EP2746592B1 - Valve assembly - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement, comprising a valve carrier and at least one electrically actuatable valve unit, wherein the valve unit is housed encapsulated in an outwardly closed receiving space of the valve carrier, which is jointly bounded by a main body of the valve carrier, which is in fluid communication with the valve unit valve carrier channels , And from a on a mounting surface of the body releasably mounted closure cap of the valve carrier.

One from the DE 10 2007 047 703 A1 known valve arrangement of this type has a modular valve carrier with a plurality of valve carrier modules, each defining a receiving space in which an electrically actuated valve unit is housed. The receiving space is jointly bounded by a main body and by a mounted on a mounting surface of the body closure cover of the valve carrier, wherein the valve unit is seated entirely inside the body. The closure lid has the same width as the main body, so that the handling of the closure lid required during assembly and disassembly is difficult if the valve carrier is installed directly next to a wall or if the valve carrier has a modular design and a plurality of juxtaposed, one each Recording space limiting cap features. In case of DE 10 2007 047 703 A1 are attached to the cap special mounting screws, which also serve to attach the valve unit and can be taken to remove the cap from the body. The associated design effort is not negligible.

At one of the EP 1 120 574 B1 known valve assembly individual valve units are mounted unconsciously on a one-piece body of a valve carrier and individually enclosed by hood-like closure lids. Each valve unit is housed entirely inside the cap and summarized with the cap to a unit, so that the assembly and disassembly takes place with respect to the body at each valve unit together with the associated cap. When a closure cap is removed from the body together with the valve unit, there is a risk that contaminants or liquids deposited on the mounting surface around the cap may enter the assembly area of the valve unit and leak after reassembly of the valve unit.

The invention has for its object to take in a valve assembly of the type mentioned measures that reduce the risk of contamination in connection with maintenance or replacement of a valve unit.

To achieve this object, the invention provides that the closure lid in plan view has a smaller outline than the mounting surface of the base body and arranged on a arranged on the mounting surface, frame-like self-contained collar-shaped elevation of the body sits, with respect to a surrounding outer surface portion protrudes the mounting surface in the direction of the closure lid.

With respect to the mounting surface smaller outline of the closure lid facilitates the handling of the closure lid during assembly or disassembly on or from the body. The closure lid is easily accessible on the outer circumference to be easily grasped with the fingers of one hand or by means of a suitable tool. The collar-like elevation of the body supporting the closure cap acts as a barrier which, with the closure lid removed, prevents contaminants or liquids deposited on the mounting surface from penetrating into the open receiving space and causing functional impairment of the valve assembly.

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

At the collar-shaped elevation, a sealing surface is expediently formed on the top side facing the closure lid, against which a sealing means clamped between the base body and the closure lid comes into contact. This sealing means, in particular a sealing ring, reliably prevents any ingress of contaminants or liquids in the receiving space provided with a valve unit when the closure cap is mounted. In the region of the sealing surface, the collar-shaped elevation is preferably contoured in the shape of a channel, so that the sealing means can optimally support it.

The sealing means is preferably fixed to the closure lid, so that it comes to rest on the sealing surface of the collar-shaped elevation when the closure lid is attached thereto becomes. For example, the sealing means may be fixed to the closure lid by a latching connection and / or a clamping connection and / or an adhesive connection. In particular, the sealing means can also be formed directly by injection molding on the closure lid, which is preferably made of plastic material.

At its side facing away from the receiving space outside the collar-shaped elevation is expediently provided all around with a concave curved transition surface, which merges into the adjoining surface portion of the mounting surface. As a result, precipitating impurities or liquids are conducted away from the collar-shaped elevation.

The receiving space for the valve unit is expediently formed at least partially by a base body interior formed in the interior of the main body. This main body interior has a closure lid facing the mounting opening through which the valve unit can be inserted and also removed again. This mounting hole is framed by the collar-shaped elevation.

In one possible embodiment, the receiving space is formed entirely by the main body interior. Another, particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the receiving space is formed partly by a base body interior formed in the interior of the main body and partly by a closure lid formed in the lid interior. Especially in this context, it is advantageous if the closure lid is designed dome-shaped and has a top wall and a laterally encircling peripheral wall. The main body interior expediently has a minimum height that corresponds to the height of the collar-shaped elevation. However, the base body interior preferably has one greater height expansion than the collar-shaped elevation, so that the latter defines only the upper edge region of the main body interior.

