Valve arrangement

Abstract

Valve arrangement (1), comprising at least one control valve (3) for controlling the flow of a fluid, to which a base body (4) is assigned, which has an external connection surface (12) on which at least one fluid channel (13) of the valve arrangement (1) opens with a channel end section (14) in which a connection piece (15) designed for connecting a fluid line (16) and traversed by a connection channel (33) is fixed with a fastening section (22), and comprising at least one pressure sensing module (37) for sensing a fluid pressure prevailing in the valve arrangement (1), wherein at least one connection piece (15) is designed as a pressure tap connection piece (15a) which contributes to the formation of a pressure tap channel (42) communicating with the connection channel (33), and wherein the pressure sensing module (37) has at least one pressure sensing means (38),which can be acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel (13) via the pressure tap channel (42), characterized in that the pressure sensing module (37) is integrated between the connection surface (12) of the base body (4) and the pressure tap connection piece (15a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve arrangement, with at least one control valve serving to control the flow of a fluid, to which a base body is assigned, which has an external connection surface at which at least one fluid channel of the valve arrangement opens with a channel end section, in which a connection piece designed for connecting a fluid line and through which a connection channel passes is fixed with a fastening section, and with at least one pressure detection module for detecting a fluid pressure prevailing in the valve arrangement, wherein at least one connection piece is designed as a pressure tapping connection piece which contributes to the formation of a pressure tapping channel communicating with the connection channel, and wherein the pressure detection module has at least one pressure detection means which can be acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel via the pressure tapping channel.

[0002] A valve arrangement of this type, known from DE 10 2004 039 138 A1, contains several control valves arranged in series with a base body having a connection surface at which several working channels open. Additionally, a monitoring unit designed for pressure detection is provided, which can be inserted into the working channels using nozzle-like fastening sections and which is interspersed with monitoring channels that, when the monitoring unit is assembled, are each in fluid communication with one of the working channels. Each monitoring channel in the monitoring unit is assigned a sensor unit suitable for measuring the pressure present within the respective monitoring channel.

[0003] DE 10 2014 017 413 B3 describes a valve assembly comprising several valve modules, each with a fluid connection, which is a supply connection connected to a pressure source. The fluid connections each have an integrated pressure sensor for detecting the working pressure applied to the respective valve module.

[0004] DE 60 2004 010 751 T2 discloses a valve assembly comprising a valve block on which several control valves, referred to as a valve assembly, are mounted. Each control valve has a measuring port on its top side, on which an assembly forming a pressure sensing module is mounted. The control valve has a connection surface facing the valve block, at which fluid channels open that are aligned with connections of the valve block. The pressure sensing modules are located on the side of the control valves opposite the valve block.

[0005] A valve arrangement known from DE 103 16 129 A1 contains a valve carrier with a plate-shaped base body equipped with a plurality of control valves. Several fluid channels penetrating the base body open out at a connection surface of the base body. These fluid channels communicate with the control valves. A connector piece is inserted into each of the channel end sections, which can be used to connect a fluid line. The connectable fluid lines serve, in particular, to connect the valve arrangement to one or more consumers that can be actuated by the control valves. The known valve arrangement also contains a diagnostic module mounted on the base body next to the control valves, which can be used to detect the fluid pressure prevailing in a feed channel of the base body.Since the diagnostic module takes up the same space as a control valve, the pressure detection measures in the known case require a considerable amount of space.

[0006] DE 10 2014 004 205 A1 discloses a pressure indicator device that can be attached to the outside of a fluid line to measure the fluid pressure prevailing inside the fluid line. When the pressure indicator device is attached to the fluid line, the fluid line is punctured, making it subsequently unusable without the pressure indicator device.

[0007] EP 1 081 389 B1 discloses a valve assembly comprising a modular valve carrier composed of a plurality of adjacent valve carrier modules, each equipped with a control valve. At least one control valve can be replaced by a purely electrically operated relay unit.

[0008] WO 2016 / 102689 A1 discloses a pressure sensing device equipped with piezoresistive pressure sensing elements. Applying pressure to the pressure sensing element results in a change in resistance in the piezoresistive material, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the applied force and thus the applied pressure.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of taking measures that enable a simple and cost-effective pressure detection of a fluid pressure prevailing in a valve arrangement.

[0010] To solve this problem, in conjunction with the features mentioned above, it is provided that the pressure detection module is integrated between the connection surface of the base body and the pressure tapping connection piece.

