Valves and valve islands

Abstract

A valve having a housing (12) with at least two fluid openings (50) through which fluid can flow and a further opening (52), at least one valve seat (54) associated with one of the fluid openings (50), and at least one closure (36, 44) which is adjustable in order to release and / or close the at least one valve seat (54), wherein the at least one valve seat (54) is formed on a housing part which adjoins a cavity (48) through which fluid can flow. The valve is characterized in that a sensor device (64) is arranged in the further opening (52), which sensor device closes the opening (52) in a fluid-tight manner and is able to detect data about the fluid. Furthermore, a valve island is described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve and a valve island. Background Technology

[0002] This type of valve is typically designed to control fluid flow. Depending on the application, it is desirable to install one or more sensor devices within the valve, thereby enabling the detection of a wide variety of data regarding the fluid flowing within it.

[0003] In this type of valve, a cavity is additionally introduced into the housing to integrate the sensor device there. However, in this case, installation and removal are difficult because the sensor device is hard to or impossible to access from the outside of the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve in which at least one sensor device can be easily installed and removed.

[0005] According to the invention, this objective is achieved in this type of valve by means of a sensor device disposed in another opening, which is fluid-tightly sealed and capable of detecting data about the fluid. Because the sensor device is disposed in the other opening, it can be easily accessed from outside the valve, thereby ensuring simple installation and removal of the sensor device.

[0006] Sensor devices include, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and / or velocity sensors. The sensors are in direct contact with the fluid. Therefore, the pressure, temperature, and / or velocity or flow rate of the fluid can be detected in a simple manner.

[0007] Specifically, the other opening is an unused fluid opening that is always provided anyway. Therefore, a two-position three-way valve can be used without problem, for example, as a two-position two-way valve, in which the other opening is used to insert a sensor device. That is, in the case considered here, the other opening is no longer needed as a fluid opening. By placing the sensor device in this unused fluid opening, on the one hand, it is not necessary to provide a separate mounting space for the sensor device, and on the other hand, the cost of sealing the unused fluid opening can be reduced. Therefore, the sensor device serves as a seal in addition to data detection.

[0008] The valve can be a solenoid valve, especially a rocker valve and / or a diaphragm valve. This implementation is particularly advantageous for valves that have two switching positions and at least two connections.

[0009] The valve is, for example, a rocker valve with a rocker arm, the ends of which are associated with a valve seat, with another opening centrally located between the two valve seats. Rocker valves can be configured very compactly and provide at least two switching positions and two paths to the valve in an efficient manner.

[0010] According to one aspect, at least a portion of the sensor device is an inner section of the housing, and continues the inner side in the region of the other opening, particularly without a shoulder. This does not reduce the space partially defined by the inner wall. In particular, this arrangement is advantageous when the inner wall is in contact with a fluid, because it does not reduce the flow cross-section available for fluid flow and hardly or not at all interferes with fluid flow.

[0011] The housing may include a valve seat plate. The valve seat, which works in conjunction with the closure to control fluid flow, is mounted or molded on the valve seat plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensor device passes through the valve seat plate. In this way, the sensor device can be easily accessed on the fluid side, flush with the valve seat plate, and on the opposite side.

[0013] Another embodiment proposes a fluid connection plate with a connection channel on the rear side of the valve seat plate, wherein each fluid opening has its own connection channel on the fluid connection plate. Fluid can pass through the fluid connection plate into or out of the cavity. Furthermore, the fluid connection plate can be used as a mounting base for the housing.

[0014] Specifically, the valve seat plate and the fluid connection plate are separate components. Therefore, the housing can be easily mounted on or removed from the fluid connection plate.

[0015] According to one aspect, the sensor device extends into or through a receiving opening in the fluid connection plate that is aligned with the other opening. Depending on the configuration of the fluid connection plate, it is advantageous for the sensor device to extend into or through the fluid connection plate. When the sensor device passes through the fluid connection plate, it can also be accessed from the side of the fluid connection plate opposite to the valve seat plate, for example, for coupling electrical connections. When the sensor device only extends into the fluid connection plate, the sensor device and the fluid connection plate can be configured very compactly.

[0016] One approach proposes that an electrical connector be provided on the side of the fluid connection plate facing the valve seat plate, particularly within the receiving opening. A sensor device can be coupled to this electrical connector in terms of signal, particularly via a plug-in connection or a contact portion with an exposed contact surface, such as a circuit board. In this way, the sensor device can be easily and quickly coupled and decoupled from the electrical connector in terms of signal. Furthermore, the fluid connection plate can be configured very compactly.

