Valve carrier, valve assembly equipped therewith and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Valve carrier (2) of a valve arrangement (1), with a valve carrier strip (16) extending in a longitudinal direction (15a), in which at least two main fluid channel systems (23) are formed, each comprising a main fluid channel (24) penetrating the valve carrier strip (16) in the longitudinal direction (15a) and several branch fluid channels (27) branching off from the main fluid channel (24) at intervals from one another, wherein the valve carrier strip (16) has a mounting surface (17) on its outer longitudinal side, which is divided into several mounting positions (17a) arranged successively in the longitudinal direction (15a) for mounting valve units (3), to each of which a branch fluid channel (27) of each main fluid channel system (23) opens, characterized in that the valve carrier strip (16) consists of several one-piece profile bars (35) joined longitudinally to one another,in which each of the main fluid channel systems (23) is formed and which together define the component placement area (17), in that each profile bar (35) has a strip-shaped component placement area section (42) of the component placement area (17) extending longitudinally (15a) on its outer side, to which the branch fluid channels (27) of the main fluid channel system (23) formed in the profile bar (35) open.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve carrier of a valve arrangement, with a valve carrier strip extending in a longitudinal direction, in which at least two main fluid channel systems are formed, each comprising a main fluid channel penetrating the valve carrier strip in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of branch fluid channels branching off from the main fluid channel at a distance from one another, wherein the valve carrier strip has an assembly surface on the outside along its length, which is divided into a plurality of assembly locations arranged successively in the longitudinal direction and provided for assembly with valve units, to which a branch fluid channel of each main fluid channel system opens.

[0002] The invention further relates to a valve arrangement equipped with such a valve carrier and a method for producing the valve carrier.

[0003] From EP 2 047 111 B1, it is known to equip a valve arrangement with a valve carrier of the type mentioned above, which has a plate-shaped valve carrier strip equipped with several valve units arranged consecutively in a longitudinal direction of the valve carrier. Formed in the valve carrier strip are several main fluid channel systems which serve to supply and discharge a fluidic pressure medium controllable by the valve units. Each main fluid channel system has a main fluid channel penetrating the valve carrier strip in the longitudinal direction and several branch fluid channels branching off from the main fluid channel, which open into individual regions of a component surface of the valve carrier strip, which function as component locations where the valve units are mounted. The valve carrier strip is a one-piece body which is manufactured in the desired length and width depending on the application.In order to enable easy variation of the length of the valve carrier, the valve carrier can alternatively have a modular structure and be composed of valve carrier modules attached to one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] A valve arrangement with a valve carrier that is modular in its longitudinal direction is also known from WO 2009 / 127223 A1.

[0005] DE 202 18 989 U1 discloses a connection device to which devices for detecting, displaying, and regulating a system pressure can be connected and which can be connected to a pressure line. The connection device consists of a manifold block with a main bore and several connected manifold bores used to connect the devices. The manifold block also contains several connection bores for connecting to additional pressure lines or another manifold block.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of taking measures that promote the variability of the construction of a valve carrier in a simple manner.

[0007] To achieve this object, in a valve support of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided that the valve support strip consists of several one-piece profile bars which are attached to one another lengthwise, in each of which one of the main fluid channel systems is formed and which together define the assembly surface, in that each profile bar has on the outside a strip-shaped assembly surface section of the assembly surface which extends in the longitudinal direction and to which the branch fluid channels of the main fluid channel system formed in the profile bar open.

[0008] The object is further achieved by a valve arrangement which has a valve carrier designed in the aforementioned sense and which has a plurality of valve units which are each mounted on one of the assembly locations of the valve carrier strip of the valve carrier and which have internal valve channels which are fluidically connected in the region of the assembly locations to the branch fluid channels of the main fluid channel systems of the valve carrier which open out there.

[0009] The object is further achieved by a method by which a valve support and / or a valve arrangement of the above-defined structure is produced and which is characterized in that the profile bars are cut to the length suitable for the valve support bar from a rod-shaped starting material which has an internal output channel structure which corresponds in nature to a main fluid channel system, whereupon the profile bars are attached to one another lengthwise to form the valve support bar.

[0010] The valve support designed and manufactured according to the invention has a modular valve support strip, wherein the modularity exists in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the valve support. The valve support strip is composed of several one-piece profile bars that are attached to one another lengthwise and together define the mounting surface intended for fitting valve units. The mounting surface is composed of several mounting surface sections arranged next to one another transversely to the longitudinal direction, which have a strip-shaped configuration and are each formed by a strip-shaped outer surface section of the respective profile bar. Each profile bar is formed internally with one of the several main fluid channel systems, the branch fluid channels of which open into the strip-shaped mounting surface section formed on the respective profile bar.When the profile bars are joined together, the centers of the main fluid channels of the individual main fluid channel systems are conveniently located in a common plane. The profile bars are easy to manufacture and can be cut to the desired length for the valve support bar from a rod-shaped starting material using simple manufacturing processes. The modular structure facilitates decentralized production of valve supports, as rod-shaped starting material can be easily transported to different production sites, where the individually desired cuts can be made without special manufacturing expertise. Depending on the selected number of profile bars, valve support bars can be manufactured for different types of valve arrangements, which differ from one another particularly in the functionality of the valve units.For example, a valve support bar can be composed of two profile bars joined together if a valve support bar equipped with two main fluid channel systems is required. This is particularly the case if the associated valve units have a 3 / 2 valve functionality. However, three profile bars can also be joined together to create a valve support bar with three main fluid channel systems, which is advantageous in connection with valve arrangements whose valve units have a 5 / 2 or 5 / 3 functionality.

[0011] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0012] The valve carrier can be realized particularly cost-effectively from individual profile bars if exactly one of the main fluid channel systems is formed in each profile bar. However, it would be fundamentally possible to form several main fluid channel systems extending longitudinally alongside one another in at least one of the profile bars.

