Valve assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve assembly, comprising a valve assembly which has a valve support which has a valve mounting position, which is equipped with an electrically actuatable passage valve. A plurality of valve support fluid channels are formed in the valve support, and the valve support fluid channels are at least partially integrated fluid channels which open to each valve equipment position and are in fluid connection with each channel valve. According to the invention, a communication channel is formed in the valve holder, in which a communication harness having at least one electronic component is arranged, with which the mounted channel valve is in electrical contact for the purpose of the electrical actuation thereof. At least one integrated fluid channel opens out to a cooling module installation site of the valve carrier, where a cooling module is mounted. The cooling module is penetrated by a cooling channel structure, which provides a fluid connection between the integrated fluid channel and the communication channel, through which fluid pressure medium separated from the integrated fluid channel can be introduced as a cooling medium into the communication channel for cooling the at least one electronic component.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve assembly,

[0002] - having a valve assembly with a valve support extending along a main axis in a main direction and a plurality of electrically actuable passage valves (also sometimes referred to as directional valves or changeover valves),

[0003] - wherein the valve support has a mounting surface with a plurality of mounting positions arranged successively in the main direction, at least a plurality of which are configured as valve mounting positions, at which one of the passage valves can be or is respectively mounted,

[0004] - wherein a plurality of valve support fluid passages through which a fluid pressure medium can flow are configured in the valve support, and the valve support fluid passages are at least partially collective fluid passages extending in the main direction The collective fluid passages lead out to each valve mounting position and the collective fluid passages are fluidly connected to the passage valves mounted at the valve mounting positions,

[0005] - and wherein a communication passage extending in the main direction is configured in the valve support, and in this communication passage there is arranged an electrical communication harness having at least one electronic structural element and connected or connectable to an electronic control device, and the mounted passage valves are in electrical contact with this communication harness in the region of their respectively associated valve mounting positions. Background Art

[0006] A valve assembly of this type known from EP 2 047 111 B1 has a valve assembly called a valve battery, which has a plate-shaped valve support equipped with a plurality of electrically actuable passage valves called valve units. The passage valves are mounted on valve mounting positions of the valve support and are provided for manipulating a coupled fluid-operated actuator by controlled introduction and discharge of a fluid pressure medium. The fluid pressure medium is in particular compressed air. In a cavity configured in the valve support and which can be called a communication passage, there extends an electrical communication harness called an interconnecting circuit board, with which all passage valves are in electrical contact and which is provided for transmitting electrical control signals provided by an electronic control device to the passage valves for required manipulation. The fluid pressure medium used by the passage valves in their use is guided through valve support fluid passages configured in the valve support, and the valve support fluid passages are partially collective passages, which allow collective introduction and discharge of the pressure medium and lead out to all valve mounting positions.

[0007] The communication harness of the valve assembly can be equipped with one or more electronic structural elements, which can, for example, enable decentralized data processing and / or undertake electrical signal distribution in the case of fieldbus control. However, temperature places certain limits on the electronic equipment, because in the case of overheating, functional impairments can occur, which can affect the operational safety of the entire valve assembly. High operating temperatures can be caused by the heat dissipation of the electronic structural elements themselves and / or by the electrical actuators of the channel valves, such as solenoid valves. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is based on the task of taking measures that reduce the risk of temperature-induced functional impairments in the case of a valve assembly.

[0009] This task is solved according to the invention in combination with the features mentioned at the beginning by

[0010] - at least one of the mounting positions of the valve support is configured as a cooling module mounting position, at which a cooling module passed through by a cooling channel structure of the valve assembly can be installed or is installed,

[0011] - wherein, by means of the cooling channel structure of the installed cooling module, a fluid connection can be provided or is provided between at least one collective fluid channel leading out of the fluid channel of the valve support to the cooling module mounting position and the communication channel, and the fluid pressure medium branched off from the collective fluid channel can be introduced as a cooling medium into the communication channel through this fluid connection in the case of implementing a cooling flow for cooling at least one electronic structural element of the electrical communication harness.

[0012] In this way, the valve support is provided with at least one mounting position, referred to as a cooling module mounting position for better distinction, which is suitable for mounting a cooling module for the valve assembly existing in addition to the channel valve according to the invention. The mounting surface of the valve support for providing the mounting positions can define only a single or multiple cooling module mounting positions, the latter providing the feasibility that, in the case of increased cooling requirements, multiple cooling modules can be simultaneously provided for the valve assembly. At least one of the fluid channels of the valve support configured as a collective fluid channel leads to all the mounting positions and thus also to the at least one cooling module mounting position, so that the fluid pressure medium present in this collective fluid channel during the operation of the channel valve can be extracted by the cooling module mounted there at the relevant cooling module mounting position. The above-mentioned collective fluid channel can be, for example, an exhaust channel used for the exhaust of the channel valve and / or for the exhaust of a fluid actuator connected to the channel valve and especially also in communication with the ambient atmosphere, or a supply channel for the fluid supply of the channel valve, which is connected to an external pressure source providing the fluid pressure medium during the operation of the valve assembly. For use by the cooling module, for example, only a single collective channel or also multiple collective channels of different types in particular can lead to the cooling module mounting position. The fluid pressure medium extracted by the installed cooling module from one or more collective fluid channels is introduced by the cooling module as a cooling medium into a communication channel for cooling purposes. For this purpose, a fluid channel structure called a cooling channel structure is constructed in the cooling module, which is supplied by at least one of the collective fluid channels leading out at the cooling module mounting position and leads out into the communication channel. Thus, the cooling module can carry out a cooling operation, which causes a cooling flow in the communication channel, and the effective cooling of the electronic structural elements of the electrical communication harness is caused by this cooling flow, so that even in the case of excessive heat generation during the operation of the valve assembly, functional damage is not unexpectedly caused.

[0013] Although the invention can be implemented in the case of using any gaseous or also liquid pressure medium, the invention is preferably used in the case of using compressed air as the fluid pressure medium, so that a cooling air flow is obtained as the cooling flow, and this cooling air flow can be guided past the electronic structural elements to be cooled without special protective measures.

[0014] Advantageous refinements of the invention result from the dependent claims.

[0015] Advantageously, the cooling module has a module base surface at which the cooling channel structure exits and which faces the cooling module mounting position that bears the cooling module in the mounted state of the cooling module. In this way, it is possible to directly establish the necessary fluid connections not only to the collective channel serving as the cooling medium source but also to the communication channel by placing the cooling module at the valve support. This does not require laying additional fluid pipelines. Preferably, the cooling module is releasably fastened at the valve support in the mounted state, in particular by means of a threaded connection.

[0016] The collective fluid channel that exits to the cooling module mounting position and is fluidly connected to the cooling channel structure of the installed cooling module is advantageously an exhaust channel that is originally in communication with the ambient atmosphere for exhaust purposes. Such an exhaust channel can also be referred to as an exhaust gas channel in combination with compressed air as the fluid pressure medium.

[0017] The above-mentioned exhaust channel can be arranged, for example, for discharging the pressure medium that can be controlled by the channel valve, i.e., compressed air flowing back from the connected fluid-operated actuator, for example. This measure is particularly suitable for non-pre-controlled, directly operated channel valves.

[0018] If the channel valve of the valve assembly is an electrohydraulic pre-controlled channel valve (which is preferably the case), as the exhaust channel from which the cooling medium is extracted, the collective channel of the valve support, which is preferably referred to as the pre-control exhaust channel for better distinction, is advantageously used. The pre-control exhaust channel is arranged independently of the cooling function according to the invention for exhausting the electro-maneuverable pre-control valve device of the channel valve, which can also be referred to as pre-control exhaust. In the case of an electro-pneumatic pre-controlled channel valve, in this way, the exhaust gas of the pre-control valve device is introduced as the cooling medium into the pre-control exhaust channel during each exhaust switching process.

[0019] The pre-control exhaust channel generally communicates directly with the ambient atmosphere via a pre-control exhaust port arranged at the valve support in the case of valve assembly use in order to discharge the exhaust gas of the pre-control valve device. Although this can in principle be retained when the cooling medium is extracted from the pre-control exhaust channel, in this case it is appropriate to close the pre-control exhaust port so that the entire pre-control exhaust gas can be used as the cooling medium for introduction into the communication channel. For this purpose, the valve assembly advantageously has a closing element, for example constructed as a closing plug, which can be fitted or is fitted to the pre-control exhaust port. The exhaust of the pre-control valve device can then occur through the communication channel with a simultaneous cooling effect. Instead of closing the existing pre-control exhaust port, it can also be arranged that the pre-control exhaust port does not exist at all at the valve support from the factory.

[0020] The cooling channel structure of the cooling module suitably has, in the context mentioned above, a cooling channel, which for better distinction is called the exhaust cooling channel, which in the installed state of the cooling module is on the one hand connected to the exhaust channel of the valve support designed as a combined fluid channel and on the other hand leads into the communication channel.

