Valve assembly and mounting plate including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve assembly and a mounting plate including the same. The valve assembly (10) comprises at least two fluid valves (12) placed adjacent to each other along an alignment direction A and each having a drive side (18) and a fluid side (16), and the valve assembly (10) comprises a fluid connection unit (14) extending along the alignment direction A on the fluid side (16) of the fluid valve (12). The fluid connection unit (14) comprises at least two connection blocks (22, 24), each of which extends along an alignment direction A over the fluid valve (12) and is provided with a fluid connection (38). Each connecting block (22, 24) is mechanically connected to an adjacent connecting block (22, 24) and the fluid valve (12), and the connecting block (22, 24) is configured as an injection molded part, and the mold parting plane F of the connecting block (22, 24) extends through the fluid connection (38) of the connecting block (22, 24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve assembly comprising at least two fluid valves and a fluid connection unit consisting of at least two connection blocks designed as injection-molded parts, and also to a mounting plate comprising the valve assembly. Background Art

[0002] Prior art discloses a valve assembly comprising a plurality of fluid valves, which are fluidically connected to a hose via a common fluid connection unit. Therefore, the fluid connection unit serves as a connector between the hose and the fluid valve. The fluid connection unit usually has a plurality of fluid connectors to which the hose can be attached. The fluid connectors are usually arranged in a plurality of rows extending parallel to each other, and one fluid connector of the fluid connection unit is assigned to each fluid inlet or fluid outlet of the fluid valve.

[0003] Various methods can be used to manufacture the fluid connection unit, one of which is injection molding. Injection molding is relatively cost-effective and easy to implement, but has the following disadvantages: the molded part, i.e. the fluid connection unit, must be demoulded from a two-part injection mold after production. Any type of undercut, i.e. an element of the molded part that is not formed in the main demoulding direction, is destructive when the molded part is demoulded. If slides have to be used on the injection mold to be able to produce the unavoidable undercuts, the costs of the injection mold are significantly increased.

[0004] A one-piece fluid connection unit comprising a plurality of fluid connections which are usually arranged in rows extending parallel to one another has many such undercuts. This makes the injection molding of the one-piece fluid connection unit very expensive.

[0005] Although in order to be able to injection mold the fluid connection units, these fluid connection units are divided into a plurality of subunits, each of which is injection molded separately. For example, the fluid connection unit can be divided into a base block and fluid connections, both of which are injection molded separately. These subunits are then assembled, welded to each other and the connection points are sealed so that they together form a fluid-tight fluid connection unit.

[0006] However, the manufacture, assembly, connection and sealing of many individual components are complex, time-consuming and expensive. In addition, each joint brings the risk of leakage. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved valve assembly and a mounting plate comprising a valve assembly, which valve assembly comprises an injection-moulded fluid connection unit and which overcomes the disadvantages known in the prior art.

[0008] According to the present invention, this purpose is achieved by a valve assembly, which includes at least two fluid valves, which are placed adjacent to each other in an alignment direction and each have a drive side and a fluid side. The valve assembly also has a fluid connection unit, which extends on the fluid side of the fluid valve along the alignment direction and rests against the fluid side. The fluid connection unit includes at least two connecting blocks, each of which extends on the fluid valve along the alignment direction and is provided with a fluid connector. The fluid connector can be used, for example, to connect a hose, through which the fluid enters the fluid connection unit and the fluid valve. Each connecting block is mechanically connected to an adjacent connecting block and a fluid valve. The connecting block is designed as an injection molded component, and the mold parting plane of the connecting block extends through the fluid connector of the connecting block.

[0009] In other words, at least two fluid valves are arranged in a row next to each other in the alignment direction, while at least two connection blocks are arranged one above the other, i.e. perpendicular to the alignment direction. Thus, each connection block is in contact with two fluid valves and extends over at least two fluid valves at the same time. Thus, a fluid valve is always in contact with at least two connection blocks.

[0010] This has the advantage that a valve assembly comprising more than two fluid valves adjacent to each other in the alignment direction also requires only (at least) two connection blocks. Thus, regardless of the number of fluid valves, only one fluid connection unit with (at least) two connection blocks is required.

[0011] The number of connection blocks depends on the type of fluid valve, not the number of fluid valves. More specifically, the number of connection blocks depends on the number of fluid paths, i.e., the number of fluid inlets and fluid outlets of the fluid valve. For a fluid valve designed as a 2-way valve and having two fluid paths, the fluid connection unit comprises two connection blocks. If the fluid valve is a 3 / 2-way valve, the fluid connection unit comprises three connection blocks. Therefore, according to the present invention, a row of fluid paths of several fluid valves always interacts with one connection block.

