EP2047112B1 - Valve apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve means (1) comprises a valve support (2) with internal valve support ducts (15). Several component mounting sites (12) are located on the valve support (2) to be individually fitted with control units (3), at least one special purpose control unit (3b) being present, which with an intermediate plate (24) simultaneously covers over several adjacently placed component mounting sites (12). At least one control valve (4) of the special purpose control unit (3b) is connected with the valve support ducts (15) opening at the covered component mounting sites (12) via an intermediate plate duct arrangement (28) running in the intermediate plate (24).

Description

The invention relates to a valve device having a valve carrier which has an assembly surface which is divided into a plurality of sequential insertion locations, to each of which a plurality of valve carrier channels of a valve carrier passing through the valve carrier channel arrangement and the individually with at least one control valve having equipped control units are.

One from the EP 1 637 789 A1 known valve device of this type includes a plate-shaped valve carrier, which is equipped with a plurality of control units, which are mounted in each case on a specifically assigned to them placement place. The width of the individual control units corresponds to the width of the individual placement places. A valve member of the associated control unit is supplied with fluidic pressure medium via valve carrier passages of the valve carrier which pass through the valve carrier, wherein the control valve is seated on an intermediate plate or can be mounted directly on the mounting position. The use of an intermediate plate allows a specific influencing of the fluid flowing over between the valve carrier and the control valve, for example a pressure regulation.

The EP 0 584 494 A1 describes the optional equipment of a valve device with adapter plates in order to be able to install control valves of different valve series together on the same valve carrier.

The DE 44 44 024 A1 describes a valve device in which directly formed by control valves, no intermediate plates having control units are mounted directly to individual placement stations of a valve carrier. A comparable arrangement discloses the DE 298 10 091 U1 , where the further possibility is described there to combine control valves with different widths on a valve carrier.

Another valve device with an intermediate plate is made DE 20 2006 008 921 U1 known.

The possibility of equipping a valve carrier with control units which have an intermediate plate results in a high variability for the use of the valve device. In some cases, however, this is not enough to meet the specific needs of the users. An object of the present invention is to provide a valve device of the type mentioned, which allows a more variable fluidic interconnection to expand the field of application of the valve device in a simple manner.

To solve this problem, the mounting surface of the valve carrier is equipped with at least one special control unit, which has a set with its bottom to the mounting surface and thereby several adjacent juxtaposed placement spaces overlapping intermediate plate due to the corresponding width of a covered at their placement places with the Valve carrier channel assembly is interspersed and the at least one of the Intermediate plate duct assembly carries connected control valve.

While the standard control units always occupy only one placement space, the intermediate plate of the special control unit extends over at least two mutually adjacent placement places. As a result, a relatively large width of the intermediate plate is available for the internal intermediate plate channel arrangement, which allows the realization of even complex fluidic circuits, the whole in conjunction with a small if necessary height of the intermediate plate. Particularly advantageous is the possibility of incorporating one or more of the valve carrier channels opening out at the several covered placement stations into a fluidic circuit which is defined by the intermediate plate channel arrangement and the at least one control valve of the special control unit arranged on the intermediate plate.

It has proven particularly expedient to choose the dimensions of the intermediate plate of the special control unit such that it covers exactly two mutually adjacent placement places.

If the assembly area has a correspondingly large number of placement locations, several special control units can be mounted on it at the same time or a mixture of at least one special control unit and at least one conventional control unit covering only one placement space. This results in a modular design with a variety of equipment options of the valve device and consequently a high variability regarding the possible applications.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Particularly expedient is an embodiment of the valve device is considered, in which the intermediate plate channel arrangement of at least one special control unit comprises at least one connecting channel which connects at least two belonging to the special control unit control valves together. In addition or as an alternative, at least one connecting channel of the intermediate plate channel arrangement can connect at least two valve carrier channels which terminate at different covered insertion positions.

By using at least one such connecting channel, for example, it is possible to connect two control valves with one another such that a connected individual working channel of the valve carrier channel arrangement is supplied with pressure medium only if both control valves are actuated at the same time. As a result, a safety circuit suitable for controlling presses can be realized very simply and with a compact design.

