EP0688958B1 - Valve arrangement - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement with a Fluid distributor acting base plate on which a placement area is provided, which in several side by side Assembly places is divided, at each one Multi-way valve can be assembled with one mounting surface, with several inside the base plate in the longitudinal direction Main channels, under which there is a feed channel and at least one exhaust air duct is located, and from which to the assembly areas outflowing, transverse branch channels go off, the mouth of a respective branch channel Mouth of a multi-way valve designed in the associated mount and is opposite to the valve channel open valve channel, and with one at a respective assembly station between the base plate and the mounting surface of the assembled Multi-way valve arranged coherent seal, the the respective mouths of the branch channels and encloses the valve channels.

Valve arrangements of this type, for example from the prospectus "Valve and Installation Islands", No. 119, 1991 the Applicants emerge, allow a compact battery-like Summary of a plurality of multi-way valves in the narrowest Room. The base plate usually consists of an extruded one Aluminum component extending from the main channels in the longitudinal direction is crossed, and introduced into the cross holes are that form the branch channels. Usually everyone stands Main channel via a corresponding branch channel with all assembly stations in connection. The distribution scheme of the the respective mouths of the Branch channels are expediently at every assembly station identical. The multi-way valves are attached regularly as part of a screw fastening, several of which Fastening screws passing through multi-way valve in threaded holes the base plate.

Valve channels are formed in the respective multi-way valve, their mouths provided on the mounting surface in the assembled Condition with the openings provided on the base plate the branch channels are aligned. In this way, each multi-way valve connected to the main channels. Around the connection area between a respective multi-way valve and the base plate seal and an escape of the usually pneumatic Preventing fluids is between each multi-way valve and the base plate inserted a seal. This has so far consisted of several O-rings at the applicant Similar sections together, each in the area of a Mouth pairs come to rest and are interconnected are, so that there is a coherent structure. In order to the multi-way valve when screwing onto the assigned one The individual O-ring sections come not tilted the seal sunk into the base plate lie. This allows the mounting surface of the multi-way valve be brought directly to the assembly area. The mouth area is for receiving the O-ring sections of the individual branch channels expanded by a concentric countersink is introduced so that the channel cross section in the mouth area is larger than the actual one Nominal cross section.

The required variety of mouth extensions will previously mechanically very complex due to cutting countersinking manufactured. The production of the base plates is therefore relatively expensive.

A similar valve arrangement can be found in EP-A-0 389 776 in which, however, the base plate is made up of several Intermediate plates is formed. For sealing of the adjoining intermediate plates are called Molded seals are the seals described above Kind of used.

The object of the present invention is a To create valve assembly of the type mentioned, the with the sealing quality of the seal remaining good, a more cost-effective one Manufacture of the base plate enables.

To solve this problem it is provided that the branch channels without extension with its nominal cross-section to the assembly area open the base plate that the seal as elastic sealing plate is formed, which is a plate-shaped Has base body, which the mounting surface of the assigned Multi-way valve at least almost completely covers and aligned with the mouths of the branch channels and the valve channels Breakthroughs that each of these breakthroughs on at least one of the two larger-area plate sides from one to the plate-shaped base body of the sealing plate molded annular sealing bead is surrounded, and that at least one of the larger-area sheet sides in the area at least two openings one coaxial to the relevant one Opening arranged and on the plate-shaped base body molded pipe socket-like alignment extension provided immersed in the assigned branch or valve channel can.

In this way there is a base plate in the area the mouths of the branch channels to the extensions required so far waived to accommodate sealing parts can be. This saves a complex mechanical processing process in the manufacture of the base plate. In order to Avoid that the raised on the placement surface Seal for canting when installing the multi-way valves leads, the seal is an elastic sealing plate executed the mounting surface of the assigned multi-way valve essentially covered, so that the multi-way valve when assembling and in the assembled state over a large area on the Sealing plate sits on. Tilting of the multi-way valve at assembly is therefore excluded. To a correct relative position alignment projections are provided to ensure that intervene in one or the other channel in the mouth area and thereby the correct relative position between the sealing plate and specify the multi-way valve and / or the base plate. For Optimization of the sealing effect is everyone with a branch channel communicating opening of the sealing plate the one in question Breakthrough preferably concentrically surrounding Sealing bead provided that of the plate-like Base body is raised so that when tightening of the solenoid valve a high pressure occurs locally, the leaks counteracts. Because the manufacture of the sealing plate overall is not more expensive than that of the known Seals can reduce the cost of manufacturing the valve assembly be reduced in their entirety.

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the subclaims listed.

