EP0968372B1 - Valve arrangement - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

DE 44 13 657 C1 shows a valve unit which consist of several valve modules and end modules arranged at the end, which are assembled to form a unit. The necessary connections with the consumers to be controlled are made by leading to consumers Pressure fluid lines over at the bottom of the valve unit opening working channels directly to the relevant valve modules are connected.

Alternatively, the consumer is also connected via a by the applicant under the name "pneumatic Multipole "distributed plate-like mounting base possible. It is a simple plate on which the previously assembled valve unit detachable as a whole is assembled. The pressure medium lines leading to the consumers are connected to the mounting base so that the valve unit can be removed if necessary can be removed without removing the pressure lines individually to have to. Also the supply and discharge of the to operate the Valve modules required pressure medium, for example Compressed air can be passed through the mounting base this way respectively.

However, it has been found that the known as simple plate trained pneumatic multipin den increasing demands on flexibility and variability can't always do it justice. So be addicted on the number of valve modules mounting bases with different Dimensions needed. This requires at Manufacturing extensive cost-impact Warehousing and logistics measures. Also the The valve unit is the operator of a possible expansion the same for a complete exchange of the plate-like mounting base.

In a valve arrangement known from DE-A-4 229 054 At the outset, several base plates are pressure-tight with one another connected, on each of which an electromagnetic valve is attached is. Run in each base plate with the associated solenoid valve connected work lines to which individual blocks can be excluded, for example One-way flow control valves or pressure indicators. From the individual building blocks each lead lines to actuators to be controlled.

It is the object of the present invention, a To create valve assembly of the type mentioned, the a reduction in manufacturing costs enables flexible and variable use.

To achieve the object, the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 are provided.

Thus there is a valve arrangement whose valve unit containing the valve modules can be handled as a uniform body. The mounting base points like a plate rigid properties and can be described as fluid Insert multipole. It arise universal Possible applications, because an individual compilation the assembly base in adaptation to the assigned Valve unit is possible. Subsequent extensions the valve unit can be easily extended by appropriate addition the mounting base with a suitable number of Connection segments are taken into account. Warehousing and the logistics related effort the manufacture of the assembly base are greatly reduced because one based on a certain number of standardized Connection segments a variety of different mounting bases can realize. With the modular assembly base is also very easy to implement a compact structure, because the electrical and / or fluidic functional units are at least partially integrated into the associated exclusion segment.

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the Subclaims listed.

The selection of the ones to be used Functional units are practically unlimited. For example, functional units that operate purely fluidically such as check valves, pressure regulators or so-called throttle check valves, i.e. combinations consisting of a throttle and a check valve become. On electrical functional units - under The term "electrical" also includes electronic ones Designs understood - are, for example, pressure detection units conceivable based on a p / e converter work and can be used as a pressure switch when a certain pressure level is reached - also at Vacuum applications - generate reusable signals, which, for example, to control the valve unit or at least the associated valve module can be used. Purely electrical query functions are also natural possible.

The connection segments can be carried out in a manner if necessary be on them with the valve unit installed either only one module or several adjacent ones at the same time Modules come to rest. Here too the possibility of several, a common connection segment associated valve modules a single group of Assign consumer channels together, which then one have a larger cross-section in order to realize larger flow values to be able to.

End segments with reference to the mounting direction can be provided, which are designed as coupling segments and enable the coupling of further modules, whereby the coupling option is not necessarily on assembly bases the equipment of the invention is limited.

It is also advantageous to end the row of connection segments and - with existing ones Coupling segments - between the connection segment arrangement and a respective one Coupling segment to provide an end segment that with Feed and / or discharge channels is equipped with mounted valve unit with feed or ventilation channels communicate in one or two final modules the valve unit are formed and via the the valve modules are supplied with pressure medium or via that of the consumers and any pilot valves originating exhaust air can be removed.

A particularly simple construction results if the individual base segments of the mounting base using in the direction of attachment running tie rods firmly clamped together are, with a releasable connection, so that at If the possibility exists, individual connection segments exchange, insert additional connection segments or to remove a connection segment that is no longer required.

Fig. 1

eine sich aus einer Montagebasis und einer Ventileinheit zusammensetzende Baueinheit bei abgenommener Ventileinheit in perspektivischer Darstellung und

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Anordnung aus Fig. 1 bei montierter Ventileinheit, wobei letztere nur zum Teil abgebildet ist, mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil II aus Fig. 1.

