Solenoid valve control system
A fluid control system that includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form at least first and second passages extending continuously through the manifold and each of the bodies. A plurality of solenoid valves are each mounted on a side of an associated body with valve ports opening into the body to the fluid passage(s) that extend through the manifold. An electrical connection arrangement is mounted at one end of the manifold for receiving control signals from an external source. A plurality of circuitboards are disposed one within the second passage of each body, with each of the circuitboards including male and female connectors at opposed ends for connecting the circuitboards in series with each other to the electrical connection arrangement at the end of the manifold. A third connector on each circuitboard extends laterally from the circuitboard for connection to the solenoid valve mounted on the side of the associated manifold body.
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The present invention is directed to solenoid-actuated fluid control valves, and more particularly to an electronic system for actuating and controlling solenoid valves. Yet more specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in the solenoid valve control system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,431, assigned to the assignee hereof.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONSolenoid valve systems for controlling flow of hydraulic or pneumatic fluid have been used in automated manufacturing equipment, production lines and numerous industrial applications. A plurality of solenoid valves typically are mounted on a manifold having a plurality of passages for supplying fluid to the valves and providing passages for connecting fluid couplings to various outlet ports of each valve. Each solenoid of each valve typically is separately electrically wired to an electronic system for controlling operation of the several solenoids and valves. The controller may be located at a position remote from the manifold assembly, requiring a multiplicity of extended conductor lengths for individual connection to the valve solenoids.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,431 discloses an improved solenoid valve manifold system in which each solenoid is mounted on one side face of a manifold module. The several modules are mounted end-to-end to form a manifold with interconnected through-passages for feeding fluid to and from the several valves. Each manifold module has a terminal block and valve control electronics for hard-wire connection to input/output connectors at the ends of the manifold, and for connection to the associated valve solenoid(s). Although the modular manifold system so disclosed addresses and overcomes problems theretofore extant in the art, further improvements remain desirable. In particular, the manifold system disclosed in the noted patent requires extensive interconnection by hard-wiring, greatly increasing the cost and complexity of manufacture, field installation and repair.
It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a solenoid valve control system that is constructed of interchangeable modular components, that is readily adapted for use in a variety of applications having differing input and output requirements and specifications, and that requires little or no hard-wiring within the modular manifold itself. Another and related object of the present invention is to provide a solenoid valve fluid control system of the described character that is versatile in design, and economical to assemble, install and repair.
A fluid control system in accordance with the present invention includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form one or more fluid passages extending through the manifold. A solenoid valve is mounted on a side of at least one of the manifold bodies with fluid ports opening into the manifold body to the fluid passages extending therethrough. An electrical input/output connection is mounted at one end of the manifold for receiving control signals from an external source. A circuitboard arrangement extends within the manifold from the input/output connection and has conductors printed thereon for connecting the input/output connection to the solenoids of the various valves.
Each of the manifold bodies in the preferred embodiments of the invention includes a passage that extends in assembly through the entire manifold offset from the fluid passages and through which the circuitboard arrangement extends for connection to the various solenoid valves. Both the circuitboard passage and the fluid passages comprise through-passage segments in each of the manifold bodies that align with each other when the bodies are assembled end-to-end to form the manifold. The circuitboard arrangement preferably comprises a plurality of individual circuitboards disposed one within each of the manifold bodies, the various circuitboards being electrically interconnected in series. Each of the circuitboards includes complimentary complementary male and female electrical connectors at opposed ends for connecting the boards in series, and a third connector along one lateral side disposed in assembly adjacent to the side of the manifold body on which the solenoid valve is mounted for making electrical connection from the circuitboard to the valve solenoid. This electrical interconnection is made through an opening in the side of the manifold body that is sealed by the electrical interconnection to the valve solenoid. The circuitboards in the preferred embodiments of the invention are provided in two forms, one providing a single output for lateral connection to a single-solenoid valve, and the other providing dual outputs for lateral connection to a dual-solenoid valve. The conductors printed on the circuitboards are arranged such that the output or outputs to the solenoid valve are always taken from the same connection terminal(s) at the upstream connector, with the remaining connector terminals being interconnected in such a way that the control signals for the remaining solenoid valves on the manifold are sequentially presented at the selected terminal (s) of the connectors.
