Valve arrangement and method for forming a valve arrangement

Abstract

A valve arrangement comprising at least one valve body (16) and a support plate (22) having a first side (26) on which the valve body (16) is arranged and a second side (28) opposite the first side (26), wherein a passage (38) is provided in the support plate (22) and extends from the first side (26) to the second side (28), wherein a separately formed sealing system (32) is provided between the support plate (22) and the valve body (16), wherein a receptacle (37) is provided in the side of the valve body (16) facing the support plate (22), into which receptacle at least one press-in connector (36) is pressed, characterized in that a fastening mechanism (34) is provided, via which the valve body (16) is fastened to the support plate (22), wherein the fastening mechanism (34) has at least one fastening member (54) connected to the support plate (22),and wherein the fastening mechanism (34) comprises a locking means (62) which cooperates with the fastening member (54).,

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve arrangement and a method for forming a valve arrangement.

[0002] A valve arrangement is known from EP 2 694 822 B1, among others, in particular a modular switching valve arrangement which has a plurality of switching valves which are arranged adjacent to one another. Each switching valve has at least one media connection to which at least one connecting piece is assigned. The connecting piece has a thread at one end, via which the connecting piece is screwed to a valve body of the valve arrangement in order to be securely connected to the valve body. At the same time, the screw connection ensures the desired tightness of the valve arrangement. The respective connecting pieces of the switching valves each extend partially through a common carrier plate to which, among other things, the valve body is fastened. At the same time, the connecting pieces clamp the valve body to the carrier plate.

[0003] However, with the valve assemblies known from the prior art, problems with leak tightness can arise during the design of the valve assembly, i.e., the assembly of the respective components of the valve assembly. This is particularly due to the multiple interfaces due to the multiple components, which makes assembly time-consuming and critical in terms of leak tightness if the assembly is not carried out correctly.

[0004] From DE 10 2010 020 108 A1 a valve arrangement is known which comprises a valve body and a support plate which has a passage, wherein a seal is provided between the valve body and the support plate.

[0005] WO 2009 / 127 224 A1 shows a valve arrangement which includes a module assembly formed from a plurality of module bodies.

[0006] DE 197 11 227 C2 shows a valve arrangement with a plurality of valve modules which are combined in an assembly-like manner to form a valve unit.

[0007] DE 20 2011 004 741 U1 discloses a modular switching valve arrangement with multiple switching valves. Each switching valve has a media connection to which a connecting piece is attached for clamping the switching valves to the support plate, which is mounted on a mounting wall.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a valve arrangement which has a high degree of tightness and is easy to assemble, so that the tightness can be ensured in practice and can be dismantled again without causing damage.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention by a valve arrangement with at least one valve body and a carrier plate, which has a first side on which the valve body is arranged, and a second side opposite the first side. A passage is provided in the carrier plate, which passage extends from the first side to the second side. A separately formed sealing system is provided between the carrier plate and the valve body. In the side of the valve body facing the carrier plate, a receptacle is provided, into which at least one press-in connector is pressed. A fastening mechanism is provided, via which the valve body is fastened to the carrier plate. The fastening mechanism can have at least one fastening member that is connected to the carrier plate. The fastening mechanism comprises a locking means that interacts with the fastening member.

[0010] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a method for forming a valve arrangement, in which a valve body is provided which has a receptacle with at least one press-in connector pressed into the receptacle. A sealing system is arranged on a first side of a carrier plate. The valve body is fastened to the carrier plate so that the sealing system lies between the valve body and the carrier plate. The valve body is fastened to the carrier plate via a fastening mechanism which has at least one fastening member which is connected to the carrier plate. The fastening mechanism comprises a locking means which cooperates with the fastening member.

[0011] The basic idea of the invention is that the valve assembly has a sealing system provided between the support plate and the valve body, thereby providing a better seal between the valve body and the support plate. The sealing system is an axial sealing system provided in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the respective passage, between the support plate and the valve body. In other words, the transition or interface between the support plate and the valve body is sealed by the sealing system.