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

Fig. 1

a perspective view from a mounting base and a valve unit with the valve unit removed

Fig. 2

2 shows a side view of the arrangement from FIG. 1 with the valve unit installed, the latter being only partially shown, with the viewing direction according to arrow II from FIG. 1.

1 and 2 show a valve assembly 1, which from a plate-like mounting base 2 and one this assembled block-like valve unit 3.

The valve unit 3 has several plate-like Valve modules 4, four of which in the exemplary embodiment Pieces are available. These valve modules 4 are with each other parallel plate levels side by side in succession arranged. The first and the last valve module 4 are on the opposite of the other valve modules Side of a plate-like module 5, 5 'flanked so that the row of valve modules 4th sits between the two termination modules 5, 5 '. The whole Module arrangement is clamped into a block-like unit, in Fig. 1 the ends of several tie rods 6 can be seen, which are on the two termination modules 5, 5 'and attack them in the direction of the sequence of the modules so that the ones in between Valve modules 4 are firmly clamped. The Valve unit 3 can be handled as a single body.

The structure of the individual valve modules 4 is arbitrary in itself. However, they all contain at least one and for example, two working channels 7 on the mounting base 2 facing mounting page 8 of the relevant Open valve module 4.

Communicate with their side opposite the mouth the working channels 7 within the assigned valve module 4 with a slide holder, not shown, in which a back and forth between at least two switching positions Movable valve spool is arranged. Depending on the switch position of the valve slide are the working channels 7 each with either a feed channel 12 or one Vent channel 13, 13 'connected. The switching process will caused by pilot valves, each Valve module 4 with one and preferably with two such Pilot valves is equipped. The pilot valves are electrically operated, so-called Solenoid valves, four in Fig. 1 per valve module Electromagnets 14 can be seen, each one Include pilot valve.

In operation, the electromagnets 14 are selected Sequence with electrical actuation signals supplied - this happens via electrical, not shown Lines leading to the contact tabs shown in FIG. 1 15 can be connected - with the excited one Electromagnet 14 opens a pilot valve so that an over Pilot control channels 16, 16 'brought up fluidic pilot control medium, in particular compressed air, the associated Valve spool is supplied, whereupon this its switching position changes.

The above briefly summarized exemplary structure of the Valve modules 4 go in more detail from DE 44 13 657 C1 to which reference is hereby made, so that no further details are required here.

The feed channel 12, the pilot channels 16, 16 'and Vent channels 13, 13 'each begin in one of the Termination modules 5, 5 ', to which the mounting base 2 faces Mounting surface 8 out they open. Starting from the mouth they run inside the assigned module 5, 5 ', then the entire series of To enforce valve modules 4 in the direction of their direction 17 while communicating with the slide receptacles. In the exemplary embodiment, the arrangement is such that that the feed channel 12 and the two pilot channels 16, 16 'on the mounting surface 8 of the front end module 5 open out and the two ventilation channels 13, 13 'on the mounting surface 8 of the rear end module 5 '. However, there is also a different arrangement of the mouths possible, and for example all of the The aforementioned channels on one and the same termination module open out.

The feed channel 12, the ventilation channels 13, 13 'and Pilot channels 16, 16 'are of simplicity in Fig. 2 only indicated by dash-dotted lines.

The mounting base 2 of the valve arrangement 1 has a plate-like Shape. It defines the valve unit 3 facing side a flat assembly surface 18. To them the valve unit 3 can be attached with its mounting surface 8. Suitable for fastening the attached valve unit 3 Fastening means 22, for example as fastening screws are carried out that enable the mounting base and the valve unit 3 releasably fixed to each other to brace.

The assembly base 2 has a modular structure and is made up of a plurality of individual base segments 23 together in a mounting direction 21 parallel to the direction of alignment 17 put together and assembled into a rigid unit are. Rigid cohesion is guaranteed by several Connecting elements 24, for example as tie rods are executed, which the juxtaposed series of Push through base segments 23 parallel to mounting direction 21 and anchored to the two end base segments 23 are.

The mounting base 2 comprises different types of base segments 23. It is a group of consecutive arranged connection segments 25 available, the corresponding connection segment arrangement 26 two end sides of one pointing in mounting direction 21 End segment 27, 27 'is flanked, which in turn on the the terminal segment arrangement 26 opposite side of one forming the end of the base segments 23 Coupling segment 28 is flanked.