The solenoid valves in the preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a valve body having a spool for selectively controlling flow of fluid through the valve body from and to the manifold, and from and to the output ports on each manifold body. A solenoid is mounted on one end of the valve body, and has an actuator operatively coupled to the valve spool. A valve control circuitboard is sandwiched between the solenoid and the valve body. The valve circuitboard has a first valve connector for interconnection with the third connector on the circuitboard in the underlying manifold body, and a second connector for connection to the coil of the solenoid in such a way that mounting of the solenoid onto the valve body automatically implements electrical connection to the valve control circuitboard. In implementations in which dual-solenoid valves are employed, with solenoids being mounted on opposed ends of the valve body, a solenoid interconnection extends through the valve body at a position offset from the valve spool for interconnecting the second solenoid with the solenoid control circuitboard. Fluid control means, such as a pressure regulator or a velocity controller, may be mounted between the solenoid valve and the corresponding manifold body side face. Electrical connection between the third connector of the circuitboard within the manifold body and the solenoid control board sandwiched between the solenoid and the control body is made by a valve interconnection circuitboard that extends through the fluid controller.
The manifold bodies carry screws for releasably fastening the manifold bodies end-to-end to form the manifold assembly. These screws have an externally threaded male end and an internally threaded female end for receiving the male end of a screw in the adjacent manifold body. The screws have a central portion of reduced diameter that is captured by a web within the manifold body. The manifold bodies preferably are of identical construction, and the manifold body assemblies preferably are provided in two forms, one for use in conjunction with a single-solenoid valve and the other for use in conjunction with a dual-solenoid valve. The third connectors on the circuitboards for making connection to the valve solenoids preferably are color-coded to distinguish between single-solenoid and dual-solenoid manifold bodies.
The electrical input/output connection at one end of the manifold preferably comprises an input/output circuitboard assembly contained within an appropriate end housing assembly. These end housing assemblies may be provided in differing forms having standardized input/output connectors and/or standardized communication protocol. The input/output circuitry may include valve drivers for supplying valve control signals to the valve solenoids by means of the series-connected circuitboards within each of the several manifold bodies.
The invention, together with additional objects, features and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which:
A passage 60, which is laterally offset from fluid passages 36, 38, 40 and screws 44, extends end-to-end through each manifold body 34 so as to form a continuous passage that extends end-to-end through the manifold assembly when the manifold bodies are assembled to each other. A circuitboard assembly 62 is received within passage 60 by longitudinally sliding fit of the circuitboard side edges into opposed slots 64 that extend partway through passage 60. Circuitboard assembly 62 preferably is provided in two forms: assembly 62a illustrated in
In the embodiment embodiments illustrated in
A solenoid interconnector 154 extends through a passage 155 in valve body 136 offset from spool 138. Interconnector 154 has a pair of spaced parallel male contacts 156 at one end that are slidably received within associated female duck-bill contacts on solenoid control board 150 as solenoid 140 is mounted to valve body 136. The opposing end of interconnected 154 carries a pair of female duck-bill contacts 158 that slidably receive the male contacts of solenoid 142 as solenoid 142 is mounted on the opposing end of valve body 36. Solenoid control board 150 comprises a circuitboard 160 on which contacts 152 are mounted. Conductors printed on circuitboard 160 connect contacts 152 to a three-terminal male connector 162 on one edge of circuitboard 160. Connector 162 is removably received in a female connector 164 on circuitboard 132 as solenoid valve assembly 122 is mounted on pressure regulator 120. Circuitboard assembly 132 has printed conductors that connect the three terminals of connector 164 to the three male contacts of connector 166, which is received in mating engagement with connector 70a on circuitboard 62a as pressure regulator 120 is mounted on manifold body 34. Circuitboard assembly 150 also carries a pair of LED's 168, 170 for indicating when the associated solenoids are energized. Connectors 162, 166 are of identical contact configuration, so that solenoid control board 150 may be plugged directly into connector 70a (or 70b) in applications where pressure regulator 120 (or other intervening control) is not used.