[0012] The tightness or sealing is further ensured by the fact that at least one press-in connector is pressed into the associated receptacle on the side of the valve body facing the carrier plate and sealed to the valve body with a sealing body, for example an O-ring. Because the press-in connector is pressed into the receptacle of the valve body, a permanent and permanent connection is created between the valve body and the press-in connector. In this respect, there is no interface between the valve body and the press-in connector through which a processed medium can escape. This improves the seal, especially compared to threaded bushings embedded in the valve body, into which a corresponding connecting piece is screwed.

[0013] For example, the at least one press-in connector has been inserted or pressed into the receptacle of the valve body with a linear pressing movement without any deformation of its own.

[0014] In principle, the press-in connector can be designed as a sleeve-shaped or hollow-cylindrical press-in connector which has been pressed into the valve body, in particular its receptacle.

[0015] The receptacle can be a prefabricated opening or a subsequently drilled hole.

[0016] The support plate can be made of a metal, such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. This provides high mechanical stability for the support plate, allowing the valve body to be attached to the support plate. Alternatively, the support plate can be made of another material, such as plastic.

[0017] The support plate therefore provides a fastening surface for the valve body, which has a corresponding mounting surface, via which the valve body is placed on the support plate, in particular the fastening surface. The fastening surface of the support plate therefore corresponds to the first side of the valve body on which the valve body is arranged.

[0018] The fastening member can be at least partially received by the carrier plate, for example, screwed into the carrier plate. At least one fastening member can therefore be connected to the carrier plate, in particular screwed into the carrier plate. In this respect, the fastening member is anchored in the carrier plate, in particular on the first side of the carrier plate. The fastening member can be designed as a bolt-shaped fastening member. The partial reception of the fastening member in the carrier plate also ensures that the fastening member is securely coupled to the carrier plate. For example, the carrier plate has an opening with an internal thread, whereas the fastening member has a corresponding external thread, so that the fastening member can be screwed into the carrier plate.

[0019] The locking means can be designed as a locking plate. In principle, the locking means can ensure that the valve body is securely attached to the support plate, thus preventing it from accidentally being detached from the support plate. For this to happen, the locking means would first have to disengage from the fastening element in order to be able to release the valve body from the support plate at all.

[0020] One aspect provides for a surface of the press-in connector facing the sealing system to be in direct contact with the sealing system. This creates a direct connection between the press-in connector and the sealing system, ensuring a seal acting in the axial direction.

[0021] In principle, the sealing system can be made of a compressible material, such as an elastomer. The sealing system is then compressed when the valve body is attached to the carrier plate, particularly via the press-in connector, so that the sealing system deforms to achieve the desired tightness.

[0022] A further aspect provides that the press-in connector comprises a projection facing the sealing system and a shoulder section surrounding the projection, against which the sealing system bears directly, wherein the projection partially projects into the sealing system. The seal in the transition region between the sealing system and the press-in connector is thereby further improved, since the press-in connector is at least partially received by the sealing system. In other words, the press-in connector is inserted into the sealing system via its projection. A positive connection can be provided between the sealing system and the press-in connector, whereby the tightness is correspondingly further increased. This ensures that a fluid processed with the valve arrangement cannot escape at the respective interface between the press-in connector and the sealing system.

[0023] The fastening mechanism can clamp the valve body against the sealing system. Among other things, the fastening mechanism ensures the sealing of the valve assembly, as the fastening mechanism presses the valve body against the sealing system, thereby applying axial load to the sealing system. This ensures the appropriate seal.

[0024] For example, the locking means extends partially through the valve body, whereby the locking means locks the fastening member within the valve body. There is therefore a locking position in which the fastening member cooperates with the locking means so that the valve body is locked, i.e. cannot be easily detached from the carrier plate. The locking position is located within the valve body. This means that the fastening member extends through the valve body, as does the locking means. The locking means and the fastening member therefore cooperate with each other within the valve body, whereby the valve body is securely fastened or locked to the carrier plate, since the fastening member is connected to the carrier plate and engages the locking means.