[0011] In this way, the fluid pressure prevailing in a fluid channel of a base body of the valve arrangement can be detected very easily. A connector is fastened to a channel end section of the fluid channel that opens out onto a connection surface, to which connector a fluid line suitable for supplying or discharging a fluidic pressure medium can be connected. The connector is fixed to the base body by a fastening section that engages in the channel end section. A pressure sensing module having a pressure-sensitive pressure sensing means is integrated between the connector and the connection surface of the base body. This pressure sensing means is acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel, in that the connector is designed as a pressure tapping connector, which contributes to the formation of a pressure tapping channel via which the pressure sensing means communicates with the connection channel.Thus, the connector not only serves to connect a fluid line, but also to tap the pressure from the associated fluid channel to apply pressure to a pressure sensing device of the pressure sensing module. Such pressure sensing measures are easy to implement and are also suitable for retrofitting existing valve assemblies that have a connection surface equipped or capable of being equipped with at least one connector. The valve assembly can be equipped with just a single pressure tap connector or, if the fluid pressures in multiple fluid channels are to be measured, with multiple pressure tap connectors. Pressure tap connectors and conventional standard connectors not designed for pressure sensing can be combined in one and the same valve assembly.This allows pressure sensing to be performed in at least one fluid channel within a single valve assembly, while pressure sensing can be performed in at least one other fluid channel. By integrating the pressure sensing module between the pressure tapping connector and the base body of the valve assembly, an extremely compact arrangement with short flow paths for pressure sensing can be realized. The pressure sensing module is easily accessible, facilitating repairs or upgrades. Furthermore, the flow paths required for pressure sensing can be kept very short, which benefits the response behavior.

[0012] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0013] Preferably, at least one fluid channel equipped with a pressure tap connector is a working channel serving to actuate a consumer, which, during use of the valve arrangement, is connected to an external consumer via a fluid line connected to the pressure tap connector. The consumer is, in particular, a fluid-operated drive, preferably a pneumatic drive. At least one control valve of the valve arrangement is capable of controlling the fluid flow in the working channel, in particular to alternatively discharge fluid pressure medium into the connected fluid line or return it from the connected fluid line.

[0014] The pressure sensing module opens up advantageous diagnostic possibilities. For example, it can be verified whether the control valve controlling the fluid flow in a fluid channel designed as a working channel has actually switched in accordance with a received electrical control command. Absolute pressure sensing is also possible to obtain information about the current pressure level in the fluid channel and the connected fluid line. Likewise, a leak caused by damage to the connected fluid line or an operating error in the connected consumer or pressure source can be detected by appropriately evaluating the signal output by the pressure sensing device.

[0015] Pressure sensing measures relating to a working channel can be implemented in addition to or as an alternative to monitoring the fluid pressure of the pressure medium fed into the valve arrangement and controlled by the at least one control valve. This is particularly advantageous in a valve arrangement having a plurality of control valves supplied with pressure medium via a common supply channel. Attached to a channel end section of this supply channel is a pressure tapping connector associated with a pressure sensing module, which is connected to a pressure source, in particular a compressed air source, via a fluid line.

[0016] The fluid line intended for connection to the pressure tap connector is, in particular, a flexible fluid line, preferably a compressed air hose. However, the fluid line can also be rigid, like a pipe.

[0017] In a valve arrangement equipped with multiple control valves, the base body is advantageously part of a base body supporting the control valves, which base body is, for example, block-shaped or plate-shaped. The base body can be formed in one piece or segmented to form individual base body modules.

[0018] However, the base body equipped with the pressure sensing module can also be the valve housing of a control valve. This is especially true if the valve arrangement consists of several individual control valves or even just a single control valve.

[0019] A group of fluid channels, each with a channel end section, expediently opens out at the connection surface of the base body. The fluid channels of this group of fluid channels can be equipped with a pressure tap connector or with a conventional standard connector not used for pressure tapping. However, in each channel end section of the fluid channels of the group of fluid channels, a pressure tap connector of a group of pressure tap connectors is preferably fixed with a fastening section, wherein the group of pressure tap connectors is jointly assigned a pressure detection module that is integrated between the connection surface and the group of pressure tap connectors.This pressure sensing module has a pressure sensing element for each fluid channel, which communicates with the fluid channel to be monitored via a pressure sensing channel defined with the assistance of the associated pressure sensing connector. Thus, multiple pressure sensing or pressure monitoring of different fluid channels can be performed using a single pressure sensing module. This multiple monitoring is particularly recommended for a valve arrangement that has a base body equipped with multiple control valves, with the pressure-monitored fluid channels being working channels connected to these control valves.

[0020] The valve assembly has particularly compact external dimensions when the pressure sensing module is plate-shaped and mounted on the base body in such a way that its plate plane runs parallel to the base body's connecting surface. This only minimally increases the dimensions of the valve assembly in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

[0021] The pressure detection module can be implemented particularly simply and space-savingly on the basis of a circuit board carrying at least one pressure detection device.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one pressure tap connector serves as a fastening means for securing the pressure sensing module in the valve assembly. The pressure sensing module is expediently held to the base body exclusively by at least one pressure tap connector. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for separate fastening means.

[0023] The pressure sensing means is expediently integrated between the at least one pressure tapping connection piece and the associated connection surface of the base body in such a way that it is clamped between these components and thus held in place.

[0024] The multiple assignment of pressure tap connectors to one and the same pressure sensing module offers the advantage of securing the pressure sensing module in multiple locations. This ensures high positional stability and, in particular, prevents rotation even if no separate fastening devices are available in addition to the at least one pressure tap connector.

