Multi-loop protective valve assembly and air treatment unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-loop protective valve assembly and an air treatment unit. The valve assembly (2) comprises an air inlet attached or integrated into a main housing (2b), a main outlet (6), a main supply line and a main relief valve for protecting the main outlet (6), and further comprises an extension (20) having an extension inlet (21) attached or integrated into an extension housing (25), an extension outlet (7), an extension line and an extension relief valve for protecting the at least one extension outlet (7), wherein the extension housing (25) is removably secured to the main housing (2b) such that the extension inlet (21) is fluidly connected to the auxiliary outlet (19) in the main housing (2b). The extension housing (25) is detachably fixed to the main housing (2b) by a hollow screw (30) having a cavity, said hollow screw (30) passing through the extension housing (25) and being screwed into the auxiliary outlet (19) such that the extension housing (25) is clamped to the main housing (2b), and the compressed air discharged through the auxiliary outlet (19) can be conducted to the extension overflow valve and the at least one extension outlet (7) through a cavity inside the hollow screw (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a multi-circuit protection valve assembly and an air handling unit comprising the multi-circuit protection valve assembly, the multi-circuit protection valve assembly being used in a pressurized air system, in particular a pneumatic supply system of an air handling unit of a commercial vehicle. Background Art

[0002] An electro-pneumatic system in a commercial vehicle typically comprises: a compressor; an air handling unit for providing drying and filtering of the compressed air delivered by the compressor; a multi-circuit protection valve assembly for distributing the dried and filtered compressed air to consumer circuits while separating these consumer circuits from each other. Thus, the consumer circuits particularly include pneumatic brake circuits, air suspension systems, etc. The air handling unit typically comprises one or more desiccant air dryer cartridges filled with a hygroscopic material such as particles. The compressed air is dried or dehumidified in a drying mode, and the dried compressed air is then supplied to a multi-circuit protection valve assembly, which distributes the dried compressed air to subsequent consumer circuits. The air dryer box can also be regenerated or purified in a regeneration mode, in which the air flows through the air dryer box in the opposite direction to the ventilation outlet.

[0003] The multi-circuit protection valve assembly generally includes several air circuits, and compressed air is distributed in these air circuits, wherein the compressed air is received via an air inlet and then supplied to several main outlets, each of which is connected to a certain consumption circuit. The compressed air is distributed via several main supply lines, each of which is connected to or can be connected to the air inlet, and each of which is connected to or can be connected to at least one main outlet. In addition, a main relief valve or a check valve is located in each main supply line for protecting the main outlet of the corresponding main supply line that is connected to or can be connected to the main outlet of the corresponding main supply line containing the main relief valve. Therefore, in the case of a pressure loss in a consumption circuit, the main relief valve prevents air from escaping from all consumption circuits. Thus, as long as the air pressure in the air inlet is lower than the opening pressure, the main relief valve or the check valve is in its closed position. Preferably, once the air pressure of the compressed air in the air inlet exceeds the opening pressure, the passing position of the corresponding main relief valve or the check valve is set. In the case of a pressure loss in a consumption circuit, the closed position is automatically set.

[0004] In addition, the air inlet, the main outlet, the main supply line and the main relief valve are attached to or integrated into the main housing of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly. In order to extend the multi-circuit protection valve assembly with additional protected ports or outlets, an extension portion can be provided, which has: an extension inlet for receiving compressed air; at least one extension outlet for discharging the received compressed air to a consumption circuit connected to the corresponding extension outlet; an extension line that is flow-connected or can be flow-connected to the extension inlet and the at least one extension outlet; and an extension relief valve, which is located in the extension line and is used to protect the at least one extension outlet that is flow-connected or can be flow-connected to the extension line containing the extension relief valve.

[0005] Each of these extension elements is attached or integrated into an extension housing, wherein the extension housing is detachably fixed to the main housing, so that the extension inlet is flow-connected to the auxiliary outlet in the main housing, wherein the auxiliary outlet is flow-connected or flow-connectable to said air inlet in the main housing. Thereby, the extension or the extension housing is screwed directly to the main housing via screws each penetrating the extension housing and the main housing. These housings are positioned to each other so that the extension inlet overlaps coaxially with the auxiliary outlet, thereby ensuring the flow connection.