[0021] Since the pressure medium accumulated during the exhaust process is generally not fed to other applications, the following cooling process is recommended, namely that whenever an exhaust process occurs, this cooling process automatically starts, so that there is a permanent use of the exhaust gas for cooling purposes. In this case, an explicit actuation for starting the cooling flow can be dispensed with. In this regard, it is suitable to construct the exhaust cooling channel as a fluid channel through which the cooling medium can flow purely depending on the pressure difference, which fluid channel can always effect or allow a cooling flow when there is a higher pressure in the exhaust channel connected to the fluid channel than in the communication channel. In particular in this regard, however, it is in principle also generally advantageous to connect a check valve into the exhaust cooling channel, which check valve (apart from the response threshold determined in principle) allows unhindered flow in the direction towards the communication channel, but prevents the reverse fluid flow into the exhaust channel. In this way, the reaction of a possible back pressure that may build up in the communication channel or in the supply cooling channel described below can be prevented.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous to connect a gas-permeable filter into the exhaust cooling channel of the cooling channel structure, which filter traps the pollutants that may be contained in the cooling medium and in this way prevents the communication channel and especially the communication wiring harness contained therein from being contaminated. This design is particularly advantageous when the cooling channel structure has only an exhaust cooling channel in order to be able to effect a cooling flow or, in addition to the exhaust cooling channel, has a supply cooling channel described below that is not connected to the exhaust cooling channel.

[0023] Preferably, the combined fluid channel leading to the cooling module installation location and fluidly connected to the cooling channel structure of the installed cooling module is the supply channel of the valve support, which is designed to supply a fluid pressure medium to an electrically actuable channel valve. This supply channel is connected to an external pressure source that provides a fluid pressure medium during operation of the valve assembly, which pressure source is in particular a compressed air source.

[0024] The supply channel mentioned above can be a valve support fluid channel that provides a controllable fluid pressure medium for the channel valve for actuating a fluid-operated actuator that is connected. However, when the channel valves (which each have a pre-control valve device supplied with pressure medium via a special pre-control supply channel) have an electrohydraulic and in particular electrohydraulic pre-control structural type in the manner already explained above, the cooling medium suitable for the cooling module is extracted from the pre-control supply channel. The pre-control supply channel leads not only to the valve installation location but also to at least one cooling module installation location.

[0025] Since the collective fluid channels serving as supply channels are permanently under overpressure in the ready-to-operate state of the valve assembly, while the cooling of the communication harness is not permanently necessary in most cases, the cooling channel structure of the cooling module that connects the supply channel and the communication channel, and is called the supply cooling channel for better differentiation, suitably has an externally controlled structural type in terms of the flow cross-section available for use. In this way, a particularly energy-efficient cooling is feasible, in which the consumption of the pressure medium can be limited to the time when there is actually a cooling requirement. This is preferably achieved by means of a controllable shut-off valve being incorporated into the course of the supply cooling channel, said shut-off valve being in particular a 2 / 2-way valve and being able to selectively block or open the supply cooling channel in particular depending on the temperature.

[0026] In a particularly simple structure that does not require electrical control, the shut-off valve is equipped with an actuating device using shape memory alloy or bimetal, which responds directly to the temperature present in the communication channel. In this way, a direct temperature-controlled actuation of the shut-off valve can be achieved without electrical control measures.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous alternative structure, the shut-off valve associated with the supply cooling channel has an electrically actuatable structural type for its actuation. Suitably, an electronic control device takes over the actuation of the shut-off valve, to which the communication harness is connected in any case in the ready-to-operate state of the valve assembly. The generation of the electrical control signal for the shut-off valve is suitably carried out using a temperature sensor implemented as part of the communication harness, which provides an electrical temperature signal that can be evaluated by the electronic control device. The temperature sensor can be an independent sensor or directly integrated into the electronic structural element to be cooled. For example, at least one electronic structural element is a processor, which is internally equipped for temperature detection, so that the temperature can be directly queried at the critical location and, if necessary, can react thereto with regard to the activation of the cooling function.

[0028] As already mentioned, the valve assembly is suitably equipped with an electronic control device to which the communication harness can be connected or at least to which it is connected when the valve assembly is in use. The electronic control device can be integrated into the valve assembly or arranged externally in this regard. The control device provides, for example, the feasibility that the temperature threshold for the actuation of the shut-off valve can be variably preset.

[0029] The temperature-dependent control signal for the shut-off valve mentioned above does not necessarily have to be generated in the electronic control device, but for this purpose the direct electrical communication harness can be equipped with a corresponding separate control electronics.

[0030] Advantageously, a gas-permeable filter is connected to the supply cooling channel of the cooling channel structure, which filter intercepts contaminants that may be contained in the cooling medium and in this way prevents the communication channel and in particular the communication wiring harness contained therein from being contaminated. This design is particularly advantageous when the cooling channel structure has only a supply cooling channel in order to enable a cooling flow or, in addition to the supply cooling channel, has an exhaust cooling channel as described above that is not connected to the supply cooling channel.

[0031] In the case of at least one cooling module, the cooling channel structure can include only one exhaust cooling channel or only one supply cooling channel. However, a dual configuration with both an exhaust cooling channel and a supply cooling channel is particularly suitable. Here, the cooling by means of the exhaust cooling channel can be permanently effective and the cooling by means of the supply cooling channel can be effective only when needed. In this way, continuous and consistent basic cooling can be achieved, which can be temporarily enhanced in the event of temperature peaks.

[0032] For the cooling module, a preferred structural arrangement extraction unit related to the dual cooling function and an introduction unit attached to the extraction unit are provided. The extraction unit is penetrated not only by the exhaust cooling channel but also by the supply cooling channel, which on the one hand exits at the module base surface of the cooling module in such a way that it is connected to the exhaust channel or the supply channel of the valve support when the cooling module is installed and can extract the fluid pressure medium as the cooling medium from the valve support. Via the introduction unit, the extracted pressure medium is introduced as the cooling medium into the communication channel. The introduction unit suitably includes a blocking module with the blocking valve already mentioned above and a passing-through module arranged between the blocking module and the extraction unit. The exhaust cooling channel passes only through the passing-through module in the introduction unit and ends with a cooling medium outlet opening constructed at the passing-through module. In contrast, the supply cooling channel passes through both the passing-through module and the blocking valve in the introduction unit, and the supply cooling channel also ends with the above-mentioned cooling medium outlet opening, so that the exhaust cooling channel and the supply cooling channel are associated with a common cooling medium outlet opening. Suitably, the two cooling channels mentioned above have a common length section that ends with the cooling medium outlet opening and that will also be referred to below as the common output channel section. Since the exit of the cooling medium is concentrated at the passing-through module, in the case of an electrically actuable structural type, the blocking valve can be very simply electrically contacted via the blocking module in order to receive the electrical control signals necessary for its operation.

[0033] If present, a gas-permeable filter is suitably arranged in the common output channel section of the exhaust cooling channel and the supply cooling channel that has a common cooling medium outlet opening. The filter can intercept contaminants that may be contained in the cooling medium and in this way prevent the communication channel and in particular the communication wiring harness contained therein from being contaminated.

[0034] In principle, in the case of a cooling module equipped with an electrically actuable shut-off valve, there are the following advantages, namely, it can come into contact with an electrical communication harness in a manner comparable to that of an electrically actuable channel valve and can obtain its electrical control signal via the communication harness in the same way as the channel valve. Suitably, the valve assembly is constructed accordingly.

[0035] Preferably, each cooling module mounting position equipped with a cooling module is formed by a valve mounting position suitable for mounting one of the electrically actuable channel valves. Therefore, the valve support is preferably provided with mounting positions of a unified structure and communicating with the collective channels of the valve support in the same way as each other, and all of these mounting positions are valve mounting positions, that is, they can be respectively equipped with channel valves. In addition, however, each mounting position can also be used as a cooling module mounting position when needed, so that a cooling module can be installed in place of the channel valve at that position. In this way, a high variability with the following feasibility is obtained, that is, the cooling module can be installed at a particularly suitable location. Suitably, in order to make electrical contact with at least one cooling module, the contact elements of the communication harness that exist according to the standard for contacting the channel valve can be respectively used, so that the contact measures can be realized extremely cost-effectively.

[0036] Obviously, there is also the following feasibility without any problem, that is, the mounting surface of the valve support is provided with special mounting positions for on the one hand the channel valve and on the other hand at least one cooling module, and the cooling module mounting position can be structurally different from the valve mounting position.

[0037] In order to use a fluid-actuated actuator during operation, at least one and in particular two valve support fluid channels configured as separate working channels suitably lead out to each valve mounting position, and the valve support fluid channels are fluidly connected to the electrically actuable channel valve installed at the relevant valve mounting position. On the other hand, each working channel leads to a working opening constructed externally at the valve support, and a fluid-actuated actuator that can be controlled by the channel valve can be connected to this working opening, in particular by means of a flexible fluid line.

[0038] When the valve mounting position is used as a cooling module mounting position, generally not all of the valve support fluid channels leading out at the valve mounting position are necessary for the cooling function. It is suitable that the cooling module has a covering section, and through this covering section, when the cooling module is installed, the valve support fluid channels that are not used for the cooling function and in particular are not in fluid communication with the cooling channel structure are closed. The cooling module can, for example, have a covering section that covers and closes the channel openings of the valve support fluid channels that are not used for cooling purposes, and in particular there is also the same for avoiding fluid leakage from the intermediate seal.

[0039] For shielding the electrical components contained therein and for avoiding contaminants, the communication channel is suitably bounded all around by the channel walls of the components configured as valve seats. However, in order to have a very effective cooling flow with efficient heat dissipation, at least one discharge channel is suitably configured in the valve assembly, through which the communication channel is connected to the ambient atmosphere and through which the cooling medium can escape to the ambient atmosphere after flowing past the communication harness.

[0040] The discharge channel is suitably provided with a gas-permeable filter, which prevents the undesired intrusion of contaminants from the outside and which is, for example, made of sintered material. Alternatively, a muffler can also be installed, which additionally has the advantage that the escaping cooling air does not generate disturbing noise.