[0025] The pressure sensing module can be clamped particularly easily between the base body and at least one pressure tapping connector if the pressure tapping connector has a connection section with a larger outer diameter than the fastening section, which is connected axially to the outside of the fastening section via an annular step, wherein the annular step defines a clamping surface facing the fastening section, which, when the pressure tapping connector is installed, acts on the pressure sensing module and presses it against the connection surface of the base body. The connection section has a holding device for, in particular, releasably holding an inserted fluid line. Such a holding device has, for example, a retaining ring provided with elastically deformable retaining claws, which engages and holds the inserted fluid line at its outer circumference.

[0026] The pressure sensing module is expediently penetrated by at least one pressure tapping connector. For this purpose, the pressure sensing module preferably has a continuously closed opening at the edge for each pressure tapping connector.

[0027] The fastening section of the pressure tap connector is preferably designed as a threaded connector with an external thread, which is screwed into an internal thread formed in the channel end section of the associated fluid channel. Alternatively, the fastening section can also be, for example, a press-fit connector pressed into the channel end section, which is fixed in the channel end section purely by force or also by form-fitting.

[0028] The pressure tap channel is expediently formed by at least one intermediate space formed radially between the outer circumference of the fastening section of the pressure tap connector and the inner circumference of the associated channel end section. Such an intermediate space can be realized particularly cost-effectively by providing the fastening section with a flattened portion or a groove-like recess on its outer circumference. This design is particularly possible regardless of whether the fastening section is designed as a threaded connector or a press-in connector.

[0029] If the fastening section is a threaded connector with an external thread, the gaps defined by tolerances between the interlocking thread components of the external thread and the internal thread can directly form at least one pressure tapping channel. This measure can also easily be combined with a flattened portion or a groove-like recess on the outer circumference of the fastening section.

[0030] The pressure tap connector can also contribute to the formation of the pressure tap channel by forming the pressure tap channel on its own. For this purpose, a separate pressure tap channel, peripherally closed on all sides, can be formed in the pressure tap connector, for example, which could be a transverse channel branching off from the connecting channel.

[0031] Each pressure sensing device advantageously defines a pressure chamber that communicates with the associated pressure tapping channel and is arranged laterally next to the pressure tapping connector responsible for the associated pressure tapping. This pressure chamber is advantageously located in the area of ​​the rear side of the pressure sensing module facing the connection surface of the base body. The pressure medium tapped from the fluid channel to be monitored via the at least one pressure tapping channel is directed into the pressure chamber, where its pressure can be measured.

[0032] The pressure chamber is preferably delimited by a pressure-sensitive wall of the pressure sensing module. This pressure-sensitive wall is preferably implemented as a pressure-dependently deformable or movable switching element. The pressure-sensitive wall can, for example, be a flexible membrane with an electrically conductive coating on one side and, upon pressure-dependent deflection, similar to a switch, establishing at least one electrical connection from which a pressure signal results. The pressure-dependently deformable or movable switching element is, for example, a component of a so-called push-button membrane, as is commonly used in membrane keyboards. This push-button membrane is, for example, glued to the back of a circuit board of the pressure sensing module, which is equipped with conductor tracks with which the deformable or movable switching element can interact.

[0033] The pressure-sensitive wall of the pressure sensing module can alternatively have piezoresistive properties, allowing its electrical resistance to change depending on the pressure, which in turn can be used to generate at least one pressure signal. This piezoresistive pressure sensing principle also makes continuous pressure sensing very easy. Such a piezoresistive wall does not require any mobility to perform its pressure sensing function.

[0034] Preferably, a sealing plate, through which the pressure tapping connector extends, is arranged between the pressure sensing module and the connecting surface of the base body. This sealing plate defines a flow path between the pressure tapping channel and the associated pressurization chamber. For example, the sealing plate can have at least one opening through which the pressure tapping connector extends, which, together with the pressure sensing module and the base body, defines both the pressurization chamber and a flow-through connecting section between the pressurization chamber and the pressure tapping channel. This connecting section expediently contains a gap extending around the connector.

[0035] The pressure detection means may advantageously comprise an absolute pressure sensor, in which case they are expediently formed exclusively by such an absolute pressure sensor.

[0036] It is advantageous if the pressure sensing module has an electromechanical interface that can be used for signal transmission, in particular to an external electronic control device. It is designed, for example, as an electromechanical plug-in device. With its help, electrical pressure signals generated by the at least one pressure sensing device can be transmitted to an electronic control device for further processing.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a section of a preferred embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the arrangement Fig. 1 in an exploded view, Fig. 3 a front view of the valve arrangement with view direction according to arrow III of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a section through the valve arrangement according to section line IV-IV of Fig. 3, where a section framed by a dotted line is shown enlarged for clarity, Fig. 5 a section through the valve arrangement according to section line VV from Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 a section through the valve arrangement according to section line VI-VI Fig. 4.

