EP2746596A1 - Valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (1) has a valve support passage fluid channel (58) in fluid connection with valve units (3) i.e. 5/2-way valve. An external sealing (82) is arranged between valve support modules (2a) in a lining direction. The external sealing surrounds a signal transfer channel (64) and the valve support passage fluid channel in a circumferential manner. An inner sealing (83) is arranged between the valve support modules supplementary to the external sealing. The inner sealing surrounds at spacing of the external sealing and the signal transfer channel in the circumferential manner.

Description

The invention relates to a valve assembly comprising a valve carrier having a plurality of mutually facing joining surfaces in a line-up direction valve support modules, each carry at least one electrically actuated valve unit, wherein in the interior of the valve support module extending through the valve support modules, communicating from each other Signal transmission spaces of the juxtaposed valve support modules composing signal transmission channel is located receiving a trained for transmitting electrical signals signal transmission line which is electrically contacted with the valve units, wherein further inside the valve support at least one extending through the valve support modules, communicating from each other with valve carrier fluid channels Valve carrier passageway fluid passageway is arranged in a juxtaposed valve carrier module In each case one of the signal transmission channel and the at least one valve carrier passage fluid channel surrounding the outer circumferential seal is arranged between valve carrier modules adjacent in the line-up direction.

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 valve units of all valve carrier modules are in electrical communication with a signal transmission line passing through the valve carrier, via which they receive their actuating signals. The signal transmission line extends in a signal transmission channel of the valve carrier, which is composed of mutually communicating signal transmission spaces of the individual valve carrier modules. The valve carrier is also traversed by a plurality of valve carrier passage fluid passages in fluid communication with the valve units and composed of communicating valve carrier fluid passages of the juxtaposed valve carrier modules. Between adjacent valve carrier modules located in the edge region of their joining surfaces, a frame-shaped outer seal, which frames both the signal transmission channel and the valve carrier passage fluid channels. The outer seal prevents ingress of dirt or liquid between the juxtaposed valve carrier modules and improves the ease of cleaning of the valve assembly. However, there is a risk that the outer seal is damaged due to their placement in the immediate vicinity of the outer circumference of the valve carrier in careless handling of the valve assembly and thus moisture in particular can penetrate, which may affect the functioning of the valve assembly.

At one of the EP 1 120 574 B1 known valve assembly, individual valve units are mounted on a one-piece body of a valve carrier and individually enclosed by hood-like closure lids. Between the cap and the body is in each case an annular seal, which should prevent the inside valve unit comes into contact with external media.

The invention has for its object to meet with a valve assembly of the type mentioned measures that provide improved security against malfunction.

To achieve this object, the invention provides that in addition to the outer seal in each case a framed at a distance from the outer seal and in turn the signal transmission channel surrounding framing inner seal is arranged between adjacent in the alignment direction valve carrier modules.

In this way, the signal transmission channel in the joint areas of the valve carrier modules in each case undergoes a redundant multiple sealing towards the environment. It is framed by the outer seal as well as by a second seal, called an inner seal, which surrounds it. Should the outer seal be damaged due to careless treatment, the signal transmission channel and the signal transmission line located therein nevertheless remain shielded from external moisture and other external media by the additionally existing inner seal. Thus, among other things, offers the advantageous possibility of placing the outer seal in spite of the associated increased risk of damage in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the valve carrier and thereby avoid joints in which could be deposited impurities difficult to remove.

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

Preferably, the outer seal is placed immediately adjacent to the outer edge of the mutually facing joining surfaces of the adjacent valve support modules. Advantageously, the outer seal is arranged so that it is flush with the adjoining the joining surfaces outer surfaces of the valve support modules.

The outer seal and the inner seal are expediently designed as separate, non-interconnected components. Deviating from this, however, they could also be common components of a one-piece, in particular mask-like, sealing structure.

In order to prevent fluid leakage from the interior of the valve carrier, fluid channel seals are expediently arranged between adjacent valve carrier modules, each of which frame a valve carrier passage fluid channel passing through the valve carrier. The outer seal is in this case arranged so that it also frames any existing fluid channel seal in addition to the inner seal. The inner seal has the advantageous effect that it prevents even in the case of occurring in the region of a fluid channel seal leakage that a damaging medium penetrates into the adjacent signal transmission channel.

