaneously.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a double drive system for a pressurized fluid flow, wherein the system includes two control units which each includes a drive device adapted for actuation by a separate control signal, wherein each control unit includes a power valve which is spring-biased towards a first end position and which can be driven to a second end position, wherein said two valves are mutually connected in series between a fluid pressure source and a pressurized fluid receiver, for delivering pressurized fluid to the receiver when said two valves are in their second positions.

[0002] The control signals can be generated by an operator actuating the two drive devices, and therewith change their states, with one or both hands, either directly or through the medium of respective power amplifiers (pilot valves). The control signals may, for instance, be generated as a result of closing a safety gate that shields a danger area, thus changing the positions or staes of the two drive devices. Naturally, the control signals may also be generated in some other way known within the technical field concerned.

[0003] Drive systems of this particular kind will ideally fulfil a number of safety requirements. These requirements, or criteria, can be summarized by saying that all system elements shall be duplicated, therewith providing said systems with a desired redunancy, such that each control unit will be independent of the other control unit. All elements will also preferably be monitored at least once with each cycle. It will preferably also be possible to interrupt the operation controlled by the system should one of the drive devices be released, and therewith prevent continued operation until both drive devices have been released and again re-actuated. It shall also be possible to start-up the system immediately, without first needing to prime the system.

[0004] It shall also be possible to adapt the system to meet the requirement of needing to operate both drive units simultaneously in order to initiate an operation driven by the control fluid flow.

[0005] The aforesaid requirements (criteria) are found in, inter alia, "European Standards" standard EN574 and "European Standard"-standard memorandum PREN954-1 and PREN999. Further requirements and criteria are defined in "European Standard" standard PREN693:995 (CEN/TC143/WG1) (SECR.)N202. The person skilled in this art has long endeavoured to fulfil these requirements, but has hitherto not met with complete success. In the case of fully pneumatic systems, the skilled person has not, for instance, successfully achieved the state in which all elements are duplicated and actively monitored (at least once with each cycle) according to prEN954, class 4.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a drive system in which all the requirements placed on such a system can be fulfilled in all essentials. Another object of the invention is to provide an essentially simple drive system. Still another object of the invention is to provide a drive system that can be fully pneumatic when the fluid flow controlled by the system has a pneumatic nature.

[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a control system which requires the drive devices of said two control units to be actuated within a specific time period in order for the receiver to receive its fluid flow. Other objects of the invention will be apparent either directly or indirectly from the following description.

[0008] The objects of the invention are achieved with a drive control system according to Claim 1 of the following claims.

[0009] Other embodiments of the inventive system will be apparent from the accompanying dependent claims.

[0010] The inventive control system includes two control units which are basically comprised of mutually identical elements that are connected in essentially the same way, wherein each control unit includes a drive device that is actuated by a control signal. The drive device switches a power valve from its first to its second position. Switching of the power valve is detected by a monitoring valve which in response thereto switches from one position/its normal position to its second position in which fluid from the pressure source is caused to flow through the monitoring valve to the power valve, via said drive device, so as to ensure that said power valve is kept in its activated, second position for as long as the drive device is held actuated by the operator.

[0011] The system is designed so that the drive unit can only execute a working movement when both of the power valves are set to their 1-positions. In turn, these two power valves control a respective monitoring valve which when in their 0-positions permit the accumulators to be charged and to deliver a holding signal (air) to the valves of the drive devices. The power valves are set briefly in a first phase, by evacuating the accumulators (due to actuation of the drive devices). Resetting of the power valves (i.e. re-setting of the monitoring valves) causes holding signals (air) to be delivered via the drive devices for actuation of the power valves, provided that the two drive devices are held actuated by a control signal (for instance, each held depressed by a respective hand of the operator).

[0012] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

is a schematic circuit diagram of a pneumatic drive control system for a drive unit.

Figure 2

is a variant of the system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3

illustrates diagramatically a modified version of the circuit shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4

illustrates the variant deviation shown in Figure 2 as applied with the embodiment according to Figure 3.

Figures 5 and 6

illustrate respectively the system shown in Figure 3 and in Figure 4 as supplemented with pilot valve drives for the drive valves.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a double, two-channel, fully pneumatic drive system for controlling a drive unit, for instance a linear drive unit, such as a pneumatic press cylinder.