Preferably, the height dimensions of the closure lid interior and the base body interior are coordinated such that the valve unit is received in the main body interior with at least 20%, but not more than 80% of their height. Only the remaining height portion of the valve unit then protrudes out of the base body and into the preferably hood-shaped closure lid.

If the valve unit is fastened to the main body independently of the closure lid, it can be ensured that the valve unit is fully functional, in particular during maintenance work, even when the closure lid is removed. Whether the closure lid is attached or not, affects the operability of the valve body attached to the base unit as such expediently not.

The valve unit is expediently of electro-fluidic pilot-controlled design. It then has a directly to control a pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air, serving main valve means which can be actuated by means of a likewise belonging to the valve unit electrically actuated pilot valve device. The pilot valve device includes one or more pilot valves, which are expediently realized in the form of a solenoid valve having an electromagnet as the drive component. Preferably, both the main valve device and the pilot valve device are each arranged at least partially in the main body.

Preferably, a signal transmission space is formed in the interior of the valve carrier in addition to the receiving space, which is completely in the body and are arranged in the electrical signal transmission means which take over the transmission of electrical signals to and possibly also from the electrically actuated valve unit. By means of the valve unit supplied electrical signals, the operation of the valve unit is controlled. Electrical signals received by the valve unit may be status feedback signals from the valve unit. The signal transmission means are realized in particular on the basis of printed circuit boards provided with electrical control surfaces.

A possible embodiment of the valve assembly includes in the valve carrier a single receiving space which is equipped with a valve unit. Another embodiment of the valve assembly has a plurality of receiving spaces, which are each at least partially formed in a one-piece body of the valve carrier.

Particularly advantageous is a modular valve carrier is considered, which is composed of several juxtaposed in a Aufreihungsrichtung valve carrier modules, each having its own body and cap to define per valve carrier module a receiving space for a valve unit. The valve support modules are juxtaposed with their bases in a line-up direction and secured together. Since the closure lids have a smaller width than the base bodies in the arrangement direction because of their smaller area with respect to the mounting surface, the closure lids of adjacent valve carrier modules are spaced apart in the line-up direction, so that a free space between the lids of adjacent valve carrier modules Interspace exists, which ensures good accessibility for cleaning measures. Despite this gap, the assembly area of the relevant valve unit is not contaminated when the closure cap is removed because the associated collar-shaped elevation acts as a dirt and liquid barrier.

Figur 1

eine Schrägansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Ventilanordnung, die einen Ventilträger mit modularem Aufbau aufweist,

Figur 2

einen Längsschnitt durch die Ventilanordnung gemäß Schnittlinie II-II aus Figur 1,

Figur 3

eines der Ventilträgermodule der Ventilanordnung in einer Einzeldarstellung im entfernten Zustand eines Verschlussdeckels und der in dem dadurch zugänglichen Aufnahmeraum zu montierenden Ventileinheit, wobei eine strichpunktiert umrahmte Einzelheit zusätzlich vergrößert abgebildet ist,

Figur 4

einen Querschnitt durch die Ventilanordnung im Bereich eines Ventilträgermoduls gemäß Schnittlinie IV-IV aus Figur 2, wobei eine strichpunktiert umrahmte Einzelheit gesondert vergrößert abgebildet ist, und

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Einzeldarstellung eines Ventilträgermoduls der Ventilanordnung.

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

FIG. 1

3 is an oblique view of a preferred embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention, which has a valve carrier with a modular construction,

FIG. 2

a longitudinal section through the valve assembly according to section line II-II FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

one of the valve support modules of the valve assembly in a single representation in the remote state of a closure cap and in the thus accessible receiving space to be mounted valve unit, wherein a dash-dotted framed detail is also shown enlarged,

FIG. 4

a cross section through the valve assembly in the region of a valve support module according to section line IV-IV FIG. 2 , wherein a dash-dotted framed detail is shown separately enlarged, and

FIG. 5

an individual perspective view of a valve support module of the valve assembly.

The illustrated in the drawing valve assembly 1 has a preferably a longitudinal shape having valve carrier 2, which is equipped with a plurality of electrically actuated valve units 3. The valve units 3 are preferably of the electro-fluidic and in particular electro-pneumatically piloted type. The valve units 3 are in particular multiway valves, for example 5/2-way valves.