[0012] The design of the connection block with several fluid connections all arranged in a row next to each other makes it possible to form the connection block in one piece and to injection mold the connection block, since the mold parting plane can be placed so that it extends through the fluid connections of the connection block and thus no undercuts are formed. It is no longer necessary to separately injection mold a number of individual parts and then assemble them to provide a fluid connection unit. The fluid connection unit according to the invention has the advantage that it comprises fewer individual parts and therefore also fewer connection points and sealing points.

[0013] The only connection point of the fluid connection unit is the resting surface on which the two connection blocks rest against each other and are mechanically connected to each other. However, no fluid is led through this connection point, so no additional sealing is required. The two connection blocks can be connected to each other, for example, by screws, hooks, pins, rivets and / or clamps and combinations thereof.

[0014] The fluid valve used may be a solenoid valve, in particular a flange valve.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection block may be provided with a hook which engages in an opening of an adjacent connection block. The hook serves to reversibly couple the two connection blocks to each other and to mechanically securely connect the two connection blocks so that unintentional displacement and / or disconnection of the connection blocks is impossible.

[0016] The hook can be designed as a snap hook, which engages elastically in the undercut of the adjacent connection block, thereby ensuring a particularly secure hold. In addition, the elasticity of the snap hook allows the connection of the two connection blocks to be released without damaging the two connection blocks, for example to replace one of the two connection blocks.

[0017] According to the invention, the connection blocks can be provided with reciprocal stops. These reciprocal stops are formed as webs laterally on the connection block and extend in the direction of the other connection block. The reciprocal stops ensure that the two connection blocks are correctly mounted, for example to prevent one connection block from protruding beyond the other connection block. An offset of the two connection blocks relative to each other will have the following consequence: the fluid connections of the two connection blocks are no longer arranged exactly one below the other and may no longer be placed consistently on the fluid passage of the fluid valve. This will lead to leaks in the connection between the fluid connection unit and the fluid valve, which must be prevented.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the connection blocks may be provided with complementary engagement formations. These engagement formations are in particular at least one protruding web and / or at least one protrusion and / or at least one pin on one of the connection blocks, and complementary grooves and / or complementary recesses on adjacent connection blocks. The engagement formations facilitate assembly and are used to guide the two connection blocks during assembly and align them on top of each other in the correct arrangement and, if necessary, fix them there. Similar to the stoppers, the two connection blocks ensure that the connection blocks do not deviate from each other in any direction, so that the fluid connectors are arranged directly above each other.

[0019] A joint formation in the form of a web ensures that the two connection blocks have a guide in the alignment direction (x-direction) when they are pushed into each other. If the connection blocks have a joint formation in the form of a pin and a complementary recess, it is ensured that the two connection blocks can only be plugged together in a single alignment in the y-direction. A joint formation in the form of a protrusion, for example in the form of a dovetail, allows the two connection blocks to be mounted in a mounting direction in the z-direction. The mounting direction of the connection blocks therefore depends on the type and design of the joint formation.

[0020] The connection blocks can be connected to each other via at least one reinforcing element in a direction transverse to the alignment direction. The reinforcing element serves to additionally stabilize the connection of the two connection blocks and also prevent the connection blocks from being displaced relative to each other in different directions. The reinforcing elements can be designed as screws and / or pins, which are arranged in reinforcing element holders on the side of the connection block facing away from the fluid valve. The reinforcing element is arranged perpendicular to the alignment direction between the two fluid connections.

[0021] According to the invention, the fluid connector can be designed as a connection fitting extending away from the corresponding connection block. A hose can be attached to the connection fitting, through which the fluid, in particular the liquid, is guided to the valve assembly. The shape and design of the connection fitting depends on the fluid valve used and the hose connected to the connection fitting.

[0022] The fluid connections of all connection blocks extend in the same direction and each protrude from the connection block in the same direction. The fluid connections are formed integrally with the connection block by means of an injection-molded connection block. Thus, the fluid connections do not have to be attached to the fluid connection unit as separate components, and in particular they do not have to be screwed, clamped and / or ultrasonically welded, so that on the one hand the assembly effort is reduced and on the other hand a connection that is always fluid-tight is ensured, since connection points are eliminated.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the connection block is provided with valve seats on its side facing the fluid valve. The fluid passage of the fluid valve abuts these valve seats, so that a continuous fluid passage is formed by the connection block and the fluid valve. The valve seats are sealed with the fluid valve in a fluid-tight manner.