Depending on the material properties of the sealing plate, it may be sufficient to assign only one sealing bead to each opening. This can turn to the opposite when tightening the multi-way valve Push through the side of the plate so that there is also a sets optimal sealing effect. With a particularly reliable However, every breakthrough is in the form of execution Such a sealing bead is assigned on both sides of the plate, the mutually associated sealing beads expediently lie directly one above the other.

Fig.1

eine erste Bauform der erfindungsgemäßen Ventilanordnung, wobei die Grundplatte, eine Dichtplatte und ein Mehrwegeventil im voneinander getrennten Zustand explosionsartig dargestellt sind,

Fig.2

die Dichtplatte aus Figur 1 in Draufsicht auf eine ihrer beiden größerflächigen Plattenseiten mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil II aus Figur 1, und

Fig.3

einen Querschnitt durch die Ventilanordnung aus Figur 1 gemäß Schnittlinie III-III im montierten Zustand eines Mehrwegeventils.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

1 shows a first design of the valve arrangement according to the invention, the base plate, a sealing plate and a multi-way valve being shown explosively in the separated state,

Fig. 2

the sealing plate of Figure 1 in plan view of one of its two larger-area plate sides with the viewing direction according to arrow II of Figure 1, and

Fig. 3

a cross section through the valve assembly of Figure 1 according to section line III-III in the assembled state of a multi-way valve.

The valve arrangement 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 has a base plate 2 functioning as a fluid distributor with strip-like Shape. It is an extrusion that consists in particular of an aluminum material. According to the example it is made up of a single component, albeit they also easily from several, for example, block-like Parts could be composed.

One of the side faces of the embodiment essentially Base plate with a rectangular cross-section 2 forms an assembly area 3 for multi-way valves 4, of to which only one is shown for the sake of simplicity. The assembly area 3 defines several, in the longitudinal direction 5 of the Base plate 2 consecutively arranged assembly places 6, which is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 for better visibility are. These placement slots usually go 6 imperceptibly into one another. On each assembly slot 6 can a multi-way valve 4 can be detachably mounted. Depending on the application can base plates 2 with a different number of assembly areas 3 are provided, whereby A number of assembly slots between 3 and 16 per base plate Piece has proven to be advantageous. Are in the assembled state the multi-way valves 4 are expediently aligned in such a way that its longitudinal axis 7 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 5 of the Base plate 2 runs. In this way, the multi-way valves 4 extremely space-saving arranged side by side become.

Several run in the interior of the base plate 2 in the longitudinal direction 5 extending fluid channels, the following as Main channels 8 are called. Especially when the base plate 2 is an extruded profile part, the main channels 8 molded directly into the manufacture be so that they the base plate 2 in the longitudinal direction 5th pull through completely and on both opposite Open the end faces. On at least one of these end faces, in the present case the front end face 12 shown in FIG. 2, If necessary, 8 pressure medium lines can be connected to the main channels become. Therefore are in the mouths of the main channels 8 connection threads introduced. If all are connected Main channels 8 from a common end face 12, the opposite end face to be provided with a lid that tightly closes the assigned channel openings.

For example, five main channels 8 are present. It deals around a centrally arranged feed channel 13, the long side on opposite sides of one exhaust duct each 14,14 'is flanked, and furthermore two pilot channels 15, 15 'are present, preferably in one Corner area of the plate cross section near the assembly area 3 run.

Each main duct 8 branches inside the base plate 2 a number corresponding to the number of assembly places 6 from branch channels 16. This inside the base plate 2 Branch channels 16 running transversely to the longitudinal axis 5 are in each case on the one hand to the assigned main channel 8 and on the other hand open to the assigned assembly slot 6. On in this way, 6 is one of the number at each assembly station of the main channels 8 corresponding number of mouths 17 of the Branch channels 16 available.

The cross section of a respective branch channel 16 is over its total length between the assigned main channel 8 and Placement area 3 constant. This cross section is the nominal cross section designated. This is the fluid flow cross-section available for flow.

The arrangement diagram of the mouths 17 is at all assembly places 6 expediently identical. Because of It can offer space savings, the mouths 17 one respective placement 6 in the longitudinal direction 5 against each other to be staggered. As an example, all mouths are located in the area of a straight line that is approximately diagonally related on the floor plan of the example of a rectangle contoured assembly slots 6 is aligned.