Valve control circuitboard 150 preferably is provided in two forms 150a and 150b, of which schematic diagrams are illustrated in
The purpose of providing manifold circuitboard 62 in two versions 62a, 62b will be clear. Version 62a illustrated in
In contrast, within circuitboard 62b (
It will also be noted that the three contacts (COMM,A and B) of connector 70 (70a or 70b) are directly interconnected by valve connector circuitboard 132 with the corresponding three contacts at input connector 164 of solenoid control circuitboard 150. In applications where no pressure regulator or speed control device is required, valve interconnection circuitboard 132 may be eliminated, and the valve mounted directly on the side face of the manifold body with connector 162 in mating engagement with connector 70 (70a or 70b). Connectors 162, 166 are dimensioned to seal opening 72 of manifold body 34, and the corresponding opening of pressure regulator 132 or speed control 124 (or any other intermediate device disposed between a manifold body and a solenoid valve).
System 220 further includes facility for operating additional manifold assemblies in a master/slave technique. A second input/output housing shell 250 has a pair of input/output bus-type connectors 252 mounted thereon. Housing shell 250 is mounted against housing shell 224, with a gasket 112 sandwiched therebetween. A pair of laterally opposed slots 254 within housing shell 252 received opposed side edges of a master input/output card 256 (
Claims
1. A fluid control system that comprises:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form fluid passage means extending through said manifold, said manifold bodies including first through passage means that align with each other and collectively form said fluid passage means in said manifold, and second through passage means that align with each other and collectively form a continuous second passage through said manifold parallel to and offset from said fluid passage means,;
- a solenoid valve being mounted on a side of at least one of said manifold bodies with fluid ports opening into said body to said fluid passage means,;
- electrical connection means being mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving control signals from an external source, and;
- a plurality of individual circuitboards being disposed one in each of said second through passage means, said plurality of circuitboards having interconnection means and conductors printed thereon, and being electrically interconnected in series through said continuous second passage, by means of said interconnection means and said conductors, electrically connecting said connection means to said solenoid valve;
- said interconnection means comprising a female connector at one end of each circuitboard and a mating male connector at an opposing end of each said circuitboard for enabling series connection of said circuitboards through said continuous second passage;
- each of said circuitboards further including a third connector on a lateral side thereof not extending above said passage means adjacent to said side of said manifold body for electrical interconnection of said circuitboard to said solenoid valve mounted on said side of said body; and
- said second passage means including upper and lower opposed slots extending at least partway through said body for slidably receiving in a longitudinal direction along the axis of the slots and retaining said circuitboard; and
- said circuitboard being constructed to be slidably receivable in a longitudinal direction in said opposed slots.
2. The system set forth in claim 1 wherein said interconnection means comprising female interconnection means at one end of each said circuitboard and mating male interconnection means at an opposing end of each said circuitboard for enabling said series connection of said circuitboards through said continuous second passage.
3. The system set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said circuitboards further includes third electrical interconnection means on a lateral side thereof adjacent to said side of said manifold body for electrical interconnection of said circuitboard to said solenoid valve mounted on said side of said body.
4. The system set forth in claim 3 wherein said second passage means includes a slot extending at least partway through said body for slidably receiving and retaining said circuitboard.
5. The system set forth in claim 4 1 wherein said third electrical interconnection means connector includes an opening in said body extending from said second through passage means to said side of said body, and an electrical connector disposed in said opening for electrical connection to said circuitboard by mating engagement with said third electrical interconnection means connector on said circuitboard.