[0013] As already mentioned, the valve support bar can be composed of just two or more than two single-piece profile bars joined together by their long sides. This allows for individual adaptation of the valve support bar to specific requirements during production.

[0014] Preferably, the distribution pattern of the branch fluid channel openings present on the strip-shaped mounting surface sections is identical for all profile bars. This advantageously allows all profile bars to be manufactured from the same rod-shaped starting material.

[0015] Despite the identical distribution pattern of the channel outlets of the branch fluid channels, there may be an axial offset of the channel outlet rows between the individual profile bars, so that, starting from one end face of the profile bars, the distance from this end face to the first channel outlet of the row of channel outlets varies for the multiple profile bars. This results in channel outlets belonging to the same assembly location being located on an outlet distribution line that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal direction of the valve carrier. This alignment is advantageous in conjunction with some types of valve units. Furthermore, it allows for particularly compact transverse dimensions of the valve carrier strip.

[0016] The described offset of the distribution patterns of the channel openings of the individual profile bars can be easily realized, for example, by using at least two identical profile bars that have the same distribution pattern at the channel openings of the branch fluid channels, whereby the distribution patterns of the channel openings, however, begin closer to one of the two end faces of the respective profile bar and the profile bars are or will be attached to each other with the reversed longitudinal orientation.

[0017] At least one of the several profile bars of the valve support bar is expediently provided with valve fastening holes opening into its component mounting surface section, which can be used to secure valve units attached to the component mounting locations. These valve fastening holes are expediently blind-hole-like threaded holes, each with an internal thread into which a fastening screw acting on the associated valve unit can be screwed. The openings of the valve fastening holes are preferably distributed regularly in the longitudinal direction of the valve support bar such that at least one or more valve fastening holes is assigned to each component mounting location.

[0018] In principle, several or all of the profile bars of the valve support strip can be provided with valve mounting holes. However, a preferred embodiment is one in which only one of the several one-piece profile bars of the valve support strip has the valve mounting holes. This has proven to be sufficient to fix the valve units sufficiently firmly and fluid-tight to the mounting surface.

[0019] The profile bars advantageously have the same outer contour when viewed longitudinally. This facilitates the production of all profile bars from the same rod-shaped starting material. Furthermore, it offers the possibility of joining the profile bars lengthwise in any order to create a valve support bar.

[0020] In principle, the profile bars could have, at least partially, a round outer contour. However, a generally prismatic design of the profile bars is considered particularly advantageous, so that the longitudinal outer circumferential surface of the profile bar in question is composed of several internally flat, strip-shaped outer surface sections. The corner or edge regions present between adjacent outer surface sections in the circumferential direction of the profile bar can, of course, be rounded. Adjacent profile bars are attached to one another with their strip-shaped outer surface sections facing one another, with a further strip-shaped outer surface section of each profile bar, oriented at a right angle to this, preferably forming one of the strip-shaped assembly surface sections contributing to the formation of the assembly surface.

[0021] A rectangular outer contour of the profile bars is considered particularly advantageous. This creates a square profile bar with possibly rounded longitudinal edges. Manufacturing such a design is particularly simple and facilitates modular combination of the profile bars.

[0022] The valve support preferably has two end caps attached to the opposite ends of the valve support strip. The profile bars are preferably held together by the two end caps transversely to the longitudinal direction of the valve support. In this context, it is advantageous if the profile bars are not secured to one another apart from the end caps. This eliminates the need for additional fastening elements on the profile bars. For example, no direct screw connection is required between adjacent profile bars.

[0023] The end caps can, for example, be fixed purely by friction to at least one, and preferably to each, profile bar. For example, the end caps can be attached to the end face of the profile bar arrangement or inserted into the end face of the profile bar arrangement. Alternatively, the end caps can be fixed longitudinally to at least one of the profile bars by positive locking, for example, solely by a screw connection or, preferably, by a snap-in connection. This positive locking method can also be combined with a frictional connection.

[0024] To mechanically hold the joined profile bars together particularly easily to form the valve support, it is advantageous if each end cover has a fastening stud for each profile bar, which extends into a main fluid channel of the profile bar at its end face and is radially supported on the profile bar within the main fluid channel. This fixes the joined profile bars immovably relative to each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the valve support through the intermediary of the end covers.

[0025] The fastening nozzles are preferably sleeve-shaped, which contributes to material savings and also offers the possibility of using the fastening nozzles to define a cover fluid channel passing through the end cover, which can be used or is used to pass fluid through the end cover.

[0026] The mounting socket preferably has a sealing ring on its outer circumference, which is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the associated main fluid channel. This creates a fluid-tight seal between the main fluid channel systems and the ambient atmosphere in the transition area between the profile bars and the end covers.

[0027] Preferably, at least one, and preferably each, of the two end covers is penetrated by at least one fluid channel referred to as a cover fluid channel. Each cover fluid channel has an axial opening facing the valve support bar, which is referred to as the axial inner opening and which communicates with one of the main fluid channels. If the cover fluid channel passes through a sleeve-shaped fastening piece, the axial inner opening is expediently located on the end face of this fastening piece. Each cover fluid channel also has an outer opening facing away from the valve support bar, in particular oriented in the longitudinal direction, through which a fluidic pressure medium can be supplied to and / or discharged from a main fluid channel system. The end covers can thus be used for the central fluid supply and / or fluid disposal of the valve units mounted on the valve support bar.

[0028] At least one cover fluid channel expediently has a fluid line connection device or a silencer at its outer opening. The installation of a silencer, in conjunction with the use of compressed air, allows for quiet release of the pressure medium to the atmosphere. A fluid line connection device allows for easy connection of a fluid line connected to an external pressure source, for example, a fluid hose. The fluid line connection device is expediently a plug-in connector into which a fluid line to be connected can be inserted, preferably detachably, in a sealed manner. Alternatively, a fluid line connection device can also be formed, for example, by a fastening thread.