The valve carrier 2 extends in the direction of a dash-dotted line indicated major axis 4, which defines the longitudinal axis of the valve carrier 2 in the embodiment.

Preferably, the valve carrier 2 is modular and includes a plurality of valve support modules 2a, which are lined up in a Aufreihungsrichtung 5, which expediently coincides with the axial direction of the main axis 4, and attached to each other. Preferably, the valve carrier 2 also contains two end modules 2b which delimit the row of valve carrier modules 2a on both sides at both ends. All modules 2a, 2b of the valve carrier 2 are fixed to one another in that they are clamped together either by means of one or more tie rods or directly adjacent each of the modules 2a, 2b are attached directly to each other. Each valve support module 2a is equipped with one and preferably with exactly one of the valve units 3.

Each valve carrier module 2a has a multi-part structure and contains a base body 6 and a closure cover 7 detachably fastened thereto. Together, the base body 6 and the closure lid 7 define a receiving space 27 for accommodating a valve unit 3 encapsulated in the environment. Each main body 6 is expediently formed in one piece and consists in particular of plastic material. The main body 6 are preferably plate-shaped or disc-shaped, which is particularly in Figures 3 and 5 well expressed. Each basic body 6 has two side surfaces 8 which are oriented opposite to one another in the line-up direction 5, wherein the valve carrier modules 2 a are juxtaposed with the side surfaces 8 of their base bodies 6. The end-side termination modules 2b are attached to a respective facing side surface 8 of the main body 6 of a last valve support module 2a of the valve support module row.

Each base body 6 has on a side oriented at right angles to the line-up direction 5, which is an upper side in the exemplary orientation of the valve arrangement 1, a mounting surface 12 on which a closure lid 7 is detachably mounted.

The closure lid 7 is preferably hood-shaped. It is recognized in advance with its hereinafter referred to as the lid opening 13 hood opening to the mounting surface 12. The closure lid 7 has a cover opening 13 opposite the ceiling wall 14 and integrally adjoining, the associated base body 6 projecting lateral peripheral wall 15, wherein the peripheral wall 15 on the ceiling wall 14 side facing away from an end face 16 which frames the lid opening 13. The closure lid 7 is preferably formed in one piece and consists in particular of plastic material.

With the help of fastening means 17, which are referred to below for better distinction as first fastening means 17, each closure lid 7 is independent of the other closure lids 7 on the base body 6 of the associated Valve carrier module 2a attached. By way of example, the first fastening means 17 are formed by fastening screws 17b which pass through the top wall 14 and are screwed into a respective fastening thread 17a formed in the main body 6. The closure lid 7 is pressed with its end face 16 ahead with sealing to a functioning as a sealing surface 34 surface portion of the mounting surface 12 of the associated body 6, wherein for sealing between the end face 16 and the sealing surface 34, a sealant 18 is placed. The sealing means 18 is annular, preferably formed with an elongated shape and consists in particular of a material having rubber-elastic properties. Also, between each on the ceiling wall 14 supporting screw head 17c of the fastening screws 17b and the top wall 14 a seal 19 is advantageously arranged.

The closure lid 7 expediently have an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis 22 extending at right angles to the line-up direction 5. As a result, a preferred elongated hood shape of the closure lid 7 results by way of example.

Each closure lid 7 also has a vertical axis 23 oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface 12 and a transverse axis 24 extending parallel to the alignment direction 5. The dimensions of the closure lid 7 in the transverse direction are substantially smaller than in the longitudinal direction.

Each base body 6 has a transverse axis 25 oriented in the alignment direction 5. The dimensions of the base body 6 measured in the axial direction of this transverse axis 25 in the region of the mounting surface 12, hereinafter also referred to as width dimensions, are greater than the width dimensions of the base body 6 In addition, the measured in the longitudinal direction of the closure lid 7 dimensions of the base body 6 in the region of the mounting surface 12, hereinafter also referred to as length dimensions, greater than the length dimensions of the associated closure lid 7. In other words, the respective closure lid 7 associated Mounting surface 12 of the base body 7, viewed in plan view in the axial direction of the vertical axis 23, a larger outline than the associated closure cap. 7

The closure lid 7 is arranged on the mounting surface 12 such that it is surmounted by the associated base body 6 all around, more precisely by an outer surface portion 12a of the mounting surface 12 bordering the sealing surface 34.