[0014] The drive system includes two control units 1, 1'. The control units 1, 1' are comprised of essentially the same components and the components are coupled or interconnected in essentially the same manner. The unit 1 includes a drive device 3 comprised of two parallel-connected drive valves 31, 32 that are spring biased towards a non-actuated position. A drive signal can be delivered to the unit 1, for instance by the operator actuating both of the valves 31, 32 in the drive device 3 simultaneously, via a bridge 33. A control signal can be delivered to the other unit 1', for instance by the operator actuating the bridge 33' with his other hand. Each unit 1, 1' includes a respective accumulator 4, 4' which can be charged from a compressed-air source 11 via a monitoring valve 7, 7' and via the two drive valves 31, 32 of the unit concerned in series with said monitoring valve, provided that the monitoring valve is also in its position in which its power valve is in its non-actuated first position. When the operator actuates the bridge 33, the accumulator 4 is discharged through the one valve 32 to the switch valve 5' in the other control unit 1' and the switch valve 5' then activates the power valve 6'. The accumulator 4 contains a small and limited volume of air and the discharge passageway between the accumulator and the switch valve has a throttled outlet 51 so that the volume of air contained by the accumulator will only be able to hold the power valve 6 in an activated state over a short period of time determined by the setting of the throttle 51 and the pressure and volume of the accumulator. When activated, the power valve 6 sets the monitoring valve 7 to its activated state (pneumatically in the illustrated example) wherein compressed air is conducted from the source 11 in series through the monitoring valve 7 and the two activated drive valves 31, 32 to the other input of the switch valve 5, so as to enable the power valve to be held in an activated position when the valve 5 is supplied with air from the source 11 prior to air from the accumulator 4 having leaked away through the throttle 51 to an extent at which the valve has been able to return to its position.

[0015] The switch valve 5 is unable to seriously malfunction in practice, and because of its intrinsic properties need not therefore be monitored.

[0016] It will be seen from Figure 1 that the two units 1, 1' are, in principle, independent units, and that the power valves 6, 6' are in series with a compressed-air line to the power unit 10.

[0017] Charging air is delivered from the compressed-air source 11 to the accumulator 4, 4' in respective units 1, 1', via an accumulator charging line 9, 9', and is led in series through respective monitor valves 7, 7' when said valves are in a position or state that indicates that the associated power valves are in said one position and the drive valves of the unit are in said first position.

[0018] It will also be seen from Figures 1 and 2 that the secondary side of the cylinder 10 has an outlet line 12 in which the power valves 6, 6' are connected in series such that the line 12 will be evacuated to atmosphere only when both power valves 6, 6' have been switched to their activated, second position. It will also be seen that compressed air is delivered from the source 11 to the secondary side of the power unit 10 via the line 12 when one or both of the valves 6, 6' is in a first position. The aforesaid fluid control to and from the primary and secondary side of the power unit 10 respectively is achieved with full monitoring of all of the valves involved, even though both power valves 6, 6' and the monitoring valves 7, 7' are standard 5/2-valves. The two drive valves 31, 32 may also be standard 5/2-valves.

[0019] In the Figure 1 embodiment, the power valve 6' has been connected so that when said valve is in its non-actuated state it will hold the associated monitoring valve 7' in said one position against the action of its restoring spring. The other power valve 6 is connected to its monitoring valve 7 in the reverse manner, so that the valve 7 will be held in said one position by its biasing spring when the power valve 6 is in its non-actuated state, and is driven to its second position when the valve 6, 6' is re-set, for instance by air that is released through by the valve 6 when said valve is actuated to its second position, or by means of a mechanical coupling between the valves 6, 7.

[0020] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 (and in Figure 4) corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 (and in Figure 3) with the following exceptions. The line to the secondary side of the power unit or power cylinder 10 is connected to the pressure source 11 via a pressure regulator 14 that includes a manometer 15. The regulator 14 can be set to establish a desired pressure on the secondary side of the power unit 10, such as a "restoring spring" for the piston of the cylinder 10. A tank 16 is connected to the line 12 for reducing variations in pressure as the piston moves. The tank 16 includes a safety valve 17 which limits the pressure in the line 12 to a pre-set value. Because the power valves 6, 6' are not used to control the line 12, the monitoring valves 7, 7' can be connected in the same way as their respective power valves 6, 6'. The drive valves 31, 32, the monitoring valve 7 and the power valve 6 may be standard 5/2-valves also in the case of the Figure 2 embodiment.

[0021] As will be seen from Figures 1 and 2 (and also from Figures 3, 4) the drive system includes a cross-coupling with which air discharged from the accumulator 4 of one unit 1 is transferred to the switch valve 5' of the other unit 1', and vice versa. Because of this cross-coupling between the units 1, 1' there is achieved the situation in which the start impulse (the volume of air discharged) from the accumulator 4' via the switch valve 5 to a power valve 6 in one unit 1 is obtained from the other unit 1', whereas the holding signal for the valve 6 is obtained from the unit 1 (via the valve 7, 31, 32, 5), and vice versa.

