Vent module for a valve unit and method for retrofitting a valve assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a venting module (17) for venting a valve unit (4) with a housing (41) in which at least one inlet port (56) for fluidic connection with the valve unit (4) is formed on a housing underside (43) provided for mounting on a mounting position (9) of the valve unit (4) and with at least one vent port (53) formed on the housing (41), which is fluidically connected to the inlet port (56) via at least one venting channel (54) formed in the housing (41), wherein a mounting position (48) for mounting a functional unit (20) acting on the valve unit (4) is formed on a mounting housing side (49) different from the housing underside (43) and a valve arrangement (1) with a valve unit (4) which has a valve carrier (8) and several valve modules (6), wherein the valve carrier (8) has several mounting positions (9).Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for retrofitting a valve arrangement (1) with a venting module (17).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a venting module for a valve unit and a valve arrangement.

[0002] Venting modules for valve units and valve assemblies comprising valve units are known from the prior art. Valve assemblies are used, for example, for the pneumatic control of industrial plants and can be formed from multiple valve modules. The valve assemblies usually have valve modules designed as pressure fluid feed modules, which can be connected to a pressure fluid source, in particular a compressed air source, and supplied with pressure fluid, in particular compressed air, from this. During operation of these valve assemblies, it is sometimes necessary to partially or completely vent the valve assembly. For this purpose, so-called venting modules are used, which can be mounted on a component location of the valve unit to enable venting of the valve unit.

[0003] Based on the prior art, the present invention is based on the object of enabling venting of the valve unit with improved modularity.

[0004] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a venting module for venting a valve unit with a housing in which at least one inlet connection for fluidic connection to the valve unit is formed on a housing underside provided for mounting on a mounting location of the valve unit, and with at least one venting connection formed on the housing, which is fluidic connected to the inlet connection via at least one venting channel formed in the housing, wherein a mounting location for mounting a functional unit that acts functionally on the valve unit is formed on a mounting housing side different from the housing underside.

[0005] Valve elements within the meaning of the present application comprise a one-piece valve carrier or a valve carrier formed from a plurality of valve carrier discs, in which a plurality of channels (or channel sections) are formed. The valve carrier or the valve carrier discs have at least one mounting location on which a valve module can be mounted. If, for example, a valve module is mounted on the mounting location of a valve carrier disc, this unit is referred to as a valve disc, and several such valve discs form a valve unit within the meaning of the application. A valve disc can also be referred to as a valve module assembly.

[0006] The underside of the venting module housing is intended for mounting on the assembly station and can therefore also be referred to as the assembly side. When the venting module is mounted, its inlet connection overlaps at least one disc vent opening or vent opening formed in the valve carrier disc or the valve carrier in order to establish the fluidic connection between the venting module and the valve unit. As a result, the channel of the valve unit which is fluidically connected to the outlet connection, in particular a channel of the valve carrier or the valve carrier disc, can be vented via the venting module. Any functional unit which would otherwise be mounted on the assembly station can be mounted on the mounting station. This enables the valve unit orof a part of the valve unit can be carried out without blocking a location on the valve unit in such a way that no functional unit that has a functional effect on the valve unit can be connected.

[0007] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0008] Preferably, the housing has a substantially rectangular basic shape with a housing base comprising the housing underside, a housing top, two mutually parallel side walls oriented perpendicular to the housing base, a front side oriented perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the side walls, and a rear side running parallel to the front side. Further preferably, the housing is made of a material suitable for injection molding, in particular a plastic, and can be manufactured using an injection molding process. The substantially rectangular basic shape enables flexible use of the venting module on various valve units or their mounting locations.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting housing side is the top side of the housing. The top side of the housing is arranged on a housing side opposite the bottom side and is spaced apart from it accordingly. Accordingly, the functional module mounted on the mounting location protrudes from the top side of the housing and does not block or impair any installation space in any other spatial direction, in particular in a spatial direction in which any pneumatic lines connected to the valve unit are arranged.