6. A fluid control system that comprises:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form fluid passage means extending through said manifold, said manifold bodies including first through passage means that align with each other and collectively form said fluid passage means in said manifold, and second through passage means that align with each other and collectively form a continuous second passage through said manifold parallel to and offset from said fluid passage means;
- a solenoid valve being mounted on a side of at least one of said manifold bodies with fluid ports opening into said body to said fluid passage means;
- electrical connection means being mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving control signals from an external source;
- a plurality of individual circuitboards being disposed one in each of said second through passage means, said plurality of circuitboards having interconnection means and conductors printed thereon, and being electrically interconnected in series through said continuous second passage, by means of said interconnection means and said conductors, electrically connecting said connection means to said solenoid valve;
- said interconnection means comprising a female connector at one end of each circuitboard and a mating male connector at an opposing end of each said circuitboard for enabling series connection of said circuitboards through said continuous second passage;
- each of said circuitboards further including a third connector on a lateral side thereof adjacent to said side of said manifold body for electrical interconnection of said circuitboard to said solenoid valve mounted on said side of said body;
- said second passage means including a slot extending at least partway through said body for slidably receiving and retaining said circuitboard;
- said third connector including an opening in said body extending from said second through passage means to said side of said body, and an electrical connector being disposed in said opening for electrical connection to said circuitboard by mating engagement with said third electrical interconnection means connector on said circuitboard; and
- The system set forth in claim 5 said system being adapted for use in conjunction with single-solenoid and dual-solenoid valves mounted on said body, wherein said connector is color coded to identify said circuitboard for use with either a single-solenoid or a dual-solenoid valve.
7. The system set forth in claim 3 1 wherein each said circuitboard has at least one first conductor printed thereon that extends from a preselected contact of said male connector to the same preselected contact of said female connector so as to extend continuously through said manifold and supply a common connection to all valves on said manifold, and a plurality of second conductors at least one of which extends to said third connector and the remainder of which extend from corresponding contacts of one of said male and female connectors to a contact on the other of said male and female connectors reduced as compared with said corresponding contacts by the number of said second conductors that connect to said third connector.
8. The system set forth in claim 7 for use in conjunction with single-solenoid and dual-solenoid valves mounted on said body, wherein said circuitboard has either one of said second conductors extending to said third connector for use in conjunction with single-solenoid valves or two of said second conductors extending to said third connector for use in conjunction with dual-solenoid valves.
9. A fluid control system that comprises:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form fluid passage means extending through said manifold, said manifold bodies including first through passage means that align with each other and collectively form said fluid passage means in said manifold, and second through passage means that align with each other and collectively form a continuous second passage through said manifold parallel to and offset from said fluid passage means;
- a solenoid valve being mounted on a side of at least one of said manifold bodies with fluid ports opening into said body to said fluid passage means;
- electrical connection means being mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving control signals from an external source;
- a plurality of individual circuitboards being disposed one in each of said second through passage means, said plurality of circuitboards having interconnection means and conductors printed thereon, and being electrically interconnected in series through said continuous second passage, by means of said interconnection means and said conductors, electrically connecting said connection means to said solenoid valve;
- said interconnection means comprising a female connector at one end of each circuitboard and a mating male connector at an opposing end of each said circuitboard for enabling series connection of said circuitboards through said continuous second passage;
- each of said circuitboards further including a third connector on a lateral side thereof adjacent to said side of said manifold body for electrical interconnection of said circuitboard to said solenoid valve mounted on said side of said body;
- said second passage means including a slot extending at least partway through said body for slidably receiving and retaining said circuitboard; and
- The system set forth in claim 3 wherein said solenoid valve comprises comprising a valve body mounted on said manifold body with valve ports coupled to said first passage means, a solenoid mounted to said valve body and operatively coupled to a valve element in said valve body, and valve circuitboard means sandwiched between said solenoid and said valve body, said valve circuitboard means including first valve connection means for interconnection with said third connector and second valve connection means for connection to said solenoid and thereby operatively interconnecting said solenoid to said third connector.
10. The system set forth in claim 9 wherein said solenoid has connector means for mating engagement with said second valve connection means on said valve circuitboard means when said valve circuitboard means is sandwiched between said solenoid and said valve body.
11. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein A fluid control system that comprises:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form fluid passage means extending through said manifold, said manifold bodies including first through passage means that align with each other and collectively form said fluid passage means in said manifold, and second through passage means that align with each other and collectively form a continuous second passage through said manifold parallel to and offset from said fluid passage means;
- a solenoid valve being mounted on a side of at least one of said manifold bodies with fluid ports opening into said body to said fluid passage means;
- electrical connection means being mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving control signals from an external source;
- a plurality of individual circuitboards being disposed one in each of said second through passage means, said plurality of circuitboards having interconnection means and conductors printed thereon, and being electrically interconnected in series through said continuous second passage, by means of said interconnection means and said conductors, electrically connecting said connection means to said solenoid valve;
- said interconnection means comprising a female connector at one end of each circuitboard and a mating male connector at an opposing end of each said circuitboard for enabling series connection of said circuitboards through said continuous second passage;
- each of said circuitboards further including a third connector on a lateral side thereof adjacent to said side of said manifold body for electrical interconnection of said circuitboard to said solenoid valve mounted on said side of said body;
- said solenoid valve comprising a valve body mounted on said manifold body with valve ports coupled to said first passage means, a solenoid mounted to said valve body and operatively coupled to a valve element in said valve body, and valve circuitboard means sandwiched between said solenoid and said valve body, said valve circuitboard means including first valve connection means for interconnection with said third connector and second valve connection means for connection to said solenoid and thereby operatively interconnecting said solenoid to said third connector;
- said solenoid having connector means for mating engagement with said second valve connection means on said valve circuitboard means when said valve circuitboard means is sandwiched between said solenoid and said valve body; and
- said solenoid valve comprises comprising a dual-solenoid valve having a second solenoid mounted at an opposing end of said valve body, and solenoid interconnection means extending through a passage within said valve body from said valve circuitboard to the connection means on said second solenoid thereby operatively interconnecting said second solenoid to said third connector.
12. The system set forth in claim 11 41 wherein said solenoid interconnection means is adapted for releasable mating engagement with said second solenoid and with said valve circuitboard such that said second solenoid may be disconnected from said valve body and said solenoid interconnection means and said valve body and said solenoid interconnection means may be disconnected from said solenoid and said valve circuitboard.
13. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein said connector means on said solenoid is adapted for releasable mating engagement with said valve circuitboard such that said solenoid may be disconnected from said valve circuitboard and said valve body.
14. The system set forth in claim 9 further comprising fluid control means mounted between said valve body and said side of said manifold body, and valve interconnection means extending through said fluid control means between said third connectors and said first valve interconnection means.
15. The system set forth in claim 14 wherein said valve interconnection means is adapted for releasable mating engagement with said third connector and said first valve interconnection means such that said solenoid valve may be disconnected from said fluid control means and said fluid control means may be disconnected from said body.
16. The system set forth in claim 9 wherein said first valve interconnection means is adapted for releasable mating engagement with said third connector.
17. The system set forth in claim 9 wherein said solenoid valve further comprises indicator means on said valve circuitboard means and visible from outside of said valve body for indicating energization of said solenoid.
18. The system set forth in claim 1 further comprising means on each of said bodies for fastening said bodies to each other.
19. The system set forth in claim 18 wherein said fastening means comprises at least one screw carried by each of said bodies having a male end and a female end for receiving the male end of the at least one screw in the adjacent body.
20. The system set forth in claim 19 further comprising a gasket on each said body for sealing engagement with the adjacent body for sealingly surrounding said first through passage means.
21. The system set forth in claim 1 wherein said bodies are identical.
22. The system set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical connection means comprises a circuitboard assembly having first connection means for connection to the external source and second connection means for connection to said circuitboards.
23. The system set forth in claim 22 wherein said first connection means comprises terminal strip means for hardwire connection to the external source.
24. The system set forth in claim 22 for communication with the external source in accordance with a predetermined input/output protocol, wherein said first connection means is of a configuration coordinated with said predetermined input/output protocol.
25. The system set forth in claim 22 wherein said circuitboard assembly includes electronic circuit means for communication with the external source.
26. The system set forth in claim 25 wherein said electronic circuit means includes valve driver circuit means responsive to control signals from the external source for feeding valve solenoid control signals to said solenoid valve through said circuitboards.