Preferably, the inner gasket and each fluid channel gasket disposed between the same valve support modules are combined in a one-piece gasket structure. This sealing structure is expediently a separate component with respect to the outer seal. As a result, in the event of damage to the outer seal, the replacement is limited to the outer seal itself.

It is also advantageous if each valve unit is housed encapsulated in an outwardly closed receiving space of the relevant valve carrier. In this way, the valve unit is protected from environmental influences and does not suffer from cleaning measures, which are necessary from time to time when the valve assembly is used in areas with strict hygiene requirements.

Advantageously, each valve support module is subdivided into a main body and a closure lid attached to it in particular releasably, these two components jointly defining the receiving space. Both the signal transmission channel and the valve carrier passage fluid passages extend through the base body. For assembly and disassembly of the valve unit, the cap is removed from the body.

The receiving space of each valve carrier module is expediently formed at least partially by a base body interior formed in the interior of the main body, which has a mounting opening for the valve unit facing the closing lid. Depending on the depth of the main body interior and the height of the valve unit, the valve unit can be accommodated completely or with only part of their height in the base body here. In this way, if necessary, small height dimensions of the valve arrangement can be realized.

If the receiving space of each valve support module is at least partially formed by a closure lid interior, designs are possible in which the valve unit is housed with a part of their height or completely inside the closure lid. In this case, it is advantageous if the closure lid is hood-shaped and engages over the valve unit from above.

Particularly advantageous embodiment is considered, in which the receiving space composed of an embodied in the body main body interior and a closure lid formed in the closure lid interior, so that it is formed partly in the base body and partly in the closure lid. The valve unit is expediently received here with a lower section in the main body interior and protrudes into the closure cover with an upper section protruding beyond the main body. Such a construction has the advantage that, despite the small height dimensions of the valve arrangement, it is possible to grasp the upper section of the valve unit projecting from the main body in a comfortable manner in order to be able to assemble or disassemble it conveniently. If the valve unit is completely accommodated in the interior of the main body, the removal of the valve unit is generally a little more difficult as a rule.

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.

The closure lid, as seen in plan view, expediently a smaller outline than the mounting surface of the associated body. In this way, there is a gap between the closure lids of adjacent valve support modules, which facilitates the gripping of the closure lid for the purpose of its attachment or lifting.

It is in any case expedient if the valve unit is attached to the main body independently of the closure lid. In this way it can be ensured that the valve unit, especially during maintenance, even with the cap removed is fully functional. 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 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.

Within each valve carrier module, the receiving space and the signal transmission space are expediently formed separately from one another. However, at least one contacting hole of the valve carrier module creates a connection between the two spaces through which the electrical contacting takes place between the valve unit and the signal transmission line. Expediently, a part of the valve unit and / or the signal transmission line which can be labeled as an electrical communication section projects into the contacting hole or through the contacting hole.

In order to prevent any pressurized fluid or contaminants from entering the signal transmission channel from any leakage occurring in the receiving space, each contacting hole is expediently sealed in a fluid-tight manner by a sealing agent. At the same time, the receiving spaces of the valve carriers are preferably simultaneously vented together by means of at least one pressure relief passage passing through the valve carrier in the line-up direction and leading to the atmosphere. An overpressure occurring due to leakage in the receiving space can thus not lead to a lifting or damaging the closure lid, but escapes harmless to the atmosphere.

The pressure relief channel is expediently composed of mutually communicating pressure relief channel sections of the juxtaposed valve support modules. The receiving spaces are expediently switched directly into the course of the pressure relief channel.

The pressure relief passage is suitably arranged in the valve carrier so as to extend through the valve carrier in the region located between the inner seal and the outer seal. The inner seal prevents fluid from passing from the pressure relief channel in the signal transmission channel and the outer seal prevents immediate fluid leakage to the atmosphere in the joining region of the valve support modules.