[0038] The drawing illustrates a preferred embodiment of a valve assembly 1 according to the invention, which has a valve carrier 2 equipped with a plurality of control valves 3 designed to control the flow of a fluid under fluid pressure. An essential component of the valve carrier 2 is a base body 4, which supports the control valves 3.

[0039] By way of example, the valve arrangement 1 has two control valves 3. The valve arrangement 1 can also have more than two control valves 3 or only a single control valve 3.

[0040] The base body 4 is designed as a single piece, as an example. However, it can also have a modular structure and be composed of a plurality of base body modules arranged in a row along the axial direction of a main axis 5.

[0041] The base body 4 has a mounting surface 6 on which at least one control valve 3 is seated. Fastening means 9, particularly in the form of fastening screws, are used to attach each control valve 3 to the base body 4 and clamp it to the mounting surface 6.

[0042] If the valve arrangement 1 has several control valves 3, these are expediently arranged in a row in the axial direction of the main axis 5 according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Each control valve 3 communicates with a feed channel 7 passing through the base body 4, which is connected to an external pressure source P, in particular a compressed air source, during operation of the valve arrangement 1. Furthermore, each control valve 3 communicates with at least one relief channel 8, which also runs in the base body 4 and opens to the atmosphere, with each control valve 3 being connected to two such relief channels 8, for example. The feed channel 7 and each relief channel 8 open out multiple times at the mounting surface 6 in such a way that the fluid connection to each of the control valves 3 mounted thereon is maintained. When compressed air is used as the pressure medium, each relief channel 8 is a so-called vent channel.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve carrier 2 has an end cover attached to the front of the base body 4, which is not further shown in the drawing and which is equipped with connection means that enable the detachable connection of a fluid line leading to the pressure source P.

[0045] The base body 4 has a connection surface 12 on its outer side, to which at least one fluid channel 13 opens for each control valve 3. For this purpose, each fluid channel 13 has a channel end section 14 opening into the connection surface 12. Each fluid channel 13 opens onto the component surface 6 on the side opposite the channel end section 14, so that it is connected there to a control valve 3 mounted on the component surface 6.

[0046] By way of example, each control valve 3 is assigned two separate fluid channels 13 which lead to the connection surface 12.

[0047] The fluid channel 13 is preferably a working channel 13a used to actuate a consumer 10. A connector 15 is attached to each channel end section 14, to which a fluid line 16, indicated only by dash-dotted lines, can be connected, preferably in a detachable manner. This fluid line 16 leads to a schematically illustrated consumer 10, which is in particular a fluid-operated drive, in particular a pneumatic linear drive or rotary drive.

[0048] Each control valve 3 has a valve housing 17, with which it is mounted on the component surface 6, and also a valve means 18 arranged inside the valve housing 17, comprising a movable valve member 18a. The latter is only indicated schematically in the drawing. Depending on the switching position of the valve member 18a, which can be adjusted during a switching movement, the valve means 18 are able to fluidically connect each of the working channels 13a alternatively to the feed channel 7 or to a relief channel 8. Thus, the fluid flow in the working channels 13a can be controlled by the control valves 3. It is possible to discharge pressure medium supplied through the feed channel 7 through a working channel 13a to the connected consumer 10. Likewise, it is possible to discharge medium flowing back from a consumer to the atmosphere through a working channel 13a and a relief channel 8.The fluid flow always occurs through one of the control valves 3.

[0049] Each connecting piece 15 has a fastening section 22 on the rear side, with which it engages into the associated channel end section 14 from the side of the connecting surface 12 and with which it is fastened to the base body 4 in the interior of the channel end section 14.

[0050] According to the exemplary embodiment, the fastening section 22 is preferably designed as a threaded connector 22a having an external thread 23 with which it is screwed into an internal thread 24 of the associated fluid channel 13 formed on the inner circumference of the channel end section 14. With a clamping surface 25 facing the connection surface 12, the connection piece 15 is clamped to the base body 4 by applying a corresponding torque.

[0051] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the fastening section 22 is designed as a press-in socket which is firmly pressed into a threadless channel end section 14.

[0052] The connecting piece 15 preferably has a connecting section 26 that adjoins the fastening section 22 axially forward and protrudes relative to the connecting surface 12. This connecting section 26 expediently has a larger outer diameter than the fastening section 22, so that an annular step 27 is formed between the two sections 22, 26, which has an axially rearwardly directed annular surface that forms the clamping surface 25.

[0053] Preferably, the clamping surface 25 is formed by an annular seal 28 which is arranged in the region of the annular step 27 coaxially to the connecting piece 15, the longitudinal axis of which is indicated by dash-dotted lines at 32.

[0054] The connecting piece 15 is coaxially penetrated by a connecting channel 33. At one end, this opens at the rear to the free end face 31 of the fastening section 22, so that it is in fluid communication with the working channel 13a. The axially opposite front end section of the connecting channel 33 forms a connecting recess 34, which is open toward the front end face of the connecting section 26 facing away from the base body 4 and serves to accommodate the end section of the connected fluid line 16.