27. The system set forth in claim 22 wherein said circuitboard assembly includes electronic circuit means for driving multiple input/output connector means.
28. The system set forth in claim 27 including a shell mounted to said manifold and having a predetermined number of input/output connectors thereon, and wherein said circuitboard assembly includes master circuitboard means having an input/output driver with plural input/output capability connected to said input/output connectors.
29. The system set forth in claim 28 including a plurality of said shells and associated input/output connectors mounted in series to said manifold, said master circuitboard means being mounted within one of said shells and connected to the associated connectors, and slave circuitboard means being mounted in the other of said shells and connecting said driver with the connectors on said shells.
30. The system set forth in claim 1 comprising a plurality of said solenoid valves mounted on associated ones of said bodies.
31. A fluid control system that comprises;:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form first passage means and second passage means parallel to and offset from each other and extending continuously through said manifold and each of said bodies,
- a plurality of solenoid valves each mounted on a side of an associated body with valve ports opening into said body to said first passage means,
- electrical connector means mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving valve control signals from an external source, and;
- a plurality of circuitboards disposed one within the second passage means of each body, each said circuitboard including male and female connection means connectors at opposed ends connecting said circuitboards in series with each other to said electrical connector means, and third connection means connectors extending laterally from each circuitboard for connection to the valve mounted on the side of the associated body;
- each circuitboard having at least one first conductor printed thereon that extends from a preselected contact of said male connector to the same preselected contact of said female connector so as to extend continuously through said manifold and supply a common connection to all valves on said manifold through said third connector, and a plurality of second conductors at least one of which extends to said third connector and the remainder of which extend from corresponding contacts of one of said male and female connectors to a contact on the other of said male and female connectors reduced as compared with said corresponding contacts by the number of said second conductors that connect to said third connector; and
- at least one said circuitboard having two of said second conductors extending to said third connector for providing two control lines for use in conjunction with dual-solenoid valves having two solenoids mounted on one of said manifold bodies;
- the remainder of second conductors in said at least one said circuitboards extending from a preselected contact position at one of said male or female connectors and decremented two contact positions at the other of said male or female connectors.
32. The system set forth in claim 31 wherein each said circuitboard has at least one first conductor printed thereon that extends from a preselected contact of said male connector to the same preselected contact of said female connector so as to extend continuously through said manifold and supply a common connection to all valves on said manifold, and a plurality of second conductors at least one of which extends to said third connector and the remainder of which extend from corresponding contacts of one of said male and female connectors to a contact on the other of said male and female connectors reduced as compared with said corresponding contacts by the number of said second conductors that connect to said third connector.
33. The system set forth in claim 32 for use in conjunction with single-solenoid and dual-solenoid valves mounted on said body, wherein each said circuitboard has either one of said second conductors extending to said third connector for use in conjunction with single-solenoid valves or two of said second conductors extending to said third connector for use in conjunction with dual-solenoid valves.
34. A fluid control system that comprises:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form first passage means and second passage means parallel to and offset from each other and extending continuously through said manifold and each of said bodies;
- a plurality of solenoid valves each mounted on a side of an associated body with valve ports opening into said body to said first passage means;
- electrical connector means mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving valve control signals from an external source;
- a plurality of circuitboards disposed one within the second passage means of each body, each circuitboard including male and female connectors at opposed ends connecting said circuitboards in series with each other to said electrical connector means, and third connectors extending laterally from each circuitboard for connection to the valve mounted on the side of the associated body;
- each circuitboard having at least one first conductor printed thereon that extends from a preselected contact of said male connector to the same preselected contact of said female connector so as to extend continuously through said manifold and supply a common connection to all valves on said manifold, and a plurality of second conductors at least one of which extends to said third connector and the remainder of which extend from corresponding contacts of one of said male and female connectors to a contact on the other of said male and female connectors reduced as compared with said corresponding contacts by the number of said second conductors that connect to said third connector;
- at least one said circuitboard having two of said second conductors extending to said third connector for providing two control lines for use in conjunction with dual-solenoid valves having two solenoids mounted on one of said manifold bodies; and
- The system set forth in claim 31 wherein each said solenoid valve comprises a valve body mounted on said manifold body with valve ports coupled to said first passage means, a solenoid mounted to said valve body and operatively coupled to a valve element in said valve body, and valve circuitboard means sandwiched between said solenoid and said valve body, said valve circuitboard means including first valve connection means for interconnection with said third connector and second valve connection means for connection to said solenoid and thereby operatively interconnecting said solenoid to said third connector.