[0006] Such a multi-circuit protection valve assembly or air handling unit, which already has several protected circuits and ports, is a very compact device having a specific or predetermined design resulting in a specific configuration of the main housing. Therefore, extending the device for providing additional extended ports or extended outlets protected by additional extended relief valves is not always possible because the size or design is limited in some way.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-circuit protection valve assembly and an air handling unit which allow functional extension in an easy, flexible and comfortable manner. Summary of the invention

[0008] This object is achieved by a multi-circuit protection valve assembly and an air handling unit according to the independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to the present invention, the multi-circuit protection valve assembly is characterized in that the extension housing is detachably fixed to the main housing by a hollow screw or a hollow bolt, the hollow screw or the hollow bolt having a cavity inside its shaft, wherein the hollow screw passes through the extension housing and is screwed directly into the auxiliary outlet, so that the extension housing is clamped to the main housing; and in the case where the extension relief valve is in its open state or through position, the compressed air discharged through the auxiliary outlet can be conducted to the extension relief valve and the at least one extension outlet through the cavity inside the hollow screw. Once the air pressure of the compressed air in the extension inlet or cavity exceeds the opening pressure, the through position is preferably set.

[0010] Thus, a multi-circuit protection valve assembly or an air handling unit can be easily expanded by adding an extension having at least one, preferably at least two or more protected extension ports or extension outlets, wherein the fixing means (i.e., a hollow screw) for fixing the extension or extension housing to the main housing simultaneously provides an air passage or cavity for intentionally directing the compressed air to the additional extension relief valve before the compressed air reaches the corresponding extension outlet. Thus, the hollow screw advantageously fulfills a dual function, namely the fixing of the extension and the reliable delivery of compressed air at the interface between the main housing and the extension housing. In addition, the coaxial positioning or overlap of the extension inlet and the auxiliary outlet is automatically ensured. Thus, a space-saving and functionally reliable expansion is provided, wherein the auxiliary outlet, which is not necessarily protected by a relief valve in the main housing, is extended in functionality by providing at least one, preferably at least two additional protected ports.

[0011] The invention also relates to an air handling unit comprising the claimed multi-circuit protection valve assembly and an air supply unit having a compressor port for connecting a compressor (providing compressed air), an air dryer cartridge for drying and filtering the received compressed air, operating valves (regeneration valve, purge valve, compressor valve) for setting the operating phase of the air supply unit (regeneration, drying, etc.), wherein the air supply unit is connected to the air inlet of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly. Furthermore, the air supply unit is at least partially attached to or integrated into the main housing to provide a compact unit.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the extension housing comprises a coupling portion having an inner chamber, the coupling portion having a first opening at a first terminal end, the first terminal end forming the extension inlet, wherein the hollow screw extends through the inner chamber and the end region of the hollow screw protrudes from the first opening of the inner chamber, wherein the end region comprises an external thread that is screwed into the auxiliary outlet for clamping the extension housing to the main housing via the hollow screw. This provides an easy way to couple the extension housing to the main housing by inserting the hollow screw into the extension housing and tightening the screw.

[0013] Preferably, the threaded end region of the hollow screw comprises an axial opening transitioning into the cavity for receiving compressed air from the auxiliary outlet. Thus, an easy way of directing compressed air from the auxiliary outlet into the cavity of the hollow screw is provided.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner chamber of the coupling part comprises a second opening at a second terminal end opposite to the first terminal end, wherein the hollow screw protrudes from the second opening, wherein the head of the hollow screw located opposite to the threaded end region contacts the second terminal end of the coupling part for clamping the extension housing to the main housing via the hollow screw. This provides an easy way to fix the extension part or the extension housing to the main housing, because once the hollow screw is tightened, the extension housing is automatically clamped between the head of the hollow screw and the auxiliary outlet.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the stem of the hollow screw between the head and the threaded end region is coaxially positioned inside the inner chamber of the coupling (and also coaxially with the auxiliary outlet), wherein the cavity extends coaxially through the stem and through the end region, wherein at least one radial opening is provided in the stem, which is in flow connection with the cavity inside the shaft, wherein the cavity is axially delimited to the head by an intermediate section joint or is integral with the head. This allows compressed air received from the auxiliary outlet through the axial opening in the end region to be guided through the cavity and subsequently out of the radial opening.

