Connection device for valves and valve arrangement equipped therewith

Abstract

In a connection device for valves (13), comprising a connection body (15) extending along a main axis (16), which has several successive valve mounting positions (18) in the direction of the main axis (16) on which valves (13) can be mounted or are mounted, and which is provided with at least one series of several receiving recesses (24) also successive in the direction of the main axis (16), opening transversely to the main axis (16) to a common connection surface (23) of the connection body (15), which communicate with connection body channels (22) extending in the connection body (15) and into which connection units (25) suitable for connecting fluid lines (14) can be inserted or are inserted, the inserted operating position of which can be detachably fixed with respect to the connection body (15) by locking means (33) having at least one U-shaped locking bracket (34),The locking means (33) comprise at least two locking channels (35, 36) extending along the main axis (16) of the connecting body (15), into which the U-shaped locking bracket (34) can be inserted or is inserted in a longitudinally displaceable manner, wherein the locking bracket (34) can assume a locking position in which it simultaneously extends through several of the successive receiving recesses (24) and engages in a locking engagement with the connecting units (25) inserted therein, preventing them from being pulled out.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting device for valves, with a connecting body extending along a main axis, which has a plurality of valve mounting positions which follow one another in the direction of the main axis and on which valves can be mounted or are mounted, and which is provided with at least one row of a plurality of receiving recesses which also follow one another in the direction of the main axis and open transversely to the main axis to a common connecting surface of the connecting body, which recesses communicate with connecting body channels running in the connecting body and into which connecting units suitable for connecting fluid lines can be inserted or are inserted, the inserted position of use of which connecting units can be releasably fixed with respect to the connecting body by locking means having at least one U-shaped locking bracket.

[0002] Such connection devices for valves have been known for a long time, for example from US 6,832,788 B2. A valve arrangement described therein contains a connection device intended for equipping valves, which has a connection body interspersed with connection body channels and segmented multiple times along its longitudinal axis. On a lateral connection surface of the connection body there is a series of receiving recesses into which connection units suitable for connecting fluid lines are inserted. These connection units are fixed to the connection body by locking means, which contain a U-shaped locking bracket for each connection unit. The locking bracket can be inserted into the connection body transversely to the main axis, i.e. in the normal installation position from top to bottom, so that it engages in the associated connection unit and secures it against withdrawal.Although the connection units can be securely attached to the connector body, handling is rather cumbersome due to the large number of components.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a connection device in which a larger number of connection units of fluid lines can be installed in a time-saving manner.

[0004] This object is achieved by a connection device for valves of the type mentioned above with the features of independent claim 1. Further developments of the invention are presented in the subclaims.

[0005] The connecting device according to the invention is characterized in that the locking means contain at least two locking channels which extend in the connecting body along its main axis and each transversely penetrate at least a plurality of receiving recesses of the at least one row of receiving recesses, are transversely spaced from one another and aligned parallel to one another, into which locking channels the U-shaped locking bracket can be inserted or is inserted in a longitudinally displaceable manner, wherein the locking bracket can assume a locking position in which it simultaneously reaches through several of the successive receiving recesses and is in locking engagement with the connecting units inserted therein, preventing them from being pulled out.

[0006] In the aforementioned prior art, the connection units assigned to a row of receiving recesses are each individually secured. Only when multiple rows of receiving recesses are present can two receiving recesses arranged one above the other in the vertical direction be secured simultaneously by the U-shaped locking bracket. In any case, a plurality of locking brackets is necessary here. The invention creates the possibility of jointly securing several connection units, preferably all assigned to one and the same row of receiving recesses. By inserting the locking bracket into the locking channel aligned with the main axis of the connection body, all previously inserted connection units can be secured in a single operation, thus saving a lot of time.By assigning at least one locking bracket to several receiving recesses of one and the same row of receiving recesses at the same time, a considerable saving in components is also achieved.

[0007] In a further development of the invention, the locking channels each extend through all of the receiving recesses of the at least one row of receiving recesses. Particularly preferably, the at least one locking bracket inserted into the associated two locking channels extends through all of the receiving recesses of this row of receiving recesses in its locked position and can thus jointly fix all of the connecting units associated with this row of receiving recesses in their use position. Such a multiple locking mechanism is particularly useful under higher loads, since the U-shaped locking bracket can engage different circumferential sections of the connecting units spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0008] It is advantageous if the receiving recesses of the respective locking channel are cut in a secant-like manner in the area of ​​their outer circumference. This allows the locking engagement to be limited to the immediate area of ​​the outer circumference of the connecting units, while the remaining cross-section remains fully usable for the passage of a fluid.