In this way, in the line-up direction 5 directly adjacent closure lid 7 are arranged at a distance from each other and define between them a continuous, free space 26, which is designed in particular slit-shaped.

For each valve support module 2a, the base body 6 and the closure lid 7, which is preferably releasably fastened thereto, jointly define a receiving space 27 which is closed towards the outside. This receiving space 27 preferably extends partly inside the base body 6 and partly inside the hood-shaped closure lid 7. The main body 6 formed subsection of the receiving space 27 is hereinafter referred to as the main body interior space 27a, formed in the closure lid 7 portion of the receiving space 27 as a closure lid interior 27b.

In an embodiment not shown, the entire receiving space 27 is formed in the interior of the main body 7, Thus, it consists exclusively of a body interior 27 a corresponding height. The closure lid 7 may be formed in this case, for example, plate-shaped.

The main body interior 27a is expediently pocket-shaped. It has a level of the mounting surface 12 lying, the closure lid 7 facing, hereinafter referred to as mounting hole 28 opening and is bounded both at the mounting opening 28 opposite bottom and round laterally from the base body 6. Accordingly, the base body 6 forms a bottom surface 32 delimiting the base body interior 27a below and a lateral peripheral surface 33 extending laterally around the main body interior space 27a. The peripheral side surface 33 extends up to the mounting opening 28.

The main body 6 is in the region of the mounting surface 12 with a local mounting opening 28 of the main body interior 27a surrounding continuously uninterrupted, upstanding collar-shaped elevation 35 provided. At the upwardly in the direction of the closure cover 7 facing end face of the collar-shaped elevation 35, the sealing surface 34 is formed. On its outer side, the collar-shaped elevation 35 is framed by the outer surface portion 12 a of the mounting surface 12.

The collar-shaped elevation 35 is in particular an integral part of the basic body. It has the advantage that during and after the removal of the closure lid 7 from the base body 7 no impurities or liquids which adhere to the outer surface of the base body 6 in addition to the sealing surface 34 can fall into the main body interior 27a.

The collar-shaped elevation 35 thus functions as a barrier designed in the manner of a protective wall.

The collar-shaped elevation 7 has an outer surface facing away from the receiving space 27 framed by it, which is referred to below as the transitional surface 30 because it forms the transition between the sealing surface 34 formed on the collar-shaped elevation 35 and the outer mounting surface portion 12a framing the collar-shaped elevation 7 , This transition surface is expediently designed around the collar-shaped elevation 35 around concave curved. This results in the advantage that impurities or liquids, which precipitate on the mounting surface 12, are led away from the sealing surface 34. Also cleaning fluid used in the external cleaning of the valve assembly 1, can flow easily in this way.

The sealing surface 34 on the collar-shaped elevation 35 is expediently contoured in the shape of a channel. In this way, runs on the closure lid 7 facing end face of the collar-shaped elevation 35 all around a channel-shaped depression. The sealing means 18 is shaped so that it dips into this depression with a complementary sealing portion 18a, which guarantees a particularly high sealing quality.

The sealing surface 34 is located with height distance the already mentioned end face 16 of the hood-shaped closure lid 7 opposite. This end face 16 forms a further sealing surface 16 a, which bears against the sealing means 18. Also, it is expediently provided with a groove-like recessed contour, wherein the sealing means 18 can dive with another sealing portion 18b to improve the seal in this depression.

The sealing means 18 is clamped between the two sealing surfaces 34, 16 a, so that no contaminants or liquids can penetrate into the receiving space 27 through the joining region between the base body 6 and the closure lid 7.

The sealing means 18 is expediently fixed to the closure lid 7 even before the closure lid 7 is mounted. In this way, the closure lid 7 and the sealing means 18 form a mounting assembly, which is applied uniformly to the base body 6. In this way, the sealing means 18 automatically comes into sealing contact with the sealing surface 34 on the collar-shaped elevation 35 when the closure lid 7 is mounted on the base body 6.

In the embodiment, the sealing means 18 is frictionally held on the closure lid 7. The closure lid 7 has an end face 16 on the receiving space 27 facing inside in the height direction downwardly projecting retaining projection 31, on which the annular sealing means 18 is attached under radial bias. Other ways of attaching the sealant 18 may alternatively or additionally be provided.