[0010] Advantageously, a trough-like recess is formed on the top of the housing to form a receiving space. The receiving space allows components arranged within the functional module mounted on the mounting station to be accommodated in this receiving space in sections, provided that they protrude at least partially from a functional unit housing in the direction of the ventilation module when the functional unit is mounted on the mounting station.

[0011] For securing the valve unit to the housing, a securing projection is preferably configured to engage a securing receptacle formed on the valve unit, wherein the securing projection is preferably configured to enable a pivoting movement. The securing projection is configured to correspond to a securing receptacle formed on the valve unit. The engagement of the securing projection in the securing receptacle enables the venting module to be aligned with the assembly location during assembly in such a way that securing is possible by means of a simple pivoting or pivoting movement.

[0012] Preferably, the fixing extension is formed on the front side of the housing.

[0013] Advantageously, a locking element is formed on the housing, wherein the locking element is designed to engage around a locking projection formed on the valve unit when the housing is arranged on the assembly site of the valve unit. During assembly, the venting module can be fixed to the valve unit by means of the locking element in order to prevent slipping during final assembly. This is particularly necessary if the connection between the venting module and the valve unit is to be fluidically sealed by means of a seal designed as a flat gasket or the like, since displacement of the venting module during final assembly could damage the seal or at least displace it, which would result in a reduced sealing effect.

[0014] Further preferably, the locking element is formed on the rear side of the housing.

[0015] Preferably, several, in particular four, fastening recesses are formed in the housing. These recesses extend from the top of the housing to the bottom of the housing and are designed to accommodate fastening elements that can be received in fastening element receptacles formed in the valve unit. Thus, fastening elements, for example in the form of screws, can be used to finally mount the functional unit and, via the fastening recesses, also the venting module on the valve unit. The fastening elements additionally stabilize the housing of the venting module.

[0016] Preferably, a venting area is formed in the housing, preferably in the area of ​​the front side, in which the venting connection and at least a section of the venting channel are arranged, wherein the venting connection is formed by a connection element, in particular in the form of a pneumatic plug-in connector, which is partially arranged in the venting area and accommodated in a section of the venting channel.

[0017] Further preferably, the venting area is arranged in the area of ​​the mounting housing side, with the venting area preferably protruding from the mounting housing side. If the venting area protrudes from the mounting housing side, the venting connection is raised relative to the mounting location and can be easily accessed, for example, to more easily connect a fluid line to the connection element.

[0018] Advantageously, a central axis of the connecting element is oriented perpendicular to the front face, and the connecting element preferably protrudes beyond the front face. This further improves accessibility to the connecting element.

[0019] Further preferably, a guide pin is formed on the housing, which engages in a guide recess formed in the valve unit for guiding the housing during assembly on the valve unit. This can, for example, prevent the fixing extension of the venting module from slipping out of the fixing receptacle or the venting module from tilting against a movement plane during assembly or during the pivoting movement.

[0020] Particularly preferably, a further input port is formed in the housing for fluidic connection to a further channel of the valve unit, wherein the further input port is fluidic connected to a further venting port and / or the venting port via a further venting channel formed in the housing. This makes it possible for a further channel of the valve unit to be vented via the venting module.

[0021] Advantageously, a sealing element, in particular a rubber-elastic one, is arranged in the area of ​​the assembly location for fluidically sealing the connection between the housing and the functional unit.

[0022] The functional unit is preferably designed as a pressure measuring functional unit for measuring pressures present in different channels of the valve unit, wherein the pressure measuring functional unit has at least one pressure sensor, preferably a plurality of pressure sensors. The pressure measuring functional unit enables a measurement of a pressure within a channel of the valve unit, wherein, for the pressure measurement, the channel of the valve unit in which the pressure is to be measured is fluidically connected to a section of the receiving space in which the at least one pressure sensor is arranged. The pressure measuring functional unit is preferably designed as an integrated pressure measuring unit, which consists of a circuit board with pressure sensors arranged thereon, on which an evaluation unit for evaluating the measured values ​​of the pressure sensor can also be arranged.This design enables such a compact construction that the integrated pressure measuring unit can be located entirely within the mounting space. In this version, the mounting space is closed off by a specially designed cover.