[0009] In a further development of the invention, several rows of receiving recesses are formed one above the other on the connecting body in a height direction oriented transversely to the main axis, wherein each row of receiving recesses is assigned to two of the locking channels above and below the receiving recesses.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the locking channels are groove-like and open along their length. The locking channels are preferably open along their length toward the connecting surface, to which the receiving recesses also open. Such locking channels can be realized both by machining, if necessary, and, particularly advantageously, directly during the extrusion production of a one-piece connecting body designed as an extruded part.

[0011] In a particularly preferred manner, the U-shaped locking bracket has two bracket legs which are aligned substantially parallel to one another and are connected to one another by a bracket web.

[0012] It is advisable for the stirrup legs to each have a round, particularly circular, cross-section.

[0013] The U-shaped locking bracket is expediently made of wire material, whereby it can be formed into the U-shaped locking bracket from a bent wire rod by bending it several times.

[0014] For example, it is also possible to provide a multi-locking bracket that simultaneously has more than two, say four, bracket legs, allowing two superimposed rows of receiving recesses to be secured simultaneously via this multi-locking bracket. Such a multi-locking bracket can also be manufactured from an originally elongated wire rod by bending it several times.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, the securing means comprise at least one offset formed on one of the bracket legs of the locking bracket, which has a contact surface which, in the locking position, bears against a counter-contact surface formed on one of the connecting bodies and prevents unintentional withdrawal of the locking bracket.

[0016] In a particularly preferred manner, both bracket legs of a respective locking bracket have offsets that are opposite one another and jump towards one another.

[0017] The bends can be easily produced in a locking bracket made of wire material by a suitable upsetting process on the two bracket legs.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the connecting body is a one-piece component.

[0019] The invention further comprises a valve arrangement with a connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which electrically operated valves are mounted at the valve mounting locations, which are preferably multi-way valves, for example 3 / 2, 5 / 2, or 5 / 3 multi-way valves.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail below. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the connection device according to the invention as a component of a valve arrangement, Fig. 2: a perspective view of the valve arrangement of Fig. 1 with plugged in but not locked connection units, Fig. 3: a perspective view of the valve arrangement of Fig. 1 with plugged in and locked connection units and Fig. 4: a longitudinal section through the valve arrangement along the line IV-IV of Fig. 1.

[0021] The Fig. 1 to 4 show a preferred embodiment of the valve assembly 11 according to the invention, which is equipped with the connection device 12 according to the invention. The connection device 12 comprises several valves 13.

[0022] The connection device 12 makes it possible to Fig. 3, which lead to consumptions not further shown, are fluidically connected to the valves 13. In this way, the fluid flow in the fluid lines 14 can be influenced by the valves 13.

[0023] The connecting device 12 contains a connecting body 15 which extends along a main axis 16, which is in particular the longitudinal axis of the connecting body.

[0024] The connecting body 15 has a mounting surface 17 which is divided into several valve mounting positions 18 ( Fig. 4), to each of which one of the aforementioned valves 13 is mounted, in particular in a detachable manner. The valves 13 are multi-way valves, for example in the form of a 3 / 2-way multi-way valve or as shown here in the Fig. 1 to 4, a 5 / 2-way or 5 / 3-way valve. The multi-way valves can be electrically operated and each have an electrically activated valve actuator, for example, in the form of one or more solenoid valves.

[0025] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a fluid supply body 19 is aligned with the connecting body 15 in the main axis direction in series with the valves 13, in particular docked to the end face of the connecting body 15. The fluid supply body 19 has a feed connection 20 through which pressurized fluid can be supplied and flow into the connecting body 15 and from there to the valves 13. Furthermore, a vent connection 21 is provided on the fluid supply body 19, through which central venting can take place.

[0026] The connecting body 15 is penetrated, particularly in the direction of its main axis 16, by a plurality of first connecting body channels (not shown), which open via branch channels (not shown) to the individual valve mounting locations 18. There, they communicate with valve channels (not shown in detail) of the valves 13.

[0027] Typically, one of the first connecting body channels is a supply channel, and at least one of the other first connecting body channels is a drain channel. Via the supply channel, which is connected to the supply connection on the fluid supply body 19, the valves 13 can be supplied with a pressurized fluid to be distributed by the valves 13, while the used pressurized fluid flows back via the drain channel. Compressed air is preferably used as the pressurized fluid.

[0028] For example, from each valve mounting location 18, two second connecting body channels 22 ( Fig. 1) which pass through the connecting body 15 transversely to the main axis 16 and lead to a longitudinal connecting surface 23 of the connecting body 15.