Figur 1

eine Schrägansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Ventilanordnung,

Figur 2

eines der Ventilträgermodule der Ventilanordnung in einer Einzeldarstellung im entfernten Zustand sowohl seines Verschlussdeckels als auch der in dem dadurch zugänglichen Aufnahmeraum zu montierenden Ventileinheit,

Figur 3

eine Seitenansicht der ventilanordnung aus Figur 1, die in der rechten Bildhälfte partiell im Längsschnitt entsprechend Schnittlinie III-III aus Figur 1 dargestellt ist und wobei in der linken Bildhälfte eines der Ventilträgermodule partiell geschnitten gezeigt ist, wobei die Schnittebene bezüglich der Schnittebene III-III versetzt ist,

Figur 4

den in Figur 3 in der rechten Bildhälfte gezeigten Ausschnitt in einer vergrößerten Darstellung,

Figur 5

einen Querschnitt durch die Ventilanordnung im Bereich eines Ventilträgermoduls gemäß Schnittlinie V-V aus Figur 3,

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht des in Figur 2 illustrierten Ventilträgermoduls im zusammengebauten Zustand mit Blick gemäß Pfeil VI auf eine der Fügeflächen, wobei ein in der rechten Bildhälfte illustrierter Ausbruch einen mit dem Aufnahmeraum verbundenen Druckentlastungskanal zeigt, und

Figur 7

eine vereinfachte Ansicht des aus Figur 2 ersichtlichen Grundkörpers mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil VI, wobei die Außendichtung, die Innendichtung, mehrere Fluidkanaldichtungen und der Umriss eines Druckentlastungskanals gut ersichtlich sind.

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

FIG. 1

an oblique view of a preferred embodiment of the valve assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 2

one of the valve support modules of the valve assembly in a single representation in the remote state of both its closure cap and the valve unit to be mounted in the receiving space thereby accessible,

FIG. 3

a side view of the valve assembly FIG. 1 , in the right half of the image partially in longitudinal section corresponding to section line III-III FIG. 1 wherein, in the left half of the picture, one of the valve carrier modules is shown partially cut away, the sectional plane being offset with respect to the sectional plane III-III,

FIG. 4

the in FIG. 3 in the right half of the image shown in an enlarged view,

FIG. 5

a cross section through the valve assembly in the region of a valve support module according to section line VV FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6

a side view of the in FIG. 2 illustrated valve support module in the assembled state with view according to arrow VI on one of the joining surfaces, wherein a break illustrated in the right half of the figure shows a pressure relief channel connected to the receiving space, and

FIG. 7

a simplified view of the FIG. 2 apparent base body as seen in the arrow VI, the outer seal, the inner seal, a plurality of Fluidkanaldichtungen and the outline of a pressure relief channel are clearly visible.

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.

The valve carrier 2 has a modular structure and contains a plurality of valve carrier modules 2a, which are lined up in a line-up direction 5, which coincidently coincides with the axial direction of the main axis 4, and are fastened to one another. Preferably, the valve carrier 2 also contains two end modules 2b, 2c which delimit the row of valve carrier modules 2a on both sides on both sides and which are designed in particular as end covers. All modules 2a, 2b, 2c 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 each directly adjacent valve support modules 2a, 2b, 2c are attached directly to each other. Each valve support module 2a is equipped with one of the valve units 3.

Each valve support module 2a expediently has a multi-part construction and then contains a main body 6 and a closure cover 7, in particular detachably fastened thereto. Together, the main body 6 and the closure cover 7 define a receiving space 27 for accommodation of a valve unit 3 encapsulated in the environment.

The individual basic body 6 are expediently formed in one piece and consist in particular of plastic material. They are preferably designed plate-shaped or disc-shaped. Each main body 6 has two side surfaces oriented in opposite directions in the alignment direction 5, which in the following will be referred to as joining surfaces 8, because the valve carrier modules 2 a are juxtaposed with these joining surfaces 8. In this way, joining surfaces 8 belonging to adjacent valve carrier modules 2 a face each other in pairs in the line-up direction 5.

The end-side termination modules 2b, 2c are each attached to a mounting surface 8a to a respective facing joining surface 8 of the base body 6 of a row last valve carrier module 2a of the valve carrier module row.

Alternatively, if the valve support module 2a is configured in one piece as a whole, the joining surfaces 8 are located on this one-piece valve support module.