[0024] The multiple partitions of the fluid connection unit make it possible to arrange additional elements between the two connection blocks. According to the present invention, the screw opening can extend laterally through one of the connection blocks, and a nut, in particular a hexagonal nut, is arranged at the end of the connection block facing the adjacent connection block. The nut is arranged between the two connection blocks so that it does not fall out when the connection blocks are separated from each other. In particular, the nut is located in a hexagonal recess, which is formed in one of the two connection blocks and is shaped to be complementary to the outer profile of the nut. The nut is installed in the connection block with very little play. Due to the shape of the nut and the recess complementary to the outer profile of the nut, no additional tool is required to keep the nut in place when inserting the screw. In addition, the nut provides the following advantages: it is not necessary to insert the threaded bushing into the mold before injection molding, and / or it is not necessary to insert the threaded bushing into the fluid connection unit by ultrasound, heating and / or threading.

[0025] According to the invention, a mounting plate comprising a valve assembly is also provided, a screw opening extending transversely through a connection block, a nut being arranged at the end of the connection block facing the adjacent connection block, a fastening screw extending through the mounting plate and the screw opening into the nut. Thus, according to the invention, the valve assembly can be fixed to the mounting plate by means of a fastening screw. The fastening screw extends in the screw opening, offset relative to a fluid connection arranged one above the other, so that the fastening screw does not extend through the fluid channel. The mounting plate can also be part of a machine or a system, so that the fluid unit can be mounted directly on the machine or the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following drawings, with reference to which:

[0027] - Figure 1 A perspective front view of a valve assembly according to the present invention is shown, the valve assembly having a fluid connection unit including two connection blocks and five fluid valves;

[0028] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional rear view of a fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks having a plurality of valve seats on their sides facing the fluid valve;

[0029] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a valve assembly;

[0030] - Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A schematic front view of a fluid valve;

[0031] - Figure 5shows a perspective front view of a connection block with five fluid connections according to the present invention;

[0032] - Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional front view of a valve connection unit having two connection blocks;

[0033] - Figure 7 A perspective front view of a fluid connection unit according to the present invention is shown, the fluid connection unit comprising three connection blocks, each of which has five fluid connections and is arranged one above the other;

[0034] - Figure 8 shows a perspective rear view of a fluid connection unit according to the invention, the fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks with three engagement formations designed as protrusions;

[0035] - Fig. 9 shows a perspective front view of a fluid connection unit according to the invention, the fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks with two joint formations designed as webs;

[0036] - Fig.10 shows a perspective front view of a fluid connection unit according to the invention, the fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks with three engagement formations designed as pins;

[0037] - Fig.11 shows a perspective rear view of a fluid connection unit according to the present invention in a non-assembled state, the fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks and three hooks designed as snap hooks;

[0038] - Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 A three-dimensional rear view of the fluid connection unit in an assembled state;

[0039] - Fig.13 A perspective front view of a fluid connection unit according to the present invention is shown, the fluid connection unit having two connection blocks and two nuts located in one of the two connection blocks;

[0040] - Fig.14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid connection unit according to the invention, which is attached to a mounting plate by means of fastening screws;

[0041] - Fig.15 shows a perspective rear view of a fluid connection unit according to the present invention in a disassembled state, the fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks with two reinforcement elements;

[0042] - Fig.16 Shows Fig.15A perspective front view of a detail of the fluid connection unit in an assembled state; and

[0043] - Fig.17 A perspective rear view of a fluid connection unit according to the invention in an assembled state is shown, the fluid connection unit comprising two connection blocks with two reinforcement elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 A valve assembly 10 is shown having five fluid valves 12 and a fluid connection unit 14 attached to the five fluid valves.

[0045] The fluid valve 12 is designed as a solenoid valve, in particular a flange valve, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 is shown and described in more detail in .

[0046] The fluid valve is designed as a two-way valve and has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet on one fluid side 16, through which fluid can flow into or out of the fluid valve 12. Therefore, the fluid valve 12 has two fluid passages, each of which can be used as a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet.

[0047] The five fluid valves 12 are arranged adjacent to each other along an alignment direction A corresponding to the x-direction and aligned so that one fluid passage is arranged at the top and the second fluid passage is arranged at the bottom. Thus, the fluid passages are arranged perpendicularly to the alignment direction A above one another.

[0048] The fluid valves 12 each have a drive side 18 , which is located opposite the fluid side 16 and to which a driver and / or a control unit (neither shown) may be attached.

[0049] The fluid valves 12 can be activated via electrical lines 20. In particular, each fluid valve 12 has a separate line 20 via which each fluid valve can be controlled independently of the other fluid valves 12.