[0029] It is advantageous if the valve support has fastening means, which for ease of differentiation are referred to as valve support fastening means, which ensure that the end caps and the profile bars are held firmly together. Such valve support fastening means can, in principle, be designed to act directly between an end cap and at least one profile bar. However, an embodiment in which the valve support fastening means are designed to fix the valve support to a separate support structure, for example, to a wall-like support structure, such as a grooved plate, is considered more advantageous.The valve support fastening means are preferably located exclusively on the two end covers and contain, for example, at least one fastening hole through which a fastening screw can be passed, with which the respective end cover can be fixed to a supporting structure independently of the profile bars.

[0030] It is advantageous if the valve support fastening means are arranged or engage exclusively on the end covers, so that the profile bars are not directly fastened to a supporting structure, but can be fixed or secured to a supporting structure exclusively via the end covers.

[0031] A valve arrangement equipped with the valve carrier according to the invention has a plurality of valve units, each designed to control the flow of a fluid and each mounted, in particular detachably, at one of the mounting locations of the valve carrier strip. Each valve unit is equipped with internal valve channels that communicate with the branch fluid channels opening out of the associated mounting location in the area of ​​the associated mounting location. This enables fluid exchange between the valve units and each main fluid channel system.

[0032] Each valve unit expediently has at least one valve channel, which represents a working channel that can be connected to a fluid consumer to be controlled by the valve unit, in particular to a drive actuated by fluid power. These working channels are preferably designed in the valve units such that they open not to the component surface, but rather to an easily accessible outer surface of the valve unit, so that a fluid line leading to a consumer can be connected directly to the respective valve unit. This offers the advantageous and preferably used possibility of being able to dispense with working channels provided for connecting consumers in the profile bars of the valve support strip.

[0033] When manufacturing a valve support or a valve assembly equipped with a valve support, it is advantageous to use a rod-shaped starting material that has the outer contour of the profile bars and in which a channel structure, referred to as the starting channel structure, is formed axially throughout. This channel structure corresponds in nature to a main fluid channel system. The rod-shaped starting material has a greater axial length than any profile bar used to manufacture a valve support bar, with this starting material preferably having a multiple of the axial length of a profile bar. Lengths can then be cut from this rod-shaped starting material to form the profile bars. These are then simply joined together lengthwise to form a valve support bar.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a preferred embodiment of a valve arrangement according to the invention, which is equipped with a preferred embodiment of a valve carrier according to the invention and which is manufactured according to the invention, wherein the valve carrier is fixed on a support structure, Fig. 2 the arrangement Fig. 1 without illustration of the supporting structure in an exploded view, Fig. 3 a plan view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 with view direction according to arrow III from Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through the arrangement of Fig. 1 according to section line IV-IV from Fig. 1, Fig. 5 shows a further longitudinal section of the arrangement Fig. 1 according to section line VV from Fig. 1, Fig. 6 a cross-section of the arrangement Fig. 1 according to section line VI-VI from Fig. 1, Fig. 7 a detailed representation of the arrangement of the Fig. 1 to 6 in an exploded view, with a single end cover shown separately in a dash-dotted section, and Fig. 8 in one of the Fig. 1, but without illustration of a supporting structure, a further embodiment of a valve arrangement and a valve support, wherein the valve support bar deviates from the design of the Fig. 1 to 6 has only two profile bars, which are arranged in the Fig. 8 illustrated cross-section according to section line VIII-VIII are shown again separately.

[0035] The Fig. 1 to 7 on the one hand and the Fig. 8, on the other hand, each illustrates a preferred embodiment of a valve arrangement 1 which is equipped with a valve carrier 2 which is equipped, preferably in a detachable manner, with a plurality of valve units 3.

[0036] Each valve unit 3 is capable of controlling the flow of a fluid pressure medium, which is, for example, compressed air. However, the valve units 3 can also be used to control a hydraulic pressure medium.

[0037] Each valve unit 3 has a valve housing 4 and at least one valve member 5 movably arranged therein. Furthermore, each valve unit 3 contains at least one preferably electrically actuated valve drive 6, which, based on electrical control signals supplied to it, is capable of moving the valve member 5 and positioning it in different switching positions relative to the valve housing 4. Electromechanical interface means 7 assigned to the valve drive 6 serve for electrical control.

[0038] The valve unit 3 is preferably of an electrofluidically pilot-controlled design, with the valve drive 6 capable of generating a fluidic drive signal that causes the actuation of the valve member 5. The valve drive 6 is, in particular, an electromagnetic pilot valve device, for example. Alternatively, the valve units 3 can also be designed to be directly electrically actuated.

[0039] The valve housing 4 is penetrated by several valve channels 8, of which in the embodiment of the Fig. 8 only one and in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7, two pieces each function as a working channel 8a, which opens at a connection surface 12 of the valve housing 4. A fluid line (not shown) can be connected to the outlet of each working channel 8a, which leads to a fluid-actuated consumer (also not shown), in particular to a fluid-actuated drive, for example a linear drive or a rotary drive.

[0040] A further valve channel 8 forms a feed channel 8b, through which the pressure medium to be controlled can be fed into the valve unit 3. At least one other valve channel 8 is a relief channel 8c, which, in conjunction with compressed air, is a venting channel and, like the feed channel 8b, opens into a mounting surface 13 of the valve housing 4. The valve units 3 contain, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 each have two relief channels 8c and in the embodiment of the Fig. 8 each have only a single relief channel 8c. During operation of the valve arrangement 1, each relief channel 8c is connected to a pressure sink formed in particular by the atmosphere.

[0041] Depending on the switching position of the valve element 5, fluid pressure medium can be optionally delivered to the connected consumer or returned from the connected consumer at each working channel 8a. The pressure medium to be delivered to the consumer is supplied to the valve unit 3 via the supply channel 8b. Pressure medium flowing back from the consumer is discharged through one of the relief channels 8c to the associated pressure sink.