[0016] In particular, the extension housing further comprises a feed chamber, which preferably extends perpendicularly away from the inner chamber of the coupling portion, wherein the at least one radial opening in the rod provides a flow connection between the cavity inside the rod and the feed chamber in the extension housing, in particular, because the at least one radial opening at least partially overlaps with a feed opening in the feed chamber. Thus, compressed air provided in the cavity can be easily and reliably guided into the feed chamber through the radial opening, wherein the feed opening simultaneously connects the inner chamber with the feed chamber, thereby providing a simple assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, a feed chamber can be delimited by a movable piston which is part of the extension relief valve, such that the air pressure inside the feed chamber also acts on the piston, wherein the piston is guided in the extension housing and interacts with a spring which spring-preloads the piston against a valve seat with a certain spring force, in particular such that: as long as the spring-preloaded piston contacts the valve seat, a flow connection to the outlet channel leading to the at least one extension outlet is prevented, and as soon as the air pressure inside the feed chamber is high enough to lift the spring-preloaded piston from the valve seat against the spring force, a flow connection to the outlet channel leading to the at least one extension outlet is allowed.

[0018] This allows an extension relief valve to be easily implemented or integrated into an extension housing, wherein according to a preferred embodiment, the valve seat is positioned around the periphery of the terminal end of the outlet channel integrally formed in the extension housing, so that as long as the piston contacts the periphery of the terminal end, a flow connection between the feed chamber and the outlet channel is prevented. This is a simple way to allow or cut off a flow connection, wherein the feed chamber preferably coaxially surrounds the outlet channel, for example is cylindrical. Thereby, the cavity of the hollow screw, the feed chamber and the outlet channel can form an extension line of the extension.

[0019] According to another embodiment, at least a first valve opening and preferably at least a second valve opening are formed in the outlet channel for connecting the outlet channel to the at least one extension outlet, preferably to at least two extension outlets, thereby allowing a compact and simple construction of the extension. Furthermore, at least a fifth non-return valve is positioned in the first valve opening and preferably a sixth non-return valve is positioned in the second valve opening, thereby additionally securing the extension outlet.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the extension is additionally fastened to the main housing by means of a pin which is inserted into the extension housing of the extension and into the main housing for preventing the extension housing from tilting and / or twisting relative to the main housing. Thus, an additional fastening means is provided which ensures a durable function of the extension (preferably without interruption).

[0021] According to another embodiment, the pin is inserted (e.g., screwed, coupled, clamped) into a fastening recess in the extension housing and passes through a fastening opening in the main housing with a portion extending from the fastening recess. Preferably, the fastening recess is spaced apart from the extension inlet, and the fastening opening is spaced apart from the auxiliary outlet, so that twisting and / or tilting can be effectively prevented.

[0022] According to another embodiment, no main relief valve and extension relief valve are provided between the air inlet of the main housing and the auxiliary outlet in the main housing (or the extension inlet of the extension). Thus, the extension can be used to provide an additional protected circuit with at least one extension outlet, preferably at least two (or even more) extension outlets.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the multi-circuit protection valve assembly comprises at least four main relief valves in at least four main supply lines, and wherein the main housing is one-piece or multi-piece, comprising the at least four main relief valves and the at least four main supply lines, wherein the main housing preferably comprises up to seven main outlets. Thus, the extension allows an easy extension from seven ports to at least eight, preferably nine ports, and thereby comprises at least five protected circuits. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a pneumatic solution for air handling units including a multi-circuit protection valve assembly;

[0026] Figure 2 , Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of an air handling unit;

[0027] Figures 4 to 6 is a detailed view of an extended portion of a multi-circuit protection valve assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 The pneumatic scheme of an air handling unit 1 is shown, comprising a multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 and an air supply unit 3, the air supply unit 3 having a compressor port 3a, an air dryer cartridge 4 and operating valves 5 for setting different operating phases of the air supply unit 3. A compressor (not shown) can be connected to the compressor port 3a for providing compressed air, which is dried in the air dryer cartridge 4 before it is supplied to the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 via the air inlet 2a. Via the output side of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2, the dried compressed air is distributed to different consumer circuits C via the main outlet 6; 6a-6g and the extension outlet 7; 7a, 7b. These consumer circuits C can be, for example, (service, parking) brake circuits of commercial vehicles, air suspension systems with suspension bellows and lifting bellows, pneumatic actuation transmissions, trailer supply circuits and other possible pneumatic consumers.