[0050] The fluid valve 12 is in contact with the fluid connection unit 14 via the fluid side 16 and is mechanically coupled to the fluid connection unit 14 in a reversible manner.

[0051] The fluid connection unit 14 comprises a first connection block 22 which is arranged in the y-direction above a second connection block 24. The two connection blocks 22, 24 are injection moulded and rest against each other on a rest surface 26 and at least partially contact each other.

[0052] At this rest surface 26 , the two connection blocks 22 , 24 are mechanically and reversibly connected to one another by means of a joint formation.

[0053] The resting surface 26 has a plurality of engagement formations in the form of webs 28 and complementary grooves 30. The webs 28 are formed in one piece with the second connection block 24, making the second connection block a male connection block. The grooves 30 are located in the first connection block 22, making it a female connection block.

[0054] The webs 28 and the grooves 30 interact in such a way that the first connection block 22 is guided in the alignment direction A by the webs 28 of the second connection block 24 when the fluid connection unit 14 is assembled.

[0055] In addition, the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24 each have mutually opposing stops 32. These stops prevent, for example, the first connection block 22 from being pushed too far onto the second connection block 24 and protruding from the second connection block.

[0056] These stops 32 are attached laterally to each connection block 22 , 24 and extend in the y-direction so that in the assembled state the first connection block 22 contacts the stop 32 of the second connection block 24 and the second connection block 24 contacts the stop 32 of the first connection block 22 .

[0057] The connection blocks 22 , 24 each have a side 34 facing toward the fluid valve 12 and a side 36 facing away from the fluid valve 12 .

[0058] Via the side 34 facing the fluid valve 12 , the connection blocks 22 , 24 are in contact with the fluid valve 12 , more precisely with the fluid side 16 of the fluid valve 12 .

[0059] The first and second connection blocks 22, 24 are arranged to extend on the fluid side 16 of the fluid valves 12 along the alignment direction A. Therefore, both the first and second connection blocks 22, 24 are in contact with all five fluid valves 12. The fluid valves 12 and the connection blocks 22, 24 are aligned perpendicularly to each other.

[0060] On the side 36 facing away from the fluid valve 12 , each connection block 22 , 24 has a plurality of fluid connections 38 , which are designed as connection fittings. A hose through which a fluid can be conducted can be connected to each fluid connection 38 .

[0061] A straight fluid channel section 39 is formed inside the fluid connection 38 and extends into the connection blocks 22, 24. The straight fluid channel section 39 is perpendicular to the side 34 of the connection blocks 22, 24 facing the fluid valve 12.

[0062] The straight fluid channel sections 39 of all fluid connections 38 extend parallel to one another.

[0063] The fluid connections 38 are arranged to be positioned adjacent to each other in a row. Thus, each connection block 22, 24 has a single row of fluid connections 38.

[0064] The shape and size of the fluid connector 38 and the shape and size of the straight fluid channel section 39 can be varied as required and adapted to the respective application. The fluid connectors 38 of the connection blocks 22, 24 do not have to be designed identically, so that two adjacent fluid connectors 38 can have completely different sizes, shapes or diameters. The exact structure of the fluid connector 38 will be described later. Figure 3 Provide explanation.

[0065] The first connection block 22 has a total of four fluid connections 38 , while the second connection block 24 has a total of five fluid connections 38 .

[0066] Viewed from left to right, the first three fluid connections 38 are located directly above each other in a vertical arrangement in the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24. Thus, the imaginary connections between the fluid connections 38 are perpendicular to the alignment direction A.

[0067] In contrast, the fluid connections 38 arranged on the right side of the fluid connection unit 14 are not arranged directly above each other, because the first right connection block 22 has only one fluid connection 38, while the second right connection block 24 has two fluid connections 38 arranged adjacent to each other.

[0068] The one fluid connection 38 of the first connection block 22 is arranged substantially centrally above the two fluid connections 38 of the second connection block 24. Thus, the fluid connection 38 is in fluid communication with the two fluid valves 12.

[0069] In order to distribute the fluid between two fluid valves 12 , the first connection block 22 has a horizontal fluid channel section 40 adjoining the fluid connector 38 , via which the fluid can be conducted in the alignment direction A simultaneously to two adjacent fluid valves 12 .

[0070] Furthermore, on the side 36 of the connection blocks 22 , 24 facing away from the fluid valve 12 , these connection blocks have a reinforcement element 42 which is arranged between two fluid connections 38 on the side 36 of the connection blocks 22 , 24 facing away from the fluid valve 12 .