35. The system set forth in claim 34 wherein said solenoid has connector means for mating engagement with said second valve connection means on said valve circuitboard means when said valve circuitboard means is sandwiched between said solenoid and said valve body.
36. The system set forth in claim 35 wherein at least one of said solenoid valves comprises a dual-solenoid valve having a second solenoid mounted at an opposing end of said valve body, and solenoid interconnection means extending through a passage within said valve body from said valve circuitboard to the connection means on said second solenoid thereby operatively interconnecting said second solenoid to said third connector.
37. The system set forth in claim 34 further comprising fluid control means mounted between said valve body and said side of said manifold body, and valve interconnection means extending through said fluid control means between said third connector and said first valve interconnection means.
38. The system set forth in claim 31 further comprising means on each of said bodies for fastening said bodies to each other.
39. The system set forth in claim 38 wherein said bodies are identical.
40. A fluid control system for use with dual solenoid valves that comprises:
- a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form fluid passage means extending through said manifold, said manifold bodies including first through passage means that align with each other and collectively form said fluid passage means in said manifold, and second through passage means that align with each other and collectively form a continuous second passage through said manifold parallel to and offset from said fluid passage means;
- a solenoid valve being mounted on a side of at least one of said manifold bodies with fluid ports opening into said body to said fluid passage means;
- electrical connection means being mounted at one end of said manifold for receiving control signals from an external source;
- a plurality of individual circuitboards being disposed one in each of said second through passage means, said plurality of circuitboards having interconnection means and conductors printed thereon, and being electrically interconnected in series through said continuous second passage, by means of said interconnection means and said conductors, electrically connecting said connection means to said solenoid valve;
- said interconnection means comprising a first connector at one end of each said circuitboard and a mating connector at an opposing end of each said circuitboard for enabling said series connection of said circuitboards through said continuous second passage;
- each of said circuitboards further including a third connector on a lateral side thereof adjacent to said side of said manifold body for electrical interconnection of said circuitboard to said solenoid valve mounted on said side of said body;
- each circuitboard having at least one first conductor printed thereon that extends from a preselected contact of said mating connector to the same preselected contact of said first connector so as to extend continuously through said manifold and supply a common connection to all valves on said manifold, through said third connector and a plurality of second conductors at least one of which extends to said third connector and the remainder of which extend from corresponding contacts of one of said first and mating connectors to a contact on the other of said first and mating connectors reduced as compared with said corresponding contacts by the number of said second conductors that connect to said third connector; and
- at least one of said circuitboards having more than one of said second conductors extending to said third connector for providing two control lines for use in conjunction with dual-solenoid valves having two solenoids mounted on one of said manifold bodies, the remainder of second conductors in said at least one of said circuitboards extending from a preselected contact position at one of said first and mating connectors and decremented two contact positions at the other of said first and mating connector.
41. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein said solenoid valve comprises a dual-solenoid valve having a second solenoid mounted at an opposing end of said valve body, and solenoid interconnection means extending through a passage within said valve body from said valve circuitboard to the connection means on said second solenoid thereby operatively interconnecting said second solenoid to said third connector.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Feb 25, 2005
Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
Assignee: Numatics, Incorporated (Novi, MI)
Inventors: Bradly J. Atkin (Commerce Township, MI), Dennis L. Bonacorsi (Howell, MI), Donald E. McGeachy (Commerce Township, MI), William S. Smith (World Trade Center)
Primary Examiner: John Fox
Attorney: Reising Ethington P.C.
Application Number: 11/067,618
International Classification: F16K 11/10 (20060101); F16K 31/02 (20060101); F16K 43/00 (20060101);