There is also the possibility of providing a connecting channel with such a course that it simultaneously communicates with working channels of the valve carrier channel arrangement opening out at a plurality of loading stations. This allows a simultaneous supply of fluid to multiple consumers or, when the working channels are interconnected, the supply of a consumer with an increased flow.

In particular, it is also possible to equip the intermediate plate with at least one vacuum generating device. With appropriate design of the intermediate plate channel arrangement For example, a negative pressure caused by a single vacuum generator device can simultaneously be applied to a plurality of working channels and tapped off. Likewise, a plurality of vacuum generating devices can be controlled simultaneously by means of a single control valve. The vacuum generating devices include in particular a working according to the ejector principle suction nozzle.

Figur 1

in perspektivischer Darstellung eine bevorzugte erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Ventileinrichtung, im mit lediglich einer Sonder-Steuereinheit bestückten Zustand, wobei die übrigen Bestückungsplätze unbestückt gezeigt sind,

Figur 2

die Ventileinrichtung aus Figur 1 in einer Stirnansicht mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil II, wobei strichpunktiert weitere optional installierbare Steuereinheiten gezeigt sind,

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Ventileinrichtung in einer mit Figur 1 vergleichbaren Darstellungsweise, wobei allerdings ein anderer Typ von Sonder-Steuereinheit vorhanden ist, und

Figur 4

eine Stirnansicht der Ventileinrichtung aus Figur 3 mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil IV.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

FIG. 1

in a perspective view of a preferred first embodiment of the valve device according to the invention, in the equipped with only a special control unit state, the remaining placement places are shown unpopulated,

FIG. 2

the valve device off FIG. 1 in an end view with viewing direction according to arrow II, where dash-dotted further optional installable control units are shown,

FIG. 3

a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the valve device in a with FIG. 1 comparable presentation, but with a different type of special control unit is present, and

FIG. 4

an end view of the valve device FIG. 3 with view in accordance with arrow IV.

The designated in its entirety by reference numeral 1 valve device is designed as a valve manifold and includes a valve carrier 2, which is simultaneously with a plurality of Control units 3 can be equipped, each containing at least one, preferably electrically actuated, control valve 4.

The control valves 4 include a main valve member 5 equipped with a movable valve member, not shown, and at least one driving member 6 associated therewith. The driving member 6 can be electrically activated and causes the respective desired switching state of the main valve member 5. In the drive part 6 is in connection with a directly controlled control valve 4 in particular an electromagnet and in the case of a pilot-operated control valve 4 to an electrically actuated pilot valve, in particular a solenoid valve. The drive part 6 may include a plurality of electromagnets and / or pilot valves.

In Figures 2 and 4 is still the applicable switching symbol shown to the control valves 4. It is clear that the control valves 4 are, for example, 3/2-way valves as in FIG. 4 or about 5/2-way valves as in the case of FIG. 2 can act.

The outer surface of the valve carrier 2 forms a preferably flat mounting surface 7, to which the control units 3, preferably releasably, are mountable. The assembly area 7 is in this case divided into a plurality of sequential insertion positions 12 in a row direction indicated by a double arrow which can be used for equipping with the control units 3. The row direction 8 coincides in particular with the longitudinal axis of the valve carrier 2.

The control units 3 expediently have an elongated shape. Its longitudinal axis 13 is perpendicular to the Row direction 8. The same applies to the respective elongated placement places 12th

The valve carrier 2 is penetrated by a designated in its entirety by reference numeral 14, composed of a plurality of valve carrier channels 15 valve carrier channel assembly 14. Under the valve carrier channels 15 is expediently at least one connectable to an external pressure source P feed channel 15a and at least one with a pressure sink R, S - in particular the atmosphere - connectable discharge channel 15b, 15c. By way of example, two mutually parallel discharge channels 15b, 15c are present, in order to enable optimal fluid removal, especially in the case of control valves 4 with four-way or five-way functionality. The feed channel 15a and the discharge channels 15b, 15c extend in the interior of the valve carrier 2 in the row direction 8, each of them discharging to each placement place 12. The corresponding channel mouths are identified by reference numerals 15a ', 15b', 15c '.