[0025] According to one aspect, the fastening member extends in a direction perpendicular to the first side of the support plate, and the locking means extends in a direction parallel to the first side of the support plate, so that the fastening member and the locking means extend in mutually perpendicular directions. The fastening member and the locking means can thus engage with one another, being positively and / or non-positively coupled to one another in a locking position to prevent unintentional release.

[0026] The locking means can thus be moved in a direction that is substantially parallel to the support plate. The direction of movement of the locking means is perpendicular to the extension direction of the fastening member, which is firmly connected to the support plate, in particular, is screwed into the support plate. Thus, for locking or unlocking, the locking means is moved in a direction parallel to the support plate in order to engage or disengage from the fastening member.

[0027] In other words, to lock or securely fasten the valve body to the support plate, a locking means is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the fastening member, wherein the locking means extends through the valve body and locks the fastening member within the valve body. The locking position is thus assumed within the valve body, where the locking means and the fastening member engage with each other.

[0028] Furthermore, a part of the fastening mechanism can extend through the sealing system, in particular wherein the fastening member extends through the sealing system. The sealing system can be formed from a common or an integrally formed sealing body through which the corresponding part of the fastening mechanism extends, in particular the fastening member, which can be screwed into the carrier plate. Alternatively, the sealing system can comprise a plurality of separately formed seals which together define a surface of the sealing system. The part of the fastening mechanism which extends through the sealing system is then arranged within this surface, which is defined by the plurality of separately formed seals. The corresponding part therefore also extends through the sealing system, namely through the correspondingly spanned surface of the plurality of seals of the sealing system.

[0029] According to a further aspect, at least one holding means is provided which is fastened to the carrier plate and pulls the valve body against the carrier plate. The holding means can be fastened to the first side of the carrier plate, for example via at least one fastening means such as a screw. Corresponding openings can be provided in the carrier plate which cooperate with the fastening means via which the at least one holding means is fastened to the carrier plate. Holes can be provided in the holding means which are aligned with the openings in the respective mounting position. When the corresponding fastening means is tightened, the holding means is pulled towards the carrier plate, wherein the holding means also pulls the valve body towards the carrier plate via at least one holding section which engages in the valve body.The sealing system is then loaded in the axial direction via the valve body, which creates the appropriate tightness.

[0030] For example, the at least one retaining means is a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket partially engages the valve body, wherein the mounting bracket pulls the valve body toward the first side of the support plate when the retaining means is attached to the support plate.

[0031] Another aspect provides that the carrier plate has a recess on the first side in which the sealing system is accommodated. In other words, the sealing system can be placed in a recess provided in the first side. This ensures that the valve body can rest against the carrier plate over as large an area as possible, particularly its first side, since the sealing system is (at least partially) accommodated in the carrier plate.

[0032] The sealing system may partially protrude beyond the edge of the recess, whereby the protruding material of the sealing system has been compressed in the fastened state of the valve assembly due to the compressibility of the material of the sealing system.

[0033] The recess also ensures that the sealing system can be quickly and easily positioned correctly on the carrier plate, thus simplifying the manufacture and assembly of the valve assembly. In other words, the recess acts as a positioning aid for the sealing system, making assembly less prone to errors. The shape of the recess is specifically adapted to the outer contour of the sealing system.

[0034] The sealing system can be designed as a multiple seal. For example, the multiple seal has several O-shaped or ring-shaped seals that are arranged in a row, for example in a rectangular pattern. The multiple seals can also be alternately offset or indented from one another. Thus, several rows of seals can be provided that are offset from one another, for example by half the length of a seal. In this respect, the multiple seals define a rectangular area. The multiple seal can be positioned easily and precisely on the carrier plate, thereby simplifying the manufacture and assembly of the valve arrangement. The sealing system can also be formed from a flat seal, in particular a one-piece flat seal.The flat gasket has at least one through-hole which is aligned with the at least one passage in the carrier plate when the sealing system has been positioned at its intended position on the carrier plate.