[0023] Further preferably, an opening extending into the ambient air is formed in one side of the housing to enable measurement of an ambient pressure with the pressure measuring functional unit. The pressure opening preferably opens into a section of the receiving space in which a pressure sensor of the pressure measuring functional unit is located, which is arranged for measuring the ambient pressure. By knowing the ambient pressure, the pressure measured in a channel of the valve unit can be corrected for the ambient pressure.

[0024] Advantageously, the functional unit is designed as a safety functional unit providing a safety function. The functional effect of the safety functional unit consists, for example, in providing an additional voltage circuit so that parts of the valve unit can be electrically separated from one another. This makes it possible, for example, that in the event of a malfunction, the valve unit can continue to operate only with a first part, while a second part, whose voltage circuit is provided by the safety functional unit, is shut down.

[0025] The functional unit is preferably designed as an electrical supply functional unit that enables an electrical supply to the valve unit. Particularly for long valve units, i.e., valve units consisting of multiple valve module assemblies, a single power supply, for example, via a dedicated termination module, may be insufficient. Accordingly, after a certain number of valve module assemblies, after which the voltage would drop below a critical value, an electrical supply functional unit can be provided in the valve unit, which supplies the subsequent valve assemblies with the required voltage.

[0026] Preferably, the receiving space is designed to at least partially receive a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board can be received in the receiving space in such a way that it protrudes partially through a housing base opening formed in the housing base and protrudes relative to the housing base with at least one electromechanical printed circuit board plug-in section designed for connection to an electromechanical interface of a communication structure arranged in the valve unit.

[0027] Preferably, a functional unit from the group: safety module, intermediate feed, pressure measuring functional unit is mounted on the assembly site.

[0028] Further preferably, the functional unit from the group consisting of pressure measurement functional unit, safety functional unit, and power supply functional unit has a mounting section configured to correspond to the mounting location. This allows the functional unit to be mounted on the mounting location of the venting module without an adapter or the like.

[0029] The previously defined object is also achieved by a valve arrangement with a valve unit having a valve carrier extending in a main direction along a main axis and a plurality of valve modules, wherein the valve carrier has a plurality of mounting locations at each of which one of the valve modules and / or a venting module is mounted or can be mounted.

[0030] Preferably, the valve carrier consists of a plurality of valve carrier discs that are fluidically connectable and / or connected to one another, which are lined up along the main axis and each have a valve carrier side surface that abuts against at least one adjacent valve carrier disc.

[0031] Preferably, the valve module on which the venting module is or can be mounted is designed as a pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc with a supply connection for connection to a pressure fluid source prepared for supply and with an output connection.

[0032] Furthermore, the previously defined object is achieved by a method for retrofitting a valve arrangement with a venting module, wherein the valve arrangement has a valve carrier extending in a main direction along a main axis and a plurality of valve modules, wherein the valve carrier has a plurality of assembly locations, comprising the step of: mounting the venting module at one of the assembly locations.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a valve arrangement according to the invention with several valve module assemblies in a perspective view, Figure 2 shows the valve arrangement from Figure 1in a plan view, Figure 3 a sectional view of a vent valve module assembly with a functional unit designed as a safety functional unit in a side view, Figure 4 the vent valve module assembly from Figure 3 without the safety functional unit in a side view, Figure 5 shows a venting module according to the invention in a perspective view, Figure 6 shows the venting module according to the invention in a plan view, Figure 7 shows the venting module according to the invention in a side view and Figure 8 shows the venting module according to the invention from Figure 7 in a sectional view.