[0029] Furthermore, the air dryer cartridge 4 can preferably be regenerated in a regeneration mode by, for example, taking air from the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 via a regeneration valve 5a as one of the operating valves 5 of the air supply unit 3 and purging via a purge valve 5b as another operating valve 5. Furthermore, a compressor valve 5c is provided as another operating valve 5, wherein the compressor valve 5c is used to shut down the compressor.

[0030] The air inlet 2a of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 is connected to a supply channel 10 that distributes dry compressed air to different main relief valves 11; 11a-11d protecting the main outlets 6; 6a-6g and to extension relief valves 12 protecting the extension outlets 7; 7a, 7b. Therefore, once the pressure in the supply channel 10 exceeds a predetermined opening pressure, each of the main relief valve 11 and the extension relief valve 12 is adapted to open to allow compressed air to flow to the corresponding main outlet 6 and extension outlet 7. In the event of a leak in one of the consumer circuits, the corresponding main relief valve 11 or extension relief valve 12 assigned to the main outlet 6 or extension outlet 7 leading to the leaking consumer circuit C is automatically switched to its closed position, preventing the leak from affecting other consumer circuits C.

[0031] The first main outlet 6a is protected by a first main relief valve 11a in a first main supply line 13a, and the second main outlet 6b is protected by a second main relief valve 11b in a second main supply line 13b. A bypass valve arrangement 14 comprising a first bypass valve 14a and a second bypass valve 14b is located between the first and second main supply lines 13a, 13b, wherein each bypass valve 14a, 14b is spring loaded and pressure controlled by these main supply lines 13a and 13b, thereby achieving pressure balance between these main supply lines 13a, 13b.

[0032] The double check valve arrangement 15 (comprising a first check valve 15a and a second check valve 15b) is arranged between the first main supply line 13a and the second main supply line 13b, behind the first main relief valve 11a and the second main relief valve 11b. The double check valve arrangement 15 allows air to be supplied to the pressure limiting valve 16 from both main supply lines 13a, 13b via the auxiliary line 16a, while ensuring that both main supply lines 13a, 13b remain separated from each other. The pressure limiting valve 16 supplies air to the third main relief valve 11c located in the third main supply line 13c and the fourth main relief valve 11d located in the fourth main supply line 13d. This allows protection of: the third main outlet 6c and the fifth main outlet 6e connected to the third main relief valve 11c; and the fourth main outlet 6d, the sixth main outlet 6f and the seventh main outlet 6g each connected to the fourth main relief valve 11d. In addition, the third check valve 17a and the fourth check valve 17b may be located before the fifth main outlet 6e and the sixth main outlet 6f, respectively.

[0033] In order to extend this pneumatic layout, which already has four protected circuits (11a-11d), with seven main ports or main outlets 6; 6a-6g (as shown in the present embodiment), an extension 20 is included in the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2. The extension 20 includes an extension inlet 21, which is connected to the supply channel 10 via an auxiliary outlet 19. The extension relief valve 12 is located in an extension line 22 emanating from the extension inlet 21. The extension relief valve 12 is connected to each extension outlet 7; 7a, 7b via an additional fifth check valve 18a and a sixth check valve 18b, respectively. Therefore, the air provided in the supply channel 10 is also supplied to the corresponding extension outlet 7; 7a, 7b protected by the extension relief valve 12, thereby providing a fifth protected circuit with two additional extension ports.

[0034] Furthermore, a control line 24 is connected to the supply channel 10, wherein the control line 24 leads to the regeneration valve 5a and the compressor valve 5c. In a corresponding switching position of the regeneration valve 5a or the compressor valve 5c, the control pressure in the control line 24 (or the supply channel 10) can be used to perform a corresponding function, for example, to provide air at the control pressure to regenerate the air dryer cartridge 4 or to switch the compressor.

[0035] As from Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 includes a main housing 2b, which is one-piece or multi-piece, for example, with several molded parts that are threaded or combined together. The main housing 2b can be made of, for example, resin, another plastic material or metal. The main housing 2b includes or surrounds the elements of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2, in particular, the air inlet 2a, the main outlet 6, the auxiliary outlet 19, the supply channel 10, the main overflow valve 11, the bypass valve device 14, the double check valve device 15, the pressure limiting valve 16, the check valve 17a, 17b, the pipeline 13, 16a, etc. However, the elements of the air supply unit 3 (in particular, the compressor port 3a, the operating valve 5, the air dryer cartridge 4, etc.) are also attached to or combined in the main housing 2b.

