摘要 |
A modular fluid control system is disclosed in which a common fluid manifold is formed by the connection of a required number of identical manifold modules (4). Each manifold module (4) has a valve module (9) connected thereto with connections to receive and return fluid from/to the manifold. In addition, each manifold module (4) includes data/power connectors (36, 37) which allow connection to adjacent manifold modules (4) thereby forming a common power and data bus through the connected manifold modules (4). Each manifold module (4) includes a controller (18) capable of controlling the valve within its connected valve module (9) in accordance with instructions received from a primary controller (16) connected to the data/power bus at one end of the common manifold. The primary controller (16) is connected to an external PLC which controls operation of the valves by outputting in parallel, control signals (one per valve) which are converted to a serial control signal by the primary controller (16) for transmission on the common data bus. The system is particularly suitable to simple construction and alteration. <IMAGE> |