Under the valve carrier channels 15 are also working channels 15d, 15e. While the feed channels 15a, 15b, 15c are assigned to all placement locations 12 in common, ie one can speak of a common feed channel 15a and common discharge channels 15b, 15c, the working channels 15d, 15e are designed as individual channels, with an individual one for each placement place 12 first working channel 15d and in particular an individual second working channel 15e opens. The associated channel mouths are indicated by reference numerals 15d ', 15e'. These individual working channels 15d, 15e are not interconnected within the valve carrier 2.

At their positions opposite the placement sites 12, the working channels 15 d, 15 e open via a consumer connection opening 16 enabling a connection of a consumer to a separate external surface of the valve carrier 2 with respect to the assembly surface 7, which is referred to below as the consumer connection surface 17. The consumer connection openings 16 are not further shown connection means, to each of which a leading to the consumer fluid line, in particular releasably, can be connected. The connection means are, for example, threads or connectors.

Preferably, the consumer pad 17 is oriented at right angles to the mounting surface 7. The consumer connection openings 16 of the respective same placement space 12 leading working channels 15 d, 15 e are preferably arranged one above the other in the direction indicated by a double arrow height direction 18 of the valve means 1, wherein the height direction 18 is oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface 7.

The channel mouths 15a '- 15e' form at all placement places 12 matching mouth pattern. The orifice patterns may correspond in particular to the standards ISO 5599-2 or ISO 15407.

Instead of two individual working channels 15 d, 15 e may be assigned to the individual placement sites 12, if necessary, only an individual working channel.

For simplicity, the various channels are in Figures 2 and 4 partially indicated only schematically by simple lines.

While the valve carrier 2 can in principle be made in one piece, it is in the embodiments in each case of several together in the row direction 8 under sealing seated valve carrier segments 22 together. You can, according to the desired length of the valve carrier 2, be combined with each other in a variable number.

In the exemplary embodiments, each valve carrier segment 22 defines two placement places 12 arranged directly next to one another in the row direction 8. In particular, they merge seamlessly into one another.

For the sake of clarity, the transitional areas between adjacent placement places 12 are indicated by dotted lines 23 in the drawing.

Each placement space 12 is in principle suitable for individual placement by means of a control unit 3 which is specifically assigned to it and which for the sake of better distinction is referred to below as the standard control unit 3a. The width measured in the row direction 8 of each standard control unit 3a does not exceed the correspondingly measured width of the allocated placement space 12, wherein in particular substantially the same width is present. In the embodiment shown, two standard control units 3a can thus be placed on each valve carrier segment 22 in principle at the same time.

The standard control units 3 a have internal channels (not shown further) which open out to the base area facing the placement space 12 in such a way that, in the installed state, an association-correct connection to the valve carrier channels 15 opening out at the respective placement space 12 takes place.

The standard control unit 3a may in the simplest case consist of a control valve 4 alone. In FIG. 2 this applies to the standard controller 3a shown on the far right. In another variant of the standard control unit 3a - in FIG. 2 shown second from the right - sits the control valve 4 on a belonging to the standard control unit 3a intermediate plate 23 and is mounted on this at the placement space 2. In the intermediate plate 23 run between the control valve 4 and this opposite base surface not shown fluid channels that communicate with the channel mouths 15 a '- 15 e' of the associated placement space 12. When passing through the intermediate plate 23, the fluid can undergo any treatment, for example pressure regulation or throttling, for which purpose the intermediate plate 23 can be equipped with fluid influencing means of suitable type (not shown).

At least one control unit 3 of the valve device 1-referred to below as a special control unit 3b-deviates in width from the pitch of the placement locations 12 and consequently also that of the standard control units 3a, in that its width is in particular an integer multiple of the width measured in the row direction 8 Placement slot 12 corresponds. Particularly advantageous here is the realized in the embodiments double width of a placement space 12 is considered.