[0042] All valve channels 8 open into a valve chamber 14 formed inside the valve housing 4, in which the valve member 5 extends.

[0043] The valve carrier 2 has a longitudinal extension with a longitudinal axis 15, the axial direction of which is designated as longitudinal direction 15a and which is indicated in the drawing by the same dash-dotted line as the longitudinal axis 15.

[0044] The valve carrier 2 has a rigid valve carrier bar 16. It has the same longitudinal axis 15 and longitudinal direction 15a as the valve carrier 2 as a whole.

[0045] On its outer side oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis 15, the valve support strip 16 has a mounting surface 17 extending preferably in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 15. The mounting surface 17 is divided into several mounting locations 17a arranged successively in the longitudinal direction 15a, which, for example, merge into one another without any mutual demarcation and in Fig. 7 are separated from each other by dotted lines only for the sake of clarity.

[0046] The valve support bar 16 is equipped with the valve units 3. For this purpose, one of the valve units 3 is attached to each mounting location 17a with its mounting surface 13 facing forward.

[0047] The valve support strip 16 has a vertical axis 18 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15, the axis direction of which defines a height direction 18a, which, like the vertical axis 18 itself, is indicated by a dot-dash line. Preferably, the height direction 18a defines the normal direction of the mounting surface 17.

[0048] A transverse axis 22 of the valve support strip 16, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 and to the vertical axis 18, defines a width direction 22a of the valve support strip 16, indicated by the same dash-dotted line.

[0049] The valve carrier bar 16 is interspersed with several fluid channel systems, which for better differentiation are each referred to as a main fluid channel system 23. The valve carrier 2 of the Fig. 1 to 7 is equipped with three internal main fluid channel systems 23, while the valve carrier 2 according to Fig. 8 has only two internal main fluid channel systems 23. The various main fluid channel systems 23 have no fluidic connection to one another within the valve support bar 16.

[0050] Each main fluid channel system 23 has a main fluid channel 24 that extends linearly through the valve support bar 16 in the longitudinal direction 15a. The valve support bar 16 has two axial end faces 25 oriented opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction 15a, to which each main fluid channel 24 opens with opposite channel end sections 24a.

[0051] The main fluid channels 24 extend parallel to each other. Their channel centers preferably lie in a common channel center plane 26, which is spanned by the longitudinal axis 15 and the transverse axis 22.

[0052] From each main fluid channel 24, several fluid channels branch off at locations spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction 15a, which are referred to as branch fluid channels 27 for ease of differentiation. Each main fluid channel 24, together with the branch fluid channels 27 branching off from it, forms one of the main fluid channel systems 23.

[0053] The branch fluid channels 27 are arranged such that a branch fluid channel 27 of each main fluid channel system 23 opens into each assembly location 17a with a channel opening 27a. The channel openings 27a of the branch fluid channels 27 belonging to the same main fluid channel system 23 are aligned in a linear row in the longitudinal direction 15a. The distances measured in the longitudinal direction 15a between successive channel openings 27a of the branch fluid channels 27 are preferably identical throughout.

[0054] Thus, a branch fluid channel 27 of each main fluid channel system 23 opens into each assembly location 17a. The channel outlets 27a belonging to the same assembly location 17a are arranged spaced apart from one another in the width direction 22a and are expediently located on a common imaginary outlet distribution line 28.

[0055] The channel openings 27a of the branch fluid channels 27 are distributed within the respective associated assembly location 17a such that each branch fluid channel 27 is aligned with one of the valve channels 8 opening at the mounting surface 13 of the valve unit 3 mounted on the respective assembly location 17a. This results in a paired fluid connection between the branch fluid channels 17 opening at each assembly location 17a and the valve channels 8 opening to the opposite mounting surface 13.

[0056] Accordingly, each valve unit 3 is fluidically connected to each main fluid channel system 23 in the area of ​​the assembly surface 17.

[0057] One of the main fluid channel systems 23 defines a feed channel system 23a and is used during operation of the valve arrangement 1 for the common fluid supply of all valve units 3 mounted on the valve carrier 2. Each additional main fluid channel system 23 forms a relief channel system 23b, via which all valve units 3 mounted on the valve carrier 2 can be jointly relieved of pressure or vented. When equipped with three main fluid channel systems 23, the middle main fluid channel system 23 is expediently used as a feed channel system 23a, which is based on the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 apply.

[0058] Formed in the valve support strip 16 are a plurality of valve fastening holes 32 which open out to the component mounting surface 17 and are used to fasten the valve units 3 attached to the component mounting surface 17 independently of one another to the valve support strip 16. At least one such valve fastening hole 32 opens out to each component mounting location 17a, with two valve fastening holes 32 being provided at each component mounting location 17a, for example.

[0059] Each valve unit 3 is penetrated in the vertical direction 18a by at least one fastening screw 33, which projects downwards beyond the mounting surface 13 and is fixed in one of the valve fastening holes 32. The valve fastening holes 32 are expediently designed as blind hole-like threaded holes, each having an internal thread, into which the associated fastening screw 33 can be screwed directly. Each fastening screw 33 has a screw head 33a, with which it is supported from above on the valve housing 4, so that the associated valve unit 3 is clamped to the component surface 17 in the area of ​​the mounting surface 13 when the fastening screw 33 is tightened.

[0060] The hole openings 32a of the valve fastening holes 32 present on the assembly surface 17 are thus distributed so regularly in the longitudinal direction 15a along the valve support strip 16 that one or more valve fastening holes 32 are assigned to each assembly location 17a.

