Valve arrangement

Abstract

Valve arrangement - with a valve assembly (2) comprising a valve carrier (8) extending in a main direction (7a) along a main axis (7) and several electrically actuated directional control valves (3), - wherein the valve carrier (8) has a mounting surface (13) with several mounting positions (18) arranged successively in the main direction (7a), at least several of which are designed as valve mounting positions (18a), on each of which one of the directional control valves (3) can be mounted or is mounted, - wherein several valve carrier fluid channels (33) through which a fluidic pressure medium can flow are formed in the valve carrier (8), which are at least partially collecting fluid channels (34) extending in the main direction (7a), which open to each valve mounting position (18a) and which are fluidically connected to the directional control valves (3) mounted at the valve mounting positions (18a), - and wherein a communication channel (24) extending in the main direction (7a) is formed in the valve carrier (8), in which an electrical communication line (23) having at least one electronic component (26) and connected or connectable to an electronic control unit (4) is arranged, with which the mounted directional control valves (3) are electrically contacted in the area of ​​their respective assigned valve mounting position (18a), characterized in that - that at least one of the mounting positions (18) of the valve carrier (8) is designed as a cooling module mounting position (18b) on which a cooling module (21) of the valve arrangement (1) penetrated by a cooling channel structure (56) can be mounted or is mounted, - wherein a fluid connection between at least one collecting fluid channel (34) of the valve carrier fluid channels (33) opening to the cooling module assembly location (18b) and the communication channel (24) can be provided or is provided by means of the cooling channel structure (56) of the mounted cooling module (21), through which fluidic pressure medium branched off from the collecting fluid channel (34) can be introduced into the communication channel (24) in the form of a cooling flow (53) as a cooling medium for cooling the at least one electronic component (26) of the electrical communication train (23).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve arrangement, - with a valve assembly comprising a valve carrier extending in a main direction along a main axis and several electrically actuated directional control valves, - wherein the valve carrier has a mounting surface with several mounting positions arranged successively in the main direction, at least several of which are designed as valve mounting positions, on each of which one of the directional control valves can be mounted or is mounted, - wherein several valve carrier fluid channels through which a fluidic pressure medium flows are formed in the valve carrier, which are at least partially collecting fluid channels extending in the main direction, which open to each valve mounting position and which are fluidically connected to the directional control valves mounted at the valve mounting positions, - and wherein a communication channel extending in the main direction is formed in the valve carrier, in which an electrical communication line having at least one electronic component, connected or connectable to an electronic control device, is arranged, with which the mounted directional control valves are electrically contacted in the area of ​​their respective assigned valve mounting position.

[0002] A valve arrangement of this type, known from EP 2 047 111 B1, has a valve assembly, referred to as a valve manifold, which includes a plate-shaped valve carrier fitted with several electrically actuated directional control valves, referred to as valve units. The directional control valves are mounted on valve mounting positions of the valve carrier and are designed to actuate connected fluid-actuated actuators by controlled supply and discharge of a fluidic pressure medium. The fluidic pressure medium is, in particular, compressed air. An electrical communication circuit, referred to as a linking board, extends through a cavity formed in the valve carrier and can be designated as a communication channel. This circuit electrically contacts all the directional control valves and is designed to transmit electrical control signals provided by an electronic control unit to the directional control valves for actuation as required.The fluidic pressure medium used by the directional control valves during their operation is guided through valve carrier fluid channels formed in the valve carrier, some of which are collecting channels that allow a collected supply and discharge of the pressure medium and open to all valve mounting positions.

[0003] DE 10 2007 055 460 A1 discloses a valve block with a housing for accommodating electronic components, in particular control electronics for the valve, wherein the housing has a coolant, in particular cooling fins, through which heat can be dissipated from the housing. The coolant and the valve can be arranged relative to each other in such a way that a fluid flow emanating from the valve flows at least partially past the coolant in order to facilitate heat transfer from the coolant.

[0004] DE 89 04 127 U1 discloses a directly controlled hydraulic valve in which the valve cover is designed as a cooling surface for the electronics.

[0005] The communication circuit of the valve assembly can be equipped with one or more electronic components that, for example, enable decentralized signal processing and / or handle electrical signal distribution in fieldbus control systems. However, the electronic components are subject to certain temperature limitations, as excessive heat can lead to functional impairments that may affect the operational reliability of the entire valve assembly. High operating temperatures can be caused by the electronic components themselves and / or by the heat generated by electrically actuated valve actuators of the directional control valves, such as solenoid valves.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of taking measures to reduce the risk of temperature-related functional impairments in a valve assembly.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention in conjunction with the features mentioned at the outset by, - that at least one of the mounting positions of the valve carrier is designed as a cooling module mounting position, on which a cooling module of the valve arrangement permeated by a cooling channel structure can be mounted or is mounted, - wherein a fluid connection between at least one collecting fluid channel of the valve carrier fluid channels leading to the cooling module assembly location and the communication channel can be provided or is provided by means of the cooling channel structure of the mounted cooling module, through which fluidic pressure medium branched off from the collecting fluid channel can be introduced into the communication channel as a cooling medium for cooling the at least one electronic component of the electrical communication train in the form of a cooling flow.

[0008] In this way, the valve carrier is equipped with at least one mounting position, designated for better differentiation as a cooling module mounting position, which is suitable for mounting a cooling module of the valve assembly in addition to the directional control valves according to the invention. A mounting surface of the valve carrier providing the mounting positions can define only one or several cooling module mounting positions, the latter offering the possibility of equipping the valve assembly with several cooling modules simultaneously in case of increased cooling requirements. At least one of the valve carrier fluid channels, designed as collecting fluid channels, opens to all mounting positions and thus also to the at least one cooling module mounting position, so that a fluidic pressure medium located in this collecting fluid channel in connection with the operation of the directional control valves can be accessed at the respective cooling module mounting position by the cooling module mounted there.The aforementioned collecting fluid channel can, for example, be a vent channel used to vent the directional control valves and / or the fluidic actuators connected to the directional control valves, and which also communicates with the atmosphere, or it can be a feed channel serving to supply the directional control valves with fluid, which, during operation of the valve assembly, is connected to an external pressure source providing the fluidic pressure medium. For use by the cooling module, for example, only a single collecting channel or several, particularly different types of collecting channels, can lead to the cooling module's assembly location.The fluidic pressure medium, drawn from one or more collecting fluid channels by the mounted cooling module, is introduced into the communication channel by the cooling module for cooling purposes. For this purpose, the cooling module incorporates a fluid channel structure, referred to as a cooling channel structure, which is fed by at least one of the collecting fluid channels exiting at the cooling module's mounting location and opens into the communication channel. Thus, the cooling module can operate in a cooling mode that creates a cooling flow in the communication channel, resulting in effective cooling of the electronic components of the electrical communication circuit. Therefore, even in the event of excessive heat generation, no functional impairments are to be expected during the operation of the valve assembly.

[0009] Although the invention can be implemented using any gaseous or liquid pressure media, it is preferably used with compressed air as the fluidic pressure medium, resulting in a cooling airflow that can be directed over electronic components to be cooled without special protective measures.

[0010] Advantageous further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] Advantageously, the cooling module has a base surface from which the cooling channel structure opens and which, when the cooling module is mounted, faces the mounting position supporting it. In this way, the necessary fluid connection to both the collection channel used as the cooling medium source and the communication channel can be established directly by attaching the cooling module to the valve carrier. No additional fluid lines are required. Preferably, the cooling module is detachably fixed to the valve carrier in the mounted state, in particular by means of a screw connection.

[0012] A collecting fluid channel leading to the cooling module assembly area and fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure of the mounted cooling module is expediently a vent channel that inherently communicates with the atmosphere for ventilation purposes. Such a vent channel, when used with compressed air as the fluidic pressure medium, can also be referred to as an exhaust air channel.

[0013] The aforementioned vent channel can, for example, be provided to discharge a pressure medium controlled by the directional control valves, such as the compressed air returning from a connected fluid-operated actuator. This measure is particularly suitable for non-pilot-controlled, direct-acting directional control valves.

[0014] If the directional control valves of the valve assembly are electrofluidically pilot-operated directional control valves, which is preferably the case, a manifold channel of the valve carrier, expediently designated as the pilot vent channel for better differentiation, is used as the vent channel from which the cooling medium is drawn. This pilot vent channel is provided independently of the cooling function according to the invention in order to vent an electrically actuated pilot valve assembly of the directional control valves, which can also be referred to as pilot venting. In electropneumatically pilot-operated directional control valves, the exhaust air of a pilot valve assembly is introduced into a pilot vent channel for use as a cooling medium during each venting switching operation.

[0015] When using the valve assembly, the pilot vent channel normally communicates directly with the atmosphere via a pilot vent port located on the valve carrier to discharge the exhaust air from the pilot valve components. While this can generally be maintained if the cooling medium is drawn from the pilot vent channel, it is advantageous in this case to close the pilot vent port so that all the pilot exhaust air is available as a cooling medium for introduction into the communication channel. For this purpose, the valve assembly advantageously has a sealing element, such as a sealing plug, which can be attached to or is already attached to the pilot vent port. The venting of the pilot valve components can then take place through the communication channel with a simultaneous cooling effect.Instead of closing the existing pilot vent connection, it may also be provided that there is no pilot vent connection on the valve carrier at all from the factory.