[0041] The discharge channel can be configured in a feasible design in the channel wall of the valve seat that bounds the communication channel. Such a discharge channel is also referred to as a valve seat discharge channel for better distinction. In the case where the wall thickness of the channel wall of the communication channel is relatively small, the module seat discharge channel can be formed, for example, by a simple, short wall perforation of the channel wall.

[0042] The discharge channel configured in the discharge module of the valve assembly is particularly advantageous, wherein at least one of the mounting positions of the valve seat is configured as a discharge module mounting position, and the discharge module can be installed or mounted at this discharge module mounting position when occupying the use position. In the case of the discharge module installed at the discharge module mounting position, the discharge channel, which is also referred to as a module discharge channel for better distinction, is fluidly connected to the communication channel via at least one insertion opening, so that the cooling medium can escape to the ambient atmosphere through at least one discharge opening of the discharge module after flowing through the communication channel.

[0043] Preferably, at least one insertion opening is located at one of the two module protrusions of the discharge module on the end side, and the module protrusions are respectively sunk into the wall perforations of the valve seat leading to the communication channel when the discharge module is installed at the associated discharge module mounting position.

[0044] Suitably, the discharge module mounting position equipped with the discharge module is formed by a mounting position suitable for being equipped with one of the electrically actuable channel valves. Preferably, each arbitrary valve mounting position can be used as a discharge module mounting position.

[0045] Obviously, there is also the feasibility, without any problem, of equipping the mounting surface of the valve seat with a separate mounting position for the discharge module, wherein the discharge module mounting position can be structurally different from the valve mounting position.

[0046] Regarding a sequence of equipment positions extending in a main direction within a valve assembly, it is advantageous that the first equipment position in the sequence of equipment positions is equipped with a cooling module and the last equipment position in the sequence of equipment positions is equipped with a discharge module, since in this way the communication channel can be loaded by a cooling flow over at least approximately its entire length. The cooling flow can enter in the region of one channel end and leave in the region of the other channel end.

[0047] The valve support is preferably of multi-piece construction, where the valve support suitably has a support body with an equipment face. The support body preferably has a plate-shaped outer contour. In a possible structural form, the support body is of one-piece construction. A segmented structure of the support body in the main direction is particularly advantageous, where the support body has a plurality of support body segments arranged in series with each other in a sealed manner in the main direction, and at least one of the equipment positions is respectively constructed at the support body segments. The collective channel is assembled in this case in particular from the perforations in series of the support body.

[0048] The valve support suitably has closing modules at its two axial end sides for closing the communication channel respectively. At least one of the closing modules can be equipped with an electromechanical interface unit, with which a communication wiring harness makes contact and which is arranged for connecting to the mentioned electronic control device.

[0049] The communication wiring harness suitably includes a circuit board assembly equipped with at least one electronic structural element to be cooled, which circuit board assembly consists of a single circuit board or of a plurality of circuit boards arranged in series and in particular plugged together. Description of the Drawings

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention is shown, with an isometric presentation of an advantageous valve assembly equipped with a plurality of channel valves, a cooling module and a discharge module illustrated in the disassembled state, where additionally a fluid-operated actuator controllable via the valve assembly is schematically shown, which actuator is connected to the valve assembly via two fluid lines and where an optional closing element for a pre-control exhaust port of the valve support is illustrated.

[0052] Figure 2 For use according to Figure 1 The valve assembly is shown in a top view of the valve assembly with the viewing direction of arrow II from Figure 1 where the electronic control device suitably present for electrically controlling the valve assembly is also shown.

[0053] Figure 3 According to from Figure 2 、4 Cross-section line III-III of 5 shows the valve assembly from Figure 1 and 2 in a longitudinal section, where the cooling flow that can be caused by the cooling module is illustrated by arrows,

[0054] Figure 4 According to cross-section line IV-IV from Figure 3 the cross-section of the valve assembly from Figures 1 to 3 is shown in the area of the installed cooling module, where the cooling flow generated by the pressure medium extracted by the pre-control exhaust passage is illustrated by arrows,

[0055] Figure 5 According to cross-section line V-V from Figure 3 another longitudinal section of the valve assembly is shown, where the cooling flow generated by the pressure medium extracted by the pre-control supply passage is illustrated by arrows,

[0056] Figure 6 According to Figure 1 arrow VI-VI from Figures 1 to 5 a separate view of the cooling module belonging to the valve assembly of

[0057] Figure 7 According to cross-section line VII-VII from Figure 6 the longitudinal section of the cooling module is shown,

[0058] Figure 8 According to cross-section line VIII-VIII from Figure 7 the cross-section of the cooling module is shown in the area of the penetration module,

[0059] Figure 9 According to cross-section line IX-IX from Figure 7 another cross-section of the cooling module is shown in the area of the blocking module,

[0060] Figure 10 An isometric view shows a separate view of the discharge module belonging to the valve assembly of Figures 1 to 9 ,

[0061] Figure 11 According to the viewing direction of arrow XI from Figure 10 the top view of the discharge module is shown, and

[0062] Figure 12 According to cross-section line XII-XII from Figure 3 and 11 the cross-section of the valve assembly is shown in the area of the installed discharge module. Detailed implementation

[0063] The valve assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 1 in the drawing, comprises a multi-piece valve assembly 2 having a plurality of electrically actuable passage valves 3 which, for their actuation purposes, can be electrically controlled by means of an electronic control device 4 which preferably also belongs to the valve assembly 1. The electronic control device 4 can be integrated into the valve assembly 2, but is preferably constructed separately in this respect corresponding to the illustration, so that an external electronic control device 4 can be referred to.

[0064] A preferred use purpose of the valve assembly 1 is the controlled actuation of at least one fluid-actuated drive 5, wherein in Figure 1 such a fluid-actuated drive 5 is schematically depicted in one embodiment as a double-acting working cylinder. The fluid-actuated drive 5 has a drive housing 5a and a follower element 5b which can reciprocate in the case of the stroke movement indicated by the double arrow, and which separates two drive chambers from one another in the drive housing 5a, each of which is connected to the valve assembly 2 via one of two fluid lines 6a, 6b. The connected drive chambers can be selectively loaded with fluid pressure medium or vented via the two fluid lines 6a, 6b in order to cause a stroke movement of the follower element 5b. The fluid pressure medium which can be controlled by the valve assembly 2 is preferably compressed air.

[0065] The valve assembly 2 is equipped with a plurality of electrically actuable passage valves 3 which are arranged in rows in the direction of the axis, designated the main direction 7a, of the main axis 7 of the valve assembly 2. A dedicated fluid-actuated drive 5 can be connected to each passage valve 3 for its controlled actuation.

[0066] The valve assembly 2 preferably comprises a multi-piece valve support 8 which extends in the main direction 7a and which has a mounting surface 13 on its upper side 11 (which points in the vertical direction 12a which is oriented perpendicular to the main direction 7a), on which the passage valves 3 are preferably detachably mounted. The vertical direction 12a is the axis direction of the vertical axis 12 of the valve assembly 2. The mounting surface 13 lies in a plane which is orthogonal to the vertical axis 12.

[0067] Exemplarily, the mounting surface 13 is located at a support body 14 of the valve support 8, which support body can be a one-piece body, which one-piece body is, however, exemplarily segmented and assembled from a plurality of support body segments 14a which are placed one on top of the other in the main direction 7a and are fastened to one another by fixing means not further illustrated.

[0068] The first closing module 15 is connected to the support body 14 in the region of the front side on the end side and the second closing module 16 of the valve support 8 is connected to the support body 14 in the region of the opposite dorsal side. The closing modules 15, 16 and the support body 14 are suitably screwed to each other. Exemplarily, the first closing module 15 is constructed in a two-piece manner in the manner described below and the second closing module 16 is constructed in a one-piece manner.

[0069] The first closing module 15 has an electromechanical interface unit 17 to which the electronic control device 4 can be connected and in the ready-to-run state of the valve assembly 1 according to Figure 2 is electrically connected to this interface unit via the electrical cable assembly 19.

[0070] In Figure 2 the equipment surface 13 covered by the installed channel valve 3 is divided into a plurality of equipment surface sections called equipment positions 18 that are arranged successively in the main direction 7a.

[0071] When the support body 14 is segmented in the described manner, there is suitably exactly one equipment position 18 at each of the support body sections 14a, where however at least one support body section 14a can also unproblematically have a plurality of equipment positions 18.

[0072] At least a plurality of the equipment positions 18 are valve equipment positions 18a, which are constructed and suitable for being able to install the channel valve 3 operatively therein. In the illustrated embodiment, apart from the first equipment position 18 immediately following the first closing module 15 in the sequence of equipment positions 18 and the last equipment position 18 arranged next to the second closing module 16, all the existing equipment positions 18 are used as valve equipment positions 18a and are equipped with the channel valve 3.

[0073] At the first equipment position 18 adjacent to the first closing module 15, which is exemplarily not equipped with the channel valve 3, a cooling module 21, which is explained in more detail below, is operatively installed. The feasibility of its installation results from the fact that the aforementioned foremost equipment position 18 is constructed as a cooling module equipment position 18b suitable for being equipped with the cooling module 21.

[0074] At the last equipment position 18 in the sequence of equipment positions 18, which is exemplarily not equipped with the channel valve 3 and is adjacent to the second closing module 16, an optionally existing discharge module 111, which is explained in more detail below, is operatively installed. The feasibility of its installation results from the fact that the aforementioned last equipment position 18 is constructed as a closing module equipment position 18c suitable for being equipped with the closing module 111.