[0055] Preferably, the connector 15 is designed for plug-in connection with a fluid line 16. The fluid line 16 can be inserted into the connection section 26 for connection to the connector 15. A holding device 35 arranged in the connection recess 34 and fixed to the connection section 26 is designed to hold the inserted fluid line 16, in particular in a detachable manner.

[0056] By way of example, the holding device 35 includes a retaining ring coaxial with the longitudinal axis 32 with individual retaining claws that are elastically deformable in the radial direction and act upon the inserted fluid line 16 at its outer circumference, thereby holding it in place. Preferably, the connecting piece 15 includes a particularly sleeve-shaped release element 36 that also extends into the connection recess 34 and is penetrated by the connected fluid line 16. It can be manually actuated and thereby displaced toward the holding device 35 in order to temporarily deactivate the latter, allowing the fluid line 16 to be pulled out.

[0057] A similarly designed connecting piece 15 is expediently also assigned to the feed channel 7 in order to be able to releasably fix a fluid line connecting the feed channel 7 to the pressure source P (not shown).

[0058] The holding device 35 can, for example, also be designed for screw fastening of the fluid line 16.

[0059] At least one connector 15 serves to contribute to pressure detection of the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel 13 assigned to it. For ease of differentiation, this connector 15 is therefore also referred to as a pressure tap connector 15a. For example, all connectors 15 connected to a fluid channel 13 configured as a working channel 13a are configured as pressure tap connectors 15a. Specifically, these are four pressure tap connectors 15a, corresponding to the same number of fluid channels 13 or working channels 13a.

[0060] Each pressure tapping connector 15a cooperates with a pressure sensing module 37, which is suitable for sensing the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel 13 into which a pressure tapping connector 15a is inserted. To perform the pressure sensing function, the pressure sensing module 37 has a pressure sensing means 38 for each fluid channel 13 it is to monitor.

[0061] Preferably, one and the same pressure sensing module 37 is designed to independently detect the fluid pressure in multiple fluid channels 13. This applies to the exemplary embodiment. Here, as already mentioned, a group of fluid channels 13 opens to the connection surface 12, with a pressure tapping connector 15a of a group of pressure tapping connectors 15a being fixed in each associated channel end section 14. A pressure sensing module 37 jointly assigned to this group of pressure tapping connectors 15a has a number of pressure sensing means 38 corresponding to the number of pressure tapping connectors 15a, which are acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the associated fluid channel 13 with the cooperation of each of the pressure tapping connectors 15a.

[0062] However, it is readily possible to provide a separate, individual pressure detection module 37 for at least one, and preferably for each, fluid line 16 whose pressure is to be monitored. This module then has a pressure detection means 38 for only a single fluid channel 13.

[0063] The pressure sensing module 37 is integrated between the connection surface 12 of the base body 4 and each associated pressure tapping connector 15a. Each pressure tapping connector 15a contributes to the formation of a pressure tapping channel 42, which, on the one hand, communicates with the working channel 13a and, on the other hand, supplies the thus sensed fluid pressure to the associated pressure sensing means 38 of the pressure sensing module 37, so that the latter is subjected to the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel 13.

[0064] By way of example, the pressure tap channel 42 per pressure tap connector 15a results from a plurality of axially extending spaces 43 formed within the fluid channel 13 in the area located radially between the outer circumference of the fastening section 22 and the inner circumference of the channel end section 14. In the exemplary embodiment, each pressure tap channel 42 is formed by two such spaces 43, which are preferably diametrically opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal axis 32.

[0065] As is particularly evident from Fig. 5, each intermediate space 43 can be realized in that the fastening section 22, which is essentially contoured in a circular cylinder on the outside, has a flattening 44 at one point of its circumference, which flattening is in the sectional plane of the Fig. 5 is arranged according to the secant of a circle. Another, in Fig. 5, the possibility of forming an intermediate space 43, illustrated in dash-dotted lines, consists in introducing a groove-like recess 45 into the essentially circular-cylindrical contoured outer circumference of the fastening section 22. In both cases, the intermediate space 43 is bounded radially inward by the fastening section 22 of the pressure tap connecting piece 15a and radially outward by the inner circumferential surface of the channel end section 14.

[0066] The intermediate space 43 extends in the longitudinal direction of the pressure tap connecting piece 15a, being open to the rear end face 31 of the pressure tap connecting piece 15, which simultaneously forms the rear end face of the fastening section 22.

[0067] The flattening 44 or alternatively groove-like depression 45 expediently extends axially as far as the connecting section 26. However, at least the length is preferably selected such that the pressure tapping channel 42 extends from the rear end face 31 to outside the base body 4 in the region of the connecting surface 12.

[0068] The flattening 44 or groove-like depression 45 is Fig. 2, the preferred external thread 23 is interrupted in the circumferential direction. However, this does not affect the effective screw connection of the fastening section 22 to the base body 4.