[0016] In the aforementioned context, the cooling channel structure of the cooling module expediently includes a cooling channel designated as a venting cooling channel for better differentiation, which, in the assembled state of the cooling module, communicates on the one hand with the venting channel of the valve carrier designed as a collecting fluid channel and on the other hand opens into the communication channel.

[0017] Since the pressurized medium produced during a venting process is not normally used for any other purpose, a cooling process is recommended that starts automatically whenever a venting process occurs, thus ensuring the continuous use of the exhaust air for cooling. Explicit control to initiate a cooling flow is unnecessary. In this context, it is advantageous to design the venting cooling channel as a fluid channel through which the cooling medium flows, solely dependent on the pressure differential. This design enables or allows a cooling flow whenever the pressure in the connected venting channel is higher than in the communication channel.Particularly in this context, but also generally, it is advantageous to have a check valve installed in the venting cooling channel. This valve—apart from an inherent activation threshold—allows unimpeded flow towards the communication channel while preventing backflow into the venting channel. This prevents any back pressure that might build up in the communication channel or in a feed cooling channel described below.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a gas-permeable filter is integrated into the vent cooling channel of the cooling channel structure. This filter retains any impurities that may be present in the cooling medium, thus preventing contamination of the communication channel and, in particular, the communication link contained therein. This design is especially advantageous if the cooling channel structure, for the purpose of enabling a cooling flow, comprises only the vent cooling channel or, in addition to the vent cooling channel, a feed cooling channel (described below) that does not communicate with the vent cooling channel.

[0019] Preferably, a collecting fluid channel opening to the cooling module assembly location and fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure of the mounted cooling module is a feed channel of the valve carrier, which is designed to supply the electrically actuated directional control valves with fluidic pressure medium. During operation of the valve arrangement, this feed channel is connected to an external pressure source providing the fluidic pressure medium, which is in particular a compressed air source.

[0020] The aforementioned feed channel can be a valve carrier fluid channel that supplies the directional control valves with the fluidic pressure medium for actuating a connected fluid-operated actuator. However, if the directional control valves are of an electrofluidically and, in particular, electropneumatically piloted design, as described above, each having a pilot valve assembly supplied with pressure medium via a separate pilot feed channel, it is advantageous to draw the cooling medium for the cooling module from this pilot feed channel. The pilot feed channel opens to both the valve mounting positions and the at least one cooling module mounting position.

[0021] Since the collecting fluid channel, which serves as the feed channel, is constantly under positive pressure in the operational state of the valve assembly, but cooling of the communication line is usually not constantly required, a cooling channel connecting the feed channel to the communication channel, referred to for clarity as the feed cooling channel, is advantageously of an externally controlled design within the cooling channel structure of the cooling module with respect to the provided flow cross-section. This enables particularly energy-efficient cooling, where the consumption of pressurized fluid can be limited to times when cooling is actually required. This is preferably achieved by incorporating a controllable shut-off valve into the feed cooling channel, which is in particular a 2 / 2-way valve and allows – especially depending on the temperature – the selective opening or closing of the feed cooling channel.

[0022] In a particularly simple design requiring no electrical control, the shut-off valve is equipped with an actuating device utilizing a shape-memory alloy or a bimetallic strip, which responds directly to the temperature prevailing in the communication channel. In this way, direct temperature-controlled actuation of the shut-off valve can be achieved without any electrical control measures.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous alternative design, the shut-off valve associated with the feed cooling channel is of an electrically actuated type. The shut-off valve is expediently controlled by an electronic control unit, to which the communication link is already connected when the valve assembly is in its operational state. The electrical control signals for the shut-off valve are expediently generated using a temperature sensor integrated into the communication link, which provides electrical temperature signals that can be evaluated by the electronic control unit. The temperature sensor can be a standalone sensor or be directly integrated into an electronic component to be cooled.For example, at least one electronic component is a processor that is internally equipped for temperature sensing, so that the temperature can be queried directly at the critical point and, if necessary, a reaction can be triggered by activating the cooling function.

[0024] As already mentioned, the valve assembly is expediently equipped with an electronic control unit to which the communication line can be connected or is at least connected during use of the valve assembly. The electronic control unit can be integrated into the valve assembly or located externally. The control unit offers, for example, the possibility of variably setting a temperature threshold for actuating the shut-off valve.

[0025] The aforementioned temperature-dependent control signals for the shut-off valve do not necessarily have to be generated in the electronic control unit; instead, the electrical communication line can be directly equipped with appropriate individual control electronics for this purpose.

[0026] It is advantageous to have a gas-permeable filter integrated into the feed-cooling channel of the cooling channel structure. This filter retains any impurities that may be present in the cooling medium, thus preventing contamination of the communication channel and, in particular, the communication link contained therein. This design is especially advantageous if the cooling channel structure, for the purpose of enabling a cooling flow, comprises only the feed-cooling channel or, in addition to the feed-cooling channel, a venting-cooling channel, as described above, which does not communicate with the feed-cooling channel.

[0027] In at least one cooling module, the cooling channel structure can consist exclusively of a vent cooling channel or exclusively of a feed cooling channel. However, a dual configuration with both a vent cooling channel and a feed cooling channel is particularly advantageous. In this case, cooling via the vent cooling channel can be active continuously, while cooling via the feed cooling channel can be active only when needed. This allows for continuous, uniform base cooling, which can be temporarily intensified when temperature spikes occur.

[0028] For the cooling module, a preferred design in conjunction with a dual cooling function provides a sampling unit and an inlet unit attached to the sampling unit. The sampling unit is permeated by both the vent cooling channel and the supply cooling channel, which open onto a module base surface of the cooling module in such a way that, when the cooling module is mounted, they communicate with a vent channel and a supply channel of the valve carrier, respectively, and are able to extract fluidic pressure medium from the valve carrier as a cooling medium. The extracted pressure medium is introduced into the communication channel via the inlet unit as a cooling medium. The inlet unit expediently includes a shut-off module with the shut-off valve mentioned above and a flow-through module positioned between the shut-off module and the sampling unit.The vent cooling channel passes exclusively through the flow module within the inlet unit and terminates with a cooling medium outlet opening formed on the flow module. The feed cooling channel, on the other hand, passes through both the flow module and the shut-off valve within the inlet unit, also terminating with the aforementioned cooling medium outlet opening. Thus, the vent cooling channel and the feed cooling channel share a common cooling medium outlet opening. Advantageously, the two aforementioned cooling channels share a common length, which terminates with the cooling medium outlet opening and is subsequently referred to as the common outlet channel section.Since the outlet of the cooling medium is concentrated on the flow module, the shut-off valve, in the case of an electrically actuated design, can very easily be electrically contacted via the shut-off module with the communication line in order to receive the electrical control signals required for its operation.

[0029] If present, a gas-permeable filter is expediently installed in the common outlet channel section of the vent cooling channel and the feed cooling channel, which has the common cooling medium outlet opening. The filter can retain any impurities that may be present in the cooling medium and thus prevent contamination of the communication channel and, in particular, the communication link contained therein.

[0030] In principle, a cooling module equipped with an electrically actuated shut-off valve has the advantage that it can be connected to the electrical communication system in a similar way to electrically actuated directional control valves, and can receive its electrical control signals via the communication system in the same manner. The valve assembly is expediently designed accordingly.

[0031] Preferably, each cooling module mounting position is formed by one of the valve mounting positions suitable for mounting one of the electrically actuated directional control valves. The valve carrier is thus preferably equipped with uniformly designed mounting positions that communicate with each other in the same way via the manifolds of the valve carrier. These mounting positions are all valve mounting positions, each of which can be fitted with a directional control valve. Furthermore, each mounting position can also be used as a cooling module mounting position if required, allowing a cooling module to be mounted there as an alternative to a directional control valve. This results in a high degree of flexibility, enabling the cooling module to be mounted at a location deemed particularly advantageous.Advantageously, the contact elements of the communication line that are standard for contacting the directional control valves can be used for the electrical contacting of the at least one cooling module, so that the contacting measures can be implemented extremely cost-effectively.

[0032] Of course, it is also possible to equip the mounting surface of the valve carrier with separate mounting positions for the directional control valves on the one hand and the at least one cooling module on the other, whereby the cooling module mounting position may differ structurally from the valve mounting positions.

[0033] For use in controlling fluid-actuated actuators, at least one, and in particular two, valve carrier fluid channels, designed as individual working channels, extrude to each valve mounting position and are fluidically connected to the electrically actuated directional control valve mounted at the respective valve mounting position. Each working channel also opens to a working port formed externally on the valve carrier, to which the fluid-actuated actuator to be controlled by the directional control valve can be connected, in particular by means of a flexible fluid line.

[0034] When a valve mounting position is used as a cooling module mounting position, not all valve carrier fluid channels exiting the mounting position are typically required for cooling. In such cases, it is advantageous for the cooling module to have a cover section that, when the cooling module is installed, closes off the valve carrier fluid channels not used for cooling and, in particular, those not communicating with the cooling channel structure. For example, the cooling module can have a cover section that covers and closes the channel openings of the valve carrier fluid channels not used for cooling, and ideally also includes a seal to prevent fluid leakage.