[0075] It is preferred and exemplary that this is actually the case, i.e., all equipment positions 18 are configured to be suitable for valve equipment positions 18a respectively equipped with the channel valve 3, which can additionally be used as cooling module equipment positions 18b or as discharge module equipment positions 18c respectively. Correspondingly, each equipment position 18 provides the feasibility of selectively installing either the electrically actuable channel valve 3 or the cooling module 21 or the discharge module 111 there. It is appropriate here that all equipment positions 18 are designed identically to each other, which applies to the illustrated embodiment. Generally speaking, most of the equipment positions 18 are used as valve equipment positions 18a and usually only a single equipment position 18 is used as the cooling module equipment position 18b and only another single equipment position 18 is used as the discharge module equipment position 18c. However, in the case of increased cooling requirements, multiple equipment positions 18 can also be used as cooling module equipment positions 18b and / or as discharge module equipment positions 18c respectively.

[0076] Each channel valve 3 has an electric valve actuator 22, which can be controlled by an electric control signal hereinafter referred to as a valve control signal in order to set one of the multiple feasible switching states of the channel valve 3. The valve control signal originates from the electronic control device 4 and can be fed to the valve actuator 22 via the electrical communication harness 23 of the valve assembly 2, which extends in the main direction 7a inside the valve support 8. The valve support 8 delimits a channel-shaped cavity, which is shielded from the surrounding environment and which is referred to as the communication channel 24 for better distinction.

[0077] The communication channel 24 extends in the main direction 7a in the valve support 8, wherein the communication channel exemplarily passes through the support body 14 and is closed at the front side by the first closing module 15 and at the back side by the second closing module 16. Here, the communication channel is spatially separated from the surrounding environment by a channel wall 25 jointly formed by the two closing modules 15, 16 and the support body 14. The communication harness 23 arranged in the communication channel 24 is thus shielded and protected from external environmental influences.

[0078] The communication harness 23 has at least one electronic structural element 26, which can be arranged at any position of the communication harness 23. The communication harness 23 can have only a single electronic structural element 26 or also multiple electronic structural elements 26. At least one electronic structural element 26 is, for example, a processor or a microcomputer, which is preferably implemented by means of an electronic chip.

[0079] Preferably, the communication harness 23 includes a circuit board assembly 27 extending in the main direction 7a, which is equipped with at least one electronic structural element 26. The circuit board assembly 27 extends exemplarily in a main extension plane orthogonal to the vertical axis 12.

[0080] Exemplarily, the communication harness 23 extends into the first closing module 15, in the region of which it makes electrical contact with the electromechanical interface unit 17. Via electrical conductors, in particular designed as conductive tracks, of the communication harness 23, the interface unit 17 is in contact with at least one electronic structural element 26 and furthermore with a plurality of valve contact elements 28 for the electrical contacting of the communication harness 23 with the channel valves 3.

[0081] Each valve mounting position 18b is associated with a valve contact element 28 of the communication harness 23 which is located inside the communication channel 24 and which is expediently positioned in the communication channel 24 below the respectively associated valve mounting position 18a in the vertical direction 12a. Each valve actuator 22 of a channel valve 3 has at least one and, exemplarily, two electrical contact units 30 which, in the case where the channel valve 3 is installed, pass through at least one wall perforation 32a, 32b, which is constructed in the channel wall 25 at the associated valve mounting position 18a, and make electrical contact with one of the valve contact elements 28 of the communication harness 23. This is shown in Figure 2 and 3 Exemplarily, these are the first wall perforation 32a and the second wall perforation 32b. The contacting of the valve contact element 28 takes place either directly or, according to the illustrated embodiment, via a valve contacting device 31 which is fastened to the communication harness 23. This can be seen particularly well in Figure 3 In this way, electrical valve control signals can be conveyed via the communication harness 23 to the valve actuators 22 of the individual channel valves 3.

[0082] A plurality of fluid channels are constructed in the valve support 8, which for better differentiation are referred to as valve support fluid channels 33. A plurality of the valve support fluid channels 33 are fluid channels referred to as collective fluid channels 34, which extend in the valve support 8 in the main direction 7a and which each open out via a collective fluid channel opening 35 into each of the valve mounting positions 18a. Each collective fluid channel 34 can, depending on its type of use, effect the collective introduction of fluid pressure medium into all valve mounting positions 18a or the collective discharge from all valve mounting positions 18a.

[0083] Exemplarily, two supply channels 36 and three exhaust channels 37 are present below the collective fluid channels 34.

[0084] One of the two supply channels 36 is a pre-control supply channel 36a, which is in communication with a pre-control supply port 38 which is accessible outside the valve support 8, to which an external pressure source, also referred to for better differentiation as the pre-control pressure source PV, can be connected or coupled. One of the exhaust channels 37 is a pre-control exhaust channel 37a, which is connected to a pre-control exhaust port 39 which is accessible outside the valve support 8 and which is in communication with the ambient atmosphere R.

[0085] When the channel valve 3 has an electro-fluidic pre-control structural type corresponding to the illustrated embodiment (in which the corresponding valve actuator 22 is configured as an electro-manipulable pre-control valve device 42 and the channel valve 3 furthermore has a main valve 43 combined with the pre-control valve device 42 into a structural unit, and the associated pre-control valve device 42 is provided for fluid manipulation of the main valve), a pre-control supply channel 36a and a pre-control exhaust channel 37a are applied. Both the pre-control supply channel 36a and the pre-control exhaust channel 37a lead out at each valve mounting position 18a with a collective fluid channel orifice 35 and communicate with an internal pre-control valve channel of the pre-control valve device 42 of the channel valve 3 mounted there, which is not shown, in order to introduce or discharge the pressure medium required for the pre-control manipulation of the main valve 43.

[0086] Each main valve 43 has a valve slide 44 shown in the drawing only in one of the main valves 43 as a dashed line, which can be moved into different switching positions by the controlled application of fluid force by means of the associated pre-control valve device 42 in order to preset different switching states of the associated channel valve 3.

[0087] The main valve 4 has a plurality of internal valve channels not further illustrated, which lead out at a valve base surface 45 of the channel valve 3 and in particular of the main valve 43 opposite the associated valve mounting position 18a with the channel valve 3 installed, with valve channel orifices also not further illustrated. The valve channel orifices are arranged such that they each communicate with one of the collective fluid channel orifices 35, which exist in addition to the collective fluid channel orifices 35 of the pre-control supply channel 36a and the pre-control exhaust channel 36b. Specifically, here it is the collective fluid channel orifice 35 of the valve support fluid channel 33 which is provided with the prefix "main" for better distinction. The valve support fluid channel 33 comprises a main supply channel 36b and two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c. The main supply channel 36b is connected to a main supply port 46 accessible outside the valve support 8, to which a pressure source P can be connected and is connected during operation of the valve assembly 1, which pressure source supplies the fluid pressure medium, in particular compressed air, to be controlled by the channel valve 3. The pressure source P can be the same as the pre-control pressure source PV. The two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c are connected to a main exhaust port 47 accessible outside the valve support 8, which is permanently in communication with the ambient atmosphere R.

[0088] Furthermore, two additional valve support fluid channels 33 lead out to each valve mounting position 18a, which are separate, non-connected working channels 48. Each working channel 48 has a working channel orifice 49 arranged at the associated mounting position 18 and is furthermore in fluid connection with a working opening 52 accessible outside the valve support 8. According to Figure 1One of two fluid lines 6a, 6b leading to the fluid-operated actuator 5 can be connected to two working openings 52 respectively.

[0089] The valve slide 44 can be positioned in at least two switching positions by the pre-control valve device 42, in which the main supply channel 36b, two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c and two working channels 48 are interconnected in different configurations. In particular, the two working channels 48 can be alternately connected to the main supply channel 36b and one of the two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c, so as to cause alternate reverse ventilation and exhaust of the two drive chambers of the fluid-operated actuator 5 and accordingly cause the stroke movement of its follower link 5b.

[0090] The pressure medium required to operate the main valve 43 or its valve slide 44 is sourced from the pre-control supply channel 36a and is conveyed to the pre-control valve device 42 via at least one of the pre-control valve channels already mentioned inside the associated channel valve 3. The exhaust of the pre-control valve device 42 takes place via the pre-control exhaust channel 37a using the other of the pre-control valve channels already mentioned. All pre-control valve devices 42 are supplied with pressure medium via the same pre-control supply channel 36a and exhausted via the same pre-control exhaust channel 37a, resulting in the corresponding naming of the collective fluid channel 34.

[0091] The pre-control valve device 42 exemplarily comprises two 3 / 2-channel valves not further illustrated in detail, which are in particular solenoid valves. Its electrical control is carried out via the communication harness 23 as already mentioned.

[0092] When the channel valve 3 is configured for direct electrical operation or in the case of a pre-control structural type, the pressure medium for the pre-control valve device 42 branches off from a valve channel connected to the main supply channel 36b inside the main valve 43, the pre-control supply channel 36a can be dispensed with.

[0093] When the channel valve 3 has a directly electrically operable structural type or the exhaust of the pre-control valve device 42 takes place directly at the channel valve 3 relative to the ambient atmosphere, the pre-control exhaust channel 37a can be dispensed with.