[0071] The reinforcement element 42 is designed as two pins which are attached perpendicularly to the alignment direction in a reinforcement element holder 44 and which additionally reinforce the connection between the two connection blocks 22 , 24 .

[0072] The reinforcing element holder 44 is attached externally to the connection blocks 22, 24 on the side 36 facing away from the fluid valve 12 or is formed integrally with the connection blocks. The reinforcing element holder is located between the two fluid connections 38 and is arranged such that in the assembled state it forms a continuous channel for the reinforcing element 42.

[0073] Figure 2 An isometric rear view of a fluid connection unit 14 is shown, wherein a fluid valve 12 is arranged above the fluid connection unit 14 , the fluid valve 12 being fastened to the fluid connection unit 14 and thus being mechanically connected to the fluid connection unit 14 .

[0074] Each fluid valve 12 has a cylindrical valve pin 48 in the region of at least two opposite corners, which valve pin 48 can be received in a receiving portion 46 of the connection blocks 22, 24. In this way, each fluid valve 12 is connected to the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24.

[0075] For this purpose, the connection blocks 22, 24 have a plurality of cylindrical receptacles 46. The cylindrical receptacles 46 are designed perpendicularly to the side 34 facing the fluid valve 12, and the valve pins 48 are perpendicularly to the fluid side 16 of the fluid valve 12.

[0076] The valve pin 48 has a thread, so that the fluid valve 12 can be screwed securely to the connection blocks 22, 24. This ensures that the fluid valve 12 is held particularly securely in the connection blocks 22, 24.

[0077] The straight fluid channel section 39 is arranged adjacent to the receptacle 46 for the valve pin 48 .

[0078] The straight fluid channel section 39 is surrounded by a valve seat 50 which is formed on the side 34 of the connecting blocks 22 , 24 facing the fluid valve 12 .

[0079] In particular, the valve seat 50 is configured such that a fluid-tight connection is formed between the fluid valve 12 and the fluid connection unit 14 after the fluid valve 12 has been plugged onto or attached to the fluid connection unit 14 .

[0080] After the fluid valve 12 is mounted on the fluid connection unit 14 , a continuous fluid passage 52 is formed that extends through the connection blocks 22 , 24 and the fluid valve 12 .

[0081] The continuous fluid passage 52 formed by the fluid connection unit 14 and the fluid valve 12 is Figure 2 Indicated by dotted lines are examples.

[0082] The continuous fluid passage 52 is only formed when the connection blocks 22, 24 are attached to the fluid valve 12. In other words, the connection blocks 22, 24 themselves do not have a closed fluid passage through which fluid is introduced on one side and discharged on the other side.

[0083] As in Figure 3It can also be clearly seen that the continuous fluid channel 52 extends from the fluid connector 38 through the first connecting block 22 or the second connecting block 24 to the fluid valve 12, and extends from the fluid valve 12 via the second connecting block 24 or the first connecting block 22 and the corresponding fluid connector 38 of the connecting blocks 22, 24 out of the valve assembly 10.

[0084] The continuous fluid channel 52 is therefore composed of two straight fluid channel sections 39 , optionally one or more horizontal fluid channel sections 40 , and a corresponding valve chamber 54 of the fluid valve 12 .

[0085] In order to seal the connection between the fluid connection unit 14 and the fluid valve 12 , the fluid valve 12 can have a sealing element 56 , for example an annular seal, in the connection region.

[0086] When the fluid connecting unit 14 is attached to the fluid valve 12, the fluid connecting unit 14 contacts the sealing element 56 of the fluid valve via the valve seat 50, so that a fluid-tight connection is formed between the fluid valve 12 and the fluid connecting unit 14, in particular, a fluid-tight connection is formed between the straight fluid channel section 39 and the fluid passage 58 of the fluid valve 12.

[0087] A switch element 60 in the form of a rocker is arranged inside the valve chamber 54, which blocks and seals the fluid passage 58 of the fluid valve 12 upon activation. The switch element 60 can be used to set whether the fluid is guided through the continuous fluid passage 52, that is, whether the fluid valve 12 is open or closed.

[0088] The switching element 60 is driven and controlled by a control and drive device (not shown) located on the drive side 18 of the fluid valve 12 .

[0089] The valve shown is therefore a solenoid valve, in particular a flange valve.

[0090] Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 10 in FIG. 1 also clearly shows the shape of the fluid connector 38 .

[0091] The fluid connection 38 is designed as a single piece with the connection blocks 22 , 24 . The fluid connection 38 comprises two different sections, a first section 62 and a second section 64 .