[0035] Furthermore, at least one connecting piece can be provided, which is arranged on the second side of the carrier plate, so that a fluid connection is provided between the valve body and the connecting piece.

[0036] The connecting piece may have a thread at one end, via which the connecting piece is screwed into the carrier plate, which has a corresponding counter-thread.

[0037] In addition, the connecting piece can have a circumferential shoulder at the end, against which a seal rests. This seal is arranged between the support plate and the connecting piece when assembled, i.e., when the connecting piece is screwed in. This ensures the desired tightness on the side of the support plate facing the connecting piece.

[0038] This allows for a media-tight passage from the connection piece to the respective media connection of the valve body. The carrier plate then does not need to be adapted to the media controlled by the valve assembly in terms of its chemical and / or electrochemical properties.

[0039] If compressed air is used as a medium, this does not pose a problem for the valve arrangement anyway.

[0040] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings: - Fig. 1 an exploded view of a valve arrangement according to the invention, - Fig. 2 a detail of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 1, - Fig. 3 the detail of the valve arrangement from Fig. 2 in assembled condition, - Fig. 4 a plan view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 3, - Fig. 5 a sectional view along the line AA from Fig. 4, - Fig. 6 another top view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 3, - Fig. 7 a sectional view along the line BB from Fig. 6, - Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fastening member used in the valve assembly according to the invention, - Fig. 9 a side view of the fastening link from Fig. 8, - Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a locking means used in the valve assembly according to the invention, - Fig. 11 a plan view of the locking means of the Fig. 10, - Fig. 12 a side view of the locking means from the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, - Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a first side of a retaining means used in the valve assembly according to the invention, - Fig. 14 a perspective view of the opposite second side of the holding means from Fig. 13, - Fig. 15 a plan view of the first side of the holding means from Fig. 13, - Fig. 16 a plan view of the second side of the holding means from Fig. 13, and - Fig. 17 a side view of the holding means from Fig. 13.

[0041] In Fig. 1 shows a valve arrangement 10 which comprises a first connection module 12, a second connection module 14 and a valve body 16 in which corresponding fluid lines or fluid channels are provided, via which at least one fluid to be processed is guided or conducted.

[0042] In addition, the valve assembly 10 has a plurality of actuators 18 that interact with the valve body 16 to form corresponding switching valves 20. The actuators 18 can include a solenoid valve and a pneumatic seat valve.

[0043] The actuators 18, shown separately here, are attached to the valve body 16 for connection to the fluid lines or fluid channels. Thus, at least one fluid within the fluid lines or fluid channels can be controlled via the corresponding actuators 18.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the valve body 16 is a four-way valve module, which is why four actuators 18 are provided, so that a total of four switching valves 20 are present.

[0045] In principle, the valve arrangement 10, in particular the valve body 16, is modularly expandable, so that a larger number of actuators 18 is provided in order to form correspondingly more switching valves 20. For this purpose, several valve bodies 16 can be arranged next to one another to form a package of valve bodies 16, which are delimited at the ends by the two connection modules 12, 14.

[0046] The two connection modules 12, 14 basically ensure an electrical and fluidic connection of the valve arrangement 10 to assemblies not shown here.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the valve assembly 10 also comprises a common support plate 22 and at least one connecting piece 24, via which media can be supplied or removed to the valve body 16 or the switching valves 20. In the embodiment shown, eight connecting pieces 24 are assigned to the four switching valves 20.

[0048] In particular, a pneumatically operating process valve is connected via the at least one connection piece 24. The process valve is thus supplied with air via the at least one connection piece 24.

[0049] The support plate 22 comprises a first side 26, which is assigned to the valve body 16, and a second side 28, which is opposite to the first side 26 and is assigned to the connecting piece 24.