[0094] The cooling module 21 mentioned above is used to cool one or more electronic structural elements 26 of the communication harness 23, wherein the fluid pressure medium used to operate the channel valve 3 is used as the cooling medium. The cooling module 21 can branch off the fluid pressure medium from at least one of the collective fluid channels 34 of the valve support 8 and introduce it into the communication channel 24 in order to generate a cooling flow 53 that passes over the communication harness 23 and thus over at least one electronic structural element 26, causing heat dissipation.

[0095] In the usage positions capable of implementing a cooling function involved in this specification, the cooling module 21 is installed at a cooling module installation position 18b formed by one of the equipment positions 18. For fixing, a plurality of fixing threaded fasteners 54 are exemplarily applied.

[0096] Since the cooling module installation position 18b is preferably formed by one of the valve installation positions 18a corresponding to the illustrated embodiment, its implementation manner includes the fluid channel openings existing therein and is consistent with the implementation manner of the above-described valve installation position 18a. Correspondingly, the cooling module installation position 18b has a combined fluid channel opening 35 of a pre-control supply channel 36a, a pre-control exhaust channel 37a, a main supply channel 36b, and two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c, as well as working channel openings 49 of two working channels 48. In addition, at the cooling module installation position 18b, there are two wall perforations 32a, 32b in the channel walls 25 leading to the communication channel 24. Regarding the construction of the cooling module installation position 18b, the above description of the valve installation position 18a is correspondingly applicable, so a repetition is omitted.

[0097] The cooling module 21 has a module base surface 55 at the lower side of the module. The cooling module is mounted in front at the associated cooling module installation position 18b with this module base surface. The cooling module 21 is penetrated by a fluid channel assembly configured to generate a cooling flow 53 and thus called a cooling channel structure 56. The fluid channel assembly consists of one or more combined fluid channels and provides a fluid connection between at least one of the combined fluid channels 34 exiting at the cooling module installation position 18b of the valve support 8 and the communication channel 24, so that a fluid pressure medium, especially compressed air, can be separated from the relevant combined fluid channel 34, and this fluid pressure medium can be introduced into the communication channel 24 as a cooling medium in the case of implementing the cooling flow 53 for cooling the at least one electronic structural element 26.

[0098] The cooling module 21 has at least one and exemplarily exactly one cooling medium outlet opening 59, which belongs to the cooling channel structure 56 and exits into the communication channel 24 when the cooling module 21 is installed. The pressure medium extracted from at least one of the combined fluid channels 34 can leave at this cooling medium outlet opening and flow into the communication channel 24 as a cooling medium.

[0099] Exemplarily, only the pre-control supply channel 36a and the pre-control exhaust channel 37a in the existing collective fluid channel 34 are used in terms of the cooling module 21. The cooling channel structure 56 has two cooling channel outlets 57, 58 that open out at the module base surface 55, which are referred to as the exhaust cooling channel outlet 57 and the supply cooling channel outlet 58 for better distinction and which are fluidly connectable or connected to the cooling medium discharge opening 59 via the cooling channel structure 56. The exhaust cooling channel outlet 57 is opposite the collective fluid channel outlet 35 of the pre-control exhaust channel 37a, and the supply cooling channel outlet 58 is opposite the collective fluid channel outlet 35 of the pre-control supply channel 36a. The sealing structure 61 joined between the module base surface 55 and the equipment surface 13 enables a leak-free fluid crossover between the pre-control exhaust channel 37a and the exhaust cooling channel outlet 57 on the one hand and between the pre-control supply channel 36a and the supply cooling channel outlet 58 on the other hand.

[0100] All other fluid channel outlets present at the cooling module installation position 18b (which are not used for the cooling function of the cooling module 21, exemplarily these are the collective fluid channel outlets 35 of the main supply channel 36b and the two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c and the working channel outlets 49 of the two working channels 48) are fluidly sealed by the cooling module 21, especially in cooperation with the sealing structure 61 if present. For this purpose, the cooling module 21 has a covering section 62 in the region of its module base surface 55, which covers the above-mentioned fluid channel outlets. The working channel outlets 49 do not necessarily have to be covered by the covering section 62 because they are non-functional here and do not contain pressure medium.

[0101] Therefore, for the cooling function of the cooling module 21, exemplarily only the following fluid pressure medium is used, which accumulates or flows in the pre-control exhaust channel 37a designed as a collective fluid channel 34 and in the pre-control supply channel 36a also designed as a collective fluid channel 34 during the operation of the valve assembly 1.

[0102] The following feasible embodiments of the present invention are not illustrated in the drawings, in which the cooling medium branches off from at least one of the main supply channel 36b and / or from the main exhaust channels 37b, 37c. This is the case especially when neither the pre-control supply channel 37a nor the pre-control exhaust channel 37b exists, which are used for the operation of the valve assembly 2.

[0103] In order to derive the effective heat from the communication channel 24, at least one discharge channel 63 is suitably constructed in the valve assembly 2, which provides a free fluid connection between the communication channel 24 and the ambient atmosphere surrounding the valve assembly 2. The cooling medium can, after realizing the cooling function, according to Figure 1 、 3The arrows in 12 emerge from the communication channel 24 through the discharge channel 63 into the atmospheric environment.

[0104] To prevent contaminants from entering the communication channel 24 from the outside through at least one discharge channel 63, it is advantageous for the discharge channel 63 to be provided with a filter 64, which is, for example, composed of a microporous sintered material. The filter 64 can be a compact filter element, which is inserted into the discharge channel 63 in a space-saving manner. Alternatively, a diaphragm can be used as the filter 64, which is permeable to gases but impermeable to liquids and solids.

[0105] Preferably, at least one discharge channel 63 is constructed in the discharge module 111 mentioned above. This provides the following advantageous feasibility, that is, the discharge channel 63 can be realized without constructing any additional fluid channel structures at the valve seat 8. The discharge channel 63 of the discharge module 111 is also referred to as the module discharge channel 63a below for better distinction. The discharge module 111 is installed at the discharge module mounting position 18c formed by one of the mounting positions 18 in its use position. For fixing, a plurality of fixing threaded fasteners 113 are exemplarily applied.

[0106] Since the discharge module mounting position 18c preferably consists of one of the valve mounting positions 18a corresponding to the illustrated embodiment, its implementation form, including the fluid channel openings present therein, is consistent with that of the valve mounting position 18a described above. The discharge module mounting position 18c accordingly refers to Figure 12 a combined fluid channel opening 35 having a pre-control supply channel 36a, a pre-control exhaust channel 37a, a main supply channel 36b, and two main exhaust channels 37b, 37c, and a working channel opening 49 of two working channels 48. In addition, two wall perforations 32a, 32b are present at the discharge module mounting position 18c in the channel wall 25 leading to the communication channel 24, which are used for its electrical contact with the communication harness 23 when equipped with a channel valve 3. Regarding the construction of the discharge module mounting position 18c, the above description of the valve mounting position 18a also applies accordingly, so a repetition is omitted.

[0107] The discharge module 111 has a module base surface 114 at the lower side of the module. The discharge module is mounted in front at the associated discharge module mounting position 18c with this module base surface in its use position.

[0108] The discharge module 111 is penetrated by the module discharge channel 63a already mentioned. The module discharge channel 63a has at least one insertion opening 112 at the module base surface 114 and at least one discharge opening 115 at the module outer surface that is not covered in the installed state of the discharge module 111, exemplarily at the upper module outer surface 116 (which is at the module upper side of the discharge module opposite to the module base surface 114). For example, the discharge opening 115 can also be arranged at one of the two end-side module outer surfaces.

[0109] Exemplarily, the module discharge channel 63a has exactly one insertion opening 112 and exactly one discharge opening 115.

[0110] At least one insertion opening 112 is arranged at the module base surface 114 such that it is in fluid connection with the communication channel 24 when the discharge module 111 is installed in the use position, so that the entry of the cooling medium can be achieved according to Figure 12 the arrow shown.

[0111] The fluid channel openings of the valve seat 8 present at the discharge module mounting position 18c are not for the cooling medium discharge function of the discharge module 111. Therefore, they are fluid-tightly closed by the discharge module 111, especially in cooperation with the sealing structure 117 between the module base surface 114 and the mounting surface 13. For this purpose, the discharge module 111 has a covering section 118 in the region of its module base surface 114, which covers the above-mentioned fluid channel openings. The working channel opening 49 does not necessarily have to be covered by the covering section 118, because it is non-functional here and does not contain pressure medium.

[0112] The discharge module 111 is suitably composed of a one-piece block body 119 in addition to the filter 64 optionally inserted into the module discharge channel 63a. It forms the covering section 118, is penetrated by the module discharge channel 63a, and has not only the module base surface 114 but also the upper module outer surface 116. It is especially made of plastic and can have a thinning visible from the side for material saving. Figure 10 visible thinning.

[0113] The discharge module 111 has two module protrusions 120a, 120b with a preferably cylindrical design at the module base surface 114. When the discharge module 111 is installed, they sink into respectively one of the two wall perforations 32a, 32b constructed in the valve seat 8 at the discharge module mounting position 18c in the channel wall 25. The module protrusions suitably carry seals 121 that cooperate with the channel wall 25, so that the associated wall perforations 32, 32b are sealed.

[0114] The insertion opening 112 is suitably located at one of the two module protrusions 120a, 120b on the end side and thus leads directly into the communication channel 24 when the discharge module 111 is installed. Exemplarily, it is located at the external module protrusion 120b that is sunk into the second wall perforation 32b. The other of the two module protrusions 120a, 120b is closed and is particularly made of solid material. Optionally, the module discharge channel 63a can branch inside the discharge module 111 and lead out at the two module protrusions 120a, 120b respectively with the insertion openings 112.