The multi-way valves to be assembled at the assembly stations 6 4 have a housing 18 in which a not shown Valve slide axially between different switching positions is arranged movably. Laterally in the Valve spool-receiving spool receptacles open three Figure 3 hinted valve channels 22, the on the other hand to that in the assembled state of the assembly surface 3 facing lower mounting surface 23 of the Open multiway valve 4. Acting in the embodiment it is a feed valve channel 24 and two exhaust valve channels 25.25 '. Two further valve channels 22, in which it pilot valve channels 26, 26 'are also open on the one hand to the mounting surface 23, on the other hand in a work space, not shown, inside the Valve housing 18 in which a cooperating with the valve spool Actuator is arranged. Ultimately go from the slide holder two working channels 27 from for example opposite to that of the mounting surface 23 Open valve top 28 and there the Fludean connection of a consumer to be operated, for example a working cylinder enable. Because the structure and how it works such multi-way valves to the expert as such is known, there is no need for more detailed information at this point Executions.

A respective multi-way valve 4 is in the assembled state with its mounting surface 23 ahead at one of the assembly places 6 attached. The are on the mounting surface 23 provided openings 32 of the valve channels 22 and the mouths 17 of the branch channels 16 with the correct assignment. The multi-way valves 4 are fixed according to the example by a screw fastening, for what purpose by each multi-way valve 4 at least two fastening screws 33 are stuck through with their head on the Support valve top 28 and with its threaded shaft are screwed into threaded holes 34 at each assembly location 6 are provided in the base plate 2.

The working fluid of the exemplary valve arrangement 1 is a pneumatic medium. Via the pilot channels 15, 15 'and pilot valve channels 26, 26 'communicating therewith is in the Multi-way valve on compressed air that is not closer by actuation shown control devices on the mentioned actuators can act on the position of the valve spool to specify. The control devices are preferably around electrically operated solenoid valves. The about the Feed channel 13 and compressed air fed to the feed valve channel depending on the position of the valve spool in one or other working channel 27, the working channels 27 itself via the exhaust air valve channels 25, 25 ' and the connected exhaust air ducts 14, 14 'are vented can.

For sealing the pressure medium transition between the base plate 2 and the multi-way valves 4 is between each multi-way valve 4 and the placement area 3 of the assigned placement area 6 designed as an elastic sealing plate 35 Gasket inserted. It is about her preferably an integral component, preferably made of Material with elastic properties. An essential one Part of the sealing plate 35 is a plate-shaped base body 36, the outline of which is at least essentially that the mounting surface 23 is adapted so that it in the assembled State of the multi-way valve 4 at least approximately completely covers. In this way, practically the whole is Intermediate area between a respective mounting surface 23 and the associated assembly station 6 from the plate-shaped Base body 36 filled. As a result, the via the fastening screws 33 to the solenoid valve 4 exerted clamping force over a large area on the sealing plate 35 the placement area 3 is transferred. The mounting surface 23 is large-area through the plate-shaped sealing body 36 supported so that when tightening the mounting screws 33 no risk of tipping or tilting for the multi-way valve 4 exists. This is despite the fact that the mounting surface 23 is not at any point is in direct contact with the mounting surface 3. Of the plate-shaped base body 36 thus practically has a supporting function in relation to the assigned multi-way valve 4.

The plate-shaped base body 36 has a plurality of through openings 37, the number of which Number of mouths 17 of the assigned placement area 6 corresponds. Also the distribution pattern of the breakthroughs 37 is identical to that of the mouths 17. They escape therefore with mounted multi-way valve 4 with the branch channels 16 and the valve channels 22 so that fluid passage is permitted is.

So that an optimal sealing effect unfolds, everyone is of these openings 37 on both opposite one another larger area plate sides 38, 38 'of one surrounded concentrically arranged annular sealing bead 42, which is integrally formed on the plate-shaped base body 36 is and is slightly sublime. It can be useful prove a certain radial distance between one To maintain opening 37 and the associated sealing bead 42, as is the case with the three larger diameters, for example inner breakthroughs is the case with the Feed duct 13 and the exhaust air ducts 14, 14 'are aligned. Especially for openings with smaller diameters as in the case the outside in the embodiment, with the pilot channels 15, 15 'interacting openings 37 may but also be advantageous to the sealing bead 42 directly to connect the edge of the respective opening 37. Becomes the multi-way valve 4 pressed against the base plate 2, cause the relatively narrow sealing beads 42 because of the higher surface pressure a reliable sealing contact.

In the case of a design not shown in more detail, at least one and preferably all openings 37 each only Such a sealing bead on a plate side 38 or 38 ' 42 assigned. In this case, the sealing plate material chosen so that a respective sealing bead 42 when applied also shows on the opposite side of the plate, so that the area of high surface pressure by the Material through to the opposite side of the sealing plate is transmitted. This again results in a secure seal.

The sealing plate 35 according to the invention makes it possible in the area of the mouths 17 of the branch channels 16 on channel extensions beyond the nominal cross section, which was previously used to accommodate Seals are provided to be dispensed with. This is one simplified manufacture of the base plate 2 possible.