The sealing surface 34 is preferably formed on the base body 6 such that a mounting plane 36 containing the sealing surface 34, indicated in phantom in FIG. 4, extends inclined with respect to a base 37 of the base body 6, which is located on an underside of the base body 6 opposite the mounting surface 12. If the valve carrier 2 with the base surface 37 is fixed in advance on a horizontal support structure, the result is an orientation of the mounting surface 12 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal, so that applied cleaning fluid runs off by itself, which favors a cleaning process.

In the receiving space 27 of each valve support module 2a is housed one of the already mentioned, electrically actuated valve units 3 encapsulated to the immediate vicinity of the valve assembly 1. Since the receiving space 27 is closed to the outside, the valve unit 3 located therein is not directly exposed to environmental influences. In particular, the valve unit 3 can not pollute and can not be affected by aggressive cleaning media, which may be used from time to time to clean the valve assembly 1 outside. Such regular cleaning is required when the valve assembly is used in areas where special hygiene requirements exist, for example in the food industry or in the pharmaceutical industry. For such uses, the valve assembly 1 described is particularly well suited.

Each valve unit 3 is arranged in the associated receiving space 27 so that it sits with a designated below as lower portion 38 lower portion in the main body interior 27a and with a hereinafter referred to as upper portion 39 upper portion in the closure lid 7 formed by the closure lid Interior 27b is arranged. The valve unit 3 is thus located partially in the main body interior 27a and partially in the closure lid interior 27b.

Furthermore, the valve unit 3 is preferably attached to the main body 6 independently of the closure lid 7. In this way, the closure lid 7 can be removed and re-installed if necessary, without respect to the base body. 6 existing attachment of the valve unit 3 to influence. For test purposes or during maintenance work, the valve arrangement 1 can thus also be operated regularly in a state in which one or more valve units 3 are not currently surrounded by a closure cover 7.

For attachment to the base body 6, each valve unit 3 on fastening means, which are referred to below for better distinction as second fastening means 42 and which are formed separately and independently of the used for fixing the associated closure lid 7 first fastening means 17. By way of example, the second fastening means 42 are formed by at least one fastening screw 42b, which passes through the valve unit 3 and is screwed into a thread of the base body 6. FIG. 2 makes it clear that the screw head of each such fastening screw 42b is accessible only when the closure lid 7 has been removed. An access to the second fastening means 42 is thus only possible if previously the associated closure lid 7 has been completely removed after loosening the first fastening means 17.

When a valve unit 3 is inserted into the main body interior space 27a and fastened therein, it protrudes with the cover cap 7 removed with its upper part section 39 in the region of the mounting surface 12 out of the main body 6. In the subsequently mounted state of the closure cap 7, the valve unit 3 protrudes with this upper portion 39 through the lid opening 13 into the inner space of the hood-shaped closure lid 7 forming the closure lid interior 27b, wherein the upper portion 39 both above and laterally around of the closure lid 7 is enclosed.

Due to the fact that the valve unit 3 is partially absorbed sunk in the base body 6, it can be conveniently detected at the on the base body 6 projecting upper portion 39 when inserted into the base body 6 and when removing it from the base body 6. Due to the fact that the valve unit 3 protrudes from the base body 6 only with a certain part of its height, it is possible to use a closure lid 7 with a small overall height to cover the valve unit 3 so that the interspaces 26 present between adjacent closure lids do not become particularly deep and easy to clean.

It is also advantageous if the closure lid 7 has an upwardly decreasing width in the transverse direction 24 in the axial direction of its vertical axis 23. This also facilitates the cleaning process of the intermediate space 26. In addition, the closure lid 7 can be taken well in this way for removal from the base body 6 and for attachment to the base body 6, because the spaced apart from the closure lid 7 spaces 26 extend upward.

In principle, each valve unit 3 can be of the electromagnetically directly operable type. However, it is preferably of electro-fluidic and in particular electro-pneumatic pilot-controlled design. It consists of a main valve device 43 and a combined with the main valve device 43 to a unit pilot valve device 44 together. The valve unit 3 has a longitudinal axis 45, wherein the main valve means 43 preferably has an elongated shape. The pilot valve device 44 is preferably arranged on only one of the two end faces of the main valve device 43, which is the case in the embodiment. Deviating from this, however, the pilot valve device 44 may, for example, also have several components and placed on both end faces of the main valve device 43.