[0050] The valve body 16 can therefore be fastened via a mounting surface 30 to the first side 26 of the carrier plate 22, which has a corresponding fastening surface.

[0051] Sealing of the valve body 16 with respect to the carrier plate 22 is ensured by an intermediate sealing system 32 which is arranged in the axial direction between the valve body 16 and the carrier plate 22.

[0052] The carrier plate 22 has a recess 33 on its first side 26 in which the sealing system 32 is received.

[0053] The depth of the recess 33 can be slightly less than the height of the sealing system 32, since the sealing system 32 is formed from a compressible material, for example an elastic material.

[0054] The sealing system 32 is therefore compressed when the valve body 16 is connected to the carrier plate 22.

[0055] The valve body 16 is fastened to the support plate 22 via a fastening mechanism 34 and at least one holding means 35, which will be described below with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is explained in more detail.

[0056] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows the valve assembly 10 without connection modules 12, 14 and actuators 18 in an exploded view and in the assembled state. In addition, the Fig. 3 shown part of the valve arrangement 10 in the Fig. 4 to 7 are shown in corresponding sectional views.

[0057] It is clear from the figures that the valve body 16 has at least one press-in connector 36 which is pressed into a receptacle 37 which is provided on a side of the valve body 16 facing the carrier plate 22 and which forms the mounting surface 30.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, eight (separately formed) press-in connectors 36 are provided, which are assigned to eight O-shaped or annular seals of the sealing system 32. Alternatively, a flat seal may also be provided, which has corresponding through holes corresponding to the O-shaped or annular seals.

[0059] The press-in connectors 36 are sleeve-shaped or hollow-cylindrical, wherein the press-in connectors 36 have been pressed into the respective receptacles 37 with a linear pressing movement without any deformation of their own.

[0060] Likewise, in the embodiment shown, the eight connecting pieces 24 have eight media connections, which can each serve in pairs as media supply or media discharge of one of the four switching valves 20.

[0061] The connecting pieces 24 are in particular screwed individually to the support plate 22.

[0062] From the sectional views, in particular the sectional view of the Fig. 7, it is also clear that a passage 38 is provided in the carrier plate 22, which extends from the first side 26 to the second side 28.

[0063] In this respect, the connecting piece 24 is in fluid connection with the valve body 16 (via the passage 38).

[0064] In the assembled state of the valve arrangement 10, the press-in connectors 36 lie directly on the sealing system 32 via a surface 40 facing the sealing system 32, in particular on the O-shaped or annular seals.

[0065] As can be seen from the Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 7, the press-in connectors 36 each have a projection 42 which is circumferentially surrounded by a shoulder portion 44. The shoulder portion 44 forms the surface 40 facing the sealing system 32, via which the press-in connector 36 directly abuts the sealing system 32.

[0066] The projection 42 of the press-in connector 36, on the other hand, has a smaller diameter than the respective O-shaped or annular seals of the sealing system 32.

[0067] This has the consequence that the press-in connector 36 partially protrudes into the sealing system 32 via its projection 42, in particular into the correspondingly assigned O-shaped or annular seal of the sealing system 32.

[0068] This is clearly shown in the sectional view of the Fig. 7, in which the press-in connector 36 and the seal of the sealing system 32 adjacent thereto are shown in the assembled state.

[0069] In addition, Fig. 7 shows that the connecting piece 24 has, at its end facing the carrier plate 22, via which the connecting piece 24 is connected to the carrier plate 22, a thread 46 which cooperates with a counter-thread 48 provided in the carrier plate 22, in particular associated with the second side 28 of the carrier plate 22. This allows the connecting piece 24 to be easily connected to the carrier plate 22 by screwing the connecting piece 24 into the carrier plate 22.

[0070] The connecting piece 24 may also have a shoulder 50 on which a sealing ring 52 is arranged, which is clamped between the connecting piece 24 and the carrier plate 22 in the assembled state, thereby ensuring a seal on the side of the carrier plate 22 facing the connecting piece 24.