[0115] Regarding the sequence of equipment positions 18 extending in the main direction 7a within the valve assembly 2, it is advantageous that the first equipment position 18 in the sequence of equipment positions 18 is equipped with the cooling module 21 and the last equipment position 18 in the sequence of equipment positions 18 is equipped with the discharge module 111, because in this way the communication channel 24 can be flowed through by the cooling flow 53 over at least approximately its entire length.

[0116] The pre-control exhaust channel 37a is generally in direct communication with the ambient atmosphere via the pre-control exhaust port 39 arranged at the valve support 8 when the valve assembly 1 is in use. However, when the cooling medium is extracted from the pre-control exhaust channel 37a corresponding to the illustrated embodiment, it is appropriate to close the pre-control exhaust port 39 so that the entire pre-control exhaust gas can be used as the cooling medium for introduction into the communication channel 24. For this purpose, the valve assembly 1 suitably has, for example, a closing element 122 illustrated in the figure and configured as a closing plug, which can be inserted into the pre-control exhaust port 39 and fixed there to close the pre-control exhaust port. The exhaust of the pre-control valve device 42 then takes place through the communication channel 24 with a simultaneous cooling effect. Figure 1 The exhaust of the pre-control valve device 42 then takes place through the communication channel 24 with a simultaneous cooling effect.

[0117] According to an alternative embodiment for implementing the discharge channel 63, the discharge channel 63 corresponds to the one shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 、 3 、4 and 5 and is constructed in the valve support 8 and is thus also called the valve support discharge channel 63b for better distinction. Exemplarily, such a valve support discharge channel 63b is introduced in the form of a wall perforation into the channel wall section 25a at the end side of the channel wall 25, and this channel wall section is exemplarily part of the second closing module 16. In this case, the valve assembly 2 suitably does not include the discharge module 111.

[0118] Obviously, the valve support discharge channel 63b can also be arranged at other positions in the valve support 63. For example, at least one of the wall perforations 32a, 32b present at the equipment position 18 can be used as the valve support discharge channel 63b without an associated discharge module 111, in such a way that it simply remains unclosed. For example, a closing plate can be installed at one of the equipment positions 18, which closes all fluid channel openings present at the equipment position, but does not close at least one of the two wall perforations 32a, 32b.

[0119] There can be, without problems, a plurality of discharge channels 63 leading into the communication channel 24 at different positions.

[0120] It is feasible that the same valve support 2 is equipped with at least one valve support discharge channel 63b and additionally with at least one module discharge channel 63a as the discharge channel 63.

[0121] Furthermore, it is feasible to construct at least one discharge channel 63 as a combination of a valve support discharge channel 63b and a module discharge channel 63a. For this purpose, the discharge module 111 can be installed in such a way that its module discharge channel 63a is connected to the valve support discharge channel 63b.

[0122] The supply ports 38, 46 and the exhaust ports 39, 47 are exemplarily equipped with connection devices to which fluid lines (not illustrated) can be releasably connected respectively. The fluid line leads to a pressure source PV or P in the case of the supply ports 38, 46, and the fluid line can enable the capture and discharge of the consumed pressure medium or exhaust gas in the case of the exhaust ports 39, 47. Alternatively, the exhaust ports 39, 47 can also be configured for direct exhaust to the ambient atmosphere and / or equipped with a muffler.

[0123] Exemplarily, the pre-control supply port 38 and the pre-control exhaust port 39 are located at the second closing module 16, while the main supply port 46 and the main exhaust port 47 are arranged at the first closing module 15. The latter is preferably constructed in multiple parts and divided into an end unit 15a and an intermediate unit 15b arranged between the end unit 15a and the support body 14, where the main supply port 46 and the main exhaust section 47 are at the intermediate unit 15b and the end unit 15a is equipped with an electromechanical interface unit 17.

[0124] The valve support 8 has, at least in the region of the support body 14, a fluid channel section 65 penetrated by the valve support fluid channel 33 and a communication channel section 66 penetrated by the communication channel 24 arranged closely beside it. The fluid channel section 65 and the communication channel section 66 are side by side in the transverse direction 67a of the valve support 8, where the transverse direction 67a is the axial direction of the transverse axis 67 of the valve support 8, which is perpendicular to the main axis 7 and perpendicular to the vertical axis 12.

[0125] The equipment surface 13 is assembled from a first surface section 13a constructed at the fluid channel section 65 and a second surface section 13b constructed at the communication channel section 66 and connected to the first surface section in the transverse direction 67a. The collective fluid channel opening 35 and the working channel opening 49 are located at the first surface section 13a, while the wall perforations 32a, 32b leading into the communication channel 24 on the one hand lead out at the second surface section 13b of the equipment surface 13 on the other hand. The above-mentioned wall perforations 32a, 32b are located not only at each valve equipment position 18a as mentioned, but also at each cooling module equipment position 18b. In the case where the cooling module 21 is installed, the exemplary cooling medium outlet opening 59 is located in the region of the first wall perforation 32a of the two wall perforations 32a, 32b, so that the cooling medium can enter the communication channel 24 from the cooling module 21 through the first wall perforation 32a.

[0126] Preferably, the associated channel openings 35, 49 and the wall perforations 32a, 32b are arranged successively in the transverse direction 67a at each equipment position 18.

[0127] The equipment surface 13 is exemplary located at the upper side of the valve support 8 and faces away from the lower outer surface 68 of the valve support 8 in the vertical direction 12a. Exemplarily, the equipment surface 13 is stepped, wherein its first surface section 13a has a greater distance from the lower outer surface 68 than its second surface section 13. However, alternatively, the equipment surface 13 can also be completely in the same plane.

[0128] The cooling channel structure 56 preferably includes two cooling channels 71, 72 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, which are referred to as the exhaust cooling channel 71 and the supply cooling channel 72 respectively for better distinction in the case of separate reference. The two cooling channels 71, 72 pass through the cooling module 21. The exhaust cooling channel 71 connects the cooling medium outlet opening 59 with the exhaust cooling channel opening 57 and thus communicates with the pre-control exhaust channel 37a on the inlet side in the case where the cooling module 21 is installed. The supply cooling channel 72 connects the cooling medium outlet opening 59 with the supply cooling channel opening 58 and thus communicates with the pre-control supply channel 36a in the case where the cooling module 21 is installed.

[0129] The exhaust cooling channel 71 and the supply cooling channel 72 can be fluidly connected in parallel independently of each other to connect the exhaust cooling channel opening 57 and the supply cooling channel opening 58 with the cooling medium outlet opening 59.

[0130] Exemplarily, two cooling channels 71, 72 merge within the cooling module 21 in a merging region 74 spaced apart from the coolant outlet opening 59, such that the two cooling channels have a common output channel section 73 extending between the merging region 74 and the coolant outlet opening 59. Alternatively, the two cooling channels can also be configured separately from each other and each have a dedicated coolant outlet opening 59.

[0131] The exhaust cooling channel 71 provides a continuous fluid connection between the exhaust cooling channel port 57 and the coolant outlet opening 59 under the condition that a check valve 75 incorporated into its path is in the open position, exemplarily. It is to be understood that the optional check valve 75 operates depending on the pressure difference built up between the exhaust cooling channel port 57 and the coolant outlet opening 59, wherein the check valve allows fluid to pass only when the fluid pressure built up at the exhaust cooling channel port 57 is at least slightly greater than the fluid pressure built up at the coolant outlet opening 59, which results in the formation of the cooling flow 53. In the case of pressure equilibrium or in the case of a greater fluid pressure at the coolant outlet opening 59 compared to the exhaust cooling channel port 57, the check valve 75 prevents the fluid flow through the exhaust cooling channel 71, which in particular excludes the undesired inflow of pressure medium from the communication channel 24 or from the supply cooling channel 72 into the pre-control exhaust channel 37a. The latter could otherwise occur in the absence of the check valve 75, especially when an additional cooling flow 53 is switched on via the supply cooling channel 72.

[0132] Exemplarily, the check valve 75 includes a movable check valve member 76, which is pre-tensioned into the closed position via a spring 77. The spring 77 is additionally supported at a pressed-in sphere 78.

[0133] During operation of the valve assembly 1, whenever a fluid pressure higher than the pressure present in the communication channel 24 builds up in the pre-control exhaust channel 37a, the cooling flow 53 flowing through the exhaust cooling channel 71 automatically occurs, which is usually the case when one of the pre-control valve devices 42 of the channel valve 3 has been switched to exhaust and the pressure medium is discharged into the pre-control exhaust channel 37a. Since there are multiple channel valves 3 and their actuation is usually not synchronized, a cooling flow 53 flowing through the exhaust cooling channel 71 that is possibly pulsating but still approximately continuous can be mainly expected during the normal operation of the valve assembly 1.

[0134] In an embodiment not illustrated, the exhaust cooling channel 71 does not include a check valve 75, such that an open fluid connection between the pre-control exhaust channel 37a and the communication channel 24 through the exhaust cooling channel 71 is provided regardless of the existing pressure relationships.

[0135] The supply cooling channel 72 is preferably designed for a pressure-independent and controlled generation of the cooling flow 53. In particular, it enables a temperature-dependent low switching on and off of the cooling flow 53 extracted from the pre-control supply channel 36a. The temperature for the temperature-dependent control is the temperature present in the communication channel 24, which can be, for example, the medium temperature of the medium surrounding the communication wiring harness 23 and / or the temperature of the components of the communication wiring harness 23 and in particular the electronic structural element 26. For detecting the temperature for controlling the cooling flow 53, there is at least one temperature sensor 81 present inside the communication channel 24, which can output an electrical temperature signal depending on the temperature.