[0029] The two connecting body channels 22 each end in a receiving recess 24 ( Fig. 1), which is suitable for completely or partially receiving a connection unit 25 enabling the connection of a fluid line 14. The receiving recess 24 has a longitudinal axis 26 ( Fig. 1), which runs at right angles to the main axis 16 and in particular is also oriented at right angles to the connection surface 23.

[0030] Mounting surface 17 and connection surface 23 are in particular aligned at an angle of 90° to one another, whereby they are in particular directly adjacent to one another.

[0031] The connection units 25 have a base 27 that can be inserted into the associated receiving recess 24 and has a fastening device 28 that projects outward in the direction of the longitudinal axis 26 and, in particular, protrudes beyond the connection surface 23. The fastening device 28 is particularly designed to enable a detachable, sealed plug-in connection of a fluid line 14, in particular a fluid hose. For this purpose, the fastening device 28 can have a collet and / or fastening claws that act on the outer circumference of the inserted fluid line 14 to hold it in place.

[0032] Assembly and disassembly of each connection unit 25 on or from the connection body 15 is carried out by inserting and pulling it into or out of the receiving recess 24 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 26 according to the arrows 29, 30.

[0033] Such a connection unit 25 which can be mounted or dismounted by inserting and removing could also be referred to as a push-in fitting.

[0034] The second connecting body channels can be referred to as working channels because they enable an individual connection of the respective associated valve 13 in a consumer to be controlled.

[0035] Deviating from the exemplary embodiment in which each valve mounting location 18, and thus each valve 13 arranged thereon, communicates with second connecting body channels 22, a design with only one second connecting body channel 22 each would also be conceivable. The number depends essentially on the type of valves 13 used; in the latter case, a 3 / 2-way valve would be conceivable as an alternative to the 5 / 2-way valves shown.

[0036] The receiving recesses 24 are combined into two rows of receiving recesses, hereinafter referred to as the first and second receiving recess rows 31, 32. The latter extend parallel to one another at a distance and in the direction of the main axis 16. If all receiving recesses 24 are equipped with connection units 25, two adjacent rows of connection units 25 result.

[0037] The connecting device 12 further comprises locking means 33, which allow the connecting units 25 of a respective row of receiving recesses 31, 32 to be releasably locked in the inserted use state such that they can no longer be pulled out. In the locked state, the connecting units 25 are fixed axially in the receiving recess 24 in a substantially immovable manner.

[0038] As particularly in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the locking means 33 have at least one U-shaped locking bracket 34, in the example shown two locking brackets 34 each assigned to a row of receiving recesses.

[0039] The locking means 33 for the two rows of receiving recesses 31, 32 are identical in the exemplary embodiment. The following description can therefore be limited to the locking means 33 of the first row of receiving recesses 31, which is located at the top in the drawing. The explanations apply accordingly to the second row of receiving recesses 32.

[0040] The locking means 33 assigned to the first row of receiving recesses 31 contain, in addition to the already mentioned locking brackets 34, at least two locking channels 35, 36 ( Fig. 4), which are arranged such that they penetrate all of the receiving recesses 24. In particular, they are positioned such that they lie on diametrically opposite circumferential regions of the receiving recesses 24 and thus intersect them at a point along their circumference in a secant-like manner.

[0041] Both locking channels 35, 36 are open at the front, in particular at both end faces. They therefore open to the two end faces 37 of the connecting body 15 oriented in the direction of the main axis 16. It is possible to insert the U-shaped locking bracket 34 assigned to the two locking channels 35, 36 lengthwise into the locking channels 35, 36 via one of the two end openings 38. In this way, the U-shaped locking bracket 34 can be locked in a locked position ( Fig. 4) in which it simultaneously extends through all of the receiving recesses 24 and is in locking engagement with the connection units 25 inserted therein. In the example shown, the front openings of the locking channels for the upper and lower rows of receiving recesses are combined, so that a multi-locking bracket, described in more detail below, can also be inserted.

[0042] As further stated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the U-shaped locking bracket has two bracket legs 39a, 39b which are aligned essentially parallel to one another and are connected to one another by a bracket web 40 or cross web.

[0043] In the example shown, the locking bracket 34 is made of wire material, for example, round wire. Starting from a straight wire rod, the locking bracket can be easily formed into the U-shaped locking bracket 34 by repeatedly bending it.

[0044] Such manufacturing is relatively simple and quick. The locking channels 35, 36 are expediently formed during the manufacture of the connecting body, which is formed in one piece in the example shown.

