For Fluid power connections, routing within a routing path network is not common. Therefore, EPLAN supports the possibility to route tube connections freely (i.e., outside a routing path network) in the layout space. The routing of tubes in the 3D mounting layout allows for the generation of virtual prototypes in a very early phase, e.g., for pneumatic complete solutions inclusive tubing.
A freely routed connection is generated along a defined spatial curve between the source and target devices. No routing path network is expected or needed. The curve run of a freely routed connection is determined via control points and can be subsequently changed and thus be adapted to the spatial conditions in the 3D mounting layout.
The following illustration shows several tube connections routed in the 3D mounting layout.
The routing of Fluid power connections is carried out in the following steps:
Prepare master data
The successful development of a virtual prototype for Fluid power in the 3D mounting layout and the subsequent routing of tubes requires the prior preparation of the master data in parts management.
- Assign 3D graphical macros:
To obtain a realistic and detailed display of the prototype in the 3D mounting layout, you should generate 3D graphical macros for your fluid power items (valves, pumps, etc.) and assign them to the parts. Macros with the 3D data and the "3D mounting layout" representation type are stored in parts management on the Mounting data tab in the Graphical macro field. - Define connection point patterns:
The parts for the part placement in the layout space require defined connection point patterns. By means of the connection point pattern stored with a part, the part placement mostly receives the information about the connection points existing at the part placement. Thus, the connection point direction is, e.g., determined in the connection point pattern. The connection point direction specifies the direction in which the connection is routed at the connection point of the device.
The parts management provides a special main node for the definition of a connection point pattern with the associated data of the connection points. In the Technical data tab of a part, you can use the Connection point pattern field to select the desired connection point pattern and store it with the part. - Create part for screwed tube connections:
To complete the representation in the 3D mounting layout and to determine the correct tube length, you additionally require parts for screwed tube connections in parts management. You must store appropriate 3D graphical macros and defined connection point patterns also for these Fluid power parts, which are assigned to the "Accessories" product group and "Screw connections" product subgroup. When creating in the macro project, you must assign to these 3D graphical macros the "Part placement, fluid distributor" function definition. - Create part for routing accessories:
Similar to the other 3D components to be placed in the layout space, you must have stored the corresponding parts for placing routing accessories in parts management. - Enter connection data for tubes:
For the correct display of the routed tubes in the layout space, the required connection data (color, external diameter) must be defined. The entries for this can be made in the properties dialog of the connection or at the part in parts management.
You have opened the properties dialog for a connection and brought the Connection tab to the front. In the Color / number field of the properties dialog, enter the color of the tube (e.g. BU for blue). Enter the dimensions of the tube in the Cross-section / diameter field (e.g. Ø10 or Ø10x1.5 for a tube with an external diameter of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 1.5 mm).
Routing Connections Freely
In fluid power, the tubes are normally connected by means of screw connections to the fluid power items (valves, pumps, etc.). In the fluid schematic, these accessories are often not drawn. For a detailed representation in the 3D mounting layout and for determining the correct tube length, you should insert the corresponding part placements for screwed tube connections. When later routing the tubes in the layout space, these accessories will then be taken into account. If such a screw connection is placed at a fluid power item, the next free connection point of the screwed tube connection is used instead of a connection point of the item during routing of the tubes.
The free routing of connections via the Free routing (layout space) action generates curved routing connections outside of a routing path network. Source and target devices are automatically interconnected in the shortest path possible.
The Route (layout space) action is provided for electrical connections that are routed within a routing path network.
Adjust connection form
To adapt the curve run of a freely routed connection to the spatial conditions in the mounting layout, you predefine a connection form by means of curves and paths. Using the Change route action, you position the automatically routed connections in the desired routing track.
In special assembly situations of devices, it may be necessary to change the routing direction of all connection points specified in the connection point pattern in order to avoid unfavorable routing tracks. This can be done by means of the Change routing direction action.
Inserting Routing Accessories
Freely routed connections are often mounted or bundled with routing accessories (cable / tubing clamp, cable / tubing tie, cable / tubing protection). Note that several tubes which are routed through a common default path can be combined by means of a cable / tubing tie or be protected by a cable / tubing protection. The routing accessories, e.g. a tubing protection, is assigned to the path / curve through which the connections run. An empty path / curve cannot be assigned routing accessories.
See also
Defining Connection Point Pattern in Layout Space