[0035] To shield the electrical components it contains and to prevent contamination, the communication channel is advantageously enclosed all around by a channel wall formed as part of the valve carrier. To ensure a highly effective cooling flow with efficient heat dissipation, at least one outlet channel is advantageously provided in the valve assembly. This outlet connects the communication channel to the atmosphere, and the cooling medium can escape to the atmosphere through this outlet after passing the communication channel.

[0036] The exhaust duct is preferably equipped with a gas-permeable filter, which prevents unwanted ingress of contaminants from the outside and is made, for example, of a sintered material. Alternatively, a silencer can be fitted, which has the additional advantage that the exiting cooling air does not produce any disturbing noise.

[0037] In one possible configuration, the outlet channel can be formed within the channel wall of the valve carrier that defines the communication channel. For clarity, such an outlet channel is also referred to as the valve carrier outlet channel. If the wall thickness of the communication channel is sufficiently thin, the module carrier outlet channel can, for example, be formed by a simple, short opening in the channel wall.

[0038] A particularly advantageous feature is an outlet channel formed in an outlet module of the valve assembly, wherein at least one of the mounting positions of the valve carrier is designed as an outlet module mounting position, on which the outlet module can be mounted or is mounted in a service position. When the outlet module is mounted on the outlet module mounting position, its outlet channel, also referred to as the module outlet channel for clarity, is fluidly connected to the communication channel via at least one inlet opening, so that the cooling medium, after flowing through the communication channel and the outlet module, can escape to the atmosphere through at least one outlet opening of the outlet module.

[0039] Preferably, at least one inlet opening is located on the front face of one of two module projections of the outlet module, which, when the outlet module is mounted at the associated outlet module assembly location, each dip into a wall opening of the valve carrier that leads into the communication channel.

[0040] Advantageously, the outlet module mounting position, equipped with an outlet module, is formed by one of the valve mounting positions suitable for mounting one of the electrically actuated directional control valves. Preferably, any valve mounting position can be used as an outlet module mounting position.

[0041] Of course, it is also possible to equip the mounting surface of the valve carrier with a separate mounting position for the exhaust module, whereby the exhaust module mounting position may differ structurally from the valve mounting positions.

[0042] With regard to a series of component positions extending in the main direction within the valve assembly, it is advantageous if the first component position in the series is equipped with a cooling module and the last component position in the series with an outlet module, since in this way the communication channel can be supplied with a cooling flow over at least approximately its entire length. The cooling flow can enter at one end of the channel and exit at the other end.

[0043] The valve carrier is preferably multi-part, advantageously comprising a support body with the mounting surface. The support body preferably has a plate-like shape. In one possible design, the support body is formed in one piece. A particularly advantageous design is a support body segmented in the main direction, wherein the support body comprises several support body segments arranged in a row with mutual sealing in the main direction, each segment having at least one mounting position. In this case, the collecting channels are composed, among other things, of a series of openings in the support bodies.

[0044] The valve carrier advantageously has a closing module on each of its two axial end faces, which seals the communication channel. At least one of the closing modules can be equipped with an electromechanical interface unit to which the communication line is connected and which is intended for connecting the aforementioned electronic control device.

[0045] The communication link expediently includes a circuit board assembly equipped with the at least one electronic component to be cooled, which consists of a single circuit board or of several circuit boards connected in series and, in particular, plugged together.

[0046] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. This drawing shows: Fig. 1 A preferred embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention with an isometric representation of an advantageous valve assembly, which is equipped with several directional control valves, with a cooling module illustrated in the removed state and with an outlet module, wherein a fluid-actuated drive controllable by the valve arrangement is additionally indicated schematically, which is connected to the valve assembly via two fluid lines and wherein an optional sealing element for a pilot vent connection of the valve carrier is illustrated, Fig. 2 the valve arrangement Fig. 1 in a top view of the valve assembly with viewing direction according to arrow II from Fig. 1, wherein an electronic control device, which is expediently provided for the electrical control of the valve assembly, is also shown, Fig. 3 the valve assembly Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a longitudinal section according to section line III-III from Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, where an arrow illustration indicates a cooling flow that can be caused by the cooling module, Fig. 4 a cross-section of the valve assembly Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 in the area of ​​the mounted cooling module according to section line IV-IV from Fig. 3, wherein an arrow illustration indicates a cooling flow generated by pressure medium tapped from a pilot vent channel, Fig. 5. a further longitudinal section of the valve assembly according to section line VV. Fig. 3, wherein an arrow illustration indicates a cooling flow generated by a pressure medium tapped from a pilot feeder, Fig. 6 a single representation of one of the valve assembly of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 belonging to the cooling module in a top view according to arrow VI-VI from Fig. 1, Fig. 7 a longitudinal section of the cooling module according to section line VII-VII from Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a cross-section of the cooling module in the area of ​​a through-pass module according to section line VIII-VIII from Fig. 7, Fig. 9 a further cross-section of the cooling module in the area of ​​a shut-off module according to section line IX-IX from Fig. 7, Fig. 10 a single representation of one of the valve assembly of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 belonging to the outlet module in an isometric representation, Fig. 11 a top view of the outlet module with viewing direction according to arrow XI from Fig. 10, and Fig. 12 a cross-section of the valve assembly according to section line XII-XII from Fig. 3 and Fig. 11 in the area of ​​a mounted outlet module.

[0047] The valve arrangement, designated in the drawing by reference numeral 1, comprises a multi-part valve assembly 2, which has several electrically actuated directional control valves 3. These valves can be electrically actuated by means of an electronic control unit 4, which preferably also belongs to the valve arrangement 1. The electronic control unit 4 can be integrated into the valve assembly 2, but is preferably designed separately as shown in the illustration, so that it can be referred to as an external electronic control unit 4.

[0048] A preferred use of the valve arrangement 1 is the controlled actuation of at least one fluid-actuated actuator 5, wherein in Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts such a fluid-actuated drive 5 in an embodiment as a double-acting working cylinder. The fluid-actuated drive 5 has a drive housing 5a and an output element 5b that is movable back and forth in a reciprocating motion, indicated by a double arrow. The output element 5b separates two drive chambers within the drive housing 5a, each of which is connected to the valve assembly 2 via one of two fluid lines 6a, 6b. The connected drive chambers can be selectively pressurized or vented via the two fluid lines 6a, 6b to cause the reciprocating motion of the output element 5b. The fluid pressure medium controllable by the valve assembly 2 is preferably compressed air.

[0049] The valve assembly 2 is equipped with several electrically actuated directional control valves 3, which are arranged in series along an axis 7 of the valve assembly 2, designated as the main direction 7a. Each directional control valve 3 can be connected to its own fluid-actuated actuator 5 for controlled actuation.

[0050] The valve assembly 2 includes a preferably multi-part valve carrier 8, which extends in the main direction 7a and has a mounting surface 13 on a top surface 11 that is oriented vertically 12a perpendicular to the main direction 7a. The directional control valves 3 are preferably detachably mounted on this mounting surface. The vertical direction 12a is the axis of a vertical axis 12 of the valve assembly 2. The mounting surface 13 lies in a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis 12.

[0051] By way of example, the mounting surface 13 is located on a carrier body 14 of the valve carrier 8, which may be a one-piece body, but which is, by way of example, segmented and consists of several carrier body segments 14a joined together in the main direction 7a and fixed together by fastening means not further illustrated.

[0052] At the front end of the carrier body 14, a first end module 15 and a second end module 16 of the valve carrier 8 are attached, respectively. The end modules 15, 16 and the carrier body 14 are expediently screwed together. For example, the first end module 15 is designed in two parts, as described below, and the second end module 16 is designed in one part.

[0053] The first termination module 15 has an electromechanical interface unit 17 to which the electronic control unit 4 can be connected and in the operational state of the valve arrangement 1 according to Fig. 2 is electrically connected via an electrical cable arrangement 19.

[0054] The in Fig. 2 of the mounted directional control valves 3 concealed mounting surface 13 is subdivided into several mounting surface sections arranged successively in the main direction 7a, designated as mounting positions 18.

[0055] If the carrier body 14 is segmented in the manner described, it is advantageous to have exactly one assembly location 18 on each of the carrier body segments 14a, although at least one carrier body segment 14a can readily have several assembly locations 18.

[0056] At least several of the assembly positions 18 are valve assembly positions 18a, which are designed and suitable for the functional mounting of a directional control valve 3. In the illustrated embodiment, with the exception of the first assembly position 18 following the first end module 15 and the last assembly position 18 arranged next to the second end module 16, all available assembly positions 18 are used as valve assembly positions 18a and equipped with a directional control valve 3.

[0057] At the first assembly station 18, which is adjacent to the first end module 15 and is not equipped with a directional control valve 3, a cooling module 21, which will be explained in more detail below, is functionally mounted, the possibility of mounting of which results from the fact that the said foremost assembly station 18 is designed as a cooling module assembly station 18b suitable for being equipped with a cooling module 21.

[0058] At the last assembly position 18 of the series of assembly positions 18, which is not equipped with a directional control valve 3 as an example and is adjacent to the second end module 16, an optionally available outlet module 111, which will be explained in more detail below, is functionally mounted, the possibility of mounting of which results from the fact that the said last assembly position 18 is designed as an end module assembly position 18c suitable for being equipped with an end module 111.