Each base body 6 has in the embodiment at an orthogonal to the alignment direction 5 oriented outside, which is exemplarily an upper side, a mounting surface 12 to which a closure lid 7 is detachably mounted.

The closure lid 7 is preferably hood-shaped and attached in advance to the mounting surface 12 with a hood opening designated below as a lid opening 13. 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 preferred formed in one piece and consists in particular of plastic material.

Each closure lid 7 is attached independently of the other closure lids 7 on the base body of the associated valve carrier module 2a. For this purpose, first fastening means 17 are provided, which are formed by fixing screws, which pass through the wall of the closure lid 7 and are each screwed into a fastening thread 17a formed in the base body 6.

Between the end face 16 of the closure lid 7 and the mounting surface 12 is a sealing means 18, by which a seal between the closure lid 7 and the base body 6 is effected.

Conveniently, the closure lid 7 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 line-up direction 5. The transverse dimensions of the base body 6 measured in the axial direction of this transverse axis 25 are preferably larger than the transverse dimensions of the associated closure lid 7, at least in the area of the mounting surface 12. In this way, there is an intersection in the line-up direction 5 immediately adjacent closure lids 7 a gap 26 which facilitates the individual gripping the closure lid 7 for the purpose of their assembly or disassembly.

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 extends in the exemplary embodiment partly inside the base body 6 and partly inside the hood-shaped closure lid 7. Base 6 formed portion of the receiving space 27 is hereinafter referred to as the main body interior space 27a, formed in the closure cap 7 portion of the receiving space 27 as a closure lid interior 27b.

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

In an embodiment also not shown, the entire receiving space 27 is formed in the interior of the closure lid 7, ie consists exclusively of a closure lid interior space 27b.

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

Regardless of the configuration of the valve carrier 2, the receiving space 27 apart from the openings explained below - the mouths of Kontaktierungslöchern 71 and valve support fluid channels 57 - completely closed all around. The receiving space 27 is in particular also closed to the two joining surfaces 8 through a circumferential surface 33 forming wall, so that it is not accessible even in the individual state of a valve support module 2a of the joining surfaces 8 ago.

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.

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

The valve unit 3 is preferably fastened to the main body 6 independently of the closure lid 7. In this way, the cap 7 can be removed and reassembled without having to solve the assembled valve unit. 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 is associated with second fastening means 42, which are formed separately and independently of the first fastening means 17 used for fixing the associated closure lid 7. By way of example, they are formed by fastening screws which pass through the valve unit 3 and are screwed into the main body 6.

For assembly and disassembly, the valve unit 3 can be easily grasped at the over the main body 6 protruding upper portion 39.

In principle, each valve unit 3 can be of the electrically directly operable type. However, it is preferably of electro-fluidic and in particular electro-pneumatic pilot-controlled design. By way of example, it is composed of a main valve device 43 and a pilot valve device 44 which is combined to form the main valve device 43. The valve unit 3 has a longitudinal axis 45, wherein the pilot valve device 44 is preferably arranged on only one of the two end sides 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 slider-like designed main valve member 47. The latter can be positioned by fluid force 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. The main valve channels 48 open outwardly on a base surface 52 of the valve unit 3 in such a way that they are in fluid communication with the valve carrier fluid channels 57 which likewise open out into the receiving space 27 and which are likewise suitable for the passage of a fluid.

The fluid force for the actuation of the main valve member 47 provides a compressed fluid, in particular formed by compressed air, which is supplied to the main valve means 43 controlled by the pilot valve means 44. The pilot valve device 44 is formed electrically actuated.

The pilot valve device 44 includes at least one in particular designed as a solenoid valve pilot valve 53 a, 53 b. By way of example, two such pilot valves 53a, 53b are present.

The valve unit 3 is inserted with its base 52 ahead in the main body interior space 27 a and is located with the base 52 on the bottom surface 32 at. In this case, the main valve channels 48 opening out on the base surface 52 each communicate with one of the valve carrier fluid channels 57 formed in the base body 6 and opening into the receiving space 27 on the bottom surface 32.