[0022] As mentioned, the volume of air in the accumulator 4 and the throttling extent of the throttle 51 are set to establish a time period (e.g. 0.5 sec after actuation of the drive device 3) within which air must be delivered to the switch valve 5, via the valves 31, 32, 7, in order to enable the power valve of the control unit to be held in its activated position. Ideally, the two units 1, 1' are set to the same time period. It will be understood that both of the drive devices 3, 3' must be actuated within this period, in order for air to be supplied to the power unit 10. When the time difference between activations of the drive devices 3, 3' is greater than the set time period, the power valve of the first activated unit will have time to return to its first position before the second power valve has had time to return to its second position. Before a new start can be attempted, both drive devices 3, 3' must be released so as to allow the accumulators 4 to be charged.

[0023] As illustrated, the switch valve 5 may have the form of a tubular conduit that includes two opposing valve seats 53 between which a ball 55 is able to move under the influence of the flow from the valve 31 or from the valve 32, such that the flow occurring between the seats 53 will depart to the power valve 6 via a line, or conduit, connected between the seats. The throttle 51 is set to release air that has been supplied to the switch valve from the accumulator 4 within the current time period, to an extent such that the power-valve restoring spring is able to return the power valve 6 to its said one position. As shown in the drawing, there is provided upstream of the throttle 51 a filter 55 that ensures that the throttle 51 will not be blocked or clogged by any dirt carried by the air supplied.

[0024] Spring biasing of the individual valves towards their respective first end positions can be established in any convenient manner, for instance with the aid of a mechanical or a pneumatic spring.

[0025] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 involves connecting two standard 5/2-valves in a manner to obtain a series connection to one side of the cylinder 10 and a parallel connection to the other side of the cylinder. It is ensured in the case of the Figure 2 embodiment that the power unit or cylinder 10 will always be returned to its starting state.

[0026] Figures 3, 4 show pairs of drive valves which are designed to permit respective accumulators 4, 4' to be charged from a compressed-air source 11 via the monitoring valve 7 in its end position in which it is not actuated by the power valve 6, in one non-actuated position of the drive valves.

[0027] When the pair of drive valves 31, 32 of the one unit 1 are switched to their second end position, the accumulator 4 of the associated unit 1 is discharged to the power valve 6' of the other unit 1' via the one actuated drive valve 32, so as to displace said power valve to its second end position. This embodiment includes a branched conduit 90 which leads air from the accumulator 4 through the second drive valve 31 and further through the second drive valve 32' of the second unit 1' (when said drive valve is actuated and switched to its second end position) and out to atmosphere via the monitoring valve 7' of the second unit 1' when said monitoring valve in its second position actuated by the power valve 6'. The volume of air in the accumulator will then be expelled to atmosphere. The branch conduit 91 also includes a throttle 51', which is preferably positioned between the drive valve 32' and the monitoring valve 7'. The throttle 51' ensures that the accumulator 4 is able to hold the power valve 6' switched over a selected time period of up to, e.g., 0.5 sec, before the restoring means (e.g. a spring) of the power valve 6' can return said valve to its starting position.

[0028] Corresponding functioning conditions apply to the other control unit 1'.

[0029] If the drive device 3' of said second unit 1' is actuated within said time period, air is conducted from its accumulator 4' to the power valve 6, via the conduit 90', so as to switch said power valve, wherewith the monitoring valve 7 is switched so that air can pass from the compressed-air source 11 through the monitoring valve 7 of the unit 1 and also through the throttle 51 and the switched drive valve 32, and further through the switched drive valve 31' to the power valve 6' so as to hold this power valve in its switched position.

[0030] Thus, if both drive devices 3, 3' are actuated simultaneously with a time difference within the selected time period, both power valves can be held in a switched position provided that the drive devices are kept actuated. Air from a compressed-air source can pass in series through an open port in each of the power valves 6, 6' to the cylinder or power unit 10, provided that the power valves 6, 6' are in their respective second positions.

[0031] In Figure 3, the outlet side of the power unit 10 is connected to atmosphere via the power valve 6, 6', in the same way as that described with reference to and illustrated in Figure 1.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the return line of the power unit or cylinder 10 is, instead, connected to a return spring of the same kind as that described with reference to and shown in Figure 2.