On the one hand FIGS. 1 and 2 and on the other hand Figures 3 and 4 In the following, two different types of special control units 3b are explained, wherein the statements always apply simultaneously to both embodiments, unless stated otherwise in detail.

At this point it should be mentioned that different types of special control units 3b can be mounted on one and the same mounting surface 7 of the valve device 1 at the same time. It is also possible to equip the entire assembly surface 7 exclusively with special control units 3b or else with a mixture of any number of special control units 3b and standard control units 3a. This allows a variable equipment of the valve device 1, taking into account the respective conditions of use.

The special control unit 3b contains an intermediate plate 24 which carries at least one control valve 4. As far as an intermediate plate is generally referred to below, that means a special control unit 3b. If a reference to the intermediate plate 23 of a standard control unit 3a is intended, this is explicitly mentioned.

The intermediate plate 24 is attached with its bottom 25 ahead of the mounting surface 7, wherein it covers two immediately adjacent placement locations 12 of the assembly surface 7 due to their correspondingly large width. Their measured width in the row direction 8 corresponds to twice the width of a placement space 12, wherein it should be noted that in the embodiment all placement slots 12 have the same dimensions. Preferably, each placement place also has a rectangular outline.

The intermediate plate 24 may also cover more than two placement slots 12 with correspondingly greater width.

At least one control valve 4 could in principle be mounted on the front side of the preferably parallelepiped-shaped intermediate plate 24 be. However, the design shown is preferred with at least one control valve 4 installed on the upper side 26 of the intermediate plate 24 opposite the valve carrier 2. One can speak here of a height chaining.

In the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 and 2 the intermediate plate 24 is equipped with two control valves 4. These sit, in the row direction 8 next to each other, at two correspondingly juxtaposed valve mounting stations 27 of the intermediate plate 24th

In the embodiment of the Figures 3 and 4 the special control unit 3b is equipped at the top 26 of its intermediate plate 24 with only one valve mounting station 27, which is equipped with the single control valve 4 of this special control unit 3b.

The intermediate plate 24 of each special control unit 3b is penetrated by an intermediate plate channel arrangement, generally designated by reference numeral 28, which is composed of a plurality of suitably extending intermediate plate channels 32. With some of the intermediate plate channels 32, the intermediate plate channel arrangement 28 discharges distributed on the underside 25 of the intermediate plate 24 such that different channel connections are formed with the valve carrier channels 12 opening out at the covered placement places 12.

In this way, a fluid connection between valve carrier channels 15 and intermediate plate channels 32 can take place in the region of each placement space 12 covered by the intermediate plate 24. The channel linkage is thus not limited to the width of a single placement space 12, but may extend over a greater width.

At least some of the intermediate plate channels 32 open (also) to the at least one valve mounting station 27 and are in fluid communication with valve channels 33 of the respective control valve 4 mounted there. The valve channels 33 open at the intermediate plate 24 facing the underside of the relevant control valve 4, that an aligned transition to the valve mounting location 27 existing channel mouths of the intermediate plate channels 32 takes place.

According to the selected configuration of the intermediate plate channel arrangement 28 and the number of existing control valves 4, a fluidic circuit designed for a specific application can be realized within a special control unit 3b. Since in this circuit 12 ausmündende valve support channels 15 can be included at several placement locations, can be implemented in a confined space and very complex and sophisticated circuits, without any additional external line connections.

For example, the special control unit 3b of the embodiment of the Figures 3 and 4 characterized in that the intermediate plate channel assembly 28 includes two intermediate plate channels 32, which are each formed as a connecting channel 32a, 32b, which opens at different locations on the bottom 25 so that it connects two opening at different of the covered placement places 12 valve carrier channels 15 together.

A first one (32a) of these two connection channels communicates in particular with two first working channels 15d opening out to different placement places 12 and is otherwise connected to the single control valve 4 via another intermediate plate channel 32c in such a way that it, with the appropriate switching position, uses pressure medium from the first common supply channel 15a can be supplied. In this way, it is possible to supply a consumer connected at the same time to the consumer connection openings 16 of both first working channels 15d with a higher flow rate or to simultaneously apply different consumers simultaneously to the pressure medium.