[0069] If the fastening section 22 is designed as a threaded connector 22a according to the exemplary embodiment, additional measures for forming a pressure tapping channel 42 can be dispensed with if there is sufficient play or clearance between the external thread 23 and the internal thread 24. In this case, the radial space between the two threads 23, 24 directly forms the pressure tapping channel 42. This functionality can easily be combined with at least one of the previously described spaces 43.

[0070] Preferably, the pressure detection module 37 is held on the base body 4 by the at least one pressure tapping connector 15a assigned to it. Particularly advantageous is the variant implemented in the exemplary embodiment, in which the pressure detection module 37 is fixed to the base body 4 exclusively by the at least one pressure tapping connector 15a.

[0071] Preferably, the pressure sensing module 37 is penetrated by each pressure tapping connector 15a assigned to it. The pressure tapping connector 15a rests with its clamping surface 25 on the front surface 46 of the pressure sensing module 37 facing away from the connection surface 12 and presses the pressure sensing module 37 toward the connection surface 12, so that it is firmly clamped and thus securely held between the clamping surface 25 of the pressure tapping connector 15a and the connection surface 12 of the base body 4.

[0072] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the pressure detection module 37 is plate-shaped and arranged such that its plate plane 47 runs parallel to the adjacent connection surface 12 of the base body 4.

[0073] For each pressure tap connector 15a assigned to the pressure sensing module 37, the pressure sensing module 37 is provided with an opening 48 that extends through the pressure sensing module 37 at right angles to the plate plane 47, so that it opens, on the one hand, to the front surface 46 and, on the other hand, to the opposite rear surface 52 of the pressure sensing module 37, facing the connection surface 12. Each pressure tap connector 15a passes through one of the openings 48 with its fastening section 22, which protrudes beyond the rear surface 52 and engages the associated channel end section 14. The clamping surface 25 rests against the front surface 46 of the pressure sensing module 37 around the opening 48. Since the clamping surface 25 is preferably formed by a seal 28, this results in a seal of the opening 48 towards the front of the pressure detection module 37.

[0074] Each pressure sensing means 38 preferably comprises a pressure-sensitive wall 53. This pressure-sensitive wall 53 fluid-tightly separates a reference region 64 exposed to atmospheric pressure from a pressurization chamber 54, which is in fluid communication with the pressure tapping channel 42 of the associated pressure tapping connector 15a. Thus, the same fluid pressure prevails in the pressurization chamber 54, as indicated by arrow 55, as in the fluid channel 13, formed, for example, by a working channel 13a, whereby the pressure-sensitive wall 53 is subjected to the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel 13 to be detected from the side of the pressurization chamber 54.

[0075] The pressure difference between the fluid pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber 54 and the atmospheric pressure prevailing in the reference area 64 results in the pressure-sensitive wall 53 being subjected to a differential force, which generates an electrical pressure signal that can be picked up by suitable means and used for monitoring and / or control tasks. For example, the pressure difference acting on the pressure-sensitive wall 53 leads to a deformation and movement of the pressure-sensitive wall 53.

[0076] By way of example, the pressure sensing module 37 is provided with an electromechanical interface 56, which is designed for signal transmission of the generated electrical pressure signal to, for example, an external electronic control device 59. The electromechanical interface 56 is expediently attached to the front surface 46 of the pressure sensing module 37 facing away from the base body 4, but can also be placed elsewhere. It is designed, in particular, in the form of a plug-in connector.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure-sensitive wall 53 forms a pressure-dependently movable switching element 53a. The latter is designed as a flexible membrane and is electrically conductive on the side facing away from the pressure chamber 54. Preferably, each switching element 53a is part of a film 57 that is applied to a rear side of a circuit board 58 of the pressure detection module 37, opposite the front surface 46. In the area opposite the movable switching element 53a, the circuit board 58 has a contact surface arrangement 61 that belongs to an electrical conductor arrangement 62, with the aid of which the generated pressure signal can be output and, in particular, conducted to the electromechanical interface 56.Spacer means 63 integrated between the circuit board 58 and the film 57 ensure that the switching element 53a is spaced from the opposite contact surface arrangement of the circuit board 58 when the connected fluid channel 13 is depressurized. A gap resulting from this spacing is located at 64a. Via a vent hole 65, which extends through the circuit board 58 in particular, the gap 64a is constantly exposed to atmospheric pressure and forms the reference area 64 of the pressure sensing means 38 mentioned above.

[0078] When the pressure in the fluid channel 13 increases, the fluid pressure in the pressure chamber 54 also increases according to arrow 55, resulting in a deflection of the switching element 53a, which in turn results in the generation of an electrical pressure signal when the switching element 53a touches the opposite contact surface arrangement 61 and thereby closes at least one circuit.

[0079] Preferably, the elasticity of the switching element 53a is designed such that it is deformed to output a pressure signal only when a predetermined pressure level is reached in the fluid channel 13. In this way, it is easy to verify whether or not proper operation is taking place.

