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EPLAN Fluid: Routing Fluid Power Connections

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 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.

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