[0036] Furthermore, the extension 20 of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 is a separate part, which includes an extension housing 25, for example, a one-piece molded part made of, for example, resin, another plastic material or metal. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen that the extension housing 25 is detachably fixed to the main housing 2b via the auxiliary outlet 19. Thus, the extension housing 25 comprises a hollow cylindrical coupling portion 26, wherein the extension inlet 21 is formed by a first opening 27a at a first terminal end 26a of the coupling portion 26. The second terminal end 26b of the coupling portion 26 comprises a second opening 27b for receiving a hollow screw 30 or a hollow bolt.

[0037] The hollow screw 30 comprises: a closed head 31 at one end; a rod 32; and an end region 33 opposite the head 31, wherein the end region 33 has an external thread 33a on its outer surface. In addition, the end region 33 comprises an axial opening 34 (open in the axial direction A relative to the hollow screw 30), which transitions into a cavity 36, which extends axially through the end region 33 and the rod 32 of the hollow screw 30 and is axially delimited by an intermediate portion 37 joined to the head 31 or integral with the head 31. In addition, a number of radial openings 35 (open in the radial direction R relative to the hollow screw 30) are formed in the wall of the rod 32, which are fluidically connected to the cavity 36.

[0038] The hollow screw 30 can be axially inserted into the second opening 27b of the coupling 26 until the head 31 contacts the second terminal 26b of the coupling 26. In this position, at least the rod 32 is coaxially located in the cylindrical inner chamber 28 of the coupling 26 connecting the first opening 27a and the second opening 27b. In addition, the threaded end region 33 of the hollow screw 30 protrudes from the second opening 27b. This allows the hollow screw 30 to be screwed into the auxiliary outlet 19 of the main housing 2b after positioning the extension inlet 21 to be coaxial with the auxiliary outlet 19. Therefore, the auxiliary outlet 19 includes an internal thread 19a that matches the external thread 33a of the end region 33 of the hollow screw 30.

[0039] In the fully screwed state of the hollow screw 30, the coupling portion 26 is clamped between the auxiliary outlet 19 of the main housing 2b and the head 31 of the hollow screw 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the extension 20 can therefore first be attached to the main housing 2b via the hollow screw 30. In addition, the configuration of the hollow screw 30 allows compressed air from the supply channel 10 to flow sequentially through the axial opening 34, cavity 36, radial opening 35 of the hollow screw 30 and into the feed chamber 29.

[0040] The feed chamber 29 is formed in the extension housing 25, for example, extending vertically away from the cylindrical inner chamber 28 of the coupling portion 26 and the cavity 36 of the hollow screw 30 coaxially located therein. The cylindrical inner chamber 28 and the feed chamber 29 are flow connected via a feed opening 29a. In order to allow compressed air to flow from the cavity 36 inside the hollow screw 30 into the feed chamber 29, once the hollow screw 30 is in its screwed-in state, at least one radial opening 35 in the rod 32 of the hollow screw 30 at least partially overlaps with the feed opening 29a of the feed chamber 29. Thus, due to the formation of several radial openings 35 in the wall of the rod 32, it is ensured that: regardless of the final position of the hollow screw 30 after tightening, the required air flow from the cavity 36 to the feed chamber 29 can be provided, because at least one of the radial openings 35 always overlaps at least partially with the feed chamber 29 or the feed opening 29a.

[0041] On the opposite side of the feed opening 29a, the feed chamber 29 is closed or bounded by a spring preloaded piston 45, which is also part of the extension relief valve 12 integrated into the extension housing 25. The piston 45 is pressed against a valve seat 46, which is positioned around the periphery 47a of the terminal end 47b of the outlet passage 47, which is also integrally formed in the extension housing 25. In the embodiment shown, the feed chamber 29 coaxially surrounds the cylindrical outlet passage 47, the two being separated by an outlet wall 47c.