[0071] In other words, there is a media-tight passage from the connection piece 24 to the media connections of the valve arrangement 10, in particular the individual switching valves 20.

[0072] Starting from the support plate 22, a seal is also created towards the valve body 16, since the sealing system 32 is provided between the support plate 22 and the valve body 16. The sealing system 32 lies directly against the corresponding press-in connectors 36, which have been pressed into the valve body 16.

[0073] The seal towards the valve body 16 is also ensured because the valve body 16 is attached to the support plate 22 via the fastening mechanism 34.

[0074] The fastening mechanism 34 comprises a fastening member 54, which in an exemplary embodiment is in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is shown in detail. The fastening member 54 is basically bolt-shaped, which is why it can also be referred to as a stud bolt.

[0075] The fastening member 54 has a fastening section 56 via which the fastening member 54 is connected to the carrier plate 22.

[0076] In particular, the fastening member 54 is screwed into the support plate 22 so that the fastening member 54 is partially received by the support plate 22.

[0077] For this purpose, the fastening section 56 has an external thread which cooperates with an internal thread of the carrier plate 22, in particular an opening with an internal thread which is provided on the first side 26 of the carrier plate 22.

[0078] In principle, the fastening member 54 extends along a direction perpendicular to the first side 26 of the support plate 22, which can also be referred to as the axial direction. The axial direction essentially corresponds to the fluid flow direction of the fluid to be processed through the support plate 22.

[0079] Furthermore, the at least one fastening member 54 extends into the valve body 16, since the fastening member 54 extends through the sealing system 32, in particular between the O-shaped seals of the sealing system 32.

[0080] Thus, the at least one fastening member 54 can serve as a guide for the valve body 16 when it is coupled to the carrier plate 22.

[0081] The fastening member 54 therefore projects substantially perpendicularly from the support plate 22, in particular from the first side 26 of the support plate 22.

[0082] The fastening member 54 comprises a locking portion 58, which is of reduced size compared to a base body 60 of the fastening member 54. For example, the fastening member 54 has a smaller diameter in the region of the locking portion 58 compared to the base body 60.

[0083] In other words, the locking portion 58 is formed by a circumferential groove, as shown in Fig. 9 becomes clear.

[0084] The locking portion 58 of the fastening member 54 cooperates with a locking means 62, which is also part of the fastening mechanism 34.

[0085] An exemplary embodiment of the locking means 62 is shown in the Fig. 10 to 12 shown in detail.

[0086] In the assembled state of the valve arrangement 10, the at least one fastening member 54 extends from the carrier plate 22, to which the fastening member 54 is firmly connected, into the valve body 16, whereby the valve body 16 is not yet fixed to the carrier plate 22.

[0087] For this purpose, the locking means 62 is inserted into the valve body 16 in a direction parallel to the carrier plate 22, which is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the fastening member 54, wherein the locking means 62 cooperates with the locking portion 58 of the fastening member 54 in a locking position in order to fix the valve body 16 to the carrier plate 22.

[0088] From the Fig. 10 to 12, it becomes clear that the locking means 62 has at least one spring portion 64 that is fork-shaped. The locking means 62 interacts with the fastening member 54 via the spring portion 64.

[0089] The spring portion 64 has two webs 66, each of which tapers to a point at its free end to provide an insertion geometry 68 for the locking portion 58 of the fastening member 54. The two webs 66 are resilient.

[0090] Furthermore, the two webs 66 each have a partially circular recess 70, which together form a (substantially circular) receiving area 72 for the locking section 58 of the fastening member 54.

[0091] The diameter of the receiving area 72 can be adapted to the locking portion 58 of the fastening member 54.

[0092] In this respect, the two webs 66 also form a locking mechanism which corresponds to the locking.

[0093] Accordingly, when the locking means 62 is inserted into the valve body 16, the locking section 58 first comes into contact with the free ends of the webs 66, so that the locking section 58 is centered via the insertion geometry 68.