Especially if a relatively high fluid throughput is desired, a second connection channel 32b can open out at the underside 25 so that it communicates with the feed channel 15a both times at different placement locations 12. Another intermediate plate channel 32d connects the second connection channel 32b to the control valve 4.

In the open position of the control valve 4, not shown, pressure medium from the feed channel 15a via the second connection channel 32b and the subsequent further intermediate plate channel 32d is fed into the further intermediate plate channel 32c, from where it flows over the first connection channel 32a in the two first working channels 15d.

An intermediate plate channel 32 designed as a return channel 32e extends between the valve mounting location 27 and the underside 25 and connects the control valve 4 to a discharge channel 15b. In this way, the fluid recycling can take place from each connected consumer when the control valve 4 assumes the illustrated closed position.

Depending on the application, the first or second connection channel 32a, 32b could also be dispensed with.

If the intermediate plate 24 is equipped with at least one vacuum generating device 34, which is supplied via the control valve 4 with compressed air, can be connected to the corresponding first and / or second working channels 15b, 15e, a negative pressure can be tapped. By a modified course of the first connection channel 32a, two working channels 15d can be connected to one and the same vacuum generator device 34 at the same time.

The vacuum generating device 34 operates in particular according to the Ejektorprinzip and includes a suction nozzle, which causes a negative pressure when it is flowed through by compressed air.

In any case, can be controlled in this way by means of only a single control valve 4 of the special control unit 3b, the vacuum supply of working channels, emanating from different placement stations 12.

A particularly good performance can be achieved if two vacuum generator devices 34 are simultaneously operated via a single control valve 4, wherein at the same time a vacuum delivery is possible over two loading stations 12 away.

In the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 and 2 run within the intermediate plate 24, two connecting channels 32a ', 32b', each of which one end to the one and the other end to the other valve mounting space 27 and thereby connect both control valves 4 together. A return channel 32e 'of the intermediate plate channel assembly 28 connects one of the control valves 4 to a common discharge channel 15b of the valve carrier 2. Via a further return channel 32e ", two ports of the other control valve 4 are also connected to a common discharge channel 15c a control valve 4 with the common feed channel 15a. Finally, two belonging to different placement stations 12 Working channels 15 d of the valve carrier 2 independently connected via one of the intermediate plate 24 passing through passage 32 g 'to one of the two control valves 4.

In this way, it is possible to realize a safety circuit, which is used in particular for presses, and which only supplies pressure medium to one working channel 15d when both control valves 4 are activated. Thus, uncontrolled strokes of a press or other machine can be prevented.

Although the circuits described in connection with the special control units 3b can be used particularly advantageously. However, the explanation of these circuits is to be understood by way of example and other types of circuits can be readily realized.

Since the control valves 4 are preferably of the electrically actuated type, the transmission of the electrical control signals provided for them is recommended by means of an electrical signal transmission device 35 running inside the valve carrier 2. The same is only indicated schematically in the drawing and extends in particular in a valve carrier 2 Signaling means 36 passing through in the row direction 8 provide an electrical interface connected to the signal transmission means 35, the electrical conductors passing through the attached intermediate plate 23, 34 with the drive part 6 of the at least one control valve 4 carried by the intermediate plate 23,24 connected is. In a standard control unit 3a without intermediate plate 23, the drive parts 6 can be connected directly to the electrical interface. At 37 are in the field of placement places 12 provided openings of the valve support 2 can be seen, through which the electrical connection between the signal transmission device 35 and the respective associated control unit 3 can take place.

Deviating from the embodiment, the electrical control signals could also be supplied without using the valve carrier 2, e.g. via individual cables.

The exemplary valve device allows a modular expansion. The electrical connections as well as the fluidic connections can be made via the valve carrier 2. Within a special control unit 3b quasi at least two otherwise usable for individual assembly with standard control units 3a placement locations 12 summarized in the manner of a height chaining, without having to resort to external hose connections. Apart from the special control unit 3b, the valve device can be conventionally equipped, in particular it requires no modifications to the possibly used standard control units 3a.