[0017] It can be proposed that when the fluid connection plate is fixed to the valve seat plate, the plug-in connection or abutment contact portion automatically couples, and when the fluid connection plate and valve seat plate are released, they automatically disengage. This is achieved by ensuring that the corresponding contacting components are either securely mounted on the fluid connection plate or securely mounted on the valve seat plate. In other words, the plug-in connection or abutment contact is simultaneously established or disengaged during the installation or removal of the fluid connection plate and valve seat plate, thereby electrically coupling or disengaging the sensor device and electrical connectors. This allows for easy fixing and disengagement of the fluid connection plate and valve seat plate, thus enabling very easy installation and removal of the valve.

[0018] Specifically, another opening and a receiving opening form a receiving space in which the sensor device and electrical connector, or only the sensor device, are housed. In this case, the housing can be achieved through form fit, or the sensor device and / or electrical connector can be force-fitted, for example via separate fixing mechanisms such as screws or rivets, to the corresponding component (fluid connection plate or valve seat plate), or material-fitted, for example by adhesive or welding, to the corresponding component (fluid connection plate or valve seat plate).

[0019] Optionally, a seal is provided between the wall of the other opening and the sensor device, the seal surrounding the sensor device circumferentially. This reliably prevents fluid from leaving the fluid-passing cavity of the housing.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a valve island having multiple valves of the aforementioned type, wherein a common fluid connection plate is provided, and multiple valve seat plates of the associated valves are located on the fluid connection plate. A very compact construction of the valve island can be achieved by placing the sensor device in the (existing) openings of the fluid connection plate and the valve seat plates.

[0021] The advantages and features described for the valve according to the invention also apply to the valve island, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings.

[0023] As shown in the attached figure:

[0024] - Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] - Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A perspective view of three valves according to the invention and a valve island according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0026] - Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the valve island according to the present invention.

[0027] - Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0028] - Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 A perspective view of three valves according to the invention and a second embodiment of the valve island according to the invention, and

[0029] - Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the valve island according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a first embodiment of valve 10, which is disposed on fluid connection plate 14. Valve 10 is configured herein as a solenoid valve, particularly a rocker valve and a diaphragm valve.

[0031] The valve 10 has a housing 12, which has multiple housing parts, namely: a cover 16 on which an electrical connection 18 for the valve 10 is provided; an actuator housing 20, which further includes a coil housing 20a and a rocker housing 20b; and a valve seat plate 22.

[0032] An electromagnetic coil 24 is provided in the coil housing 20a, and the rest of the internal space of the coil housing 20a is filled by a yoke 26.

[0033] A housing seal 28 is provided between the coil housing 20a and the rocker housing 20b.

[0034] A vertically movable, magnetic or magnetizable transmission component 30 is provided in the upper region of the internal space of the rocker housing 20b. The transmission component has a downwardly protruding armature 32 and a downwardly protruding ridge 34 on its lower side.

[0035] Below the transmission component 30 is a rocker arm 36 that can rotate or tilt around the pivot axis S.

[0036] Two springs are provided between the transmission component 30 and the rocker arm 36.

[0037] The return spring 38 is supported on the lower side of the transmission component 30 and the upper side of the rocker arm 36, wherein the armature 32 extends into the interior of the sleeve-shaped return spring 38.

[0038] The leaf spring 40 is mounted on the raised portion 34 and extends substantially horizontally, with its free end supported on the upper side of the rocker arm 36.

[0039] The rocker arm 36 is essentially formed by two rocker arms, each with a push rod 42 at its free end, the push rod protruding substantially downward from its corresponding associated rocker arm.

[0040] The push rod 42 is connected to a sealing element 44, which is configured as a sealing membrane and is clamped between the rocker housing 20b and the valve seat plate 22. Here, the sealing element 44 extends substantially over the entire lower or upper side of the rocker housing 20b or the valve seat plate 22.

[0041] The operating space 46 formed by the rocker housing 20b and the fluid-permeable cavity 48 formed by the valve seat plate 22 are fluidly separated by the sealing element 44. In other words, the sealing element 44 is a fluid barrier between the valve seat plate 22 and the actuator housing 20.