[0061] An at least partially rubber-elastic sealing device 34 is incorporated between each valve unit 3 and the mounting surface 17. It creates a fluid connection, sealed to the environment, between the valve channels 8 opening into the mounting surface 13 and the branch fluid channels 27. The sealing device 34 assigned to a respective mounting location 17a can be a continuous sealing unit or, according to the exemplary embodiments, can be composed of several individual sealing elements 34a, each of which is inserted between one of the valve channels 8 and one of the branch fluid channels 27.

[0062] Preferably, the sealing device 34 is mounted on the valve housing 4 so that it forms a single, manageable unit. The sealing device 34 preferably interacts with flat surface sections on the mounting surface 17, each of which frames one of the channel openings 27a of the branch fluid channels 27.

[0063] A key feature of the valve support 2 is that the valve support strip 16 consists of several one-piece profile bars 35 joined together lengthwise. This results in a modular structure of the valve support strip 16 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 15a. The profile bars 35 are arranged adjacent to one another, particularly in the width direction 22a, so that they lie in a common profile bar plane 36 spanned by the longitudinal direction 15a and the width direction 22a.

[0064] One of the main fluid channel systems 23 is formed in each of the profile bars 35. Accordingly, each profile bar 35 is penetrated in its longitudinal direction by a main fluid channel 24 and, in a transverse direction thereto, by the branch fluid channels 27 communicating with the main fluid channel 24.

[0065] Each profile bar 35 has a longitudinal axis 37, wherein the longitudinal axes 37 of the profile bars 35 are aligned parallel to one another and to the longitudinal direction 15a. Each profile bar 35 has an outer peripheral surface 38 extending around the longitudinal axis 37 and, with a strip-shaped outer peripheral surface section 38a of its outer peripheral surface 38 extending in the longitudinal direction 15a over the entire length of the profile bar 35, bears against an outer peripheral surface section 38a facing it of each immediately adjacent profile bar 35.

[0066] The mounting surface 17 of the valve support strip 16 is composed of mounting surface sections 42 arranged longitudinally in the width direction 22a, each formed by an outer peripheral surface section 38b of each profile bar 35. These strip-shaped mounting surface sections 42 extend continuously between the two axial end faces 25 and lie in a common plane, which preferably runs at right angles to the vertical axis 18.

[0067] Each assembly location 17a is therefore composed of a length section of the assembly surface section 42 of each profile bar 35.

[0068] Preferably, the number of profile bars 35 corresponds to the number of main fluid channel systems 23. Then, exactly one of the main fluid channel systems 23 is formed in each profile bar 35.

[0069] Accordingly, the valve support bar 16 in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 over three profile bars 35 and in the embodiment of the Fig. 8 over only two profile bars 35.

[0070] In principle, each profile bar 35 can be provided with valve fastening holes 32 leading to its strip-shaped component surface section 42. However, in both embodiments, the number of profile bars 35 equipped with valve fastening holes 32 is less than the total number of profile bars 35, which contributes to a reduction in manufacturing costs. Specifically, in both embodiments, only a single profile bar 35 is equipped with the valve fastening holes 32 in the area of ​​its component surface section 42, whereby in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 is the middle profile bar 35.

[0071] Preferably, the profile bar 35 is equipped with the valve mounting holes 32 whose main fluid channel system 23 is used as the feed channel system 23a.

[0072] The profile bars 35 advantageously have the same outer contour among themselves, which in turn enables cost-effective production because the same starting material can be used.

[0073] It is particularly advantageous if the profile bars 35, according to the illustrated embodiments, have a rectangular outer contour when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 15a or to the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 37. With such a prismatic profiling of the profile bars 35, a valve support strip 16 can be realized that has a plate-like, preferably flat structure. In such a case, not only the component surface sections 42 are flat, but also the adjacent outer circumferential surface sections 38a of the profile bars 35, which are arranged directly next to one another in the width direction 22a. The adjacent outer surface sections 38a preferably extend in a plane perpendicular to the component surface sections 42.

[0074] Deviating from the illustrated embodiments, the profile bars 35 can also have a different prismatic shape, for example, having a hexagonal outer contour. However, the design of the profile bars 35 as square bars with a rectangular cross-section is considered particularly advantageous.

[0075] For all profile bars 35, the distribution pattern of the channel openings 27a of the branch fluid channels 27, which open at the strip-shaped mounting surface sections 42, is expediently identical. This enables particularly efficient production.

[0076] In a preferred manufacturing method, the profiled rods 35 belonging to the same valve support strip 16 are obtained from one and the same type of rod-shaped starting material. This rod-shaped starting material has a length that exceeds the length of each profiled rod 35 and, in particular, is a multiple of the length of each profiled rod 35. This rod-shaped starting material is machined such that it is penetrated by an output channel structure that corresponds in nature to a main fluid channel system 23. This means that the rod-shaped starting material is penetrated over its entire length by a longitudinal rod channel, from which a plurality of transverse channels branch off at regular intervals.To produce a profile bar, this rod-shaped starting material is cut to the desired length, wherein the length section of the rod longitudinal channel present in the respectively cut profile bar 35 forms a main fluid channel 24 and the transverse channels present in the cut profile bar 35 form the branch fluid channels 27.

[0077] After cutting the rod-shaped starting material to length, the profile bars are joined together with the outer circumferential surface sections 38a facing each other to form the valve support strip 16.

[0078] It can be seen that valve support strips 16 can be produced in this way with individual lengths and widths tailored to the respective application.

[0079] The profile bars 35 belonging to the same valve support bar 16 are of the same length. They are arranged side by side in such a way that they are at the same height in the longitudinal direction 15a, and the end faces 25a of the profile bars 35 facing in the same direction extend in one and the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15. The end faces 25a of the profile bars 35 located on the same axial side together form one of the two axial end faces 25 of the valve support bar 16.