It is readily possible to interconnect at least two consumer ports 16 to achieve increased flow. Finally, mention should also be made of the fact that, in particular in the case of an equipment with only one control valve 4, a sensor device can be accommodated in a space-saving manner in addition to this control valve 4, which monitors the operation of the control valve 4 and / or which - if it is equipped with a pressure sensor or pressure switch. can perform a pressure monitoring.

The intermediate plate channel assembly 28 does not necessarily have all of those of the intermediate plate 24 of the Special control unit 3b covered placements 12 out of leaking valve carrier channels 15 to communicate. The mouths of unneeded valve support channels 15 can be easily covered by the intermediate plate 24, as shown in FIG. 4 indicated at 38. For the sealing, in particular, a seal to be arranged between the intermediate plate 24 and the mounting surface 7 can provide a seal which is also responsible for a leakage-free passage of fluid between the valve carrier channels 15 and intermediate plate channels 32 communicating with one another. This seal, in particular plate-shaped and / or formed on the bottom 25 is not shown in the drawing.

Claims (17)

1. Valve unit comprising a valve support (2) having a mounting surface (7) divided into a plurality of mounting locations (12) arranged consecutively in the direction of a row (8), at each of which terminate several valve support passages (15) of a valve support passage arrangement (14) passing through the valve support (2) and which can individually be fitted with control units (3) comprising at least one control valve (4), characterised in that the mounting surface (7) is equipped with at least one special control unit (3b) having an interconnecting plate (24) fitted to the mounting surface (7) with its bottom side (25) and covering several immediately adjacent mounting locations (12) owing to its width, through which interconnecting plate passes an interconnecting plate passage arrangement (28) connected to the valve support passage arrangement (14) at the covered mounting locations (12) and which interconnecting plate supports at least one control valve (4) connected to the interconnecting plate passage arrangement (28).
2. Valve unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the interconnecting plate passage arrangement (28) includes at least one connecting passage (32a', 32b') connecting at least two control valves (4) of the special control unit (3b) to one another.
3. Valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the interconnecting plate passage arrangement (28) includes at least one connecting passage (32a, 32b) connecting at least two valve support passages (15) terminating at different mounting locations (12) to one another.
4. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that an operating passage (15d, 15e) of the valve support passage arrangement (14) which can be connected to a load terminates at each of the mounting locations (12) covered by the interconnecting plate (34).
5. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one individual operating passage (15d, 15e) of the valve support passage arrangement (14) terminates at each mounting location (12), the other end terminating at an outer surface of the valve support (2) which is located remote from the mounting surface (7) via a load port (16) allowing the connection of a load.
6. Valve unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that a connecting passage (32a) of the interconnecting plate (24) connects at least two operating passages (12d) terminating at different covered mounting locations (12) to one another.
7. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a valve support passage (15) is designed as a common feed passage (15a) terminating at each mounting location (12) for the common fluid supply of all mounting locations (12).
8. Valve unit according to claim 7, characterised in that a connecting passage (32b) of the interconnecting plate (24) is connected to the common feed passage (15a) in at least two different covered mounting locations (12).
9. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the interconnecting plate (24) is fitted with only one or with two control valves (4).
10. Valve unit according to claim 9, characterised in that at least one connecting passage (32a', 32b') of the interconnecting plate passage arrangement (28) connects two control valves (4) to one another.
11. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the at least one control valve (4) is located on the top (26) of the interconnecting plate (24) opposite the valve support (2).
12. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the interconnecting plate (24) covers exactly two adjacent mounting locations (12).
13. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that several special control units (3b) are arranged on the mounting surface (7).
14. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that at least one special control unit (3b) and at least one control unit (3a) covering only one mounting surface (12) are disposed on the mounting surface (7) at the same time.
15. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the interconnecting plate (24) is fitted with at least one vacuum generating device (34) controllable by a control valve (4) supported by the interconnecting plate (24).
16. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the at least one control valve (4) is of a type which is operated electrically.
17. Valve unit according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the valve support (2) is made up from a plurality of valve support segments (22) fitted to one another in the direction of the row (8), each defining at least one of the mounting locations (12).

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