[0136] Preferably, the temperature sensor 81 is, corresponding to the illustrated embodiment, for example, a direct component of the electronic structural element 26 of the communication wiring harness 23 formed by a processor. Embodiments are not illustrated in which at least one temperature sensor 81 is present separately from at least one electronic structural element 26 to be cooled. However, such a separate temperature sensor 81 is still preferably a component of the communication wiring harness 23.

[0137] Exemplarily, the electronic control device 4 assumes the control for switching on and off the cooling flow 53 in the supply cooling channel 72. The electronic control device receives the electrical temperature signal of the temperature sensor 81 via the communication wiring harness 23 and, depending on the electrical temperature signal, subsequently transmits an electrical valve control signal via the communication wiring harness 23 to the electrically actuable shut-off valve 82, which is a component of the cooling module 21 and which is incorporated into the course of the supply cooling channel 72.

[0138] The electrically actuable shut-off valve 82 has an electrically operable actuating device 80 responsive to the valve control signal. Preferably, the shut-off valve 82 is an electromagnetic valve with an electromagnet as the actuating device 80. This is exemplarily the case.

[0139] By means of the shut-off valve 82, the supply cooling channel 72 can be selectively blocked to prevent the fluid from passing through or can be released to enable the fluid to pass through. For this purpose, the shut-off valve 82 can either assume a closed position or an open position.

[0140] Preferably, the shut-off valve 82 has a 2 / 2-way valve function, and the shut-off valve is suitably of the "normally closed" type. Its switching state can hereby be preset by selectively applying or not applying a control voltage that can be generated by the electronic control device 4 to the actuating device 80, where the applied or non-applied control voltage forms the valve control signal. In the case of non-application of the control voltage, the shut-off valve 82 is in the closed position, and in the case of application of the control voltage, the shut-off valve 82 is in the open position.

[0141] Preferably, the electronic control device 4 is configured such that when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 81 is below a preset temperature threshold, it causes the blocking valve 82 to assume a closed position, and furthermore when the detected temperature has reached or exceeded the preset temperature threshold, it causes the blocking valve 82 to assume an open position. The temperature threshold is suitably preset fixedly based on empirical values or can also be set variably. The temperature management mentioned above can also be implemented without problems independently of the electronic control device 4 by means of a control electronic device, which is realized by at least one electronic structural element 26 of the communication wiring harness 23.

[0142] The electrical contact of the blocking valve 82 with the communication wiring harness 23 is suitably effected through the second wall perforation 32b, more precisely in particular in the same way as the electrical contact of the valve actuator 22 or the pre-control valve device 42 in the case of the channel valve 3. Correspondingly, the cooling module 21 has in the region of the module base surface 55 an electrical contact unit 83 constructed similarly to the contact unit 30 of the channel valve 22, which contacts the cooling module contact element 28a of the communication wiring harness 23 via a cooling module contact device 31a fastened to the communication wiring harness 23. Exemplarily, the cooling module contact device 31a is formed by the valve contact device 31, while the cooling module contact element 28a is formed by the valve contact element 28. In this way, the contact measures used for the channel valve 3 can also be used cost-effectively and unchanged for the electrical contact of the blocking valve 82 of the cooling module 21.

[0143] Suitably, the cooling module 21 is equipped with a filter 84 for filtering the cooling medium, in particular designed as an air filter, which is exemplarily attached to the output channel section 73 of the cooling channel structure 56 and is thus associated not only with the exhaust cooling channel 71 but also with the supply cooling channel 72. The filter 84 prevents the communication channel 24 from being soiled by contaminants that the pressure medium extracted from the valve support 8 may carry for cooling.

[0144] Especially when the exhaust cooling channel 71 and the supply cooling channel 72 are configured to be completely separate from each other, each of the two cooling channels 71, 72 can contain a dedicated filter 84.

[0145] The filter 84 is in particular realized as a compact filter element, which is inserted into the relevant cooling channel 71 or 72. In this way, the illustrated filter element 84 has no influence on the external dimensions of the cooling module 21.

[0146] Preferably, the cooling module 21 is assembled from a plurality of functional units combined into a structural unit corresponding to the illustrated embodiment. These functional units include an extraction unit 85 responsible for extracting the cooling medium from the valve seat 8 and an introduction unit 86 responsible for introducing the cooling module into the communication channel 24. The cooling module 21 has a longitudinal axis 87, and the introduction unit 86 is arranged at the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 87. The fixing measures used for fastening, such as screw connections or snap connections, are not shown in the drawings.

[0147] The cooling module 21 is installed at the cooling module installation position 18b such that its longitudinal axis 87 is oriented parallel to the transverse axis 67. Here, the extraction unit 85 extends along the first face section 13a and the introduction unit 86 extends along the second face section 13b of the installation face 13. The module base surface 55 of the cooling module 21 has a first face section 55a constructed at the extraction unit 85 and facing the first face section 13a of the installation face 13, and a second face section 55b constructed at the introduction unit 86 and facing the second face section 13b of the installation face 13. These two face sections 55a, 55b are offset from each other in the axial direction of a vertical axis 91 that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 87 and parallel to the vertical axis 12 when the cooling module 21 is installed, so that the module base surface 55 is stepped corresponding to the installation face 13.

[0148] The introduction unit 86 preferably has a modular structure and exemplarily includes a threading module 92 arranged at the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85 and a blocking module 93 arranged at the threading module 92 at the front side opposite to the extraction unit 85 in the engagement area 94. The blocking module has the blocking valve 82 already described or is formed by it.

[0149] Both the exhaust cooling channel opening 57 and the supply cooling channel opening 58 are located at the extraction unit 85, so that two cooling channels 71, 72 pass through the extraction unit 85. The cooling channel openings 57, 58 are exemplarily located at the first face section 55a of the module base surface 55. The exhaust cooling channel 71 has a first channel section 71a extending in the extraction unit 85, which exits at the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85 like the first channel section 72a of the supply cooling channel 72 extending in the extraction unit 85.

[0150] A check valve 75 is suitably integrated into the extraction unit 85. The latter suitably includes a one-piece or multi-piece block body 89, which forms a covering section 62, has the first face section 55a of the module base surface 55, and is penetrated by the first channel sections 71a, 72a of the two cooling channels 71, 72.

[0151] The exhaust cooling channel 71 continues in the threading module 92 with a second channel section 71b, where it communicates at one end with the first channel section 71a in the region of the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85 and ends at the other end with a cooling medium outlet opening 59a. Thus, the exhaust cooling channel 71 only extends within the threading module 92 in the introduction unit 86.

[0152] The supply cooling channel 72 continues in the introduction unit 86 with a second channel section 72b, which communicates at one end with the first channel section 72a of the supply cooling channel 72 in the region of the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85. The second channel section 72b also leads out into the communication channel 24 via its opposite end through the cooling medium outlet opening 59.

[0153] In the introduction unit 86, the second channel section 72b of the supply cooling channel 72 has an input section 95a and an output section 95b connected thereto. The input section 95a, which communicates with the first channel section 72a, passes through the threading module 92 and extends into the blocking module 93 in the engagement region 94, where the input section ends at a control opening 101, which leads into the valve chamber 102 of the blocking valve 82. The output section 95b connects the valve chamber 102 to the cooling medium outlet opening 59, where the output section extends partly in the blocking module 93 and partly in the threading module 92 and passes through the engagement region 94 here.

[0154] In the valve chamber 102, there is a valve element 103 of the blocking valve 82, which is pre-tensioned by a spring 104 into a closed position, in which the valve element closes the control opening 101 and thus generally blocks the supply cooling channel 72. By electrically actuating the blocking valve 82 in the manner already explained above when an electrical valve control signal is transmitted, the valve element 103 can be lifted from the control opening 101, so that the input section 95a and the output section 95b are connected to each other through the valve chamber 102 and the cooling medium can flow through.

[0155] A common output channel section 73 of the exhaust cooling channel 71 and the supply cooling channel 72 is formed by the end sections of the second channel sections 71b, 72b of the exhaust cooling channel 71 and the supply cooling channel 72 that extend in the threading module 92.

[0156] The threading module 92 and the blocking module 93 each have one of two fastening nipples 105a, 105b in the region of the second face section 55b of the module base surface 55, which, when the cooling module 21 is installed, sink into one of two wall perforations 32a, 32b respectively, where the fastening nipples each suitably carry a seal 106 that interacts with the channel wall 25, so that the associated wall perforations 32a, 32b are sealed off.

[0157] The outlet of the cooling medium from the opening 59 is suitably located at the end side of the fastening connection 105a of the threading module 92. The electrical contact unit 83 of the shut-off valve 82 is suitably arranged at the fastening connection 105b of the shut-off module 93. The latter provides an advantageous feasibility for electrically controlling the shut-off valve 82 via the switching output present at the communication harness 23 for electrically controlling the valve actuator 22 according to the standard, which switching output is formed by at least one of the valve contact elements 28 and acts as the cooling module contact element 28a.