[0080] As is particularly evident from Fig. 7, there is the advantageous possibility of designing the distribution pattern of the channel openings 27a of the branch fluid channels 27 present on the strip-shaped assembly surface sections 42 for adjacent profile bars 35 offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 15a. This makes it possible to achieve that the opening distribution line 28 of the channel openings 27a belonging to the same assembly location 17a runs obliquely or is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction 15a. This can be achieved most easily by cutting the profile bars 35 from the rod-shaped starting material during their production in such a way that different distances are present between the first channel opening 27a of the row of channel openings and the respectively assigned end face 25a of the profile bar 35.If the valve support bar 16 is composed of three profile bars 35, the inclined outlet distribution line 28 can be realized very easily by arranging the two outer profile bars 35 with a longitudinal alignment rotated by 180°.

[0081] In addition to the profile bars 35 forming the valve support strip 16, the valve support 2 expediently also contains two end covers 43, each attached to one of the two axial end faces of the valve support strip 16 or to the profile bars 35 forming the valve support strip 16. These end covers 43 expediently function as fixing means that hold the profile bars 35, which are joined lengthwise to one another, together in all directions transverse to the longitudinal direction 15a. If the end covers 43 are attached to the end faces of the profile bars 35, a profile bar-end cover assembly is provided that can be handled uniformly both with and without the valve units 3 installed, for example, to mount it on any desired support structure 44.

[0082] Such a support structure 44 is shown as an example in the form of a support plate, although the design of the support structure 44 is fundamentally arbitrary. With the aid of valve support fastening means 45, the valve support 2 can be fastened to the support structure 44 in such a way that not only the valve support 2 as such is mounted at the installation site, but simultaneously the profile bars 35 and the end covers 43 are also firmly held together to maintain the profile bar-end cover assembly.

[0083] By way of example, the valve support fastening means 45 are arranged on the two end covers 43. They comprise, for example, one or more perforated fastening tabs 45a and, in addition, separate fastening screws 45b, which extend through the fastening tabs 45a and are screwed to the support structure 44, for example with the assistance of sliding blocks, in order to clamp the end covers 43, including the profile bars 35 held by the end covers 43, to the support structure 44.

[0084] In order to fix the profile bars 35 simply and effectively in their relative position, each end cover 43 has, on its inner side 46 axially facing the profile bars 35, a number of fastening nozzles 47 projecting in the longitudinal direction 15a corresponding to the number of profile bars 35. Each fastening nozzle 47 is aligned coaxially with a main fluid channel 24 of the axially opposite profile bar 35 and, starting from the axial end face 25, 25a, dips into the associated main fluid channel 24. The outer contour of the fastening nozzles 47 is adapted to the inner contour of the channel end sections 24a, so that all-round radial support is established between the fastening nozzle 47 and the wall of the respectively associated main fluid channel 24 formed by the profile bars 35.

[0085] Each main fluid channel 24 expediently has a circular cross-section. To match this, the mounting sockets 47 also have a circular outer contour. In principle, however, it would be conceivable to give the cross-sectional contours of the main fluid channels 24 and the mounting sockets 47 a different shape, for example, oval or polygonal.

[0086] Each mounting socket 47 expediently carries a sealing ring 48 in the region of its outer circumference, which is preferably attached to the mounting socket 47 as a separate component and fixed in a retaining groove on the outer circumference of the mounting socket 47. Each sealing ring 48 rests sealingly on the outer circumference of the mounting socket 47 on the one hand and on the inner circumference of the associated main fluid channel 24 on the other hand, so that fluid leakage in the transition area between the end cover 43 and the profile bars 35 is excluded.

[0087] For assembly on the valve support bar 16, the end covers 43 are placed axially against the end face 25 with their inner side 46 facing forward, with the fastening studs 47 being inserted into the channel end sections 24a. The end covers 43 can thus be fixed to the valve support bar 16 in a simple plug-in assembly. Previously, the profile bars 35 forming the valve support bar 16 were placed against one another in the desired parallel arrangement with their outer peripheral surface sections 38a.

[0088] The mutual spacing between the individual fastening supports 47 is selected in particular such that, after being inserted into the main fluid channels 24, the profile bars 35 abut one another. The resulting mutual support between the profile bars 35 automatically ensures a rotationally secured alignment of the profile bars 35 with respect to their longitudinal axes 37. Due to tolerances, a minimal gap may occur between the adjacent profile bars 35, which, however, is harmless with regard to mutual support, especially since the profile bars 35 are held together by the end covers 43 transversely to the longitudinal direction 15a.

[0089] The valve support fasteners 45 ensure the final cohesion of the profile bar-end cover assembly after it has been fixed to an external support structure 44. Incidentally, this support structure 44 can also be a component of the valve support 2.

[0090] Preferably, fixing measures are provided by which each end cover 43 is immovably fixed in the longitudinal direction 15a to the valve support bar 16 composed of the one-piece profile bars 35, regardless of its attachment to a support structure 44. This axial fixing is preferably frictionally engaged and / or positively engaged. Positively engaged fixing is achieved, in particular, by latching. Each end cover 43 could, in principle, also be screwed to at least one of the profile bars 35 in order to achieve a positively engaged fixing in the longitudinal direction 15a, although this is not the case in the exemplary embodiment.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment, a frictional fixation is achieved by the fastening nozzles 47 which are inserted into the channel end sections 24a of the main fluid channels 24 under radial prestress. The radial prestress results in particular from the sealing rings 48 which are elastically compressed between the outer circumference of the respectively associated fastening nozzle 47 and the inner surface of the associated main fluid channel 24.

[0092] In principle, it would be sufficient to axially fix the end caps 43 to the valve support bar 16 solely through this frictional engagement. This fixation can then be used as pre-fixation until the entire profile bar-end cap assembly is finally fixed to a support structure 44 via the end caps 43.

[0093] In the embodiment, the frictional pre-fixing is supported by a locking fixation which effects a positive connection in the longitudinal direction 15a.