[0059] In fact, it is preferred and exemplary that all mounting positions 18 are designed as valve mounting positions 18a suitable for mounting one directional control valve 3 each, and which can also each be used as a cooling module mounting position 18b or as an outlet module mounting position 18c. Accordingly, each mounting position 18 offers the possibility of optionally mounting either an electrically actuated directional control valve 3, a cooling module 21, or an outlet module 111. It is advantageous if all mounting positions 18 are identically designed, which is the case in the illustrated embodiment. Normally, most of the assembly positions 18 will be used as valve assembly positions 18a, and usually only one assembly position 18 will be used as a cooling module assembly position 18b and only one other single assembly position 18 as an exhaust module assembly position 18c.However, if there is an increased cooling requirement, several assembly positions 18 can also be used as cooling module assembly positions 18b and / or as outlet module assembly positions 18c.

[0060] Each directional control valve 3 has an electric valve actuator 22, which can be controlled by electrical control signals, referred to below as valve control signals, to set one of several possible switching states of the directional control valve 3. The valve control signals originate from the electronic control unit 4 and can be supplied to the valve actuators 22 via an electrical communication line 23 of the valve assembly 2, which extends inside the valve carrier 8 in the main direction 7a. The valve carrier 8 defines a channel-like cavity, which is shielded from the environment and which, for clarity, will be referred to as the communication channel 24.

[0061] The communication channel 24 extends in the valve carrier 8 in the main direction 7a, passing through the carrier body 14 and being closed at one front by the first end module 15 and at one rear by the second end module 16. It is spatially separated from its surroundings by a channel wall 25 formed jointly by the two end modules 15, 16 and the carrier body 14. The communication strand 23 arranged in the communication channel 24 is therefore shielded and protected from external environmental influences.

[0062] The communication link 23 comprises at least one electronic component 26, which can be arranged at any point along the communication link 23. The communication link 23 can comprise only a single electronic component 26 or several electronic components 26. At least one electronic component 26 is, for example, a processor or a microcomputer, preferably implemented by means of an electronic chip.

[0063] Preferably, the communication link 23 includes a printed circuit board arrangement 27 extending in the main direction 7a, which is equipped with at least one electronic component 26. The printed circuit board arrangement 27 extends, by way of example, in a main extension plane orthogonal to the vertical axis 12.

[0064] For example, the communication line 23 extends into the first termination module 15, in the area of ​​which it is electrically contacted with the electromechanical interface unit 17. The interface unit 17 is contacted with at least one electronic component 26 via electrical conductors of the communication line 23, which are primarily designed as conductor tracks, and furthermore with several valve contact elements 28 of the communication line 23 used for the electrical contacting of the directional control valves 3.

[0065] Each valve mounting position 18b is assigned valve contact elements 28 of the communication line 23 located inside the communication channel 24, which are expediently positioned in the vertical direction 12a below the respective assigned valve mounting position 18a in the communication channel 24. The valve actuator 22 of each directional control valve 3 has at least one, and by way of example two, electrical contacting units 30, which, when the directional control valve 3 is mounted, are electrically contacted with one of the valve contact elements 28 of the communication line 23 through at least one wall opening 32a, 32b formed in the channel wall 25 at the assigned valve mounting position 18a. This is shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 indicates. By way of example, this involves a first wall penetration 32a and a second wall penetration 32b. Contact with the valve contact elements 28 is made either directly or, according to the illustrated embodiment, via a valve contact device 31 fixed to the communication line 23. This is particularly relevant in Fig. 3 can be clearly seen. In this way, the electrical valve control signals can be supplied to the valve actuators 22 of the individual directional control valves 3 via the communication line 23.

[0066] The valve carrier 8 incorporates several fluid channels, which are referred to as valve carrier fluid channels 33 for clarity. Several of these valve carrier fluid channels 33 are designated as collecting fluid channels 34, extending in the valve carrier 8 in the main direction 7a and each opening to each of the valve mounting positions 18a via a collecting fluid channel opening 35. Depending on its function, each collecting fluid channel 34 enables the combined supply or discharge of fluidic pressure medium to or from all of the valve mounting positions 18a.

[0067] Among the collecting fluid channels 34 are, for example, two feed channels 36 and three vent channels 37.

[0068] One of the two feed channels 36 is a pilot feed channel 36a, which communicates with a pilot feed port 38 accessible externally on the valve carrier 8, to which an external pressure source, also referred to as a pilot pressure source PV for clarity, can be connected or is connected. One of the vent channels 37 is a pilot vent channel 37a, which is connected with a pilot vent port 39 accessible externally on the valve carrier 8, and which communicates with the atmosphere R.

[0069] The pilot feed channel 36a and the pilot vent channel 37a are used when the directional control valves 3, according to the illustrated embodiment, are of an electrofluidically pilot-operated type, in which each valve actuator 22 is designed as an electrically actuated pilot valve assembly 42, and the directional control valve 3 also has a main valve 43 combined with the pilot valve assembly 42 to form a single unit, for the fluidic actuation of which the associated pilot valve assembly 42 is provided. Both the pilot feed channel 36a and the pilot vent channel 37a open at each valve mounting position 18a via a collecting fluid channel opening 35 and communicate with an internal pilot valve channel (not shown) of the pilot valve assembly 42 of the directional control valve 3 mounted there, in order to supply or discharge the pressure medium required for the pilot actuation of the main valve 43.

[0070] Each main valve 43 has a valve spool 44, indicated in the drawing only by dashed lines for one of the main valves 43, which can be moved into different switching positions by means of the associated pilot valve device 42 by controlled application of a fluid force in order to specify different switching states of the respective directional control valve 3.

[0071] The main valve 4 has several internal valve channels (not illustrated) that open onto a valve base 45 of the directional control valve 3, and in particular of the main valve 43, opposite the associated valve mounting position 18a when the directional control valve 3 is mounted. These valve channel openings are also not illustrated. They are positioned to communicate with one of the collecting fluid channel openings 35, which are present in addition to the collecting fluid channel openings 35 of the pilot feed channel 36a and the pilot vent channel 36b. Specifically, these are collecting fluid channel openings 35 of valve carrier fluid channels 33, which are designated with the prefix "Main" for easier identification. These valve carrier fluid channels 33 include one main feed channel 36b and two main vent channels 37b and 37c.The main feed channel 36b is connected to a main feed port 46 accessible externally on the valve carrier 8. A pressure source P can be connected to this port and is connected during operation of the valve arrangement 1. This pressure source P provides a fluidic pressure medium, in particular compressed air, which is controlled by the directional control valves 3. The pressure source P can be identical to the pilot pressure source PV. The two main vent channels 37b, 37c are connected to a main vent port 47 accessible externally on the valve carrier 8. This port is constantly open to the atmosphere R.

[0072] Two further valve carrier fluid channels 33 open to each valve mounting position 18a; these are individual, unconnected working channels 48. Each working channel 48 has a working channel opening 49 located at the associated mounting position 18 and is also in fluid communication with a working opening 52 accessible externally on the valve carrier 8. According to [reference to relevant section / document], fluid is supplied to these two working openings 52. Fig. 1 each of the two fluid lines 6a, 6b leading to a fluid-operated drive 5 can be connected.

[0073] The valve spool 44 can be positioned by the pilot valve assembly 42 in at least two switching positions, in which the main feed channel 36b, the two main vent channels 37b, 37c and the two working channels 48 are connected to each other in different configurations. In particular, the two working channels 48 can be alternately connected to the main feed channel 36b and one of the two main vent channels 37b, 37c in order to cause alternating, opposing venting and aspiration of the two drive chambers of the fluid-actuated actuator 5 and, accordingly, the stroke movement of its output element 5b.

[0074] The pressure medium required to actuate the main valve 43 or its valve spool 44 originates from the pilot supply channel 36a and is fed inside the associated directional control valve 3 via at least one of the aforementioned pilot valve channels of the pilot valve assembly 42. The pilot valve assembly 42 is vented using another of the aforementioned pilot valve channels via the pilot vent channel 37a. All pilot valve assemblies 42 are supplied with pressure medium via one and the same pilot supply channel 36a and vented via one and the same pilot vent channel 37a, hence their respective designation as a collecting fluid channel 34.

[0075] The pilot valve assembly 42 includes, by way of example, two 3 / 2-way valves, not illustrated in detail, which are primarily solenoid valves. As already mentioned, their electrical control is via the communication line 23.

[0076] The pilot feed channel 36a can be omitted if the directional control valves 3 are designed to be directly electrically actuated or, in the case of pilot-operated design, the pressure medium for the pilot valve assembly 42 is branched off inside the main valve 43 from a valve channel connected to the main feed channel 36b.

[0077] The pilot vent channel 37a can be omitted if the directional control valves 3 are of a directly electrically actuated design or if venting of the pilot control valve assembly 42 takes place directly at the directional control valve 3 to the atmosphere.