At least a portion of the main valve device 43 expediently belongs to the lower part section 38 of the valve unit 3 accommodated in the base body interior 27a. Exemplary Both the pilot valve device 44 and the main valve device 43 are each partially in the main body interior 27a and partially in the closure lid interior 27b.

Preferably, the height dimensions of the valve unit 3 and the receiving space 27 are matched to one another such that the valve unit 3 is received in the main body interior 27 with at least 20% and at most 80% of its overall height. Expediently, these percentages apply to both the main valve device 43 and the pilot valve device 44.

The valve unit 3 receives the electrical control signals controlling its actuation from a signal transmission line 63 which extends in a signal transmission channel 64 passing through the valve carrier 2 in the line-up direction 5. At its two end faces of the signal transmission channel 64 is suitably closed by the two end modules 2b, 2c. Externally on the valve carrier 2 and in particular on one of the termination modules 2c arranged electromechanical interface means 68 are connected to the signal transmission line 63 in electrical connection and enable the signal-transmitting communication with a non-illustrated external electronic control device.

Each valve carrier module 2a is, in particular in the region of the base body 6, penetrated by an individual signal transmission space 64a in its transverse direction. Thus, each signal transmission space 64a leads to the two joining surfaces 8 of the associated valve carrier module 2a. The signal transmission spaces 64a of all valve carrier modules 2a are aligned with each other and complement each other to the signal transmission channel 64th

The signal transmission line 63 has, within each signal transmission space 64a, at least one first electrical communication section 69. With each first electrical communication section 69, a second electrical communication section 70 of the valve unit 3 is detachably in electrically conductive connection. As a result, an electrical connection between the signal transmission line 63 and each electrically operable valve unit 3 is made electromechanically. In the embodiment, the second electrical communication portion 70 is formed as a plug and the first electrical communication portion 69 as a connector counterpart.

Each of these electrical connections is made through a contacting hole 71 formed in the valve support module 2a and extending between the receiving space 27 and the signal transmission space 64a. By way of example, the receiving space 27 and the signal transmission space 64a spatially overlap, wherein a partition wall 72 of the base body 6 forming the bottom surface 32 extends between the receiving space 27 and the signal transmission space 64a and is penetrated by the at least one contacting hole 71.

In the embodiment, two contacting holes 71 are provided per valve support module 2a to establish a double electrical connection between the valve unit 3 and the signal transmission line 63.

The signal transmission line 63 is expediently of modular construction and is composed of a plurality of signal transmission segments 63a arranged in each case in the interior of a signal transmission space 64a, which are lined up under electrical connection. Conveniently, each signal transmission segment 63a is on the associated valve support module 2a fastened, so that the electrical connection, which is realized in particular by means of a plug connection by means of connector means 65, automatically adjusts the Aneinanderansetzen the valve support modules 2a. In such an embodiment, the first electrical communication sections 69 are each arranged on one of the signal transmission segments 63a.

Under certain circumstances, leaks may occur at the valve unit 3 arranged in the receiving space 27. In addition, impurities can enter the receiving space 27 during the opening of the receiving space 27 taking place in connection with maintenance work. In order for such media not affect the electrical function of the valve assembly 1, preferably the contacting holes 71 are each closed fluid-tight by a sealing means 73. As a result, a fluid transfer from the receiving space 27 is excluded in the associated signal transmission space 64a.

The sealing means 73 are expediently in each case a sealing ring 73a, which tightly surrounds the electrical communication section 69 and / or 70 passing through the associated contacting hole 71 and, moreover, is in sealing contact with the valve carrier module 2a. Each sealing ring 73 is expediently arranged in the interior of a contacting hole 71 and bears against the peripheral boundary surface of the respective contacting hole 71 under sealing.

Preferably, of the two electrical communication sections 69, 70, only the second electrical communication section 70 belonging to the valve unit 3 extends through the associated contacting hole 71, which is this second electrical contacting section 70 is enclosed by the sealing ring 73a. The contact point of the electrical connection between the two electrical communication sections 69, 70 thus lies outside the receiving space 27 sealed by the sealing ring 73a.

Preferably, the sealing ring 73a has a radially resilient sealing lip, with which it rests against the boundary surface of the contacting hole 71. This sealing lip is in particular designed so that it is pressed in the case of an overpressure occurring in the receiving space 27 reinforced under sealing to said boundary surface.