In the exemplary embodiment, the number of connection segments is correct 25 corresponds to the number of valve modules 4. Also corresponds to the width measured in mounting direction 21 each Connection segment 25 of the correspondingly measured width of the associated valve module 4. Each connection segment 25 defines one on the side of the mounting surface 18 Assembly place 32 on which the assigned valve module 4 with the mounting surface 8 when the valve unit 3 is mounted.

Each connector segment 25 has a group of Consumer channels 33, with each channel group at least has one and, for example, two consumer channels 33. The consumer channels 33 of the respective connection segment 25 open out at the assigned assembly location 32, namely such that their mouths and the mouths of the working channels 7 of the assigned valve module 4 are aligned in pairs. In this way, one working channel 7 of a valve module 4 goes in each case into a consumer channel 33 of the assigned connection segment 25 over. To seal the transition, a suitable sealing arrangement interposed, however is not shown in the drawing.

Each consumer channel 33 passes through the assigned connection segment 25 and opens with a connection opening 34 outside the assembly area 32 to the outer surface of the concerned connection segment 25 from. It has been considered expedient proved to place the port openings 34 so that they are on the assigned assembly slot 32 opposite side of the connecting segment 25 are located. The corresponding area of the connecting segment 25 is considered Designated pad 35, it points in the same Direction as the mounting surface 8 with the valve unit installed 3, in the embodiment down.

Any consumer can be via the connection openings 34 especially fluid type, for example pressure actuated cylinders. The Connection is made by interposing in particular flexible pressure medium lines 36, the one ends to the consumer and elsewhere to one of the connection openings 34 can be connected. Connecting to the Connection opening 34 can take place, for example, in that the pressure medium line is screwed in immediately or is connected to a connecting device 37 which in turn in the area of the connection opening 34 on the connection segment 25 is set. As connection device 37 comes for example, a connector device anchored to the connecting segment 25 in question in which the concerned Pressure fluid line 36 releasably insertable under seal is.

While in the exemplary embodiment each valve module 4 own connection segment 25 is assigned are also modified Designs possible in which one or more Connection segments 25 are present, which have two or more Equipped with 32 slots and with the valve unit installed 3 equipped with several valve modules 4 at the same time are. Each valve module 4 can also have its own Group of consumer channels 33 may be assigned. It can but also several valve modules 4 together a single Group of consumer channels are assigned, then then expediently the flow cross section of the consumer channels 33 is enlarged to be larger in this way Control flow rates.

It is also possible to have several connection openings 34 Connection segments 25 with different connection sizes provided and for example with connecting threads to equip different thread standards. To this Mode can be selected as required by selected use equipped connection segments 25 a mounting base 2 entirely put together individually.

Another improvement in the variability of the structure the mounting base 2 arises in that at least a part of the existing connection segments with at least an electrical associated with a consumer channel 33 and / or fluidic functional unit 38. These act with the pressure medium flowing in the consumer channel together - under the term "printing medium" are also Understanding vacuum or vacuum applications - depending on Function different effects can be achieved. At the Embodiment is added that the existing Functional units 38 in the respectively assigned connection segment 25 integrated and in the housing of the relevant connection segment 25 are installed. The Functional units 38 are shown in FIG. 2 for simplification indicated by dash-dotted lines.

It is easily possible that in a connection segment 25 running consumer channels 33 different Assign functional units 38. In the embodiment the arrangement is such that the consumer channels 33rd within the individual connection segments 25 via the same Functional unit 38 have. Below are the Embodiment used functional units 38 briefly explained.

Starting from the right in Fig. 2 is in the course of each Consumer channel 33 of the first connection segment 25 as Pressure regulator 42 trained functional unit 38 turned on. It allows the connection port 34 adjust the tapped fluid pressure as required.

The next connection segment 25 contains as a functional unit 38 a throttle check valve 43, ie a combination of a throttle 40 and one blocking in the outflow direction Check valve 41. The throttle 40 is expedient adjustable so that the outflowing pressure medium after Can throttle demand.

The connecting segment 25 then connected has no functional unit 38. It is only used by two Consumer channels 33 interspersed with in no way a functional unit 38 cooperate.

The fourth connection segment 25 has a combined electrical and fluidic functional unit 38 in shape a pressure detection unit 44. It works on the basis of a p / e converter, the detected pressure into electrical Signals are converted using advanced electrical Lines 45 fed to a further utilization can become, for example, an electronic Control device that controls the operation of the valve unit 3 controls. The pressure detection unit 44 also has via a display element 45, which responds when a certain pressure in the associated consumer channel 33 is detected becomes.