[0078] The cooling module 21 mentioned above serves to cool the electronic component(s) 26 of the communication line 23, using the fluidic pressure medium used for the operation of the directional control valves 3 as the cooling medium. The cooling module 21 is able to divert fluidic pressure medium from at least one of the collecting fluid channels 34 of the valve carrier 8 and introduce it into the communication channel 24 in order to generate a cooling flow 53 that passes over the communication line 23 and thus over the at least one electronic component 26, thereby dissipating heat.

[0079] In a position enabling the cooling function, to which this description refers, the cooling module 21 is mounted on a cooling module mounting position 18b formed by one of the mounting positions 18. Several fastening screws 54 are used for fastening, by way of example.

[0080] Since the cooling module mounting position 18b is preferably formed by one of the valve mounting positions 18a according to the illustrated embodiment, its realization form, including the fluid channel openings located there, corresponds to that of the valve mounting positions 18a described above. The cooling module assembly station 18b accordingly has collecting fluid channel outlets 35 of the pilot feed channel 36a, the pilot vent channel 37a, the main feed channel 36b and the two main vent channels 37b, 37c, as well as the working channel outlets 49 of two working channels 48. Furthermore, the cooling module assembly station 18b has two wall penetrations 32a, 32b in the channel wall 25 that open into the communication channel 24. With regard to the design of the cooling module assembly station 18b, the above statements concerning the valve assembly stations 18a apply accordingly, so repetition is omitted.

[0081] The cooling module 21 has a module base 55 on its underside, which it is mounted on the associated cooling module assembly location 18b. The cooling module 21 is penetrated by a fluid channel arrangement designed to generate the cooling flow 53 and therefore referred to as a cooling channel structure 56, which consists of one or more fluid channels and provides a fluid connection between at least one of the collecting fluid channels 34 of the valve carrier 8 opening at the cooling module assembly location 18b and the communication channel 24, so that fluidic pressure medium, in particular compressed air, can be branched off from the respective collecting fluid channel 34 and, in the form of the cooling flow 53, can be introduced into the communication channel 24 as a cooling medium for cooling the at least one electronic component 26.

[0082] The cooling module 21 has at least one, and by way of example exactly one, cooling medium outlet opening 59, which belongs to the cooling channel structure 56 and, when the cooling module 21 is mounted, opens into the communication channel 24. The pressure medium drawn from at least one of the collecting fluid channels 34 can exit at this opening and flow into the communication channel 24 as a cooling medium.

[0083] Of the existing collecting fluid channels 34, only the pilot feed channel 36a and the pilot vent channel 37a are used by the cooling module 21 as examples. The cooling channel structure 56 has two cooling channel outlets 57, 58 opening onto the module base 55. For clarity, these are designated as vent cooling channel outlet 57 and feed cooling channel outlet 58, respectively, and are fluidically connected to the cooling medium outlet 59 via the cooling channel structure 56. The vent cooling channel outlet 57 is located opposite the collecting fluid channel outlet 35 of the pilot vent channel 37a, and the feed cooling channel outlet 58 is located opposite the collecting fluid channel outlet 35 of the pilot feed channel 36a.A sealing structure 61 inserted between the module base 55 and the mounting surface 13 enables leak-free fluid transfer, on the one hand between the pilot vent channel 37a and the vent cooling channel opening 57 and on the other hand between the pilot feed channel 36a and the feed cooling channel opening 58.

[0084] All other fluid channel openings present at the cooling module assembly station 18b that are not used for the cooling function of the cooling module 21 – for example, the collecting fluid channel openings 35 of the main feed channel 36b and the two main vent channels 37b, 37c, as well as the working channel openings 49 of the two working channels 48 – are sealed fluid-tight by the cooling module 21, in particular with the assistance of any sealing structure 61 that may be present. For this purpose, the cooling module 21 has a cover section 62 in the area of ​​its module base 55, which covers the aforementioned fluid channel openings. The working channel openings 49 do not necessarily have to be covered by the cover section 62, as they are non-functional here and do not contain any pressurized medium.

[0085] For the cooling function of the cooling module 21, only fluidic pressure medium is used as an example, which is present or flows in the pilot vent channel 37a designed as a collecting fluid channel 34 and in the pilot feed channel 36a also designed as a collecting fluid channel 34 during the operation of the valve arrangement 1.

[0086] Possible embodiments of the invention, in which the cooling medium is branched off from the main feed channel 36b and / or from at least one of the main vent channels 37b, 37c, are not illustrated in the drawing. This is particularly the case if neither a pilot feed channel 37a nor a pilot vent channel 37b is present for the operation of the valve assembly 2.

[0087] For effective heat dissipation from the communication channel 24, at least one outlet channel 63 is advantageously provided in the valve assembly 2, which provides a free fluid connection between the communication channel 24 and the atmosphere surrounding the valve assembly 2. After the cooling function has been completed, the cooling medium can flow through the outlet channel 63 as shown in the arrow diagrams. Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 12 escape from communication channel 24 to the atmosphere.

[0088] To prevent contaminants from entering the communication channel 24 through the at least one outlet channel 63, it is advantageous for the outlet channel 63 to be equipped with a filter 64, which may consist, for example, of a fine-pored sintered material. The filter 64 can be a compact filter element that is inserted into the outlet channel 63 in a space-saving manner. Alternatively, a membrane can be used as the filter 64, which is permeable to gases but not to liquids or solids.

[0089] Preferably, at least one outlet channel 63 is formed in the outlet module 111 already mentioned above. This offers the advantageous possibility of realizing an outlet channel 63 without having to form any additional fluid channel structures on the valve carrier 8. For better distinction, the outlet channel 63 of the outlet module 111 is hereinafter also referred to as module outlet channel 63a. In its operating position, the outlet module 111 is mounted on an outlet module mounting position 18c formed by one of the mounting positions 18. Several mounting screws 113 are used for fastening, by way of example.

[0090] Since the outlet module mounting position 18c is preferably formed by one of the valve mounting positions 18a according to the illustrated embodiment, its configuration, including the fluid channel openings located there, corresponds to that of the valve mounting positions 18a described above. Accordingly, the outlet module mounting position 18c has – see Fig. 12 - Collecting fluid channel outlets 35 of the pilot feed channel 36a, the pilot vent channel 37a, the main feed channel 36b and the two main vent channels 37b, 37c, as well as the working channel outlets 49 of two working channels 48. In addition, at the outlet module assembly station 18c there are two wall penetrations 32a, 32b in the channel wall 25 opening into the communication channel 24, which, in the case of assembly with a directional control valve 3, are used for its electrical contact with the communication line 23. With regard to the design of the outlet module assembly station 18c, the above statements concerning the valve assembly stations 18a apply accordingly, so a repetition is omitted.

[0091] The outlet module 111 has a module base area 114 on one module underside, with which it is mounted in the operating position at the associated outlet module assembly location 18c.

[0092] The outlet module 111 is penetrated by the aforementioned module outlet channel 63a. The module outlet channel 63a has at least one inlet opening 112 on the module base 114 and at least one outlet opening 115 on an outer surface of the module that is not covered when the outlet module 111 is mounted, for example, on an upper outer surface 116 located on the top of the outlet module opposite the module base 114. An outlet opening 115 can also be located on one of the two end faces of the module.

[0093] For example, the module outlet channel 63a has exactly one inlet opening 112 and exactly one outlet opening 115.

[0094] The at least one inlet opening 112 is positioned on the module base 114 such that, when the outlet module 111 is mounted in the operating position, it is in fluid contact with the communication channel 24 in order to function according to the arrow diagram. Fig. 12 to allow the cooling medium to enter.

[0095] The fluid channel openings of the valve carrier 8 at the outlet module mounting position 18c are not used for the cooling medium outlet function of the outlet module 111. They are therefore sealed fluid-tight by the outlet module 111, particularly with the assistance of a sealing structure 117 inserted between the module base 114 and the mounting surface 13. For this purpose, the outlet module 111 has a cover section 118 in the area of ​​its module base 114, which covers the aforementioned fluid channel openings. The working channel openings 49 do not necessarily have to be covered by the cover section 118, as they are non-functional here and do not contain any pressurized medium.

[0096] The outlet module 111 expediently consists – apart from an optional filter 64 inserted into the module outlet channel 63a – of a single-piece block body 119, which forms the cover section 118, is penetrated by the module outlet channel 63a, and comprises both the module base surface 114 and the upper module outer surface 116. It is made primarily of plastic and can be laterally cut to save material. Fig. 10 visible signs of emaciation.

[0097] The outlet module 111 has two preferably cylindrical module projections 120a, 120b on the module base 114, which, when the outlet module 111 is mounted, each extend into one of the two wall openings 32a, 32b of the channel wall 25 formed at the outlet module mounting position 18c in the valve carrier 8, advantageously each carrying a seal 121 that interacts with the channel wall 25, so that the associated wall opening 32, 32b is tightly closed.

[0098] The inlet opening 112 is conveniently located on the end face of one of the two module projections 120a, 120b and thus opens directly into the communication channel 24 when the outlet module 111 is installed. For example, it is located on the outer module projection 120b, which extends into the second wall opening 32b. The other of the two module projections 120a, 120b is closed and consists primarily of solid material. Optionally, the module outlet channel 63a can branch inside the outlet module 111 and open onto both module projections 120a, 120b, each with an inlet opening 112.