[0034] In the Figure 1 and Figure 2a valve arrangement 1 according to the invention is shown. The valve arrangement 1 is formed by way of example by a valve unit 4 arranged between a first end module 2 and a second end module 3. The valve unit 4 consists of a plurality of valve discs, each of which is formed by one or more valve modules 6 and one or more valve carrier discs 7. By way of example, the individual valve carrier discs 7 form a multi-part valve carrier 8. The valve carrier discs 7 can each have a mounting location 9 for mounting one valve module 6 or several mounting locations 9 for mounting several valve modules 6 and are in Figure 1 and 2concealed by the respectively mounted valve module 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the valve unit 4 comprises two valve modules 6 designed as a silencer module 10, whose associated valve carrier disks 7 each have only one assembly location 9. The valve modules 6, together with the associated valve carrier disk(s) 7, form a valve disk, which can also be referred to as a valve module assembly 11. In the case of the silencer modules 10 and the associated valve carrier disks 7, the valve module assembly 11 can be referred to as a silencer-valve module assembly 12. By way of example, the two silencer-valve module assemblies 12 shown are arranged directly adjacent to the first end module 2 and the second end module 3, respectively. Directly adjacent is understood to mean an arrangement in which the components touch at least at one point.

[0035] On the side of the respective silencer valve module assembly 12 opposite the first end module 2 or the second end module 3, a valve carrier disc 7 is arranged, which, purely by way of example, has four mounting locations 9, with a directional control valve 13 being mounted on each of these mounting locations 9, for example. The valve module assembly 11 comprising the valve carrier disc 7 and the four directional control valves 13 can be referred to as a switching module valve module assembly 14. A venting valve module assembly 15 is arranged adjacently between the two switching module valve module assemblies 14, for example. This comprises, for example, a valve carrier disc 7 designed as a pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16, on whose mounting location 9 a venting module 17 is mounted. The venting module 17 has a mounting location 48 on which a functional unit 20 designed as a safety functional unit 19 is mounted.

[0036] The one in the Figures 1 and 2The valve carrier 8 shown, which is formed by way of example from the respective valve carrier disks 7, extends in a main direction 21 along a main axis 22, i.e. in this direction the respective valve module assemblies 11 are arranged next to one another to form the valve unit 4. Furthermore, the valve module assemblies 11 as well as the first end module 2 and the second end module 3, and thus the valve arrangement 1, each extend in a height direction 23 along a height axis 24, which is oriented perpendicular to the main axis 22, and in a transverse direction 25 along a transverse axis 26, which is oriented perpendicular to the main axis 22 and perpendicular to the height axis 24. The main axis 22, the height axis 24 and the transverse axis 26 together form a Cartesian coordinate system in which the main axis 22 can be referred to as the x-axis, the height axis 24 as the y-axis and the transverse axis 26 as the z-axis.The first end module 2 and the second end module 3 are preferably screwed to the valve unit 4.

[0037] In the individual valve support discs 7, a plurality of connecting channel sections 27 are each formed, by way of example, which extend along the main direction 21 and penetrate at least one valve support disc side surface oriented perpendicular to the main direction 21 (hidden in the drawing) and enable a fluidic connection between at least two adjacent valve support discs 7. Accordingly, in the assembled state of the valve unit 4, the plurality of connecting channel sections 27 each form connecting channels (not shown) extending along the main direction 21 through the valve unit 4.

[0038] The individual valve carrier discs 7 have pneumatic connection elements 31 on a valve carrier disc end face 30, which is oriented perpendicularly to the valve carrier disc side surfaces. These connection elements are designed here purely as pneumatic plug-in connectors, purely by way of example. The connection elements 31 are fluidically connected to valve carrier channels 32 formed in the respective valve carrier disc 7 and, depending on the function of the valve module assembly 11 in which the respective valve carrier disc 7 is contained, can be fluidically connected to various additional elements (not shown). The valve carrier channels 32 extend essentially along the transverse direction 25 within the respective valve carrier disc 7 and can be fluidically connected to one of the several connecting channel sections 27.In the case of the pressure fluid supply valve carrier disc 16, a connection element 31 is designed as a supply connection 33, which can be connected to a pressure fluid source (not shown), via which the valve arrangement 1 can be supplied with compressed air. An outlet connection 34 is arranged in the valve carrier disc end face 30 of the pressure fluid supply valve carrier disc 16, in the vertical direction 23 below and spaced from the supply connection 33, through which at least one of the connecting channels can be vented.