The rubber-elastic sealing plate 35 expediently has still about assembly support measures that ensure their correct alignment with regard to the assembly stations 6 and / or the multi-way valves 4 simplified. These assembly aids are in Shape of pipe socket-like alignment extensions 43 provided, which are integrally formed on the plate-shaped base body 36 are in a coaxial arrangement with respect to Openings 37. The longitudinal axes of the alignment processes 43 run at right angles to the plate level and go through the center of the respectively assigned opening 37. Your The outer diameter is such that the diameter of the assigned Branch or valve channel 16, 22 adapted that he can be plugged into its mouth and on of the duct wall concerned. These facts are clearly visible from Figure 3.

It is advisable on each of the two larger-sized plate sides 38, 38 'at least two such alignment extensions 43 provide so that each multi-way valve 4 on the associated Sealing plate 35 exactly with respect to the associated assembly location 6 is aligned. Only those are preferred Openings 37 alignment extensions 43 are provided have a larger diameter. These are, for example the feed channels 13, 24 and the exhaust air channels 14, 14 '; 25, 25 'assigned openings. With the relatively small diameter having pilot control channels would be the alignment extensions 43 may adversely affect the possible flow rate.

In the exemplary embodiment, those with the exhaust air channels 14, 14 'communicating openings 37 on both sides with coaxial alignment projections 43 which merge into one another. The central opening communicating with the feed channel 13 37 has only on the base plate 2 facing lower plate side 38 'a corresponding alignment extension 43. There are no other alignment extensions.

In the embodiment, the plate-shaped body has 36 via two further openings 44, which with the Thread holes 34 are aligned and the passage of the fastening screws 33 enable. In the area of this further Openings 34 are no sealing beads or alignment extensions intended.

The sealing plate 35 of the embodiment has a essential rectangular floor plan. About in the middle of the area the two long sides each have a notch 45 provided, e.g. the penetration of a centering pin enables, which is arranged on the multi-way valve and in a Intervene in the centering recess of the assigned placement area can (not shown). To save material the sealing plate in other places more or less have large openings.

The sealing plate with all its components can be special inexpensive to manufacture in one piece as an injection molding.

Claims (9)

1. Valve assembly, with a baseplate (2) acting as fluid distributor and on which is provided a mounting surface (3) divided into several adjacent mounting areas (6), to each of which a multiway valve (4) with a fitting surface (23) may be fitted, with several main passages (8) running within the baseplate (2) in its longitudinal direction (5), and with a feed passage (13) and one or more vent passages (14, 14') below them, and with transverse branch passages (16) running from them to the mounting areas (6), wherein the opening (17) of each branch passage (16) lies opposite the opening (32) of a valve passage (22) formed in the assigned installed multiway valve (4) and open towards the fitting surface (23), and with a continuous seal fitted at any particular mounting area (6) between the baseplate (2) and the fitting surface (23) of the installed multiway valve (4), and surrounding the respectively facing openings (17, 32) of the branch passages (16) and the valve passages (22), characterized in that the branch passages (16) end without enlargement with their nominal cross-section at the mounting surface (3) of the baseplate (2), that the seal is in the form of an elastic sealing plate (35) with a plate-like body (36) covering at least approximately completely the fitting surface (23) of the assigned multiway valve (4) and having through holes (37) flush with the openings (17, 32) of the branch passages (16) and the valve passages (22), that each of these through holes (37) is surrounded on at least one of the two larger plate sides (38, 38') by an annular sealing lip (42) formed on the plate-like body (36) of the sealing plate (35), and that there is provided on at least one of the larger plate sides (38, 38'), in the area of at least two through holes (37), a pipe socket-like aligning extension (43) moulded on to the plate-like body (36) and arranged coaxially to the relevant through hole (37), which can dip into the assigned branch or valve passage (16, 22).
2. Valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each through hole (37) is surrounded on both plate sides (38, 38') by a sealing lip (42).
3. Valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one sealing lip (42) is fitted concentrically relative to the assigned through hole (37), with radial clearance.
4. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, on both plate sides (38, 38'), in each case at least two through holes (37) are assigned an aligning extension (43).
5. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealing plate (35) is a one-piece component of material with rubber-elastic properties.
6. Valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the plate-like body (36) has at least two further through holes (44) which, with the multiway valve (4) installed, are each penetrated by a fixing screw (33), which rests on the multiway valve (4) and is screwed into a threaded hole (34) of the baseplate (2) flush with the associated further through hole (44).
7. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sealing plate (35) has a substantially rectangular external contour.
8. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one feed passage (13), two vent passages (14, 14') flanking the former, and two pilot passages (15, 15'), are provided as main passages (38).
9. Valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing plate (35) is a transfer-moulded part.

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