[0042] The valve seat plate 22 has three through openings that extend substantially vertically through the valve seat plate 22. Fluid flows through two of these openings, which are referred to below as fluid openings 50. The other opening is referred to as another opening 52.

[0043] The valve seat plate 22 is shaped such that a valve seat 54 is formed at each fluid opening 50, the valve seat being opposite one of the push rods 42. Thus, the valve seat 54 is associated with both the push rod 42 and the fluid opening 50.

[0044] The fluid connection plate 14 has three connection channels, each associated with one of the openings 50 and 52. The connection channel associated with fluid opening 50 is referred to hereinafter as fluid connection channel 56. The other connection channel is referred to as receiving opening 58.

[0045] The fluid connection channel 56 extends from the upper side of the fluid connection plate 14 through the fluid connection plate 14 and extends outward to the outer side 62 of the side of the fluid connection plate 14.

[0046] A seal 59 is provided between the valve seat plate 22 and the fluid connection plate 14 in the area of ​​the fluid opening 50 or the fluid connection channel 56. The seal 59 is configured as a sealing ring and is provided around the inlet of the fluid connection channel 56 on its circumference.

[0047] A receiving opening 58 is disposed in the middle of the fluid opening 50 and extends substantially vertically from the upper side of the fluid connection plate 14 toward the valve seat plate 22 to a lower region, in which the receiving opening 58 widens and extends substantially horizontally (into and out of the plane of the drawing) along the entire lower side of the fluid connection plate 14. The wider area of ​​the receiving opening 58 is used for the cable guide 60.

[0048] An accommodating space is formed by another opening 52 and an accommodating opening 58, in which the sensor device 64 is accommodated.

[0049] The sensor device 64 extends vertically through the entire fluid connection plate 14 and extends into another opening 52 via a thinner upper section, such that the upper end side 66 of the sensor device 64 is flush with the upper fluid-contacting side 68 of the valve seat plate 22. In other words, the upper end side 66 extends substantially without a shoulder from the upper fluid-contacting side 68, such that the upper end side 66 and the upper fluid-contacting side 68 form a common, continuous fluid-contacting surface, which forms part of the boundary of the cavity 48 through which fluid can flow. The upper side 68 is the inner side of the housing 12.

[0050] Sensor device 64 includes, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting fluid pressure. Here, the pressure sensor is configured such that it is in direct contact with the fluid, but does not affect fluid flow. Accordingly, the pressure sensor is disposed in the upper region of sensor device 64, where it is flush with the upper side 68 of valve seat plate 22 that is in contact with the fluid.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, sensor device 64 may include another type of sensor, such as a temperature or speed sensor.

[0052] A connecting component 70 is provided at the lower end of the sensor device 64, on which an electrical connector, such as a cable, can be mounted, thereby allowing the sensor device 64 to be coupled to the electrical connector 76 in terms of signal.

[0053] Similar to the seal 59 in the region of fluid opening 50, a seal 72 is provided between the valve seat plate 22 and the sensor device 64 in the region of another opening 52. The seal 72 is configured as a sealing ring and surrounds a thinner section of the sensor device 64 around its circumference.

[0054] The sensor device 64 can be loosely inserted into the receiving opening 58 from above, secured by the form fit between the valve seat plate 22, the seal 72, and the fluid connection plate 14 during valve 10 installation, or more precisely, during the assembly of the fluid connection plate 14 and the valve seat plate 22. During disassembly, with the valve seat plate 22 removed, the seal 72 can be easily removed, and the sensor device 64 can be easily removed from the receiving opening 58.

[0055] It is also possible to suggest that the sensor device 64 is mounted on the valve seat plate 22 and / or the fluid connection plate 14 by means of a separate fixing mechanism (e.g., screws or rivets) or by means of materials such as welding or gluing.

[0056] The working principle of valve 10 is described below.

[0057] Fluid is directed to or exited from an associated fluid opening 50 via one or both of the fluid connection channels 56. For this purpose, additional fluid openings 50 may optionally be provided in the rocker housing 20b or the valve seat plate 22.

[0058] On joystick 36 Figure 1 In the first no-current switching position shown, the left push rod 42 and its associated left valve seat 54 are spaced apart, so that the sealing element 44 is not against the left valve seat 54. The right push rod moves toward its associated right valve seat 54, thereby pressing the sealing element 44 against the right valve seat 54. Therefore, in this position, the right fluid opening 50 is fluidly decoupled from the fluid-permeable cavity 48, while the left fluid opening 50 is fluidly connected to the fluid-permeable cavity 48.