[0092] The first section 62 is the section of the fluid connection 38 that is farthest from the fluid valve 12 .

[0093] The first section 62 has a tapered outer profile defining at one end a connection opening 66. The cone of the first section 62 is designed to widen toward the side 34 facing the fluid valve 12 so that a hose from the connection opening 66 is first easily pushed onto the first section 62 and with increasing difficulty as the hose is pushed further onto the first section 62. Thus, the outer profile of the first section 62 is designed to taper in a tapered manner from the side 34 facing the fluid valve 12 to the side 36 of the fluid valve 12 facing away from the fluid valve 12.

[0094] The diameter of the connecting opening 66 corresponds to the constant diameter of the straight fluid channel section 39 .

[0095] The second section 64 is arranged between the first section 62 and the connection blocks 22 , 24 . The outer diameter of the second section 64 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first section 62 on the side 34 of the first section 62 facing the fluid valve 12 .

[0096] Therefore, a projection or undercut section 68 is formed on the first section 62 .

[0097] The connection blocks 22 , 24 also have a hose stop 70 , against which the hose, which has been pushed onto the first section 62 and the second section 64 of the fluid connection 38 , hits.

[0098] Figure 4 The fluid side 16 of a 2-way fluid valve 12 is shown with two fluid passages 58 , around each of which a sealing element 56 designed as an annular seal is arranged.

[0099] The two fluid passages 58 are arranged directly above each other, so they are not offset relative to each other. In other words, the two valve passages are perpendicular to each other.

[0100] Figures 5 to 7 An integrally formed connection block 22 and a plurality of connection blocks arranged one above the other which together form the fluid connection unit 14 are shown.

[0101] Figure 5 The connection block 22 represents the connection element 22, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The fluid connection unit 14 is manufactured based on this connection element 22 .

[0102] Figure 5 The connection block 22 has five fluid connections 38 arranged in a row adjacent to each other. The mold parting plane F indicated by the dashed line extends centrally through the fluid connections 38.

[0103] The arrangement of the mold parting plane through the center of the fluid connection 38 makes it possible to injection mold the connection blocks 22, 24 and then remove the connection blocks 22, 24 from the mold. If the connection blocks 22, 24 had several rows of fluid connections 38 extending parallel to each other, it would not be possible to remove the connection blocks 22, 24 from the mold due to the undercuts of the components between the rows of fluid connections.

[0104] The connecting block 22 and the second connecting block 24 are arranged one above the other, thereby forming Figure 6 The fluid connection unit 14 is provided.

[0105] Figure 6 The fluid connection unit 14 is adapted to be coupled to the 2-way fluid valve 12 , so each fluid connection 38 of the connection blocks 22 , 24 can be coupled to one of the two fluid passages 58 of the 2-way fluid valve 12 .

[0106] Figure 7 The fluid connection unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 comprises three connection blocks 22 , 24 , 72 and is therefore designed for a 3 / 2-way fluid valve 12 .

[0107] The third connecting block 72 is designed in exactly the same way as the first connecting block 22 or the second connecting block 24 .

[0108] The only special feature of the fluid connection unit 14 with a plurality of connection blocks 22, 24, 72 is that the central connection block 24 has two resting surfaces 26 with two engagement formations, so that the central connection block can be mechanically connected both to the first connection block 22 and to the third connection block 72. The connection between the connection blocks is established by means of engagement formations and / or hooks.

[0109] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown that the number of connection blocks 22 , 24 , 72 included in the fluid connection unit 14 depends only on the fluid valves 12 connected thereto.

[0110] In the case of a 2-way valve, the fluid connection unit 14 includes a first connection block 22 and a second connection block 24, while in the case of a 3 / 2-way valve, the fluid connection unit 14 must include a first connection block 22, a second connection block 24 and a third connection block 72 so that the fluid connector 38 can be assigned to each fluid passage 58.

[0111] In other words, the number of connection blocks 22 , 24 , 72 of the fluid connection unit 14 depends on how many fluid passages 58 the fluid valve 12 has.

[0112] Figures 8 to 13Various embodiments of the engagement formations are shown and provide the possibility of mechanically connecting the two connection blocks 22, 24 to each other. In each of the three embodiments shown in the figures, the assembly direction M in which the first connection block 22 is plugged or pushed onto the second connection block 24 is different. It is conceivable that several engagement formations can also be combined.

[0113] The connection of the connection blocks 22 , 24 is releasable again, so that individual connection blocks 22 , 24 can be replaced if necessary without having to replace the entire fluid connection unit 14 .