[0042] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the state of extended relief valve 12 shown, compressed air in feed chamber 29 cannot flow into outlet passage 47 because it is blocked by piston 45 contacting valve seat 46. However, once the air pressure in feed chamber 29 (and supply passage 10) is high enough to overcome the spring force of spring 48 preloading piston 45, piston 45 is lifted from valve seat 46, thereby allowing compressed air to flow from feed chamber 29 into outlet passage 47, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 Therefore, the cavity 36 inside the hollow screw 30 in the cylindrical inner chamber 28, the feed chamber 29 and the outlet passage 47 is an extended relief valve 12 located therein and based on Figure 1 The pneumatic scheme of the exemplary embodiment of the extension line 22 is described above.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the outlet channel 47 comprises two valve openings 47d, 47e. The fifth non-return valve 18a is placed in the first valve opening 47d, and the sixth non-return valve 18b is placed in the second valve opening 47e (e.g., via a threaded connection or similar method with the same effect). The non-return valves 18a, 18b individually terminate in respective extended outlets 7; 7a, 7b intended to be connected to respective consumption circuits C.

[0044] Thus, the extension 20 can be easily attached to the main housing 2b via the hollow screw 30 to extend the functionality of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly 2 by providing two additional extension outlets 7; 7a, 7b, which are protected from diffuse leakage. In the event of a pressure loss in the outlet channel 47 (e.g., due to such a leakage in a certain consumer circuit C connected to one of the extension outlets 7, 7a, 7b), the piston 45 is automatically pressed against the valve seat 46 by the spring force of the spring 48, thereby preventing a pressure loss in the feed chamber 29 and in the supply channel 10 connected to the feed chamber 29.

[0045] As from Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 6It can be seen that a first sealing member 40 (e.g., a sealing ring) is placed between the first terminal 26a of the coupling 26 and the auxiliary outlet 19, wherein the first sealing member 40 can be additionally fastened by bonding. A second sealing member 41 (e.g., a sealing ring) is placed or clamped between the second terminal 26b of the coupling 26 and the head 31 of the hollow screw 30. Both sealing members 40, 41 ensure an airtight seal of the extension 20.

[0046] As from Figure 3 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the extension 20 is additionally fastened to the main housing 2b by means of a pin 50 as a fastening means. The pin 50 is accommodated in a fastening recess 51 formed in the extension housing 25 of the extension 20, for example, in a hollow cylindrical fastening portion 52 integral with the extension housing 25. For example, the pin 50 can be screwed and / or coupled and / or snapped into the fastening recess 51. The pin 50 protrudes from the fastening recess 51 so that the pin 50 passes through a fastening opening 53 in the main housing 2b (for example, in a plate-like structure integral with the main housing 2b). This ensures that the extension 20 cannot be twisted and / or tilted relative to the main housing 2b.

[0047] List of reference numerals (part of the specification)