[0039] Pneumatic actuators (not shown) that can be controlled by the directional control valves 13, for example single-acting and / or double-acting pneumatic cylinders, can be connected via the pneumatic connection elements 31 arranged on the valve carrier disc end face 30 of the switching module valve module assembly 14.

[0040] In the example shown, the silencer valve module assembly 12 can be used to exhaust air from the switching module valve module assembly 14, which is present after one or more switching operations, into the environment, with the noise generated by the exhaust being dampened by the silencer module 10. For this purpose, one silencer valve module assembly 12 is fluidly connected to one switching module valve module assembly 14 via various connecting channel sections 27 formed in the respective valve carrier discs 7. For example, the silencer valve module assemblies 12 enable an additional supply of pressurized fluid to the valve arrangement 1 via the connection elements 31 arranged on the valve carrier disc end face 30.By way of example, the output port 34 of the silencer valve module assembly 12, which is arranged adjacent to the first connection module 2, is prepared to vent at least one of the connecting channels.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal module 2 is designed as a control module 35, in which an electronic control device for electronically controlling the directional control valves 13 arranged in the switching module valve module assemblies 14 is present. For signal communication between the control device and the various valve module assemblies 11, a communication structure 36 is provided, which is exemplified by communication structure sections 37 ( Figure 3 and 4), wherein each communication structure section 37 of a valve carrier disk 7 is electromechanically connected to the communication structure section(s) 37 of the adjacent valve carrier disks 7 via an electromechanical plug connection (not shown). For connecting the valve arrangement 1 to a controller (not shown), the control module 35 has an electromechanical interface unit 38. For supplying voltage to the valve arrangement 1, a voltage connection 39 for connection to a voltage source (not shown) is provided on the first termination module 2, by way of example.A pneumatic connection element 31 is arranged on the front side of the second closure module 3. This connection element is fluidly connected to one of the connecting channels via a channel (not shown) formed in the second closure element 3. A further pressurized fluid source (not shown) can be connected to this connection element in order to provide compressed air as control fluid for control valves arranged in the directional control valves 13. Accordingly, this connecting channel can also be referred to as control channel 40.

[0042] In the Figures 3 and 4 the valve module assembly 11 designed as a venting valve module assembly 15 is shown, the venting module 17 of which is in the Figures 4 to 8 shown in different views.

[0043] In the venting valve module assembly 15 shown, the venting module 17 is mounted on the mounting location 9 of the valve carrier disk 7. The venting module 17 has a housing 41 with a substantially rectangular basic shape, purely by way of example. The housing 41 comprises a housing base 42, on which a housing underside 43 is formed, two parallel side walls 44 that are oriented perpendicular to the housing base 42 and spaced apart from one another, an end face 45 oriented perpendicular to the side walls 44, a rear face 46 that runs parallel to the end face 45, and a housing top face 47 that runs substantially parallel to the housing base 42 and on which a mounting location 48 is formed, by way of example. Accordingly, the housing top face 47 can also be referred to as the mounting housing side 49.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the ventilation module 17, not shown, the mounting location 48 can be formed on a side of the housing 41 different from the housing top side 47.

[0045] The housing underside 43 is designed to correspond to the assembly location 9 of the valve carrier disc 7 and the connection between the housing underside 43 and the assembly location 9 is fluidically sealed against the environment via a plurality of, in particular rubber-elastic, assembly sealing elements 50, which are each arranged in an associated sealing element receptacle 51 in the region of the assembly location 9.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, a venting region 52 is formed in the area of ​​the end face 45 of the housing 41, which venting region protrudes relative to the mounting location 48. In the venting region 52, in which a venting connection 53 and at least a portion of a venting channel 54 formed in the housing 41 are arranged, the venting connection 53 is formed, for example, by a connecting element 31 received partially in the venting region 52 in a portion of the venting channel 54. In the present case, the connecting element 31 is designed, for example, as a pneumatic plug-in connector, the connecting element center axis 55 of which is oriented perpendicular to the end face 45, with the connecting element 31 protruding at least partially relative to the end face 45.At an end of the venting channel 54 opposite the connecting element 31, an inlet connection 56 is formed in the form of an opening in the housing 41 of the venting module 17, via which opening the venting module 17 is fluidically connected to the valve unit 4. In the embodiment shown, the fluidic connection between the venting module 17 and the valve unit 4 is established via a disc venting opening 57 formed in the valve carrier disc 7, which opens in the region of the assembly location 9 and with which the inlet connection 56 of the venting module 17 is arranged so as to cover the inlet connection 56 when the venting module 17 is fixed and / or mounted on the assembly location 9. The connecting channel fluidically connected to the disc venting opening 57 and / or the valve carrier channel 32 fluidly connected can be vented via the fluidic connection between the venting module 17 and the valve unit 4.By way of example, a connecting channel is fluidically connected to the disc vent opening 57, which is a working channel 58 of one of the two switching module valve assemblies 14, so that it can be vented via the vent channel 54 of the vent module 17 if necessary.