[0158] As an alternative to the electrically controllable shut-off valve 82, the following structural type of the shut-off valve 82 is recommended, namely, it can be actuated via a shape memory alloy or a bimetal by the temperature present in the communication channel 24.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, - a valve assembly (2) having a valve support (8) extending in a main direction (7a) along a main axis (7) and a plurality of electrically actuatable channel valves (3), - the valve support (8) has a mounting surface (13) with a plurality of mounting positions (18) arranged one behind the other in the main direction (7a), at least a plurality of the mounting positions being designed as valve mounting positions (18a), at which one of the channel valves (3) can be mounted or installed, - wherein a plurality of valve support fluid channels (33) through which a fluid pressure medium can flow are constructed in the valve support (8), wherein the valve support fluid channels are at least partially collective fluid channels (34) extending in the main direction (7a), wherein the collective fluid channels lead to each valve equipment position (18a) and are fluidically connected to a channel valve (3) installed at the valve equipment position (18a), - wherein a communication channel (24) extending in the main direction (7a) is constructed in the valve support (8), in which an electrical communication harness (23) having at least one electronic component (26) is arranged, which is connected or connectable to the electronic control device (4), and the installed channel valves (3) are electrically contacted with the communication harness in the area of ​​the valve equipment position (18a) respectively associated therewith, It is characterized in that - at least one of the equipment positions (18) of the valve support (8) is configured as a cooling module equipment position (18b), at which a cooling module (21) of the valve assembly (1) through which a cooling channel structure (56) passes can be installed or is installed, -Wherein, by means of the cooling channel structure (56) of the installed cooling module (21), a fluid connection between at least one collective fluid channel (34) of the valve support fluid channel (33) that leads to the cooling module equipment position (18b) and the communication channel (24) can be provided or provided, and the fluid pressure medium separated from the collective fluid channel (34) can be introduced into the communication channel (24) as a cooling medium through the fluid connection when implementing the cooling flow (53) for cooling the at least one electronic structural element (26) of the electrical communication harness (23).

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooling module (21) has a module base surface (55) which, in the installed state, faces the associated cooling module installation location (18b) and at which the cooling channel structure (56) opens.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The collective fluid passage (34) of the valve support fluid passage (33) which leads out to the cooling module mounting position (18b) and is fluidically connected to the cooling passage structure (56) of the installed cooling module (21) is an exhaust passage (37) for exhaust purposes.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The electrically operable channel valve (3) at least partially has a structural type of electric fluid pre-control, wherein the channel valve has a main valve (43) and an electrically operable pre-control valve device (42) for operating the main valve (43), wherein the pre-control valve device (42) is electrically contacted with the communication harness (23), and wherein the exhaust channel (37) of the valve support (8) which is fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the installed cooling module (21) and is constructed as a collective fluid channel (34) is configured as a pre-control exhaust channel (37a) for exhausting the pre-control valve device (42).

5. The valve assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The cooling channel structure (56) of the cooling module (21) has an exhaust gas cooling channel (71) which, when the cooling module (21) is installed, is connected to the exhaust gas channel (37) of the valve support (8) on the one hand and opens into the communication channel (24) on the other hand.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that The exhaust gas cooling channel (71) is a fluid channel through which the cooling medium can flow depending on the pressure difference, so that the cooling medium flows automatically when a higher pressure is present in the exhaust gas channel (37) of the valve support (8) than in the communication channel (24).

7. The valve assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: A non-return valve (75) is introduced into the exhaust gas cooling channel (71), which prevents a fluid flow through the cooling module (21) into the exhaust gas channel (37) of the valve support (8) and allows a fluid flow in the opposite direction.

8. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that A gas-permeable filter (84) is arranged in the exhaust gas cooling channel (71).

9. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The collective fluid channel (34) of the valve support fluid channel (33) which leads to the cooling module equipment position (18b) and is fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the installed cooling module (21) is a supply channel (36) for supplying fluid pressure medium to the electrically operable channel valve (3) and is connected or connectable to an external pressure source (P, PV) for this purpose, wherein the pressure source (P, PV) is suitably a compressed air source.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that The electrically operable channel valve (3) at least partially has a structural type of electric fluid pre-control, wherein the channel valve has a main valve (43) and an electrically operable pre-control valve device (42) for operating the main valve, wherein the pre-control valve device (42) is electrically contacted with the communication harness (23), and wherein the supply channel (36) of the valve support fluid channel (33) which is fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the installed cooling module (21) and is constructed as a collective fluid channel (34) is a pre-control supply channel (36a) configured to supply fluid to the pre-control valve device (42).

11. The valve assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The cooling channel structure (56) of the cooling module (21) has a supply cooling channel (72), which, when the cooling module (21) is installed, is connected to the supply channel (36) of the valve support (8) on the one hand and leads to the communication channel (24) on the other hand and can be connected to the direction of the supply cooling channel in particular depending on the temperature control of the shut-off valve (82), which can realize controlled selective blocking or opening of the supply cooling channel (72) and the shut-off valve preferably has a 2 / 2 channel valve function.

12. The valve assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The shut-off valve (82) is designed to be electrically operable for its control, wherein the shut-off valve is preferably in electrical contact with the communication harness (23) when the cooling module (21) is installed, so that the shut-off valve can be electrically operated by means of an electrical control signal that can be transmitted via the communication harness (23).

13. The valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that At least one temperature sensor (81) is arranged in the communication channel (24), which is preferably implemented as a component of the communication harness (23) and is designed to output an electrical temperature signal, the electrical temperature signal of which can be used when electrically actuating the shut-off valve (82).

14. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that A gas-permeable filter (84) is arranged in the supply cooling channel (72).

15. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14 in combination with any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: The cooling module (21) comprises an extraction unit (85) which is penetrated not only by the exhaust cooling channel (71) but also by the supply cooling channel (72) and which extracts a fluid pressure medium serving as a cooling medium from the valve support (8), and an introduction unit (86) which is attached to the extraction unit (85) and which introduces the cooling medium into the communication channel (24), wherein the introduction unit (86) comprises a blocking module (93) having the blocking valve (82) and a through hole arranged between the blocking module (93) and the extraction unit (85). The invention relates to a cooling module (92), wherein the exhaust gas cooling channel (71) in the introduction unit (86) only passes through the lead-through module (92) and the supply cooling channel (72) in the introduction unit (86) passes through both the lead-through module (92) and the blocking module (93), wherein the exhaust gas cooling channel (71) and the supply cooling channel (72) when the cooling module (21) is installed lead through a common cooling medium outlet opening (59) constructed on the lead-through module (92) into the communication channel (24).

16. The valve assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that A gas-permeable filter (84) is arranged in a common outlet channel section (73) of the exhaust gas cooling channel (71) and the supply cooling channel (72), which ends at a common coolant outlet opening (59).

17. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that A cooling module equipment position (18b) equipped with a cooling module (21) is formed by a valve equipment position (18a) suitable for being equipped with one of the electrically actuatable channel valves (3), wherein any desired valve equipment position (18a) can be used as a cooling module equipment position (18b).

18. The valve assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that At least one and in particular two valve support fluid channels (33) constructed as separate working channels (48) lead to each valve equipment position (18a), the valve support fluid channels being fluidically connected to an electrically operable channel valve (3) mounted at the relevant valve equipment position (18a) and the working channels respectively leading to a working opening (52) accessible outside the valve support (8), to which a fluid-operated drive (5) controllable by the associated channel valve (3) can be connected.

19. The valve assembly according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The cooling module (21) has a cover section (62) by which a valve support fluid channel (33) that opens out at a valve equipment position (18a) serving as a cooling module equipment position (18b) and is not connected to the cooling channel structure (56) is closed when the cooling module (21) is installed.

20. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The communication channel (24) is bounded on all sides by a channel wall (25) which is constructed as a component of the valve support (8), wherein there is at least one discharge channel (63, 63a, 63b) connecting the communication channel (24) to the atmospheric environment and allowing the cooling medium to escape to the atmospheric environment, and the discharge channel is preferably provided with a gas-permeable filter (64).

21. The valve assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that At least one discharge channel (63, 63b) is formed in the valve support (8), expediently in the form of a wall perforation of a channel wall (25) of the communication channel (24).

22. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that At least one of the equipment positions (18) of the valve support (8) is constructed as a discharge module equipment position (18c), at which a discharge module (111) of the valve assembly (2) can be installed or is installed, and the discharge module is penetrated by a discharge channel (63, 63a) connected to the communication channel (24) in the installed state of the discharge module (111), and the discharge channel is connected to the communication channel (24) via at least one introduction opening (112) located at the discharge module (111) and is connected to the atmospheric environment via at least one discharge opening (115) located at the discharge module (111).

23. The valve assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that At least one insertion opening (112) is present on the end side of one of the two module projections (120a, 120b) of the discharge module (111), which respectively sink into wall perforations (32a, 32b) leading into the communication channel (24) when the discharge module (111) is installed at the associated discharge module equipment position (18c).

24. The valve assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that The discharge module equipment position (18c) equipped with the discharge module (111) is formed by one of the valve equipment positions (18a) suitable for being equipped with one of the electrically actuatable channel valves (3), wherein suitably any arbitrary valve equipment position (18a) can be used as a discharge module equipment position (18c).

25. A valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that The valve support (8) has a support body (14) having the equipment surface (13) and through which the communication channel (24) passes, and the support body is appropriately segmented in the main direction (7a) in that the support body has a plurality of support body sections (14a) arranged in a row with each other, and at least one of the equipment positions (18) is constructed at each of the support body sections.

26. A valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The communication harness (23) comprises a circuit board assembly (27) equipped with at least one electronic component (26) to be cooled.

Images