The main valve device 43 has a main valve housing 46 and at least one movably arranged therein, in particular slide-like designed main valve member 47. The main valve member 47 is positionable in different switching positions in which it in the main valve body 46 extending main valve channels 48 in certain patterns fluidly connects or disconnected from each other. In this way, one or more fluid flows through the main valve means 43 are controllable. The main valve channels 48 open at an outside of the main valve housing 46 arranged base 52 of the main valve device 43.

The main valve device 43, and more precisely its at least one main valve member 47 is actuated by fluid force. For this purpose, a pressurized fluid is used, preferably compressed air. This pressurized fluid, hereinafter also referred to as actuation fluid, is supplied controlled by the pilot valve device 44 to the main valve device 43. The pilot valve device 44 is formed electrically actuated.

The pilot valve device 44 preferably contains at least one pilot control valve 53a, 53b designed as a solenoid valve. In order to be able to perform a fluid-controlled active switching of the main valve member 47 in both directions, the pilot valve device 44 of the exemplary embodiment is equipped with two pilot control valves 53a, 53b. These two pilot valves 53a, 53b are expediently attached directly to one another.

Each pilot valve 53a, 53b includes a solenoid as a drive component 54 and a control component 55 disposed on the drive component 54 and having internal pilot ports 51. The pilot ports 51 communicate with the main valve device 43 to pressurize the main valve member 47 for purposes of switching it to actuating fluid.

Preferably, each pilot valve 53a, 53b, the drive component 54 and the control component 55 arranged in a dash-dotted lines indicated main direction 56 successively. The pilot valves 53a, 53b are in particular aligned such that their main directions 56 extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis 45 of the valve unit 3.

The valve unit 3 is designed to be stepped on its bottom surface 32 facing bottom appropriately. The drive components 54 are assigned to the underside of the valve unit 3 and project beyond the base 52 of the main valve device 43 downwards.

The valve unit 3 is inserted with the base 52 ahead in the main body interior 27a and is located with the base 52 on the bottom surface 32 of the main body interior 27a. The main valve channels 48 opening out on the base surface 52 communicate with valve carrier channels 57 which are formed in the base body 6 and are likewise suitable for fluid flow.

The pilot valve device 44 receives the actuation fluid required for actuating the main valve device 43 either from one of the main valve channels 48 or from a pilot valve feed channel 58 arranged in the main body 6.

At least a portion of the main valve device 43 belongs to the lower section 38 of the valve unit 3 accommodated in the main body interior 27a. By way of example, the main valve device 43 is provided with its bottom section 52 in the main body interior 27a and with its opposite upper section in FIG Closing lid interior 27b added.

The height dimensions of the valve unit 3 and the receiving space 27 are preferably matched to one another such that at least the main valve device 43 is accommodated with at least 20% and at most 80% of its overall height in the main body interior 27a. In the embodiment, this is the case. To recognize this is good on the basis of in FIG. 4 dash-dotted registered mounting plane 36, which defines the parting plane between the housed in the main body interior 27a and in the closure lid interior 27b sections of the valve unit 3.

Preferably, not only the main valve device 43, but also the pilot valve device 44 is arranged partly in the base body 6 and partly in the closure cover 7. This is true for the embodiment. The abovementioned percentages preferably also apply to the pilot valve device 44.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that each drive component 44 formed by an electromagnet is completely accommodated in the basic body interior 27a of the receiving space 27 formed in the base body 6 by the pilot control valve device 44. Conveniently, the bottom surface 32 is stepped and the drive components 54 dive into a depression 62 formed by the bottom surface 32 in, in the region of the main body interior space 27a has a greater height than in the region of the main valve device 43rd

The pilot valve device 44 receives the control of their control electrical control signals from signal transmission means 63, which are housed in a formed in the interior of the base 6 signal transmission space 64. The signal transmission means 63 are electrically contacted with the pilot valve device 44, by way of example with the two drive components 54. For this purpose, electrical contact elements 65 are arranged on the pilot valve device 44, which arrive at the onset of the valve unit 3 in the main body interior 27a with associated mating contact surfaces of the signal transmission means 63 in electrically conductive contact.