[0099] With regard to the row of mounting positions 18 extending in the main direction 7a within the valve assembly 2, it is advantageous if the first of the mounting positions 18 in the row is equipped with the cooling module 21 and the last of the mounting positions 18 in the row is equipped with the outlet module 111, since in this way the communication channel 24 can be permeated by the cooling flow 53 over at least approximately its entire length.

[0100] When using the valve assembly 1, the pilot vent channel 37a normally communicates directly with the atmosphere via the pilot vent port 39 located on the valve carrier 8. However, if the cooling medium is drawn from the pilot vent channel 37a as shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is advantageous to close the pilot vent port 39 so that all the pilot exhaust air is available as cooling medium for introduction into the communication channel 24. For this purpose, the valve assembly 1 advantageously has a, for example, a sealing plug designed in Fig. 1 illustrated sealing element 122, which can be inserted into and fixed in the pilot vent port 39 to close it. The venting of the pilot valve assemblies 42 then takes place with a simultaneous cooling effect through the communication channel 24.

[0101] According to an alternative embodiment for realizing an outlet channel 63, an outlet channel 63 is shown in the dashed-dotted representation in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is formed in the valve carrier 8 and is therefore also referred to as valve carrier outlet channel 63b for better differentiation. As an example, such a valve carrier outlet channel 63b is provided in the form of a wall penetration in an end-face channel wall section 25a of the channel wall 25, which is, by way of example, a component of the second end module 16. In this case, the valve assembly 2 expediently does not contain an outlet module 111.

[0102] It is understood that the valve carrier outlet channel 63b can also be located elsewhere in the valve carrier 63. For example, at least one of the wall openings 32a, 32b present at the mounting positions 18 can be used as a valve carrier outlet channel 63b without an associated outlet module 111 by simply leaving it open. For example, a sealing plate can be mounted at one of the mounting positions 18, which closes all fluid channel openings present at the mounting position, but does not close at least one of the two wall openings 32a, 32b.

[0103] There can easily be several outlet channels 63 that feed into communication channel 24 at different points.

[0104] It is possible to equip one and the same valve carrier 2 with at least one valve carrier outlet channel 63b and additionally with at least one module outlet channel 63a as outlet channels 63.

[0105] Furthermore, it is possible to design at least one outlet channel 63 as a combination of a valve carrier outlet channel 63b and a module outlet channel 63a. For this purpose, a drain module 111 can be mounted such that its module outlet channel 63a is connected to a valve carrier outlet channel 63b.

[0106] The feed connections 38, 46 and the vent connections 39, 47 are equipped, by way of example, with connecting devices to which a fluid line (not illustrated) can be detachably connected. In the case of feed connections 38, 46, this leads to the pressure source PV or P, respectively, and in the case of vent connections 39, 47, it allows for the contained discharge of the used pressurized medium or exhaust air. Alternatively, the vent connections 39, 47 can also be designed for direct venting to the atmosphere and / or be fitted with a silencer.

[0107] For example, the pilot feed connection 38 and the pilot vent connection 39 are located on the second end module 16, while the main feed connection 46 and the main vent connection 47 are arranged on the first end module 15. The latter is preferably constructed in multiple parts and is divided into an end unit 15a and an intermediate unit 15b located between the end unit 15a and the carrier body 14, wherein the main feed connection 46 and the main vent section 47 are located on the intermediate unit 15b and the end unit 15a is equipped with the electromechanical interface unit 17.

[0108] The valve carrier 8 has, at least in the area of ​​the carrier body 14, a fluid channel section 65 through which the valve carrier fluid channels 33 pass, and a communication channel section 66 arranged longitudinally next to it and through which the communication channel 24 passes. The fluid channel section 65 and the communication channel section 66 lie next to each other in a transverse direction 67a of the valve carrier 8, wherein the transverse direction 67a is the axial direction of a transverse axis 67 of the valve carrier 8, which is oriented perpendicular to the main axis 7 and to the vertical axis 12.

[0109] The assembly area 13 comprises a first surface section 13a formed on the fluid channel section 65 and a second surface section 13b adjoining it in the transverse direction 67a and formed on the communication channel section 66. The collecting fluid channel outlets 35 and the working channel outlets 49 are located on the first surface section 13a, while the wall penetrations 32a, 32b, which open into the communication channel 24 on the one hand, open out on the other hand on the second surface section 13b of the assembly area 13. As mentioned, said wall penetrations 32a, 32b are located not only at each valve assembly position 18a, but also at each cooling module assembly position 18b.With the cooling module 21 installed, the cooling medium outlet opening 59 is located, for example, in the area of ​​the first wall penetration 32a of the two wall penetrations 32a, 32b, so that the cooling medium from the cooling module 21 can enter the communication channel 24 through the first wall penetration 32a.

[0110] Preferably, at each assembly station 18, the associated channel openings 35, 49 and wall penetrations 32a, 32b are arranged consecutively in the transverse direction 67a.

[0111] The component placement area 13 is located, by way of example, on a top surface of the valve carrier 8 and faces away from a lower outer surface 68 of the valve carrier 8 in the vertical direction 12a. By way of example, the component placement area 13 is stepped, with its first surface section 13a having a greater distance from the lower outer surface 68 than its second surface section 13b. Alternatively, however, the component placement area 13 can also lie entirely in one and the same plane.

[0112] The cooling channel structure 56 preferably comprises, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, two cooling channels 71, 72, which, for better differentiation in individual reference, are designated as the vent cooling channel 71 and the feed cooling channel 72. Both cooling channels 71, 72 pass through the cooling module 21. The vent cooling channel 71 connects the cooling medium outlet opening 59 to the vent cooling channel inlet 57 and thus communicates on the input side with the pilot vent channel 37a when the cooling module 21 is installed. The feed cooling channel 72 connects the cooling medium outlet opening 59 to the feed cooling channel inlet 58 and thus communicates with the pilot feed channel 36a when the cooling module 21 is installed.

[0113] The vent cooling channel 71 and the feed cooling channel 72 can independently connect the vent cooling channel opening 57 and the feed cooling channel opening 58 to the cooling medium outlet opening 59 in a fluidic parallel circuit.

[0114] As an example, the two cooling channels 71, 72 merge within the cooling module 21 in a merging area 74 spaced apart from the cooling medium outlet opening 59, so that they have a common outlet channel section 73 extending between the merging area 74 and the cooling medium outlet opening 59. Alternatively, they can also be designed separately from each other and each have its own cooling medium outlet opening 59.

[0115] Provided that a check valve 75, which is optionally installed in its path, is in the open position, the vent cooling channel 71 provides a permanent fluid connection between the vent cooling channel opening 57 and the cooling medium outlet opening 59. The check valve 75 operates depending on the pressure difference between the vent cooling channel opening 57 and the cooling medium outlet opening 59, allowing fluid passage only if the fluid pressure at the vent cooling channel opening 57 is at least slightly higher than the fluid pressure at the cooling medium outlet opening 59, resulting in the formation of a cooling flow 53.At pressure equilibrium or at a higher fluid pressure at the cooling medium outlet 59 compared to the vent cooling channel opening 57, the check valve 75 prevents fluid flow through the vent cooling channel 71. This prevents pressurized medium from unintentionally flowing from the communication channel 24 or the feed cooling channel 72 into the pilot vent channel 37a. The latter could otherwise occur without the check valve 75, particularly if an additional cooling flow 53 is activated via the feed cooling channel 72.

[0116] For example, the check valve 75 contains a movable check valve element 76, which is biased into a closed position by a spring 77. The spring 77 is also supported by a pressed-in ball 78.

[0117] During operation of the valve arrangement 1, a cooling flow 53 through the vent cooling channel 71 is automatically established whenever the fluid pressure in the pilot vent channel 37a is higher than the pressure prevailing in the communication channel 24. This regularly occurs when one of the pilot valve devices 42 of the directional control valves 3 has switched to venting mode and discharges pressurized medium into the pilot vent channel 37a. Due to the multiple directional control valves 3 and their generally asynchronous actuation, a potentially pulsating, but nevertheless virtually continuous, cooling flow 53 through the vent cooling channel 71 can be expected during normal operation of the valve arrangement 1.

[0118] In an embodiment not illustrated, the vent cooling channel 71 does not contain a check valve 75, so that, regardless of the prevailing pressure conditions, an open fluid connection between the pilot vent channel 37a and the communication channel 24 is provided through the vent cooling channel 71.

[0119] The feed-cooling channel 72 is preferably designed for pressure-independent control of the generation of a cooling flow 53. In particular, it enables temperature-dependent activation and deactivation of a cooling flow 53 tapped from the pilot feed channel 36a. The temperature used for temperature-dependent control is a temperature prevailing in the communication channel 24, which can be, for example, the temperature of the medium surrounding the communication link 23 and / or a temperature of a component of the communication link 23, and in particular an electronic component 26. To detect the temperature used for controlling the cooling flow 53, at least one temperature sensor 81 is located inside the communication channel 24, which is capable of outputting temperature-dependent electrical temperature signals.

[0120] Preferably, the temperature sensor 81, according to the illustrated embodiment, is a direct component of an electronic component 26 of the communication link 23, for example, formed by a processor. Not illustrated is an embodiment in which at least one temperature sensor 81 is separate from the at least one electronic component 26 to be cooled. However, such a separate temperature sensor 81 is nevertheless preferably a component of the communication link 23.