[0059] By applying voltage to coil 24, the magnetic or magnetizable transmission component 30 moves away from coil 24. Consequently, the armature 32 and protrusion 34 of the transmission component 30 overcome the preload of leaf spring 40 and move towards the left rocker arm of rocker arm 36, thereby partially relaxing return spring 38 and causing rocker arm 36 to tilt counterclockwise about pivot axis S. Here, a portion of the right push rod 42 and sealing element 44 in the region of right valve seat 54 moves substantially vertically away from right valve seat 54, causing right fluid opening 50 to fluidly connect with cavity 48 through which fluid can flow. A portion of the left push rod 42 and sealing element 44 in the region of left valve seat 54 moves substantially vertically downward until sealing element 44 is placed on left valve seat 54.

[0060] In the embodiment shown here, the left valve seat 54 is configured as a blind seat. This blind seat has an opening 74 on its side that fluidly connects the left fluid opening 50 to the cavity 48 through which fluid can flow, even when the sealing element 44 is located on the left valve seat 54. Therefore, the fluid coupling of the left fluid opening 50 is independent of the switching position of the rocker arm 36.

[0061] Therefore, depending on the switching position, the joystick 36 only disconnects the right fluid opening 50 from the cavity 48 through which fluid can flow.

[0062] When the current flowing through coil 24 stops, the transmission component 30 stops moving towards rocker arm 36, and due to the restoring force of leaf spring 40, the transmission component 30 moves upward towards coil 24. Because the spring force of return spring 38 is directed to move the transmission component 30 and rocker arm 36 towards each other, and the transmission component 30 moves away from rocker arm 36 due to leaf spring 40, the left rocker arm, and thus the left push rod 42 and part of the sealing element move away from left valve seat 54 via return spring 38. This brings the device to its initial position.

[0063] The rocker arm 36 and / or sealing element 44 can therefore be referred to as a closure.

[0064] In the absence of sensor device 64, the other opening 52 serves as a fluid opening, while the receiving opening 58 and cable guide 60 serve as fluid connection channels. Fluid can thus flow through the other opening 52, the receiving opening 58, and the cable guide 60. However, if this is not desired, the sensor device can be integrated using the unused fluid opening 52 and the unused fluid connections 58, 60. Therefore, on the one hand, it is not necessary to use a new valve seat plate 22 with only two fluid openings, and on the other hand, it is not necessary to provide additional components for sealing the other opening 52 or additional receiving space for integrating sensor device 64.

[0065] exist Figure 2 and 3 The image shows a valve island 100 with three valves 10 disposed on a common fluid connection plate 14.

[0066] Multiple electrical connectors 76 in the form of cables extend through cable guides 60 to each valve 10.

[0067] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, each electrical connector 76 is associated with valve 10 or sensor device 64 of valve 10, and is connected to the lower end of sensor device 64. Here, each sensor device 64 is disposed in its own receiving space, which is formed by another opening 52 in valve seat plate 22 and receiving opening 58 in fluid connection plate 14.

[0068] Each receiving opening 58 extends substantially vertically through the fluid connection plate 14, and the cable guide 6 extends substantially horizontally on the underside of the fluid connection plate 14.

[0069] The pivot S of the joystick 36 extends through the joystick housing 20b (see...) Figure 2 ).

[0070] The rocker housing 20b may optionally have a fluid opening 50 through which fluid can flow into or out of the valve 10.

[0071] exist Figures 4 to 6 The second embodiment of valve 10 is shown below—except for sensor device 64 and electrical connection 76—which is approximately the same as the first embodiment of valve 10. Accordingly, only the differences will be discussed below, and the same or functionally identical components are given the same reference numerals.

[0072] The sensor device 64 is primarily housed in another opening 52 of the valve seat plate 22 and extends vertically through the entire valve seat plate 22. Only the contact pin 78, located on the underside of the sensor device 64, extends into the receiving opening 58 of the fluid connection plate 14.

[0073] An electrical connector 76, in the form of a circuit board and having exposed contacts, is housed in a receiving opening 58.

[0074] When the valve seat plate 22 and the fluid connection plate 14 are fixed, the contact pin 78 contacts the exposed contacts of the circuit board, thereby coupling the sensor device 64 to the electrical connector 76 in terms of signal.