[0033] The inventive system can be said to include two units that form respectively a left side and a right side in the system. Each unit includes three component groups, namely a group 3, 8; 3', 8' that receives control signals, e.g. manually actuated signals, a power valve arrangement 6; 6' which allows energy to be supplied to a power unit 10, and a monitoring valve arrangement 7; 7' which delivers a status report with respect to the supply of energy to the power unit 10. The method of operation of the arrangement shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be described in the following way. The two accumulators 4, 4' are charged with energy from the monitoring valve 7, 7' when said valves are in their respective zero-positions. The respective zero-positions and 1-positions of the power valves 6, 6' are reflected by the monitoring valves 7, 7'. One condition for charging the accumulators is that all drive valves 31, 32, 81, 82; 31', 32', 81', 82' are in their respective 0-positions.

[0034] When the drive devices 33, 33' are actuated by the operator, the energy stored in respective accumulators is released over a time period that has a maximum duration of, e.g., 0.5 sec. This energy pulse switches the positions of the valves 6, 6', wherewith the power unit 10 starts. The valves 7, 7' are switched at the same time. When the valves 7, 7' are switched, the valves allow a power valve holding signal to pass through, via the valves 32', 31; 32, 31'. The power unit 10 continues to work as long as all of the valves 31, 32, 31', 32' are actuated.

[0035] When the contents of the accmulator 4' are evacuated to the valve 6, this valve is switched and also the valve 7 which held the accumulator 4 filled with air. Thus, the contents of the accumulator 4 must be evacuated to valve 6' prior to the energy content of the accumulator 4' being discharged to atmosphere through the valve 7.

[0036] The throttle 51' functions to maintain pressure in the conduit 91 between the accumulator 4' and the power valve 6 over a time period of such duration as to enable resetting of the valve 7 to have time to deliver maintenance pressure to the power valve 6 through the throttle 51' in the other direction through the conduit 91' and the valve 31'. The throttle is blown clean in this way, since air is blown through the throttle from both directions in each cycle.

[0037] In the case of the illustrated system, it is necessary for all valve units to take their two positions or states in each cycle, in order for the working cylinder 10 to be able to execute a working stroke. The accumulators 4, 4' are charged when all valves in the system have taken their zero-positions.

[0038] When only the valve 32' is actuated to its 1-position, the valve 6 is unable to switch over, since the accumulator 4' is evacuated through the port 1 of the drive valve 31'. If the valve 32' is deactivated during the holding signal phase, the signal air will pass through the monitoring valve 7 and the throttle 51' and be evacuated through the port 2 of the valve 32', since the throttle 51' will not provide the flow that is required to maintain the pressure from the throttle 51' through 31' to the power valve 6. If the drive valve 31' is deactivated during the holding signal phase, the signal that controls the power valve 6 will be evacuated via the port 2 of the drive valve 31'. Compressed air is delivered to the power unit 10, when both of the power valves 6, 6' are in their respective 1-positions. If one of the valves 6, 6' takes its 0-position, the plus chamber of the drive unit will be evacuated and the piston of the working cylinder retracted.

[0039] The systems illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 are based on the systems illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 and show that the drive valves 31, 32; 31', 32' have been provided with servo valves 81, 82; 81', 82'. The respective pairs of servo valves 8, 8' are actuated simultaneously by an associated bridge 33, 33' which, in turn, is actuated by a respective hand of the operator, or some corresponding means. The servo valves are preferably 3/2- valves which can be switched between positions by means of a small force and each of which controls a respective drive valve 31, 32; 31', 32', which may be a 5/2-valve that requires relatively high switching power. From the safety aspect there is no difference in handling the servo valves, since all servo valves and drive valves must take their two positions in each cycle. In other respects, the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 operate in the same way as the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 respectively.