[0094] A particularly advantageous type of locking is implemented in the embodiment and is best seen from the Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7. Here, an axially projecting locking arm 52 is formed on at least one, and preferably on exactly one, fastening piece 47, which—particularly in the region of its free end—has a radially projecting locking projection 53 and is radially deflectable under elastic deformation. A locking recess 54 is formed in the inner circumference of the main fluid channel 24, into which the locking projection 53 engages when the associated fastening piece 47 is inserted into the channel end section 24a and the associated end cover 43 rests against the end faces 25a.

[0095] The insertion depth of the end caps 43 with respect to the main fluid channels 24 is expediently limited by a stop surface 55 formed on the inner side 46 of the end caps 43, which, when the end cap 43 is mounted on the valve support bar 16, bears against the end faces 25a of the profile bars 35 facing it. Preferably, the stop surface 55 is formed on a preferably plate-shaped component of a base body 56 of the end cap 43, onto which the fastening studs 47 are also integrally formed.

[0096] The axial distance of the locking projection 53 from the stop surface 55 and the axial distance of the locking recess 54 from the end face 25, 25a are preferably coordinated with one another such that the end covers 43 are axially clamped to the end face 25 of the valve support bar 16 when locked to the valve support bar 16.

[0097] In particular, if the locking mechanism is intended only to pre-fix the end cover 43, it is sufficient if the associated locking means 52, 53, 54 are formed only on one fastening piece 47 and in one main fluid channel 24. This is the case in the exemplary embodiment.

[0098] The locking recesses can be formed very easily in a single operation during the introduction of the branch fluid channels 27. For example, the branch fluid channels 27 can be introduced by drilling, whereby the drilling depth to create the locking recesses 54 is selected such that the drilling tool penetrates the cross-section of the main fluid channel 24 and, diametrically opposite the respective branch fluid channel 27, creates a blind hole-like recess in the channel wall, which can be used as a locking recess 54.

[0099] Preferably, the main fluid channel 24 of at least that profile bar 35 which is used for a locking fixation of a cover plate 43 is provided with locking recesses 54 in the same distribution grid as the branch fluid channels 27. This is particularly well Fig. 5. This eliminates the need for individual production of the locking recesses after cutting a rod-shaped starting material to the desired length for a profile bar 35.

[0100] The fastening tabs 45a of the valve support fastening means 45 mentioned above are expediently designed as one-piece components of the base body 56.

[0101] At this point it should be mentioned that the end covers 43 are preferably made of a plastic material, while the profile bars 35 are expediently made of metal and in particular of an aluminum alloy.

[0102] Preferably, at least one end cover 43 serves to supply and / or discharge the pressure medium to be controlled by the valve units 3 into and out of the valve carrier 2. This applies to the illustrated embodiments, in which both end covers 43 advantageously have the functionality of supplying and discharging the fluid pressure medium. The following explanations refer to both end covers 43, but can also be implemented with only a single end cover 43.

[0103] Each end cover 43 is penetrated, preferably in the longitudinal direction 15a, by at least one fluid channel, which for ease of differentiation is referred to as the cover fluid channel 57. This cover fluid channel 57 preferably runs coaxially through one of the fastening studs 47, which, in particular in this context, is sleeve-shaped. The cover fluid channel 57 has an inner opening 58 on the end cover 43 in the region of the inner side 46 and an outer opening 59 in the region of the opposite outer side 62. The inner opening 58 is formed by an end-face opening of the fastening stud 47.

[0104] When the end cover 43 is mounted on the valve support bar 16, the cover fluid channel 57 communicates with one of the main fluid channels 24 via the inner opening 58.

[0105] The end cover 43 preferably has a number of cover fluid channels 57 corresponding to the number of main fluid channels 24, each of which may extend through one of the sleeve-shaped fastening sockets 47. This allows the fluid supply and discharge for all main fluid channels 24 to take place via one and the same end cover 43.

[0106] If both end covers 43 are equipped with a corresponding number of cover fluid channels 57, fluid supply and fluid disposal can take place from both end faces of the valve support bar 16.

[0107] It is also possible to equip both end covers 43 each with a smaller number of cover fluid channels 57 compared to the number of main fluid channels 24, so that at least one main fluid channel 24 can be supplied with fluid or disposed of from only one end face and at least one further main fluid channel 24 from only the other end face.

[0108] The outer openings 59 of those cover fluid channels 57 that communicate with the main fluid channel 24 of a relief channel system 23b allow fluid to pass to the atmosphere. Preferably, the corresponding outer openings 59 are equipped with silencers 63.

[0109] Those cover fluid channels 57 that communicate with the main fluid channel 24 of the feed channel system 23a expediently have a fluid line connection device 64 at the outer opening 59. This enables the particularly detachable connection of a fluid line that is connected to an external pressure source from which the valve carrier 2 is supplied with the fluid pressure medium to be controlled. The fluid line connection device 64 is particularly a plug-in connection device. Alternatively, however, a connection thread can also be provided.

[0110] It is understood that the silencers 63 can also be omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to also equip the cover fluid channels 57, which communicate with a relief channel 23b, with a fluid line connection device 64 to enable a controlled fluid discharge from the valve carrier 2.

[0111] Both the inner openings 58 and the outer openings 59 are expediently arranged on the base body 56 mentioned above.

[0112] Each end cover 43 is preferably designed such that, apart from the fastening studs 47, there is no axial overlap with the profile bars 35 of the valve support bar 16. According to an unillustrated exemplary embodiment, however, it is possible to provide the base body 56 in the region of the inner side 46 with an axially projecting frame section, the radial inner contour of which corresponds to the outer contour of the valve support bar 16 and which defines an axially open interior space into which the valve support bar 16 axially extends. The valve support bar 16 is then peripherally enclosed by the frame section at its axial end section, which provides transverse support for the end cover 43 with respect to the valve support bar 16. The axial length of the fastening studs 47 is expediently shorter than that of the frame section.