[0075] Instead of the aforementioned contact portion, a plug-in connection can also be provided between the sensor device 64 and the electrical connector 76. For this purpose, the circuit board can have a contact socket into which the contact pin 78 of the sensor device 64 can be inserted, thereby coupling the sensor device 64 to the electrical connector 76 in terms of signal.

[0076] The sensor device 64 and the electrical connector 76 can be loosely inserted into the other opening or the receiving opening 58, wherein the two components are secured by the form fit between the valve seat plate 22, the seal 72, and the fluid connection plate 14 during the installation of the valve 10, or more precisely, during the assembly of the fluid connection plate 14 and the valve seat plate 22. During disassembly, with the valve seat plate 22 removed, the sensor device 64 can be easily removed from the other opening 52, and the electrical connector 76 can be easily removed from the receiving opening 58.

[0077] Of course, it is also possible to suggest that the sensor device 64 and / or the electrical connector 76 are mounted on the valve seat plate 22 or the fluid connection plate 14 by means of a separate fixing mechanism (e.g., screws or rivets) or by means of materials such as welding, brazing, gluing, etc.

[0078] exist Figure 5 and 6 The diagram shows a second embodiment of a valve island 100, which has three valves 10 disposed on a common fluid connection plate 14.

[0079] —Apart from sensor device 64 and electrical connector 76—the second embodiment of valve island 100 corresponds to the first embodiment of valve island 100. Accordingly, only the differences are discussed below, and the same or functionally identical components are given the same reference numerals.

[0080] In a second embodiment of the valve island 100, instead of the cables that are guided in the cable guide section 60 to the respective sensor devices 64 of the valve 10, the electrical connector 76 extends centrally along the entire length of the fluid connection plate 14 on the upper side of the fluid connection plate 14 facing the valve seat plate 22 in the form of a circuit board.

[0081] The circuit board is configured on the upper side such that it extends below each sensor device 64 of the valve 10, and the sensor device 64 contacts the circuit board, for example, via an abutment contact or a plug contact.

Claims

1. A valve having A housing (12) having at least two fluid openings (50), another opening (52), and a valve seat plate (22) through which fluid can flow. At least one valve seat (54) associated with one of the fluid openings (50), and At least one closure (36, 44) is adjustable to release and / or close the at least one valve seat (54). The at least one valve seat (54) is formed on a housing portion adjacent to a cavity (48) through which fluid can flow. characterized in that A sensor device (64) is provided in the other opening (52), which passes through the valve seat plate (22), seals the other opening (52) in a fluid-tight manner, and is capable of detecting data about the fluid. The valve (10) mentioned above is a solenoid valve. The valve (10) is a rocker valve with a rocker arm (36), the ends of which are associated with valve seats (54), wherein the other opening (52) is centrally located between the two valve seats (54), and The fluid connection plate (14) with the connection channel (56) is disposed on the back side of the valve seat plate (22).

2. The valve of claim 1, wherein The valve (10) is a diaphragm valve.

3. The valve of claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the sensor device (64) is a section of the inner side (68) of the housing (12), and the inner side (68) continues in the region of the other opening (52).

4. The valve of claim 1, wherein Each fluid opening (50) has its own connection channel (56) in the fluid connection plate (14).

5. The valve of claim 4, wherein The sensor device (64) extends into or through a receiving opening (58) in the fluid connection plate (14) that is aligned with the other opening (52).

6. Valve according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that An electrical connector (76) is provided on the side of the fluid connection plate (14) facing the valve seat plate (22), and the sensor device (64) is capable of being coupled to the electrical connector in terms of signal.

7. The valve of claim 6, wherein The sensor device (64) can be coupled to the electrical connector (76) via a plug-in connection or a contact portion having an exposed contact surface.

8. The valve of claim 7, wherein When the fluid connection plate (14) is fixed on the valve seat plate (22), the plug-in connection or the contact part is automatically coupled, and when the fluid connection plate (14) is released from the valve seat plate (22), the plug-in connection or the contact part is automatically disengaged in such a way that the corresponding, contacting connecting parts are firmly placed on the fluid connection plate (14) or firmly placed on the valve seat plate (22).

9. The valve according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that A seal (72) is provided between the wall of the other opening (52) and the sensor device (64), the seal surrounding the sensor device (64) circumferentially.

10. Valve terminal having a plurality of valves (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A common fluid connection plate (14) is provided, and multiple valve seat plates (22) of the associated valves (10) are located on the fluid connection plate.

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