However, such an overpressure could cause tension on the closure lid 7, which could impair the seal between the closure lid 7 and the base body 6. Therefore, it is expediently provided that the receiving spaces 27 of all valve carrier modules 2a separated from the signal transmission spaces 64a are constantly vented to the atmosphere independently of the signal transmission channel 64 by means of at least one pressure relief channel 74. This pressure relief passage 74 is also independent and separate with respect to the valve support fluid channels 57 communicating with the valve unit 3.

The pressure relief channel 74 passes through the valve carrier 2 in the alignment direction 5. In multi-part construction of the valve support modules 2a as in the embodiment, it expediently runs in the basic bodies. 6

In the embodiment, the pressure relief passage 74 communicates with a pressure relief port 75 opening out toward the outer surface of the valve carrier 2. This may be provided with a filter element or the like to prevent ingress of contaminants. The pressure relief opening 75 is expediently formed in one of the end modules 2b. It is preferably located on a base 37 of the valve carrier 2, which is oriented opposite to the mounting surface 12. In the drawing, a possible venting air flow through the pressure relief passage 74 is indicated by arrows 77.

The pressure relief channel 74 is expediently composed within the valve carrier modules 2a of pressure-relief channel sections 74a of the valve carrier modules 2a which communicate with one another. Each pressure-relief channel section 74a passes through the associated valve support module 2a in its transverse direction and opens out to the two joining surfaces 8 of the respective valve support module 2a which are oriented in opposite directions in the alignment direction 5. In the assembled state of the valve carrier modules 2a, the juxtaposed pressure relief channel sections 74a complement each other to the pressure relief passage 74th

The pressure relief channel 74, which in principle may also be present several times, is expediently formed with the inclusion of the receiving spaces 27. In other words, the receiving spaces 27 are switched directly into the course of the pressure relief channel 74, so that they each form a longitudinal section of the pressure relief channel 74.

By way of example, each pressure relief channel section 74a is composed of a receiving space 27 and two channel end sections 74b, 74c. Both Kanalendabschnitte 74b, 74c open on the one hand separately from each other in the receiving space 27 a. On the other hand, they lead to different of the two joining surfaces 8. When the valve support modules 2a are seated against each other, aligned channel end portions 74b, 74c of immediately adjacent valve support modules communicate 2a with each other, so that the continuous pressure relief channel 74 results.

The channel end sections 74b, 74c expediently open at the bottom surface 32 into the receiving space 27. Their corresponding channel openings 76 are expediently placed so that they are not covered by the valve unit 3, or at least not completely covered. Preferably, they are arranged in the region of one of the end-side end regions of the receiving space 27.

The valve arrangement 1 is preferably designed such that both a common fluid supply and a common fluid disposal of all valve units 3 through the valve carrier 2 is possible. For this purpose, some of the valve support fluid passages 57 formed in the valve support modules 2a are configured to have a connection passage portion 57a penetrating the valve support module 2a and especially its base 6 in the axial direction of the main shaft 4 and opening to both joining surfaces 8 of the valve support module 2a , Of these in the embodiment per valve support module 2a a total of three independent connection 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 valve units 3 to consumers connected to the valve units 3 is supplied. The fluid that flows back from the connected consumers is removed.

In the assembled state of the valve carrier modules 2a, the valve channel sections 57a formed in the individual valve carrier modules 2a communicate with one another and define one or more valve carrier passageway fluid passage 58 passing through the valve carrier 2 in the line-up direction 5. By way of example, this results in a total of three such valve carrier passage fluid channels 58, one of which is used for fluid supply and two for fluid disposal. Each of these valve carrier passageway fluid channels 58 is conveniently accessible on at least one of the termination modules 2c to connect to a pressure source or pressure sink or atmosphere. One recognizes in FIG. 3 In this regard, three outlet openings 59 opening out from the base surface 37 of these valve carrier passageway fluid channels 58.

As a rule, one or two valve carrier channels 57 per valve carrier module 2a act as working channels 57b and terminate on an outer surface of the valve carrier module 2a, in particular on the base 37. Fluid lines can be connected there, which lead to a consumer to be actuated.