[0047] To fix the venting module 17 on the assembly location 9 of the pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16, the housing 41 of the exemplary venting module 17 has a fixing extension 59, which in the present case is formed on the end face 45 and protrudes from the end face 45. The fixing extension 59 is designed to correspond to a fixing receptacle 60 formed on the valve unit 4 and is designed to engage in the fixing receptacle 60. By way of example, the fixing receptacle 60 is formed on the pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16 in the region of the valve carrier disc end face 30. In order to prevent a pivoting movement, ieIn order to enable a rotational movement of the venting module 17 after engagement of the fixing extension 59 in the fixing receptacle 60, the dimensions of the fixing extension 59 and the fixing receptacle 60 are selected in the manner of a clearance fit.

[0048] After the pivoting-in movement has ended, a locking element 61, formed purely by way of example on the rear side 46 of the housing 41, engages around a locking extension 63 formed on the valve unit 4, more precisely on a valve carrier disc rear side 62 of the valve carrier disc 7, which is spaced apart from the valve carrier disc end face 30. After the pivoting-in movement has ended, the venting module 17 is accordingly arranged on the assembly location 9. In the present case, the locking element 61 is oriented parallel to the rear side 46 and protrudes relative to the housing underside 43. The locking element 61 has, by way of example, two locking recesses 64, through which locking lugs 65 formed on the locking extension 63 protrude at least in sections in the previously described state, ie after the pivoting-in movement has ended.

[0049] In order to prevent the fixing extension 59 of the venting module 17 from slipping out of the fixing receptacle 60 during assembly or the pivoting movement, or to prevent the venting module 17 from being tilted against a plane of movement that extends in the vertical direction 23 and transverse direction 25, a guide pin 66 is formed on the housing underside 43 purely by way of example, which guide pin engages in a guide recess 67 formed in the valve unit 4, in this case by way of example in the pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16, when the venting module 17 has been moved sufficiently far in the direction of the pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide pin 66 has a first pin surface 68, which is substantially flat, oriented parallel to the end face 45, and directed toward the end face 45. The second pin surface 69, opposite the first pin surface 68, is directed toward the rear side 46 and is rounded at least in sections.

[0051] The functional unit 20 designed as a safety functional unit 19 can be mounted on the mounting location 48 of the housing 41 before the venting module 17 is attached to the assembly location 9 or only after the pivoting movement has been completed. In order to finally assemble the venting module 17 and the functional unit 20 mounted on its mounting location 48, i.e. to assemble them in such a way that the connection between the venting module 17 and the pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16 and the connection between the venting module 17 and the functional unit 20 can withstand the operating pressure prevailing during operation, the venting module 17 and the functional unit 20 are finally assembled with the pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc 16 using fastening elements 70 designed as screws, for example.For this purpose, fastening means receptacles, designed as through-holes (concealed by the fastening elements 70 in the drawing), are arranged in a functional unit housing 71 for receiving the fastening elements 70, which, when the functional unit 20 is fixed on the venting module 17, correspond in position to fastening recesses 72 formed in the housing 41 of the venting module 17. The fastening elements 70 protrude partially through the fastening recesses 72 and are received or screwed into fastening element receptacles (not shown) formed in the valve unit 4, for example in the pressure fluid feed valve module carrier disc 16.