[0113] If a mounting nozzle 47 is not used for fluid guidance, it does not necessarily have to be sleeve-shaped. It can be closed at the end and made of solid material, for example.

Claims

[1] Valve support (2) of a valve arrangement (1), with a valve support strip (16) extending in a longitudinal direction (15a), in which at least two main fluid channel systems (23) are formed, each comprising a main fluid channel (24) passing through the valve support strip (16) in the longitudinal direction (15a) and a plurality of branch fluid channels (27) branching off from the main fluid channel (24) at a distance from one another, wherein the valve support strip (16) has a fitting surface (17) on its outer side, which is divided into a plurality of fitting positions (17a) arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction (15a) and provided for fitting with valve units (3), to which a branch fluid channel (27) of each main fluid channel system (23) opens, characterized byin that the valve support strip (16) consists of a plurality of one-piece profile bars (35) which are attached to one another lengthwise, in each of which one of the main fluid channel systems (23) is formed and which together define the assembly surface (17), in that each profile bar (35) has on the outside lengthwise a strip-shaped assembly surface section (42) of the assembly surface (17) which extends in the longitudinal direction (15a) and to which the branch fluid channels (27) of the main fluid channel system (23) formed in the profile bar (35) open. [2] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that exactly one of the main fluid channel systems (23) is formed in each profile bar (35). [3] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the valve support strip (16) consists of more than two profile bars (35) which are attached to one another lengthwise, in each of which a main fluid channel system (23) is formed and which each form a strip-shaped assembly surface section (42) of the assembly surface (17). [4] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the distribution pattern of the channel openings (27a) of the branch fluid channels (27) present on the strip-shaped assembly surface sections (42) is identical for all profile bars (35). [5] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the distribution pattern of the channel openings (27a) of the branch fluid channels (27) present on the strip-shaped assembly surface sections (42) is offset in the longitudinal direction (15a) for adjacent profile bars (35) in such a way that channel openings (27a) belonging to the same assembly location (17a) are located on an opening distribution line (28) which is oblique with respect to the longitudinal direction (15a). [6] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that at least one profile bar (35) of the valve support strip (16) is provided with valve fastening holes (32) opening out into the strip-shaped component surface section (42) located thereon, which are designed for fastening the valve units (3) and whose hole openings (32a) are distributed regularly in the longitudinal direction (15a) in such a way that at least one valve fastening hole (32) is assigned to each component location (17a). [7] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the valve fastening holes (32) are designed as blind hole-like threaded holes each having an internal thread. [8] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that only one profile bar (35) is provided with the valve fastening holes (32). [9] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the profile bars (35) have the same outer contour. [10] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized byin that the profile bars (35) are prismatically shaped, so that their longitudinal outer peripheral surface (38) is composed of several strip-shaped outer peripheral surface sections (38a, 38b), wherein adjacent profile bars (35) are attached to one another with mutually facing strip-shaped outer surface sections (38a) and a strip-shaped outer surface section (38b) of each profile bar (35) aligned at right angles thereto forms one of the strip-shaped fitting surface sections (42). [11] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the profile bars (35) have a rectangular outer contour when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (15a). [12] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized bythat an end cover (43) is attached to each of the two end faces of the valve support strip (16), the profile bars (35) being held together by the two end covers (43) transversely to the longitudinal direction (15a). [13] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 13, characterized by that each end cover (43) is fixed immovably to at least one profile bar (35) in the longitudinal direction (15a) by frictional engagement and / or by positive engagement in the longitudinal direction (15a). [14] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 13, characterized by that the positive fixing is achieved by locking. [15] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by that each end cover (43) has a fastening nozzle (47) for each profile bar (35), which extends at the front into a main fluid channel (24) of the profile bar (35) and is radially supported on the profile bar (35) within the main fluid channel (24). [16] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 15, characterized by that the fastening piece (47) is sleeve-shaped. [17] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the fastening nozzle (47) carries a sealing ring (48) which is pressed sealingly against the inner peripheral surface of the associated main fluid channel (24). [18] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized by that at least one of the two end covers (43) is penetrated by at least one cover fluid channel (57) which, on the one hand, communicates with one of the main fluid channels (24) via an axial inner opening (58) and, on the other hand, opens out with an outer opening (59) serving to supply and / or discharge a fluidic pressure medium to an outer side (62) of the end cover (43) facing away from the valve support strip (16). [19] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 18, characterized bythat at least one of the end covers (43) has a fluid line connection device (64) and / or a silencer (63) on at least one outer opening (59). [20] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 18 or 19 in conjunction with one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by that at least one cover fluid channel (57) extends through a sleeve-shaped fastening nozzle (47). [21] Valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized by that it has valve support fastening means (45) which hold the end covers (43) and the profile bars (35) firmly together. [22] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 21, characterized by that the valve support fastening means (45) are designed to fasten the valve support (2) to a support structure (44). [23] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized bythat the valve support fastening means (45) are arranged on the two end covers (43). [24] Valve carrier (2) according to claim 23, characterized by that the valve support fastening means (45) are arranged exclusively on the two end covers (43). [25] Valve arrangement (1), with a valve carrier (2) designed according to one of claims 1 to 24 and with a plurality of valve units (3), each of which is mounted on one of the mounting locations (17a) of the valve carrier strip (16) of the valve carrier (2) and which has internal valve channels (8) which are fluidically connected in the region of the mounting locations (17a) to the branch fluid channels (27) of the main fluid channel systems (23) of the valve carrier (2) opening out there. [26] Method for producing a valve carrier (2) according to one of claims 1 to 24 and / or a valve arrangement (1) according to claim 25, characterized bythat the profile bars (35) are cut to the length suitable for the valve support bar (16) from a rod-shaped starting material which has an internal starting channel structure which corresponds in nature to a main fluid channel system (23), whereupon the profile bars (35) are attached to one another lengthwise to form the valve support bar (16).

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