[0094] The locking means 62 can then be pushed further into the valve body 16 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, with the locking portion 58 sliding between the two webs 66 until it reaches the position corresponding to the locking position.

[0095] The fastening member 54 and the locking means 62, i.e. the fastening mechanism 34, therefore correspond to a split pin.

[0096] To operate the locking means 62, the latter has an operating opening through which the locking means 62 can be easily pushed in or pulled out manually.

[0097] The valve body 16 is fixed to the support plate 22 via the fastening mechanism 34, since the fastening member 54 is firmly connected to the support plate 22, in particular is screwed into the support plate 22.

[0098] The fastening mechanism 34 ensures that the corresponding components of the valve assembly 10 are secured in position, in particular in a direction that does not correspond to the main loading direction during operation of the valve assembly 10. In this case, this is the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, into which the locking means 62 has been inserted.

[0099] Basically, in the embodiment shown, three fastening members 54 are provided, each of which is of the same design and is each firmly connected to the carrier plate 22.

[0100] The locking means 62 thus has three spring sections 64, which are also designed in the same way to interact with the corresponding fastening members 54. The locking means 62 is therefore fork-shaped.

[0101] In addition, the valve arrangement 10 comprises two holding means 35, by means of which the valve body 16 is fastened to the carrier plate 22.

[0102] The holding means 35 pull the valve body 16 against the carrier plate 22, thereby ensuring a seal since the sealing system 32 is loaded in the axial direction.

[0103] A corresponding holding means 35 is in the Fig. 13 to 17 shown in detail.

[0104] The holding means 35 each have two holes 74 through which an associated fastening means 76, for example a screw, can be passed. The fastening means 76 can interact with corresponding openings 78 in the support plate 22, so that alignment and fastening are achieved via the fastening means 76 and the opening 78 in the support plate 22.

[0105] In addition, the holding means 35 have a plurality of holding sections 80 which cooperate directly with the valve body 16 in order to pull the valve body 16 in the axial direction against the carrier plate 22 when the holding means 35 are connected to the carrier plate 22 via the fastening means 76.

[0106] The corresponding stopping sections 80 are derived in particular from the Fig. 13, Fig. 14 and Fig. 17. In addition, the sectional views of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 shows how the holding means 35 are attached to the support plate 22 in order to cooperate with or engage in the valve body 16.

[0107] As a result, the retaining means 35 clamps the valve body 16 on the support plate 22 in the axial direction, thereby loading the sealing system 32 in the axial direction. This results in the desired seal.

[0108] As already explained, the respective holding means 35, as also from the Fig. 13 to 16, have a plurality of holding sections 80, so that the holding means 35 interacts with the valve body 16 or engages the valve body 16 at a plurality of points. This ensures that the valve body 16 is drawn homogeneously onto the carrier plate 22, since the forces are transmitted as evenly as possible to the valve body 16.

[0109] For example, the retaining means 35 are manufactured using a metal powder injection molding process. This allows the retaining means 35 to be manufactured easily and cost-effectively.

[0110] The holding means 35 can also be referred to as fastening brackets.

[0111] In principle, this results in a valve arrangement 10 that is easy to manufacture and is also leak-proof.

[0112] For this purpose, the valve body 16 is first provided, which has the receptacle 37 into which the press-in connector 36 has already been pressed.

[0113] The sealing system 32 is then inserted into the carrier plate 22, in particular the recess 33 formed on the first side 26.

[0114] The valve body 16 is then fastened to the support plate 22 so that the sealing system 32 lies between the valve body 16 and the support plate 22, whereby the sealing system 32 is loaded in the axial direction.

[0115] The valve body 16 can be attached to the support plate 22 via the fastening mechanism 34 and / or the holding means 35.