[0114] Figure 8 Shown are a first connection block 22 and a second connection block 24 which can be pushed into each other in the z direction perpendicular to the alignment direction A and thus form the fluid connection unit 14. The assembly direction thus corresponds to the z direction.

[0115] For this purpose, the first connection block 22 has a recess 74, and the second connection block 24 has a matching complementary protrusion 76. Therefore, the first connection block 22 is a female connection block, and the second connection block 24 is designed as a male connection block. Of course, the first connection block 22 can also be designed as a male connection block, and the second connection block 24 can also be designed as a female connection block.

[0116] The projection 76 and the recess 74 extend in the z-direction so that a displacement of the connection blocks 22 , 24 relative to each other in the alignment direction A in the x-direction is not possible.

[0117] The projection 76 has the shape of a dovetail and is designed in particular to form, on the side facing the first connection block 22 , a rest surface 78 which communicates with a bottom 80 of the recess 74 .

[0118] The bottom 80 of the recess 74 is larger than the recess opening 82 opposite the bottom 80. This can prevent Figure 8 The first connecting block 22 in the embodiment is removed upwards, ie in the y direction.

[0119] The fluid connection unit 14 can only be disassembled in the assembly direction M, ie in the z direction perpendicular to the alignment direction A.

[0120] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24 are also pushed onto each other, but in this case the assembly direction M coincides with the alignment direction A. Thus, the two connection blocks 22 , 24 are mounted in the alignment direction A, ie in the x-direction.

[0121] The first connection block 22 has a groove 30 and the second connection block 24 has a complementary web 28 .

[0122] Both the groove 30 and the web 28 extend over the entire length of the connection block 22, 24. Of course, it is also possible, for example, that the web 28 is subdivided into several partial regions so that the connection block 22, 24 has more than one web or more than one groove.

[0123] To simplify the assembly of the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24, the second connection block 24 has a second web 28 flush with a side 34 of the second connection block 24 facing the fluid valve 12. The first female connection block 22 has a matching second groove 30.

[0124] The two webs 28 of the second connecting block 24 represent guides for the first connecting block 22 .

[0125] In this embodiment, the connection blocks 22, 24 can be disassembled both in the x-direction and in the y-direction, since the web 28 has a constant thickness. Disassembly only in the z-direction towards the front is not possible.

[0126] Fig.10 A third possible embodiment for mounting the first connecting block 22 on the second connecting block 24 is shown.

[0127] To this end, both the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24 have pins 84 extending into complementary recesses 74 of the respective opposing connection blocks 22, 24. The first connection block 22 can be plugged onto the second connection block 24 from above in the y-direction using the pins 84. The assembly direction M is therefore in the y-direction.

[0128] The pin 84 may be used to prevent displacement of the two connection blocks 22, 24 relative to each other in the x-direction and the z-direction. Disassembly may only take place in the y-direction.

[0129] Fig.11 and Fig.12 A fourth possibility is shown how the first connecting block 22 can be connected to the second connecting block 24 in a mechanically releasable manner.

[0130] To this end, the first connection block 22 has an opening 86 into which a hook 88 of the second connection block 24 can be inserted. The hook 88 is designed as a snap hook and has a thickened portion 90 at one end of the hook 88.

[0131] For assembly, the hook 88 is positioned below the opening 86 and then guided in the y direction through the opening 86. Thereafter, the two connection blocks 22, 24 are displaced relative to each other in the x direction until the thickened portion 90 of the hook 88 elastically engages in an undercut 92 located in the first connection block 22 close to the opening 86 in the x direction.

[0132] The engagement of the thickened portion 90 in the undercut 92 prevents the two connection blocks 22 , 24 from being able to shift relative to each other in the alignment direction A after assembly.

[0133] Fig.12 Shown include Fig.11 The fully assembled fluid connection unit 14 of the two connection blocks 22, 24. The thickened portion 90 has engaged in the undercut 92, so that the two connection blocks 22, 24 are firmly connected to each other.

[0134] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown in , the second connection block 24 can receive a hexagonal nut 94 .

[0135] The nut 94 is arranged at the end of the connection block 24 facing the adjacent connection block 22. Therefore, the nut 94 is located between the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24, but is substantially completely received in the second connection block 24, so that the nut 94 is almost flush with the resting surface 26 of the second connection block 24.

[0136] The nut 94 is received in a recess 96 which is also configured hexagonally and prevents the nut 94 from rotating about its central axis.