[0048] 1 Air handling unit

[0049] 2 Multi-circuit protection valve assembly

[0050] 2a Air inlet

[0051] 2b Main housing

[0052] 3 Air supply unit

[0053] 3a Compressor port

[0054] 4 Air dryer box

[0055] 5 Operating valve

[0056] 5a Regeneration valve

[0057] 5b Purge valve

[0058] 5c Compressor valve

[0059] 6 Main Exit

[0060] 6a First main exit

[0061] 6b Second main exit

[0062] 6c Third main exit

[0063] 6d Fourth main exit

[0064] 6e Fifth main exit

[0065] 6f Sixth main exit

[0066] 6g Seventh main exit

[0067] 7 Extended Exit

[0068] 7a First extension exit

[0069] 7b Second extended exit

[0070] 10 Supply channel

[0071] 11 Main relief valve

[0072] 11a First main relief valve

[0073] 11b Second main relief valve

[0074] 11c Third main relief valve

[0075] 11d Fourth main relief valve

[0076] 12 Extended relief valve

[0077] 13 Main supply line

[0078] 13a First main supply line

[0079] 13b Second main supply line

[0080] 13c Third main supply line

[0081] 13d Fourth main supply line

[0082] 14 Bypass valve device

[0083] 14a First bypass valve

[0084] 14b Second bypass valve

[0085] 15 Double check valve device

[0086] 15a First check valve

[0087] 15b Second check valve

[0088] 16 Pressure limiting valve

[0089] 16a Auxiliary pipeline

[0090] 17a Third check valve

[0091] 17b Fourth check valve

[0092] 18a Fifth check valve

[0093] 18b Sixth check valve

[0094] 19 Auxiliary exit

[0095] 19a Internal thread of auxiliary outlet

[0096] 20 Extension

[0097] 21 Extended entrance

[0098] 22 Extension pipeline

[0099] 24 Control pipeline

[0100] 25 Extended housing

[0101] 26 Connection

[0102] 26a First Terminal

[0103] 26b Second terminal

[0104] 27a First opening

[0105] 27b Second opening

[0106] 28 Inner Room

[0107] 29 Feeding Room

[0108] 29a Feed opening

[0109] 30 Hollow Screw

[0110] 31 Head of hollow screw 30

[0111] 32 Hollow screw 30 rod

[0112] 33 End region of hollow screw 30

[0113] 33a External thread of end region 33

[0114] 34 Axial opening

[0115] 35 Radial opening

[0116] 36 chambers

[0117] 37 Middle part

[0118] 40 first sealing member

[0119] 41 Second sealing member

[0120] 45 Piston

[0121] 46 Valve seat

[0122] 47 Exit Channel

[0123] 47a Surroundings of terminal 47b

[0124] 47b Terminal of exit channel 47

[0125] 47c Exit wall

[0126] 47d First valve opening

[0127] 47e Second valve opening

[0128] 48 Spring for extending relief valve 12

[0129] 50 Pins

[0130] 51 Fastening recess

[0131] 52 Fastening portion of extension housing 25

[0132] 53 Fastening opening

[0133] A Axial direction

[0134] C Consumption circuit

[0135] R Radial direction.

Claims

1. A multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2), the multi-circuit protection valve assembly being used in a pressurized air system of a commercial vehicle, the multi-circuit protection valve assembly comprising: - an air inlet (2a) for receiving compressed air; - at least two main outlets (6) for discharging the received compressed air to at least two consumer circuits (C), each of the at least two consumer circuits (C) being connected to a respective main outlet (6); at least two main supply lines (13), each main supply line (13) being fluidly connected or capable of being fluidly connected to the air inlet (2a) and each main supply line (13) being fluidly connected or capable of being fluidly connected to at least one of the main outlets (6) for distributing the compressed air to the at least two main outlets (6); as well as at least two main overflow valves (11), each of which is located in one of the main supply lines (13) for protecting the main outlet (6) which is flow-connected or flow-connectable to the corresponding main supply line (13) containing the main overflow valve (11), wherein the air inlet (2a), the main outlet (6), the main supply line (13) and the main relief valve (11) are attached to or integrated into the main housing (2b) of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2), The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) further comprises an extension portion (20), wherein the extension portion (20) has - an extended inlet (21) for receiving compressed air; - at least one extension outlet (7) for discharging the received compressed air into a consumption circuit (C), the consumption circuit being connected to the respective extension outlet (7); - an extension line (22) which is fluidically connected or fluidically connectable to the extension inlet (21) and the at least one extension outlet (7); and an extension relief valve (12) located in the extension line (22) for protecting the at least one extension outlet (7) which is flow-connected or flow-connectable to the extension line (22) containing the extension relief valve (12), Each of the extension inlet (21), the at least one extension outlet (7), the extension line (22) and the extension relief valve (12) is attached or integrated into an extension housing (25), wherein the extension housing (25) is detachably fixed to the main housing (2b) so that the extension inlet (21) is fluidly connected to the auxiliary outlet (19) in the main housing (2b), wherein the auxiliary outlet (19) is fluidly connected or can be fluidly connected to the air inlet (2a) in the main housing (2b), It is characterized in that The extension housing (25) is detachably fixed to the main housing (2b) by a hollow screw (30) having a cavity (36), wherein the hollow screw (30) passes through the extension housing (25) and is screwed into the auxiliary outlet (19), - causing the extension housing (25) to be clamped to the main housing (2b); and - enabling the compressed air discharged through the auxiliary outlet (19) to be conducted to the extension relief valve (12) and the at least one extension outlet (7) through the cavity (36) inside the hollow screw (30).

2. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The extension housing (25) comprises a coupling portion (26) having an inner chamber (28) with a first opening (27a) at a first terminal end (26a), the first terminal end (26a) forming the extension inlet (21), wherein the hollow screw (30) extends through the inner chamber (28), and an end region (33) of the hollow screw (30) protrudes from a first opening (27a) of the inner chamber (28), Therein, the end region (33) comprises an external thread (33a) which is screwed into the auxiliary outlet (19) for clamping the extension housing (25) to the main housing (2b) via the hollow screw (30).

3. A multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 2, wherein the threaded end region (33) of the hollow screw (30) includes an axial opening (34), which transitions into the cavity (36) for receiving compressed air from the auxiliary outlet (19).

4. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The inner chamber (28) of the coupling portion (26) includes a second opening (27b) at a second terminal end (26b) opposite to the first terminal end (26a), wherein the hollow screw (30) protrudes from the second opening (27b), The head (31) of the hollow screw (30) located opposite to the threaded end region (33) contacts the second terminal (26b) of the connecting portion (26) for clamping the extension housing (25) to the main housing (2b) via the hollow screw (30).

5. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The shaft (32) of the hollow screw (30) between the head (31) and the threaded end region (33) is coaxially positioned inside the inner chamber (28) of the coupling part (26), wherein the cavity (36) extends coaxially through the rod (32) and through the end region (33), Therein, at least one radial opening (35) is provided in the rod (32), wherein the at least one radial opening (35) is in flow connection with the chamber (36) inside the rod (32).

6. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 5, wherein: The extension housing (25) further comprises a feed chamber (29), which preferably extends vertically away from the inner chamber (28) of the coupling portion (26). The at least one radial opening (35) in the rod (32) provides a flow connection between the cavity (36) inside the rod (32) and the feed chamber (29) in the extension shell (25), in particular because the at least one radial opening (35) at least partially overlaps with the feed opening (29a) in the feed chamber (29).

7. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 6, wherein: The feed opening (29a) connects the inner chamber (28) and the feed chamber (29).

8. A multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the feed chamber (29) is delimited by a movable piston (45), the piston (45) being part of the extended relief valve (12), so that the air pressure inside the feed chamber (29) also acts on the piston (45), The piston (45) is guided in the extension housing (25) and interacts with a spring (48) which preloads the piston (45) against the valve seat (46), in particular such that: - preventing flow connection to the outlet channel (47) leading to the at least one extended outlet (7) as long as the spring-preloaded piston (45) contacts the valve seat (46), and - Allowing flow connection to the outlet channel (47) leading to the at least one extended outlet (7) as soon as the air pressure inside the feed chamber (29) is high enough to lift the spring-preloaded piston (45) from the valve seat (46).

9. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 8, wherein: The valve seat (46) is positioned around the periphery (47a) of the terminal end (47b) of the outlet channel (47) integrally formed in the extension housing (25) so that a flow connection between the feed chamber (29) and the outlet channel (47) is prevented as long as the spring-preloaded piston (45) contacts the periphery (47a) of the terminal end (47b).

10. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 9, wherein: The feed chamber (29) coaxially surrounds the outlet channel (47) and is, for example, cylindrical.

11. A multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least a first valve opening (47d) and preferably at least a second valve opening (47e) are formed in the outlet channel (47) for connecting the outlet channel (47) to the at least one extension outlet (7; 7a), preferably to at least two extension outlets (7; 7a, 7b).

12. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 11, wherein at least a fifth check valve (18a) is positioned in the first valve opening (47d), and Preferably a sixth non-return valve (18b) is positioned in said second valve opening (47d).

13. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein: At least the cavity (36) of the hollow screw (30) and the feed chamber (29) form an extension line (21) of the extension part (20).

14. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The extension part (20) is also fastened to the main housing (2b) by a pin (50), and the pin (50) is inserted into the extension housing (25) of the extension part (20) and into the main housing (2b) to prevent the extension housing (25) from tilting and / or twisting relative to the main housing (2b).

15. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to claim 14, wherein: The pin (50) is inserted into a fastening recess (51) in the extension housing (25) and passes through a fastening opening (53) in the main housing (2b).

16. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: No main relief valve (11) and no extended relief valve (12) are provided between the air inlet (2a) in the main housing (2b) and the auxiliary outlet (19) in the main housing (2b).

17. The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) comprises at least four main relief valves (11; 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) in at least four main supply pipelines (13; 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), and The main housing (2b) is one-piece or multi-piece, comprising at least four main overflow valves (11; 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) and at least four main supply pipelines (13; 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), Wherein the main housing (2a) preferably comprises up to seven main outlets (6; 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g).

18. An air handling unit (1), comprising: A multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims; and an air supply unit (3), the air supply unit (3) having a compressor port (3a) for connecting a compressor, an air dryer cartridge (4), an operating valve (5) for setting an operating phase of the air supply unit (3), Wherein, the air supply unit (3) is connected to the air inlet (2a) of the multi-circuit protection valve assembly (2).

19. The air handling unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein: The air supply unit (3) is at least partially attached to the main housing (2b) or integrated into the main housing (2b).

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