The pressure detection unit 44 can be, for example so-called pressure switch, which is used in vacuum applications is used to operate a vacuum generator when a vacuum present in the assigned consumer channel 33 becomes too small. In such an application, it can Valve module 4 can be a vacuum module, into which, for example Integrated vacuum generator based on ejector is.

It goes without saying that purely electrical functional units 38 can be provided, including electronic Functional units are understood.

The modular structure of the Mounting base 2 any connection segments 25 with each other couple, depending on the needs of connection elements with certain Functional units 38 in any order can be used.

When the valve unit 3 is installed, the two end modules are seated 5, 5 'on one of the end segments 27, 27'. In this case, the one in the one final module 5 communicates Feed channel 12 and the pilot channels 16, 16 'with the associated end segment 27 through feed channels 46. At the on the opposite pad 35 lying mouths of these feed channels 46 can be Detachably connect pressure medium lines 47, through which the Operating medium and the pilot control medium are supplied.

The opposite end segment 27 'has two Discharge channels 48 which with the valve unit 3 installed Vent channels 13, 13 'in the associated termination module 5' communicate. On their lying on the pad 35 Mouths can also be connected to pressure medium lines 52 that remove the exhaust air. Alternatively, you can silencers can also be connected here.

That of the end segments 27, 27 'and the connection segments 25 defined floor plan suitably corresponds to that the valve unit 3. The coupling segments 28 protrude thus in mounting direction 21 over this floor plan and thus beyond the valve unit 3. They make that possible Coupling further components and in particular one or several assembly bases of other comparable valve arrangements 1. The coupling segments 28 have for simplification coupling over several, in particular continuous Bores 53 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the relevant Coupling segment 28 and / or at right angles to it Extend assembly area 18.

For the end segments 27, 27 'it must also be added that the channels running in them are not necessarily on the Connection side 35 must open, the mouths can for example, on the face of the relevant end segment 27, 27 'lie.

The base segments 23 are overall similar to plates or strips designed so that they are assembled Condition can support each other very well and one extremely stable Montsgebasis 2 is present.

Claims (10)

1. Valve assembly with a multiplicity of valve modules (4) which are releasably mounted on a plate-like mounting base (2) in which are formed load passages (33) connectable to loads to be driven and assigned in groups to various valve modules (4) of the valve unit (3) and, with the valve modules (4) fitted, communicating with operating passages (7) of the respectively assigned valve module (4), wherein the mounting base (2) is comprised in modular form of a multiplicity of separate base segments (23) joined together to form a rigid unit and including several connecting segments (25) each assigned to one or more valve modules (4) and having one or more groups of load passages (33) and equipped at least partly with at least one electrical and/or fluidic function unit (38) assigned to a load passage (33), characterised in that the valve modules (4) are combined in sub-assembly fashion to form a valve unit (3) which may be handled as a uniform body and which is mounted releasably on the plate-like mounting base (2), and that the function units (38) are integrated at least partially in the associated connecting segment (25).
2. Valve assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that one or more function units (38) contains or is formed by a non-return valve (41).
3. Valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one or more function units (38) is formed by a combination of a restrictor (40), in particular adjustable, and a non-return valve (41).
4. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that one or more function units (38) is formed by a pressure regulator (42).
5. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that one or more function units (38) is formed by a pressure detection unit (44), in particular a pressure switch.
6. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised by several connecting segments (25) with differing connection sizes for pressure medium lines (36) to be connected and leading to loads.
7. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that, with the valve unit (3) assembled, at least one connecting segment (25) is assigned to several valve modules (4).
8. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7 characterised by a connecting segment assembly (26), comprised of several connecting segments (25) arranged consecutively in one direction of attachment (21), which is flanked at both end sides by an end segment (27, 27'), wherein at least one of the end segments (27, 27') is provided with inflow and/or outflow passages (46, 48) which, with the valve unit (3) assembled, communicate with feed and vent passages (12, 13, 13') in at least one terminating module (5, 5') fitted to the end of the valve unit (3).
9. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the row of base segments (23) ends at at least one and preferably at both ends with a coupling segment (28) which facilitates the coupling of further components and in particular further mounting bases.
10. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the base segments (23) are securely clamped together by means of tie bolts (24) running in the direction of attachment (21).

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