[0116] In this respect, the at least one fastening member 54 can first be screwed into the carrier plate 22, wherein the fastening member 54 extends through the sealing system 32 into the valve body 16 when the valve body 16 is placed via its mounting surface 30 onto the first side 26 of the carrier plate 22.

[0117] Subsequently, the locking means 62 is inserted into the valve body 16 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, so that the locking portion 58 of the fastening member 54 engages with the spring portion 64 of the locking means 62 until the locking position is reached.

[0118] The locking portion 58, which cooperates with the locking means 62, extends only over a certain axial length of the fastening member 54, so that an axial preload of the sealing system 32 is achieved via the fastening member 54 and the locking means 62.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, the valve body 16 is fastened to the support plate 22 via the holding means 35, which are mounted on the support plate 22 via fastening means 76, in particular screws.

[0120] The holding means 35 have at least one holding section 80 that engages the valve body 16 to pull the valve body 16 in the axial direction toward the support plate 22. This loads the sealing system 32 in the axial direction, whereby the desired sealing of the valve arrangement 10 is also achieved.

Claims

[1] Valve arrangement with at least one valve body (16) and a carrier plate (22) which has a first side (26) on which the valve body (16) is arranged and a second side (28) opposite the first side (26), wherein a passage (38) is provided in the carrier plate (22) which extends from the first side (26) to the second side (28), wherein a separately formed sealing system (32) is provided between the carrier plate (22) and the valve body (16), wherein a receptacle (37) is provided in the side of the valve body (16) facing the carrier plate (22), into which receptacle at least one press-in connector (36) is pressed, characterized bythat a fastening mechanism (34) is provided, via which the valve body (16) is fastened to the carrier plate (22), wherein the fastening mechanism (34) has at least one fastening member (54) which is connected to the carrier plate (22), and wherein the fastening mechanism (34) comprises a locking means (62) which cooperates with the fastening member (54). [2] Valve arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that a surface (40) of the press-in connector (36) facing the sealing system (32) lies directly against the sealing system (32). [3] Valve arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the press-in connector (36) comprises a projection (42) pointing towards the sealing system and a shoulder section (44) surrounding the projection (42) against which the sealing system (32) bears directly, wherein the projection (42) protrudes partially into the sealing system (32). [4] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fastening mechanism (34) clamps the valve body (16) against the sealing system (32). [5] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening member (54) is at least partially received by the carrier plate (22). [6] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening member (54) is screwed into the support plate (22). [7] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking means (62) extends partially through the valve body and locks the fastening member (54) within the valve body (16). [8] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fastening member (54) extends in a direction perpendicular to the first side (26) of the support plate (22), wherein the locking means (62) extends in a direction parallel to the first side (26) of the support plate (22), so that the fastening member (54) and the locking means (62) extend in mutually perpendicular directions. [9] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a part of the fastening mechanism (34) extends through the sealing system (32). [10] Valve arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by that the fastening member (54) extends through the sealing system (32). [11] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one holding means (35) is provided which is fastened to the support plate (22) and pulls the valve body (16) against the support plate (22). [12] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the carrier plate (22) has a recess (33) on the first side (26) in which the sealing system (32) is received. [13] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing system (32) is designed as a multiple seal. [14] Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one connecting piece (24) is provided, which is arranged on the second side (28) of the carrier plate (22), so that a fluid connection is present between the valve body (16) and the connecting piece (24). [15] Method for forming a valve arrangement (10), in which a valve body (16) is provided which has a receptacle (37) with at least one press-in connector (36) pressed into the receptacle (37), wherein a sealing system (32) is arranged on a first side (26) of a carrier plate (22), and wherein the valve body (16) is fastened to the carrier plate (22) so that the sealing system (32) lies between the valve body (16) and the carrier plate (22), characterized by that the valve body (16) is fastened to the carrier plate (22) via a fastening mechanism (34) which has at least one fastening member (54) which is connected to the carrier plate (22), wherein the fastening mechanism (34) comprises a locking means (62) which cooperates with the fastening member (54).

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