In the joining region between in each case successively arranged valve carrier modules 2 a, each valve carrier through-fluid channel 58 is framed by a fluid channel seal 81. More specifically, each fluid passage seal 81 encloses the mouth portions of the communication passage portions 57a opening out to the joining surfaces 8. Each fluid channel seal 81 abuts against the mutually facing joining surfaces 8 of the adjacent valve carrier modules 2a.

Furthermore, a frame-shaped outer seal 82 is arranged in each joining region between two successive valve carrier modules 2a, which frame surrounds both the signal transmission channel 64 and all the valve carrier through-fluid channels 58 together. Like the fluid channel seals 81, it lies under sealing against the facing joining surfaces 8 and prevents ingress of external forces Media in the joining region of the juxtaposed valve carrier modules 2a.

Preferably, the outer seal 82 is placed immediately adjacent to the outer edge 84 of the mutually facing joining surfaces, but still within the joining surfaces 8. It expediently closes flush with the perpendicular to the joining surfaces 8 oriented outer surface 85 of the adjacent valve support modules 2a. In this way, gaps are avoided in which difficult to remove impurities can be deposited.

Preferably, in the joining region between in each case two valve carrier modules 2a placed against one another there is also a seal located inside the outer seal 82 and therefore designated as an inner seal 83, which frames only the signal transmission channel 64 as a single channel. More specifically, the inner seal 83 frames the mutually facing mouth portions of the signal transmission spaces 64a. The inner seal 83 is under sealing against the mutually facing joining surfaces 8 of the valve support modules 2a.

The inner seal 83 is framed by the outer seal 82 at a distance. It provides an additional seal of the signal transmission channel 64 and causes together with the outer seal 82 in this regard, a redundant seal.

Although in principle a one-piece design would be possible, the outer seal 82 and the inner seal 83 are expediently designed as separate, not interconnected components.

It is advantageous, however, if the inner seal 83 with the preferably existing fluid channel seals 81 to a one-piece sealing structure 86 is framed by the outer seal 82 outside. This sealing structure 86 may also include further seals with which selected zones between the valve carrier modules 2 a are attached to one another, for example, further fluid channels.

The preferably existing pressure relief passage 74 is suitably placed so that it extends through the valve carrier 2 in the area located between the inner seal 83 and the outer seal 82. In the embodiment, the pressure relief passage 74 is located in the area lying between the one-piece seal structure 86 and the outer seal 82. In this way, one avoids an additional seal between the juxtaposed pressure relief channel sections 74a. The seal to the atmosphere takes over the outer seal 82 and the seal to the signal transmission channel 64, the inner seal 83rd

All seals 81, 82, 83 are expediently made of a material with rubber-elastic properties, preferably an elastomeric material. The seals 81, 82, 83 are expediently held with a part of their cross section in a groove formed in one or in both joining surfaces 8. It is also possible, one or more of the seals 81, 82, 83 to be firmly bonded to one of the joining surfaces 8, for example by injection molding.

Claims (15)