The modular construction of the valve carrier 2 makes it possible to carry out both a common fluid supply and a common fluid disposal of all valve units 3. For this purpose, some of the valve carrier channels 57 formed in the main body 6 are configured such that they have a connecting channel section 57a, which passes through the main body 6 in the axial direction of the main axis 4 and opens out to both side surfaces 8 of the main body 6. Of these in the embodiment, a total of three connecting channel sections 57a serves at least one for fluid supply and at least one for fluid removal. The pressure fluid which is to be passed through the main valve devices 43 to consumers connected to the valve units 3 is supplied. The fluid that flows back from the connected consumers is removed. In the attached condition of the valve carrier 2, the connecting channel sections 57a formed in the individual base bodies 6 communicate with each other and define one each Valve carrier 2 total passageway through which is accessible on one of the closure lid 7, to connect to a pressure source and a pressure sink or the atmosphere.

As a rule, one or two valve carrier channels 57 per base body 6 act as working channels 57b and terminate on an outer surface of the associated basic body 6, in particular on the base 37 thereof. Fluid lines can be connected there, which lead to the consumers to be actuated.

Also, the appropriately present pilot feed channel 58 is present in each base body 6, so that when lining up the valve carrier modules 2a also results in a continuous channel connection, which allows a central fluid supply of all pilot valves 44 with the actuating fluid.

Each signal transmission space 64 expediently passes through the assigned main body 6 in its transverse direction and opens out to both side surfaces 8 of the main body 6. In the juxtaposed state of the valve carrier modules 2a communicate the signal transmission spaces 64 of all base body 6 with each other and complement each other to a valve carrier 2 passing signal transmission channel, which is penetrated by a signal transmission medium strand 63a, which is formed by the above-mentioned signal transmission means 63. The signal transmission center line 63a results, in particular, in that the signal transmission means 63 arranged in the signal transmission spaces 64 are electrically conductively connected to one another when the valve carrier modules 2a are attached to one another. The signal transmission means 63 include For this purpose, preferred connector means 66 at its two end portions preferred.

The signal transmission medium strand 63a formed by the juxtaposition of the valve carrier modules 2a is expediently accessible on at least one end side of the valve carrier 2, in particular on one of the end modules 2b, in order to supply the electrical control signals required for the actuation of the valve units 3 and, if required, also to lead out electrical feedback signals. The signal transmission medium strand 63a is preferably connected to an external electronic control device (not shown).

Appropriately, suitable sealing means 67 are placed between abutting base bodies 6, which on the one hand prevent the penetration of impurities into the joining area between adjacent base bodies 6 and which also seal the connection points between the connecting channel sections 57a communicating with one another.

If the valve assembly 1 is to have only one valve unit 3, the relevant base body 6 can be closed at the two side surfaces 8 directly with end modules 2b, of which at least one has the necessary connection possibilities for the necessary fluidic and electrical connections. Alternatively, to form the valve assembly 1, a base body 6 can be used, which is already designed specifically for a single-valve unit solution and is not designed to string together several modules.

In one embodiment, not shown, a one-piece base body 6 with a plurality of main body interior 27a provided, which in each case a separate closure lid 7 is assigned, so that a single base body 6 simultaneously contributes to the formation of a plurality of receiving spaces 27.

Also in an embodiment not shown, a base body interior 27a formed in the base body 6 has only a small height which corresponds to the height of the collar-shaped elevation 35 measured relative to the outer surface section 12a of the mounting surface 12. Here then only a lower portion 38 of very small height of the valve unit 3 is received in the base body 6 and the largest part of the height projects into the closure lid 7 inside.

Claims (16)