[0137] As in Fig.14 It can be clearly seen in FIG. 2 that a screw opening 98 is present in one of the connection blocks 22 , 24 , in particular in the second connection block 24 . The screw opening 98 extends directly through the second connection block 24 and opens into a recess 96 for a nut 94 .

[0138] In particular, the screw opening 98 is unthreaded, since the nut 94 already has an (internal) thread in which the fastening screw 100 can engage.

[0139] The fluid connection unit 14 may be fastened to a mounting plate 102 by means of fastening screws 100 .

[0140] For this purpose, the fluid connection unit 14, in particular in the already assembled state, is placed on the mounting plate 102 with the nut 94 arranged between the two connection blocks 22, 24, and the fastening screw 100 is inserted from below through the mounting plate 102 into the screw opening 98 of the second connection block 24. As soon as the fastening screw 100 reaches the nut 94, the fastening screw 100 is screwed into the nut until the fluid connection unit 14 is firmly connected to the mounting plate 102.

[0141] Therefore, the fastening screw 100 extends into the nut 94 through the mounting plate 102 and the screw opening 98 of the second connection block 24. However, the fastening screw 100 may also extend further into the first connection block 22.

[0142] Fig.15 and Fig.16 The reinforcement element 42 and the reinforcement element holder 44 are shown in detail.

[0143] The two connection blocks 22, 24 each have two cylindrical reinforcing element holders 44 on the side 36 facing away from the fluid valve 12, thereby forming a shaft. The reinforcing element holders 44 and the connection blocks 22, 24 can be designed as a single piece or can be attached as separate elements.

[0144] In order to reinforce the connecting blocks 22 , 24 together and after the connecting blocks 22 , 24 have been connected to each other, a reinforcing element 42 in the form of a pin is inserted from above in the y direction perpendicular to the alignment direction A into the reinforcing element holder 44 until the reinforcing element 42 is fully received in the reinforcing element holder 44 .

[0145] For this purpose, the reinforcement element holder 44 can have a reinforcement element stop.

[0146] The reinforcement element 42 serves to prevent displacement of the connection blocks 22 , 24 in the alignment direction A, ie in the x-direction and in the z-direction.

[0147] This is particularly important in the case where the connection blocks 22, 24 have been mounted so that a movement in the alignment direction A or in the z-direction is still possible. This always occurs when the first connection block 22 and the second connection block 24 are connected to each other by means of the protrusion 76 or web 28 and the recess 74 or groove 30. In the case where the connection blocks 22, 24 are connected to each other by means of the hook 88, the reinforcement element can be used to reduce the transverse loads on the hook 88.

Claims

1. A valve assembly (10), comprising: at least two fluid valves (12), the fluid valves (12) being placed adjacent to each other along an alignment direction A and each having a drive side (18) and a fluid side (16), a fluid connection unit (14), the fluid connection unit (14) extending along the alignment direction A on the fluid side (16) of the fluid valve (12), The fluid connection unit (14) comprises at least two connection blocks (22, 24), each of the connection blocks (22, 24) extending on the fluid valve (12) along the alignment direction A and provided with a fluid connection piece (38), Each connection block (22, 24) is mechanically connected to an adjacent connection block (22, 24) and the fluid valve (12), and The connection block (22, 24) is configured as an injection-molded component, and a mold parting plane F of the connection block (22, 24) extends through the fluid connection (38) of the connection block (22, 24).

2. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that One of the connection blocks (22, 24) is provided with a hook (88) which engages in an opening (86) of an adjacent connection block (22, 24).

3. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The hook (88) is designed as a snap hook which engages elastically in an undercut (92) of an adjacent connecting block (22, 24).

4. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection blocks (22, 24) are provided with mutually opposing stoppers (32).

5. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection blocks (22, 24) are provided with complementary engagement formations, in particular at least one protruding web (28) and / or at least one protrusion (76) and / or at least one pin (84) on one of the connection blocks (22, 24) and a complementary groove (30) and / or a complementary recess (74) on an adjacent connection block (22, 24).

6. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection blocks (22, 24) are connected to one another in a direction transverse to the alignment direction A via a reinforcement element (42).

7. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The fluid connection (38) is designed as a connection fitting extending away from the corresponding connection block (22, 24).

8. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection block (22, 24) is provided with a valve seat (50) on a side (34) facing the fluid valve (12).

9. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that A screw opening (98) extends transversely through one of the connection blocks (22, 24) and has a nut (94) arranged at the end facing the adjacent connection block (22, 24).

10. A mounting plate (102) comprising the valve assembly (10) according to claim 9, a fastening screw (100) extending through the mounting plate (102) and the screw opening (98) into the nut (94).

Images