Valve arrangement, comprising a valve carrier (2) which has a plurality of mutually facing joining surfaces (8) in a line-up direction (5) lined valve carrier modules (2a), each carrying at least one electrically actuated valve unit (3), wherein in the interior of the valve carrier module ( 2a) a signal transmission channel (64) extending through the valve carrier modules (2a) and made up of mutually communicating signal transmission spaces (64a) of the juxtaposed valve carrier modules (2a), which receives a signal transmission line (63) designed to transmit electrical signals Valve units (3) is electrically contacted, wherein further in the interior of the valve carrier (2) at least one through the valve carrier modules (2a) extending through, from mutually communicating valve carrier fluid channels (57) of the juxtaposed valve carrier modules (2a) composed valve carrier passageway (58) in fluid communication with the valve units (3), and wherein one of the signal transfer passage (64) and the at least one valve carrier passageway fluid passage (58) is provided between valve support modules (2a) adjacent in the line-up direction (5). is arranged around all surrounding outer seal (82), characterized in that between adjacent in the line-up direction (5) valve carrier modules (2a) in addition to the outer seal (82) each with a distance from the outer seal (82) framed and in turn the signal transmission channel (64) surrounding framing inner seal (83) is arranged. Valve arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer seal (82) is placed directly adjacent to the outer edge (84) of the mutually facing joining surfaces (8). Valve arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer seal (82) and the inner seal (83) are formed as separate, non-interconnected components. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each valve carrier passageway fluid channel (58) between adjacent in the line-up direction (5) valve carrier modules (2a) by a fluid channel seal (81) is framed, which in turn spaced from the outer seal (82 ) is framed. Valve arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner seal (83) and each fluid channel seal (81) are formed by components of a one-piece sealing structure (86), which is framed by the outer seal (82). Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each valve unit (3) encapsulated in an outwardly closed receiving space (27) of the respective valve support module (2a) is housed. Valve arrangement according to Claim 6, characterized in that the valve carrier modules (2a) each have a base body (6) which has the joining surfaces (8) oriented opposite one another in the line-up direction (5) on one of the joining surfaces (8) facing away from the mounting surface (12) of the base body (6) mounted, together with the base body (6) the receiving space (27) of the valve support module (2a) limiting closure cover (7), both the signal transmission channel ( 64) and each valve carrier passageway fluid channel (58) extend through the base bodies (6). Valve arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that the receiving space (27) of each valve carrier module (2a) is formed at least partially by a base body interior (27a) formed in the interior of the base body (6), which has a mounting opening (7) facing the closure lid (7). 28) for the valve unit (3). Valve arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the receiving space (27) of each valve support module (2a) at least partially formed by a inside the closure lid (7) formed closure lid interior (27b) facing one of the base body (6) Lid opening (13), with the front of the closure lid (7) is attached to the mounting surface (12) of the base body (6), wherein the closure lid (7) expediently dome-shaped with a top wall (14) and the lid opening (13) framing , laterally encircling peripheral wall (15) is designed. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the receiving space (27) of each valve support module (2a) partially in the base body (6) and partially in the closure cover (7) is formed, wherein it is formed from a in the base body (6) Main body interior (27 a) and a closure lid (7) formed in the closure lid interior (27 b) composed, wherein the Valve unit (3) with a lower portion (38) in the main body interior (27a) is received and with a protruding from the base body (6) upper portion (39) protrudes into the closure lid interior (27b). Valve arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that in each valve support module (2a) the receiving space (27) and the signal transmission space (64a) formed separately from each other and connected by at least one contacting hole (71), through which the valve unit (3) is electrically contacted with the signal transmission line (63), wherein the Kontaktierungslöcher (71) each fluid-tight by a sealing means (73) are closed and expediently characterized by the signal transmission spaces (64 a) fluidly separated receiving spaces (27) by means of at least one Valve carrier (2) in the line-up direction (5) passing through and leading to the atmosphere pressure relief channel (74) are constantly vented together. Valve arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the pressure relief channel (74) composed of mutually communicating pressure relief channel sections (74a) of the juxtaposed valve support modules (2a), to the two mutually opposite in the alignment direction (5) oriented joining surfaces (8) of the the respective valve carrier module (2a) open, wherein the receiving spaces (27) are expediently switched directly into the course of the pressure relief channel (74), so that they each form a longitudinal section of the pressure relief channel (74). Valve arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that for sealing the contacting holes (71) sealing means (73) are formed as sealing rings (73a), each one tightly surrounding the associated contact hole (71) passing electrical communication section (69, 70) of the signal transmission line (63) and / or the valve unit (3) and also are in sealing contact with the valve support module (2a), wherein the sealing rings (73a) are expediently arranged in each case in the interior of a contacting hole (71). Valve arrangement according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the pressure relief passage (74) in the region between the inner seal (83) and the outer seal (82) extends through the valve carrier (2) therethrough. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the valve unit (3) has a main valve device (43) and an electrically actuatable pilot valve device (44) serving for the fluidic actuation of the main valve device (43), wherein the pilot valve device (44) is electrically contacted with the signal transmission line (63) and the valve carrier fluid channels (57) of each valve carrier module (2a) at least partially in fluid communication with the main valve means (43).

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