[0052] The functional unit 20 has a mounting section 73 configured to correspond to the mounting location 48, wherein the mounting section 73 is formed on a section of the functional unit housing facing the venting module 17 in the mounted state. For fluidically sealing the connection between the functional unit 20 and the venting module 17, a sealing element 74, in particular a rubber-elastic one, is arranged in the region of the mounting location 48. This sealing element is received, for example, in a groove 75 formed on the housing top 47. The required sealing force is provided in the mounted state by the fastening elements 70.

[0053] A printed circuit board 76 is accommodated in the functional unit housing 71 of the functional unit 20. In the assembled state, the printed circuit board 76 protrudes in the direction of the ventilation module 17 in the region of the mounting section 73 of the functional unit 20 and is partially accommodated in a trough-like recess 77 formed on the housing top 47. The trough-like recess 77 accordingly defines a receiving space 78. The section of the printed circuit board 76 of the functional unit 20 accommodated in the receiving space 78, which in this case is purely exemplary L-shaped, protrudes partially through a housing base opening 79 formed in the housing base 42. As a result, an electromechanical printed circuit board plug-in section 81 provided for connection to an electromechanical interface 80 of the communication structure 36 protrudes relative to the housing base.In the assembled state shown, the printed circuit board plug-in section 81 is plugged into the interface 80 so that the functional unit 20 can functionally act on the valve unit 4. In the functional unit 20, which is designed as a safety functional unit 19, the functional effect consists in providing an additional voltage circuit for part of the valve arrangement 1. Thus, for example, the first end module 2, the silencer valve module assembly 12 arranged adjacent to the first end module 2, and the switching module valve module assembly 14 arranged between this silencer valve module assembly 12 and the vent valve module assembly 15 form a first part of the valve arrangement 1, which is electrically separated from the second part, which is formed by the components of the valve arrangement 1 not listed above, by the safety functional module 19.For example, in the event of a fault, the second part can be electrically switched off by the safety function module 19 and the valve arrangement 1 continues to operate only with the first part of the valve arrangement 1.

[0054] If the functional unit 20 is designed as a pressure measuring functional unit (not shown), an opening extending to the environment can be formed in one of the side walls 44 of the housing 41, via which opening at least a portion of the receiving space 78 is fluidically connected to the environment and thus enables a measurement of the ambient pressure.

Claims

1. A venting module (17) for venting a valve unit (4) with a housing (41) in which at least one inlet connection (56) for fluidic connection to the valve unit (4) is formed on a housing underside (43) provided for mounting on a mounting location (9) of the valve unit (4), and with at least one venting connection (53) formed on the housing (41) which is fluidic connected to the inlet connection (56) via at least one venting channel (54) formed in the housing (41), wherein a mounting location (48) for mounting a functional unit (20) which functionally acts on the valve unit (4) is formed on a mounting housing side (49) different from the housing underside (43).

2. Ventilation module (17) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe housing (41) has a substantially rectangular basic shape with a housing base (42) having the housing underside (43), a housing top side (47), two side walls (44) running parallel to one another and oriented perpendicular to the housing base (42), an end face (45) oriented perpendicular to the housing base (42) and perpendicular to the side walls (44), and a rear side (46) running parallel to the end face (45), wherein the mounting housing side (49) is preferably the housing top side (47) of the housing (41).

3. Ventilation module (17) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a trough-like recess (77) is formed on the upper side of the housing (47) to form a receiving space (78).

4. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatfor fixing to the valve unit (4) on the housing (41), a fixing extension (59) is formed which is designed to engage in a fixing receptacle (60) formed on the valve unit (4), wherein the fixing extension (59) is preferably designed to enable a pivoting movement, wherein the fixing extension (59) is preferably formed on the end face (45) of the housing (41).

5. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking element (61) is formed on the housing (41), wherein the locking element (61) is designed to engage around a locking projection (63) formed on the valve unit (4) when the housing (41) is arranged on the assembly location (9) of the valve unit (4), wherein the locking element (61) is preferably formed on the rear side (46) of the housing (41), wherein the locking element (61) is aligned parallel to the rear side (46) and protrudes relative to the housing underside (43).

6. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the housing (41) several, in particular four, fastening recesses (72) are formed, which extend from the housing top side (47) to the housing bottom side (43) and are designed for the passage of fastening elements (70) which can be received in fastening element receptacles formed in the valve unit (4).

7. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata venting region (52) is formed in the housing (41), preferably in the region of the end face (45), in which the venting connection (53) and at least a section of the venting channel (54) are arranged, wherein the venting connection (53) is formed by a connecting element (31), in particular in the form of a pneumatic plug-in connector, which is received in a section of the venting channel (54) arranged partially in the venting region (52), wherein the venting region (52) is preferably arranged in the region of the mounting housing side (49), wherein the venting region (52) preferably protrudes relative to the mounting housing side (49), wherein a central axis (55) of the connecting element (31) is preferably oriented perpendicular to the end face (45) and wherein the connecting element (31) preferably protrudes relative to the end face (45).

8. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata guide pin (66) is formed on the housing (41) which engages in a guide recess (67) formed in the valve unit (4) for guiding the housing (41) during assembly on the valve unit (4).

9. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further input connection is formed in the housing (41) for fluidic connection to a further channel of the valve unit (4), wherein the further input connection is fluidic connected to a further venting connection and / or the venting connection (53) via a further venting channel formed in the housing (41).

10. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the area of ​​the assembly location (48) a sealing element (74), in particular a rubber-elastic one, is arranged for fluidically sealing the connection between the housing (41) and the functional unit (20).

11. Ventilation module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (20) is designed as a pressure measuring functional unit for measuring pressures present in different channels of the valve unit (4), wherein the pressure measuring functional unit has at least one pressure sensor, preferably a plurality of pressure sensors, wherein an opening extending to the environment is preferably formed in one side of the housing (41) in order to enable a measurement of an ambient pressure with the pressure measuring functional unit.

12. Ventilation module (17) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the functional unit (20) is designed as a safety functional unit (19) providing a safety function or that the functional unit (20) is designed as an electrical feed functional unit enabling an electrical feed to the valve unit (4).

13. Ventilation module (17) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the receiving space (78) is designed to at least partially receive a printed circuit board (76), wherein the printed circuit board (76) can be received in the receiving space (78) in such a way that it protrudes partially through a housing base opening (79) formed in the housing base (42) and protrudes relative to the housing base (42) with at least one electromechanical printed circuit board plug-in section (81) designed for connection to an electromechanical interface (80) of a communication structure (36) arranged in the valve unit (4).

14. Ventilation module (17) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata functional unit (20) from the group: pressure measuring functional unit, safety functional unit, feed functional unit is mounted on the mounting location (48), wherein the functional unit (20) from the group: pressure measuring functional unit, safety functional unit, feed functional unit preferably has a mounting section (73) designed to correspond to the mounting location (48).

15. Valve arrangement (1) with a valve unit (4) which has a valve carrier (8) extending in a main direction (21) along a main axis (22) and a plurality of valve modules (6), wherein the valve carrier (8) has a plurality of mounting locations (9), at each of which one of the valve modules (6) and / or a venting module (17) is or can be mounted, wherein the valve carrier (8) preferably consists of a plurality of valve carrier discs (7) which are fluidically connectable and / or connected to one another and which are lined up along the main axis (22) and each abut against one another with a valve carrier disc side surface, wherein the valve carrier disc (7) on which the venting module (17) is or can be mounted is preferably designed as a pressure fluid feed valve carrier disc (16) with a supply connection (33) for connection to a pressure fluid source prepared for supply and with an output connection (34).

16. A method for retrofitting a valve arrangement (1) with a venting module (17) according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the valve arrangement has a valve carrier (8) extending in a main direction (21) along a main axis (22) and a plurality of valve modules (6), wherein the valve carrier (8) has a plurality of assembly locations (9), comprising the step of: mounting the venting module (17) at one of the assembly locations (9).

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