1. Valve assembly with a valve carrier (2) and at least one electrically actuable valve unit (3), wherein the valve unit (3) is accommodated encapsulated in a mounting space (27) of the valve carrier (2), sealed from the outside, which is jointly bounded by a base body (6) of the valve carrier (2), which has valve carrier passages (57) in fluidic connection with the valve unit (3), and by a cover lid (7) of the valve carrier (2) which is releasably attached to a mounting face (12) of the base body (6), characterised in that the cover lid (7) in a plan view has a smaller outline than the mounting face (12) of the base body (6) and rests on a collar-shaped elevation (35) of the base body (6), frame-like and self-contained and located on the mounting face (12), which extends towards the cover lid (7), relative to a face section (12a) of the mounting face (12) encompassing it on the outside.
2. Valve assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that there is formed on the collar-shaped elevation (35) a sealing face (34) which faces the cover lid (7) and against which a sealing means (18) fixed between the base body (6) and the cover lid (7) fits with sealing, and has an axially channel-shaped contour.
3. Valve assembly according to claim 2, characterised in that the sealing means (18) are fixed to the cover lid (7) in such a way that, on attaching the cover lid (7) to the base body (6), they make contact with the sealing face (34) of the collar-shaped elevation (35).
4. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the collar-shaped elevation (35) merges externally all round with a concave curved transition face (30) in the face section (12a) of the mounting face (12) of the base body (6) surrounding it on the outside.
5. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the mounting space (27) is formed at least partly by a base body interior (27a) formed inside the base body (6), which has a mounting orifice (28) for the valve unit (3) facing the cover lid (7) and framed by the collar-shaped elevation (35).
6. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the mounting space (27) is formed at least partly by a cover lid interior (27b) formed inside the cover lid (7), which has a lid opening (13) facing the base body (6) and which leads when the cover lid (7) is attached to the collar-shaped elevation (35).
7. Valve assembly according to claim 6, characterised in that the cover lid (7) is hood-shaped with a top panel (14) and a continuous side peripheral wall (15).
8. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the mounting space (27) is formed partly in the base body (6) and partly in the cover lid (7), wherein it is comprised of a base body interior (27a) formed in the base body (6) and a cover lid interior (27b) formed in the cover lid (7), wherein the valve unit (3) is held in the base body interior (27a) by a lower portion (38), and extends into the cover lid interior (27b) with an upper portion (39) protruding out of the base body (6) in the area of the mounting face (12).
9. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the valve unit (3) is fastened to the base body (6) independently of the cover lid (7), expediently by means of the cover lid (7) being fastened to the base body (6) by first fastening means (17) independently of the valve unit (3), and the valve unit (3) for its part is fastened to the base body (6) solely by second fastening means (42) which are separate from the first fastening means (17) and are accessible for actuation only with the cover lid (7) removed.
10. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the valve unit (3) has a main valve device (43) and an electrically actuable pilot valve device (44) serving for actuation of the main valve device (43), wherein the valve carrier passages (57) are at least partly in fluidic connection with the main valve device (43) and wherein expediently at least one section of the main valve device (43) is accommodated in the base body (6).
11. Valve assembly according to claim 10, characterised in that both the main valve device (43) and also the pilot valve device (44) are mounted at least partly in the base body (6).
12. Valve assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the pilot valve device (44) includes at least one pilot valve (53a, 53b) in the form of a solenoid valve with an electromagnet as drive component (54), wherein it is expediently equipped with two such pilot valves (53a, 53b) and wherein expediently each drive component (54) is completely accommodated in the base body (6).
13. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that there is provided in the valve carrier (2), in addition to the mounting space (27), a signal transmission space (64) formed completely in the base body (6) and occupied by electrical signal transmission means (63) which are electrically contacted by the electrically actuable valve unit (3).
14. Valve assembly according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the valve carrier (2) has a modular structure, with several valve carrier modules (2a) lined up side by side in a direction of lining-up (5), each having a base body (6) and a cover lid (7) which is narrower than the former in the direction of lining-up (5), which together define a mounting space (27) equipped with a valve unit (3), wherein the valve carrier modules (2a) are attached to one another by their base bodies (6) and, between the cover lids (7) and the collar-shaped elevation (35) in the direction of lining-up (5) of immediately adjacent valve carrier modules (2a), there is in each case a clearance forming a free space (26).
15. Valve assembly according to claim 14, characterised in that several valve carrier passages (57) are formed in the base body (6) of each valve carrier module (2a) and lead into the mounting space (27), wherein at least some of these valve carrier passages (57) also open out at the two side faces (8) of the respective base body (6) aligned opposite to one another in the direction of lining-up (5), and communicate with a valve carrier passage (57) of the valve carrier module (2a) attached to it.
16. Valve assembly according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that there is formed in each base body (6) a signal transmission space (64) which opens out at the two side faces (8) of the respective base body (6) aligned opposite to one another in the direction of lining-up (5), wherein the signal transmission spaces (64) of each base body (6) which is directly adjacent are linked to one another and wherein interconnected electrical signal transmission means (63) occupy the signal transmission spaces (64) and are electrically contacted by the electrically actuable valve unit (3) of the relevant valve carrier module (2a).

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