[0080] The film 57, together with the spacer means 63 and the circuit board 58, is expediently combined to form a single structural unit representing the pressure sensing module 37. The film 57 is, in particular, glued. The film 57 can be designed particularly cost-effectively to implement the switching elements 53a in the manner of a so-called push-button film, as is common in membrane keyboards. The openings 48 extend through both the circuit board 58 and the film 57.

[0081] An alternative possibility for implementing the pressure-sensitive wall 53 is the use of a rigid wall made of piezoresistive material, which is placed between two electrodes connected to the electrical conductor arrangement 62. Here, a change in the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel 13 leads to a change in the pressure forces acting on the piezoresistive wall, resulting in a change in electrical resistance, which is used to generate an electrical pressure signal.

[0082] The pressure chamber 54 could be encapsulated within the pressure sensing module 37. However, it is expediently open toward the base body 4 and closed on the side of the base body 4 by the connection surface 12.

[0083] To form the pressurization chamber 54, a sealing plate 66 is arranged, for example, between the pressure sensing module 37 and the connection surface 12 of the base body 4. It is aligned parallel to the plate plane 47 of the pressure sensing module 37. In the area of ​​each pressure tap connection piece 15a, the sealing plate 66 is penetrated by an opening 67, which is aligned with an opening 48 in the pressure sensing module 37. Each opening 67 is framed by a seal 68 on the front side facing the pressure sensing module 37 and on the rear side facing the base body 4. The seal 68 rests, sealingly, on the one hand against the rear surface 52 of the pressure sensing module 37 and, on the other hand, against the connection surface 12 of the base body 4.

[0084] Each pressure tap connection piece 15a passes through the aligned openings 48, 67 with its fastening section 22. The opening 67 of the sealing plate 66 has a first opening section 67a in the region of the fastening section 22, the cross section of which is larger than the outer cross section of the fastening section 22 passing through it, so that an annular gap 72 is present around the fastening section 22, which gap merges into the axially adjoining pressure tap channel 62.

[0085] Each aperture 67 also has a second aperture section 67b, which adjoins the first aperture section 67a in the plane of the sealing plate 66 and extends into the area located laterally next to the pressure tap connection piece 15a. This second aperture section 67b forms the pressure chamber 54. Thus, by means of the sealing plate 66, a flow path containing the gap 72 is defined between the pressure tap channel 42 and the pressure chamber 54, which allows the pressure medium located in the fluid channel 13 to enter the pressure chamber 54 unhindered.

[0086] While the sealing plate 66 is a separate element from the pressure sensing module 37 in the exemplary embodiment, according to a non-illustrated exemplary embodiment, it can also be designed as an integral component of the pressure sensing module 37. It can then, for example, be fixed to the back of the film 57.

[0087] With a corresponding design of the pressure detection means 38, not only a specific pressure threshold in the fluid channel 13 can be monitored, but also a wide pressure range. This is particularly the case when the pressure detection means 38 are configured according to the schematic illustration in Fig. 1 have an absolute pressure sensor 73, which is expediently arranged on the rear side of the circuit board 58. The pressure detection module 37 can have a separate absolute pressure sensor 73 for each fluid channel 13 to be monitored.

[0088] The described pressure sensing measures can also be implemented directly on a control valve 3, regardless of whether the control valve 3 is attached to a valve support 2 or not. In this case, the valve housing 17 forms the base body 4 equipped with the pressure sensing module 37 and at least one pressure tap connector 15a.

[0089] In one and the same valve arrangement 1, in addition to one or more pressure tap connectors 15a, connectors 15 designed as standard connectors for fluid lines 16, which are not designed for pressure tap purposes according to the invention, can also be present. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to replace at least one of the pressure tap connectors 15a with a standard connector whose sole function is to connect a fluid line 16.

[0090] Insofar as the above statements on pressure detection refer to a fluid channel 13 or working channel 13a, they generally apply to each fluid-carrying channel of the valve arrangement 1 which is to be monitored with regard to the fluid pressure prevailing therein, ie for example also to the feed channel 7.

[0091] The exemplary valve arrangement 1 offers the advantage that the pressure sensing measures do not affect the attachment and design of the control valves 13. In principle, an existing valve arrangement not originally designed for pressure sensing measures can be very easily retrofitted with the pressure sensing measures according to the invention by replacing at least one existing standard connector with a pressure tap connector 15a and combining it with a pressure sensing module 37.

[0092] The pressure-sensitive wall 53 does not necessarily have to be implemented using a separate film 57, but can also be a direct component of the circuit board 58 or the sealing plate 66, for example. The latter can, for example, have a conductive membrane as the pressure-sensitive wall 53.

[0093] Instead of the described embodiments of pressure detection means 38, independent pressure sensors can also be used as pressure detection means 38, which are located on a circuit board or another carrier plate of the pressure detection module 37.

[0094] The control valves 3 are expediently of an electrically actuated type. They can be designed to be directly electrically actuated or, preferably, as electrofluidically pilot-operated valves that contain at least one electrically actuated pilot valve for activation. The electrical actuation signals required for actuating the control valves 3 are supplied via electrical conductors (not shown in detail), which are laid in particular in a communication channel 74 of the base body 4 designed for this purpose.