Claims

1. A double two-channel drive system for a pressurized fluid flow, wherein the system includes two control units (1, 1') each having a drive device (3, 3') which is adapted to be switched positionally by a separate control signal, wherein each control unit (1, 1') includes a poer valve (6, 6') which is spring biased towards a first end position and which can be driven to a second end position, wherein the two power valves (6, 6') are connected in series between a fluid pressure source (11) and a pressurized fluid receiver (10), for delivering pressure fluid to the receiver when said two power valves (6, 6') are in their respective second positions, characterized in that each control unit (1, 1') has a monitoring valve (7, 7') which is biased towards its first end position and which can be displaced to its opposite, second end position against its biasing force, and wherein each monitoring valve can be displaced by the power valve in a first displacement direction when said power valve is switched or reset, wherein the monitoring valve is adapted to be moved to its second end position when the power valve (6, 6') of its associated control unit takes its second end position; in that each drive device (3, 3') includes two valves (31, 32; 31', 32') which are driven in parallel and which are biased to their respective first end positions; in that each control unit (1, 1') includes an accumulator (4, 4'); in that the accumulator (4, 4') is adapted to be charged from a fluid pressure source (11) via an accumulator charging line (92, 92') which extends through the monitoring valve in its position, or state, that is defined when the power valve (6) is in its first position, and further via at least one of the drive valves (31, 32; 31', 32') of the associated control units when said valves are in their respective first positions; in that each accumulator (4) can be discharged, via one of the two associated drive valves (31, 32) when said valves are switched to their second end positions through the medium of a control signal, to a connected power valve (6, 6') for switching said valve (6, 6') to its second end position; in that a conduit path (90; 90') extending between the accumulator (4, 4') and the power valve (6, 6') is connected to a branched evacuation line (91, 91') that includes a throttle means (51, 51'); in that the power valve (6, 6') in each unit (1, 1') is adapted to be supplied with fluid from the fluid pressure source (11) via the monitoring valve (7, 7') of said unit is in its second position and via at least one of the drive valves (31, 32; 31', 32') of said unit when the drive means (3, 3') of said unit are in said second end position, so as to hold the power valve (6) of said unit in its second end position; and in that the volumetric capacity of the accumulator (4) and the size of the fluid-throttle means (51, 51') are chosen to hold the power valve (6, 6') initially reset to its second end position solely for a pre-selected period of time.

2. A drive system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the accumulator (4) of one control unit (1) is adapted to initially reset the power valve (6') of the other control unit (1'), and vice versa; and in that the branched line (91) passing from the accumulator conduit path (90) of the first control unit (1) extends through the first drive valve (31) of the first control unit when said drive valve is in its activated position, and further via the second drive valve (32') of the second control unit in the activated position of said valve, and further to evacuation through the monitoring valve (7') of the second control unit (1') when the associated power valve (6') is in its first end position, and vice versa; and in that the branched line (91) is adapted to be coupled to a compressed-air source (11) when the monitoring valve (7') is switched to its second position.

3. A drive system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the fluid throttling means (51, 51') is disposed in the branched line (91, 91') between the monitoring valve (7, 7') of the unit (1; 1') and its second drive valve (32; 32').

4. A drive system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the accumulator (4, 4') in respective control units (1, 1') is connected to the fluid pressure source (11) via the drive valves (31, 32; 31', 32') of the control unit when in their respective first positions and via the monitoring valves (7, 7') of said control units when said valves are in their respective first positions defined by the associated power valve being in its first position.

5. A drive system according to any one of Claims 1-4, characterized in that the monitoring valve (7) of one control unit is adapted to be displaced to its one end position by its biasing spring when its associated power valve is in its first end position, wherein said monitoring valve takes its second end position in response to the power valve (6) taking its second end position; and in that the monitoring valve (7') of the other control unit is displaced against its biasing spring to its one end position when its associated power valve (6') is in its first end position, wherein the monitoring valve (7') is driven by its spring to its second end position when the associated power valve takes its second end position.

6. A drive system according to any one of Claims 1-5, characterized in that the power valve (6, 6') is fluid-connected or mechanically connected to its respective monitoring valve (7, 7') for re-setting or re-setting of said valve.

7. A drive system according to any one of Claims 1-6, characterized in that the receiver (10) is formed by the primary side of a fluid drive means whose secondary side is connected to a flow path (12), such that the primary side of the receiver (10) will be subjected to pressure from the pressure source (11) solely through the medium of the two power valves when in their second positions.

8. A drive system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the power valves are coupled so that the secondary side (12) of the receiver will be evacuated when either of the power valves (6, 6') takes its first position.

9. A drive system according to any one of Claims 1-6, characterized in that the conducting path from the secondary side of the receiver (10) is coupled to the pressure source (11) via a pressure regulator (14, 15) which inputs to the secondary side fluid whose pressure is lower than the pressure of the pressure source (11); and in that a safety valve (17) is connected to the conveying path (12) and set to output fluid whose pressure is slightly higher than the set pressure of the pressure regulator (14); and in that an air tank is connected to the conducting path between the secondary side of the receiver (10) and the pressure regulator; and in that the safety valve (17) is preferably connected to the tank (16).

10. A drive system according to any one of Claims 1-9, characterized in that each of the two drive valves (31, 32; 31', 32') of the drive device is controlled by an associated pilot valve (81, 82; 81', 82'); and in that each of the two pilot valves in its respective drive device (3, 3') is adapted to be activated simultaneously with the other of said pilot valves by a respective control signal, which can be generated by the operator's hands for instance.

Drawing