[0045] The connecting device 12 is expediently equipped with securing means 41 that enable the locking brackets 34 to be secured in their locked position. The securing means 41 shown as an example secure the axial position of the locking brackets 34 through positive locking.

[0046] For this purpose, the securing means 41 have at least one offset 42 formed on one of the bracket legs 39a, 39b of the locking bracket 34.

[0047] In the example shown, both bracket legs 39a, 39b of a respective locking bracket 34 have offset projections 42a, 42b that are opposite one another and spring towards one another.

[0048] The projections 42a, 42b each have a contact surface 43 which, in the locking position, rests against a counter-contact surface 44 formed on one of the connection units 25 and prevents unintentional withdrawal of the locking bracket 34.

[0049] In an embodiment not shown, a multi-locking bracket is provided, with which the first row of receiving recesses 31 and the underlying second row of receiving recesses 32 can be simultaneously locked with the equipped connection units 45. This multi-locking bracket has four bracket legs for the embodiment shown, optionally with a crossbar 40 connecting all four bracket legs to one another, which can be inserted through the opening 38. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 6,832,788 B2

[0002]

Claims

[1] A connecting device for valves (13), comprising a connecting body (15) extending along a main axis (16) and having a plurality of valve mounting locations (18) arranged successively in the direction of the main axis (16), on which valves (13) can be or are mounted, and which is provided with at least one row of a plurality of receiving recesses (24) arranged successively in the direction of the main axis (16) and opening transversely to the main axis (16) to a common connecting surface (23) of the connecting body (15), which recesses communicate with connecting body channels (22) extending in the connecting body (15) and into which connecting units (25) suitable for connecting fluid lines (14) can be or are inserted, the inserted use position of which can be releasably fixed with respect to the connecting body (15) by means of locking means (33) having at least one U-shaped locking bracket (34), characterized byin that the locking means (33) contain at least two locking channels (35, 36) which extend in the connecting body (15) along its main axis (16) and each transversely penetrate at least a plurality of receiving recesses (24) of the at least one row of receiving recesses (31, 32), are transversely spaced from one another and aligned parallel to one another, into which the U-shaped locking bracket (34) is or can be inserted in a longitudinally displaceable manner, wherein the locking bracket (34) can assume a locking position in which it simultaneously reaches through several of the successive receiving recesses (24) and is in locking engagement with the connecting units (25) inserted therein, preventing them from being pulled out. [2] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the locking channels (35, 36) each pass through all of the receiving recesses (24) of the at least one row of receiving recesses (31, 32). [3] Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one locking bracket (34) inserted into the two associated locking channels (35, 36) extends, in its locking position, through all the receiving recesses (24) of this row of receiving recesses (24) and can thereby fix all the connection units associated with this row of receiving recesses (24) together in their position of use. [4] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking channels (35, 36) each cut the receiving recesses (24) through which they pass in a secant-like manner at one point on their circumference. [5] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat several rows of receiving recesses are formed one above the other on the connecting body (15) in a height direction oriented transversely to the main axis (16), wherein each row of receiving recesses (31, 31) is assigned two of the locking channels (35, 36) above and below the receiving recesses (24). [6] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking channels (35, 36) assigned to a respective row of receiving recesses (31, 32) penetrate the receiving recesses (24) at diametrically opposite circumferential regions. [7] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking channels (35, 36) are groove-like and open along their length. [8] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the U-shaped locking bracket (34) has two bracket legs (39a, 39b) which are aligned substantially parallel to one another and are connected to one another by a bracket web (40). [9] Connecting device according to claim 8, characterized by that the bracket legs (39a, 39b) each have a round, in particular circular, cross-section. [10] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that securing means (41) are provided by which the at least one locking bracket (34) is or can be releasably and immovably fixed in the locking position. [11] Connecting device according to claim 10, characterized bythat the securing means (41) has at least one offset (42a, 42b) formed on one of the bracket legs (39a, 39b) of the locking bracket (34), which has a contact surface (43) which, in the locking position, bears against a counter-contact surface (44) formed on one of the connection units (25) and prevents unintentional withdrawal of the locking bracket (34). [12] Connecting device according to claim 11, characterized by that both bracket legs (39a, 39b) of a respective locking bracket (34) have offset portions (42a, 42b) which are opposite one another and which jump towards one another. [13] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting body (15) is a one-piece component. [14] Connecting device according to claim 13, characterized bythat the connecting body (15) is a one-piece extruded part into which the locking channels (35, 36) were directly formed during extrusion production. [15] Valve arrangement, with a connecting device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 14, at whose valve mounting locations (18) electrically actuated valves (13) are mounted.

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