Claims

[1] Valve arrangement (1), with at least one control valve (3) serving to control the flow of a fluid, to which a base body (4) is assigned, which has an external connection surface (12) at which at least one fluid channel (13) of the valve arrangement (1) opens with a channel end section (14) in which a connection piece (15) designed to connect a fluid line (16) and through which a connection channel (33) passes is fixed by a fastening section (22), and with at least one pressure detection module (37) for detecting a fluid pressure prevailing in the valve arrangement (1), wherein at least one connection piece (15) is designed as a pressure tapping connection piece (15a) which contributes to the formation of a pressure tapping channel (42) communicating with the connection channel (33), and wherein the pressure detection module (37) has at least one pressure detection means (38),which can be acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel (13) via the pressure tapping channel (42), , characterized by that the pressure detection module (37) is integrated between the connection surface (12) of the base body (4) and the pressure tapping connection piece (15a). [2] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one fluid channel (13) equipped with a pressure tap connection piece (15a) is a working channel (13a) serving to actuate a consumer, wherein a fluid flow in the working channel (13a) can be controlled by the at least one control valve (3). [3] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the base body (4) is part of a valve carrier (2) equipped with several control valves (3). [4] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized byin that a group of fluid channels (13), each having a channel end section (14), opens out at the connection surface (12) of the base body (4), wherein in each of these channel end sections (14) a pressure tapping connection piece (15a) of a group of pressure tapping connection pieces (15a) is fixed by a fastening section (22), wherein a pressure sensing module (37) jointly assigned to the group of fluid channels (13) is incorporated between the connection surface (12) and the group of pressure tapping connection pieces (15a), said pressure sensing module having a pressure sensing means (38) for each pressure tapping connection piece (15a), which is acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid channel (13) equipped with the pressure tapping connection piece (15a) via a pressure tapping channel (42) defined with the cooperation of the assigned pressure tapping connection piece (15a). [5] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the pressure detection module (37) is plate-shaped, wherein its plate plane (47) is aligned parallel to the connection surface (12). [6] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the pressure detection module (37) has a circuit board (58) carrying the at least one pressure detection means (38). [7] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the pressure detection module (37) is held on the base body (4) only by the at least one pressure tapping connection piece (15a). [8] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the pressure detection module (37) is clamped between the at least one pressure tapping connection piece (15a) and the base body (4) and is thereby held on the base body (4). [9] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized byin that the at least one pressure tapping connection piece (15a) has a connection section (26) which has a larger outer diameter than the fastening section (22), which connection section has a holding device (35) for holding an inserted fluid line (16) and which is connected axially to the outside of the fastening section (22) via an annular step (27), wherein the annular step (27) defines a clamping surface (25) facing the fastening section (22) and bears against the pressure detection module (37). [10] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the clamping surface (25) bears against the pressure detection module (37) with a sealing effect. [11] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the pressure detection module (37) is penetrated by the at least one pressure tapping connection piece (15a). [12] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized bythat the fastening section (22) of the pressure tap connection piece (15a) has an external thread (23) with which it is screwed into the channel end section (14) of the associated fluid channel (13) provided with an internal thread (24). [13] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the pressure tapping channel (42) is formed by at least one intermediate space (43) formed radially between the outer circumference of the fastening section (22) of the pressure tapping connection piece (15a) and the inner circumference of the associated channel end section (14). [14] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 13, characterized by that the fastening section (22) of the pressure tap connecting piece (15a) has a flattening (44) or a groove-like depression (45) on its outer circumference to form the intermediate space (43) functioning as a pressure tap channel (42). [15] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized bythat each pressure detection means (38) delimits a pressurising chamber (54) communicating with the associated pressure tapping channel (42) and arranged laterally next to the associated pressure tapping connection piece (15a). [16] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 15, characterized by that the pressurizing chamber (54) is arranged in the region of the rear side of the pressure detection module (37) facing the connection surface (12) of the base body (4). [17] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the pressure chamber (54) is delimited by a pressure-sensitive wall (53) of the pressure detection module (37). [18] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 17, characterized by that the pressure-sensitive wall (53) forms a pressure-dependent deformable or movable switching element (53a) of the pressure detection means (38). [19] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized bythat between the pressure detection module (37) and the connection surface (12) of the base body (4) there is arranged a sealing plate (66) through which the associated pressure tapping connection piece (15a) passes, which sealing plate defines a flow path between the pressure tapping channel (42) and the associated pressurization chamber (54). [20] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by that the pressure detecting means (38) contain an absolute pressure sensor (73). [21] Valve arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by that the pressure detection module (37) has an electromechanical interface (56) for signal transmission. [22] Valve arrangement (1) according to claim 21, characterized by that the electromechanical interface (56) of the pressure detection module (37) is arranged on the front surface (46) of the pressure detection module (37) facing away from the connection surface (12) of the base body (4).

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