[0121] The control of switching the cooling flow 53 on and off in the feed cooling channel 72 is exemplified by the electronic control unit 4. It receives the electrical temperature signals from the temperature sensor 81 via the communication line 23 and, depending on these electrical temperature signals, transmits electrical valve control signals – again via the communication line 23 – to an electrically actuated shut-off valve 82, which is a component of the cooling module 21 and is integrated into the feed cooling channel 72.

[0122] The electrically actuated shut-off valve 82 has an electrically operated actuating device 80 that responds to the valve control signals. Preferably, the shut-off valve 82 is a solenoid valve with an electromagnet as the actuating device 80. This is the case by way of example.

[0123] The shut-off valve 82 allows the feed-cooling channel 72 to be selectively shut off to prevent fluid flow or opened to allow fluid flow. For this purpose, the shut-off valve 82 can assume either a closed or an open position.

[0124] Preferably, the shut-off valve 82 has a 2 / 2-way valve function and is expediently of the "normally closed" type. Its switching state can be preset by selectively applying or not applying a control voltage, generated by the electronic control unit 4, to the actuating device 80, with the applied or absent control voltage constituting the valve control signals. With no control voltage applied, the shut-off valve 82 is in the closed position, and with a control voltage applied, it is in the open position.

[0125] Preferably, the electronic control unit 4 is configured to close the shut-off valve 82 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 81 is below a predetermined temperature threshold, and furthermore to open the shut-off valve 82 when the detected temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature threshold is expediently fixed based on empirical values ​​or can be variably adjusted. The aforementioned temperature management can also be implemented independently of the electronic control unit 4 by means of control electronics, which are implemented by at least one electronic component 26 of the communication link 23.

[0126] The electrical contact between the shut-off valve 82 and the communication line 23 is expediently made through the second wall opening 32b, and in particular in the same manner as the electrical contact between the valve actuators 22 and the pilot valve assemblies 42 is made in the directional control valves 3. Accordingly, the cooling module 21 has an electrical contacting unit 83 in the area of ​​the module base 55, which is designed similarly to a contacting unit 30 of the directional control valves 22 and is contacted via a cooling module contact device 31a fixed to the communication line 23 with cooling module contact elements 28a of the communication line 23. By way of example, the cooling module contact device 31a is formed by a valve contact device 31, while the cooling module contact elements 28a are formed by valve contact elements 28.In this way, the contacting measures used for the directional control valves 3 can also be used cost-effectively and unchanged for the electrical contacting of the shut-off valve 82 of the cooling module 21.

[0127] Advantageously, the cooling module 21 is equipped with a filter 84, designed in particular as an air filter, which serves to filter the cooling medium. This filter is installed, by way of example, in the outlet channel section 73 of the cooling channel structure 56 and is thus connected to both the vent cooling channel 71 and the feed cooling channel 72. The filter 84 prevents contamination of the communication channel 24 by impurities that the pressure medium drawn from the valve carrier 8 for cooling may carry.

[0128] In particular, if the vent cooling channel 71 and the feed cooling channel 72 are designed completely separately from each other, each of these two cooling channels 71, 72 can contain its own filter 84.

[0129] Filter 84 is implemented as a compact filter element that is inserted into the respective cooling channel 71 or 72. In this way, the installed filter element 84 does not affect the external dimensions of the cooling module 21.

[0130] Preferably, the cooling module 21, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, is composed of several functional units combined into a single assembly. These functional units comprise a tapping unit 85 responsible for extracting the cooling medium from the valve carrier 8 and an inlet unit 86 responsible for introducing the cooling module into the communication channel 24. The cooling module 21 has a longitudinal axis 87, with the inlet unit 86 being attached to a front end face 88 of the tapping unit 85 in the axial direction of this longitudinal axis 87. Fastening measures used for fixation, such as a screw connection or snap-fit ​​connection, are not shown in the drawing.

[0131] The cooling module 21 is mounted on the cooling module assembly station 18b such that its longitudinal axis 87 is aligned parallel to the transverse axis 67. The picking unit 85 extends along the first surface section 13a and the inlet unit 86 extends along the second surface section 13b of the assembly area 13. The module base 55 of the cooling module 21 has a first surface section 55a formed at the picking unit 85 and facing the first surface section 13a of the assembly area 13, and a second surface section 55b formed at the inlet unit 86 and facing the second surface section 13b of the assembly area 13. These two surface sections 55a, 55b are offset from each other in the axial direction of a vertical axis 91 of the cooling module 21 which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 87 and parallel to the vertical axis 12 when the cooling module 21 is mounted, so that the module base area 55 is stepped according to the mounting area 13.

[0132] The inlet unit 86 preferably has a modular design and includes, by way of example, a through-flow module 92 attached to the front end face 88 of the suction unit 85 and a shut-off module 93 attached to the through-flow module 92 in a joining area 94 on the front face opposite the suction unit 85. The shut-off module has the shut-off valve 82 already described or is formed by it.

[0133] The vent cooling channel outlet 57 and the feed cooling channel outlet 58 are both located at the intake unit 85, so that both cooling channels 71, 72 pass through the intake unit 85. The cooling channel outlets 57, 58 are located, by way of example, at the first surface section 55a of the module base 55. The vent cooling channel 71 has a first channel section 71a running within the intake unit 85, which, like a first channel section 72a of the feed cooling channel 72 running within the intake unit 85, opens at the front end face 88 of the intake unit 85.

[0134] The check valve 75 is expediently integrated into the sampling unit 85. The latter expediently contains a one- or multi-part block body 89, which forms the cover section 62, has the first surface section 55a of the module base 55 and is penetrated by the first channel sections 71a, 72a of the two cooling channels 71, 72.

[0135] The venting cooling channel 71 continues with a second channel section 71b within the through-flow module 92, communicating with the first channel section 71a at one end in the region of the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85 and terminating at the cooling medium outlet opening 59a at the other end. Within the inlet unit 86, the venting cooling channel 71 thus extends exclusively within the through-flow module 92.

[0136] The feed-cooling channel 72 continues within the inlet unit 86 with a second channel section 72b, which communicates with the first channel section 72a of the feed-cooling channel 72 at one end in the area of ​​the front end face 88 of the extraction unit 85. At its opposite end, the second channel section 72b also opens into the communication channel 24 via the cooling medium outlet opening 59.

[0137] Within the inlet unit 86, the second channel section 72b of the feed-cooling channel 72 has an inlet section 95a and a subsequent outlet section 95b. The inlet section 95a, which communicates with the first channel section 72a, passes through the through-module 92 and transitions into the shut-off module 93 in the joining area 94, where it terminates with a control opening 101 that opens into a valve chamber 102 of the shut-off valve 82. The outlet section 95b connects this valve chamber 102 to the cooling medium outlet opening 59, extending partly within the shut-off module 93 and partly within the through-module 92, thereby passing through the joining area 94.

[0138] In the valve chamber 102 is a valve element 103 of the shut-off valve 82, which is biased into a closed position by a spring 104. In this position, it closes the control port 101 and consequently normally shuts off the feed-cooling channel 72. By electrically actuating the shut-off valve 82 in the manner already described above, and by supplying an electrical valve control signal, the valve element 103 can be lifted from the control port 101, so that the inlet section 95a and the outlet section 95b are connected to each other through the valve chamber 102, and the cooling medium can flow through them.

[0139] The common outlet channel section 73 of the venting cooling channel 71 and the feed cooling channel 72 is formed by the end sections of the second channel sections 71b, 72b of the venting cooling channel 71 and the feed cooling channel 72 extending in the through-module 92.

[0140] The through-module 92 and the shut-off module 93 each have one of two fixing studs 105a, 105b in the area of ​​the second surface section 55b of the module base 55, which, when the cooling module 21 is mounted, each dip into one of the two wall openings 32a, 32b, advantageously each carrying a seal 106 that interacts with the channel wall 25, so that the associated wall opening 32a, 32b is tightly closed.

[0141] The cooling medium outlet opening 59 is advantageously located on the end face of the fixing stud 105a of the through-flow module 92. The electrical contacting unit 83 of the shut-off valve 82 is advantageously arranged on the fixing stud 105b of the shut-off module 93. The latter offers the advantageous possibility of electrically controlling the shut-off valve 82 via a switching output, which is provided as standard on the communication line 23 for the electrical control of the valve actuators 22 and which is formed by at least one of the valve contact elements 28 and functions as a cooling module contact element 28a.

[0142] As an alternative to an electrically controlled shut-off valve 82, a design of shut-off valve 82 is recommended which can be actuated by the temperature prevailing in the communication channel 24 via a shape memory alloy or a bimetal.

Claims

[1] Valve arrangement, - with a valve assembly (2) comprising a valve carrier (8) extending in a main direction (7a) along a main axis (7) and several electrically actuated directional control valves (3), - wherein the valve carrier (8) has a mounting surface (13) with several mounting positions (18) arranged successively in the main direction (7a), at least several of which are designed as valve mounting positions (18a), on each of which one of the directional control valves (3) can be mounted or is mounted, - wherein several valve carrier fluid channels (33) through which a fluidic pressure medium can flow are formed in the valve carrier (8), which are at least partially collecting fluid channels (34) extending in the main direction (7a), which open to each valve mounting position (18a) and which are fluidically connected to the directional control valves (3) mounted at the valve mounting positions (18a), - and wherein a communication channel (24) extending in the main direction (7a) is formed in the valve carrier (8), in which an electrical communication line (23) having at least one electronic component (26) and connected or connectable to an electronic control unit (4) is arranged, with which the mounted directional control valves (3) are electrically contacted in the area of ​​their respective assigned valve mounting position (18a), characterized by , - that at least one of the mounting positions (18) of the valve carrier (8) is designed as a cooling module mounting position (18b) on which a cooling module (21) of the valve arrangement (1) penetrated by a cooling channel structure (56) can be mounted or is mounted, - wherein a fluid connection between at least one collecting fluid channel (34) of the valve carrier fluid channels (33) opening to the cooling module assembly location (18b) and the communication channel (24) can be provided or is provided by means of the cooling channel structure (56) of the mounted cooling module (21), through which fluidic pressure medium branched off from the collecting fluid channel (34) can be introduced into the communication channel (24) in the form of a cooling flow (53) as a cooling medium for cooling the at least one electronic component (26) of the electrical communication train (23). [2] Valve arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cooling module (21) has a module base surface (55) facing the associated cooling module assembly location (18b) when assembled, at which the cooling channel structure (56) opens. [3] Valve arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that a collecting fluid channel (34) of the valve carrier fluid channels (33) opening to the cooling module assembly location (18b) and fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the mounted cooling module (21) is a venting channel (37) serving for venting purposes. [4] Valve arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by, that the electrically actuated directional control valves (3) are at least partially of an electrofluidically pilot-operated design, wherein they have a main valve (43) and an electrically actuated pilot valve assembly (42) for actuating the main valve (43), wherein the pilot valve assembly (42) is electrically contacted with the communication string (23) and wherein the vent channel (37) of the valve carrier (8), which is fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the mounted cooling module (21) and is designed as a collecting fluid channel (34), is a pilot vent channel (37a) provided for venting the pilot valve assemblies (42). [5] Valve arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by, that the cooling channel structure (56) of the cooling module (21) has a vent cooling channel (71) which, when the cooling module (21) is mounted, communicates on the one hand with the vent channel (37) of the valve carrier (8) and on the other hand opens into the communication channel (24). [6] Valve arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by , that the vent cooling channel (71) is a fluid channel through which the cooling medium flows depending on the pressure difference, such that the cooling medium flows through automatically when the pressure in the vent channel (37) of the valve carrier (8) is higher than in the communication channel (24). [7] Valve arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that a check valve (75) is inserted in the vent cooling channel (71) which prevents fluid flow through the cooling module (21) into the vent channel (37) of the valve carrier (8) and allows flow in the opposite direction. [8] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that a gas-permeable filter (84) is arranged in the vent cooling duct (71). [9] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that a collecting fluid channel (34) of the valve carrier fluid channels (33) opening to the cooling module assembly location (18b) and fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the mounted cooling module (21) is a supply channel (36) that supplies the electrically actuated directional control valves (3) with fluidic pressure medium and is connected or connectable to an external pressure source (P, PV) for this purpose, wherein the pressure source (P, PV) is expediently a compressed air source. [10] Valve arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by, that the electrically actuated directional control valves (3) are at least partially of an electrofluidically pilot-operated design, wherein they have a main valve (43) and an electrically actuated pilot valve assembly (42) for actuating the main valve, wherein the pilot valve assembly (42) is electrically contacted with the communication line (23) and wherein the feed channel (36) of the valve carrier fluid channels (33), which is fluidically connected to the cooling channel structure (56) of the mounted cooling module (21) and is designed as a collecting fluid channel (34), is a pilot feed channel (36a) provided for supplying fluid to the pilot valve assemblies (42). [11] Valve arrangement according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by, that the cooling channel structure (56) of the cooling module (21) has a feed cooling channel (72) which, when the cooling module (21) is mounted, communicates on the one hand with the feed channel (36) of the valve carrier (8) and on the other hand opens into the communication channel (24) and in the course of which a shut-off valve (82) which is controllable in particular depending on temperature is switched on, which enables a controlled selective shut-off or opening of the feed cooling channel (72) and which expediently has a 2 / 2-way valve function. [12] Valve arrangement according to claim 11, characterized by , that the shut-off valve (82) is designed to be electrically actuated for its control, wherein it is expediently electrically contacted with the communication line (23) when the cooling module (21) is mounted, such that it can be electrically actuated by means of electrical control signals supplied via the communication line (23). [13] Valve arrangement according to claim 12, characterized by, that at least one temperature sensor (81), suitably designed as part of the communication line (23) and configured to output electrical temperature signals, is arranged in the communication channel (24), the electrical temperature signals of which can be used when electrically actuating the shut-off valve (82). [14] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by , that a gas-permeable filter (84) is arranged in the feed cooling duct (72). [15] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 11 to 14 in conjunction with one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by, that the cooling module (21) has a sampling unit (85) through which both the vent cooling channel (71) and the feed cooling channel (72) draw the fluidic pressure medium acting as the cooling medium from the valve carrier (8) and an inlet unit (86) attached to the sampling unit (85) which introduces the cooling medium into the communication channel (24), wherein the inlet unit (86) has a shut-off module (93) having the shut-off valve (82) and a flow-through module (92) placed between the shut-off module (93) and the sampling unit (85), wherein the vent cooling channel (71) within the inlet unit (86) passes exclusively through the flow-through module (92) and the feed cooling channel (72) within the inlet unit (86) passes through both the flow-through module (92) and the shut-off module (93),wherein the vent cooling channel (71) and the feed cooling channel (72) open into the communication channel (24) via a common cooling medium outlet opening (59) formed on the through-pass module (92) when the cooling module (21) is installed. [16] Valve arrangement according to claim 15, characterized by , that a gas-permeable filter (84) is arranged in a common outlet channel section (73) of the venting cooling channel (71) and the feed cooling channel (72) which terminates with the common cooling medium outlet opening (59). [17] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by , that the cooling module mounting position (18b) equipped with a cooling module (21) is formed by one of the valve mounting positions (18a) suitable for mounting with one of the electrically actuated directional control valves (3), wherein any valve mounting position (18a) can be used as a cooling module mounting position (18b) if appropriate. [18] Valve arrangement according to claim 17, characterized by , that at least one and in particular two valve carrier fluid channels (33) designed as individual working channels (48) open to each valve mounting position (18a), which are fluidically connected to the electrically actuated directional control valve (3) mounted on the valve mounting position (18a) in question and which each lead to a working opening (52) accessible on the outside of the valve carrier (8), to which a fluid-actuated actuator (5) controllable by the associated directional control valve (3) can be connected. [19] Valve arrangement according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by , that the cooling module (21) has a cover section (62) through which, when the cooling module (21) is mounted, valve carrier fluid channels (33) opening at the valve mounting position (18a) used as the cooling module mounting position (18b) and not communicating with the cooling channel structure (56) are closed. [20] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by, that the communication channel (24) is bounded all around by a channel wall (25) formed as part of the valve carrier (8), wherein at least one outlet channel (63, 63a, 63b) connecting the communication channel (24) to the atmosphere and allowing the cooling medium to escape to the atmosphere is provided, which is expediently equipped with a gas-permeable filter (64). [21] Valve arrangement according to claim 20, characterized by , that at least one outlet channel (63, 63b) is formed in the valve carrier (8), expediently in the form of a wall penetration of the channel wall (25) of the communication channel (24). [22] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by, that at least one of the mounting positions (18) of the valve carrier (8) is designed as an exhaust module mounting position (18c) on which an exhaust module (111) of the valve assembly (2) can be mounted or is mounted, which is penetrated by an exhaust channel (63, 63a) which is connected to the communication channel (24) in the mounted state of the exhaust module (111), which communicates with the communication channel (24) via at least one inlet opening (112) located on the exhaust module (111) and with the atmosphere via at least one outlet opening (115) located on the exhaust module (111). [23] Valve arrangement according to claim 22, characterized by , that at least one inlet opening (112) is located on the front side of one of two module projections (120a, 120b) of the outlet module (111), which, when the outlet module (111) is mounted at the associated outlet module assembly location (18c), each extend into a wall opening (32a, 32b) leading into the communication channel (24). [24] Valve arrangement according to claim 23, characterized by , that the exhaust module mounting position (18c) equipped with an exhaust module (111) is formed by one of the valve mounting positions (18a) suitable for mounting with one of the electrically actuated directional control valves (3), wherein any valve mounting position (18a) can be used as an exhaust module mounting position (18c) if appropriate. [25] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by , that the valve carrier (8) has a carrier body (14) having the mounting surface (13) and through which the communication channel (24) is penetrated, which is expediently segmented in the main direction (7a) by having several carrier body segments (14a) arranged in a row, on each of which at least one of the mounting positions (18) is formed. [26] Valve arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized by, that the communication strand (23) contains a printed circuit board arrangement (27) equipped with at least one electronic component (26) to be cooled.

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