Pneumatic valve assembly

Abstract

A pneumatic valve assembly (100) can include a plurality of pneumatic valves (102, 104) removably attached to a valve manifold (102) that defines a manifold internal flow structure and includes manifold ports. The manifold ports can include manifold distribution ports and one or more manifold supply ports in communication with the manifold distribution ports via the manifold internal flow structure. The plurality of pneumatic valves can include pneumatic valves with different flow capacities or adaptable sets of ports to engage with a manifold.

Description

PNEUMATIC VALVE ASSEMBLYBACKGROUND

[0001] Flow control devices, including valve and valve system assemblies (e.g., pneumatic valve and valve system assemblies), can be used in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and other settings including to operate fluid-powered systems therein. In some applications, a plurality of pneumatic valves can be utilized in a pneumatic valve assembly in communication with a pneumatically powered system or various devices thereof. Thus, for example, control of air flow using the pneumatic valves can be used to control operation of actuators or other elements of the powered system.SUMMARY

[0002] Generally, some examples disclosed herein can provide improved valve and valve assemblies, including pneumatic valve assemblies. In particular, some example pneumatic valve assemblies according to the disclosure can provide customizable pneumatic valve assemblies, in which different arrangements of various pneumatic valves having differing flow control characteristics (e.g., flow capacities) can be implemented based on the needs of a particular application. For example, a plurality of modular pneumatic valves can be configured for interchangeable installation on a manifold to provide different, customizable flow (and control) configurations. In some cases, such an arrangement can allow selective installation of valves of different sizes, functionalities, and control and power supply connectivity at a plurality of common interfaces on a manifold (or other body).

[0003] Some examples provide a pneumatic valve assembly that can include a valve manifold (e.g., a single-piece or a modular manifold) and a plurality of pneumatic valves that are removably attached to the valve manifold. The valve manifold can define a manifold internal flow structure and can include manifold ports. The manifold ports can include manifold distribution ports and one or more manifold supply ports that can be in communication with the manifold distribution ports via the manifold internal flow structure. The plurality of pneumatic valves can include a first pneumatic valve with a first flow capacity and a second pneumatic valve with a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity. The first pneumatic valve can include a first valve supply port in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first of the manifolddistribution ports, and the second pneumatic valve can include a second valve supply port in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a second of the manifold distribution ports.

[0004] In some examples, each of the first and second pneumatic valves can include a valve body that can define a flow control passage that can be in communication with the first or second valve supply port, respectively, a valve distribution port that can be in communication with the flow control passage, a valve control member that can be arranged in the flow control passage, and a control device (e.g., a pneumatic solenoid or pilot valve, or other electric-fluid converter) that can be arranged to move the valve control member to direct flow through the flow control passage.

[0005] In some examples, the first and second pneumatic valves can be interchangeably attachable at either of the first and second manifold distribution ports.

[0006] In some examples, the first pneumatic valve can further include a first valve distribution port that can be in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first supplemental valve distribution port of the valve manifold to direct flow from the first pneumatic valve to one or more of the second manifold distribution port or a third manifold distribution port.

[0007] In some examples, at least one of the first pneumatic valve or the second pneumatic valve can be a modular valve that can include a valve body module and one or more peripheral modules attached to the valve body module to customizably provide one or more of: a valve distribution port, a valve supply port, a control device, or a valve control member. In some such examples, the control device can include an electronic control device (e.g., a first electric-fluid convertor that can be in communication with a flow control passage of the valve body module and a second electric-fluid convertor that can be in communication with the flow control passage of the valve body module).

[0008] In some examples, a volume of a flow control passage of the first pneumatic valve can be greater than a volume of a flow control passage of that of the second pneumatic valve.

[0009] In some examples, the first valve supply port can include a first supply port structure with a first exterior diameter that can be received in the first manifold distribution port, the second valve supply port can include a second supply port structure with a second exterior diameter that can be received in the second manifold distribution port. In some such examples, the first exterior diameter of the first supply port structure can be substantially identical to the second exterior diameter of the second supply port structure.

[0010] In some examples, the first manifold distribution port can exhibit a first interior diameter to receive the first valve supply port, and the second manifold distribution port can exhibit a second interior diameter to receive the second valve supply port. In some such examples, the first interior diameter of the first manifold distribution port can be substantially identical to the second interior diameter of the second manifold distribution port.

[0011] In some examples, the valve manifold can be an integrally molded manifold. In some examples, the valve manifold can be additively manufactured.

[0012] Some examples provide a method of configuring a pneumatic valve assembly. The method can include attaching a plurality of pneumatic valves to a valve manifold (e.g., a singlepiece or modular manifold) to provide a customized operational configuration. The valve manifold can include one or more manifold supply ports in communication with a manifold internal flow structure. Attaching the plurality of pneumatic valves to the valve manifold can include removably attaching a first pneumatic valve so that a first valve supply port of the first pneumatic valve is in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first manifold distribution port, and removably attaching a second pneumatic valve so that a second valve supply port of the second pneumatic valve is in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a second manifold distribution port. The first pneumatic valve can have a first flow capacity, and the second pneumatic valve can have a second flow capacity that can be different from the first flow capacity.

[0013] In some examples, the valve manifold can be configured to interchangeably receive either of the first and second pneumatic valves at either of the first and second manifold distribution ports. In some such examples, providing the customized operational configuration can include selectively attaching the first pneumatic valve at either of the first or second manifold distribution ports, and selectively attaching the second pneumatic valve at the other of the first or second manifold distribution ports.

[0014] In some examples, the method can further include assembling the first pneumatic valve as a first modular valve that can have a first plurality of valve modules and assembling the second pneumatic valve as a second modular valve that can have a second plurality of valve modules.

[0015] In some examples, removably attaching the first pneumatic valve can place a first valve distribution port of the first pneumatic valve in communication with a first supplemental valve distribution port on the valve manifold.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate examples of the disclosed technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed technology:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pneumatic valve assembly in accordance with principles of the disclosed technology;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an example pneumatic valve of the pneumatic valve assembly of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example modular pneumatic valve for a pneumatic valve assembly in accordance with principles of the disclosed technology;

[0020] FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric views of example alternative configurations of the modular pneumatic valve of FIG. 3;

[0021] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a pneumatic valve assembly including a single-piece valve manifold and the modular pneumatic valve of FIG. 4;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another pneumatic valve assembly including the valve manifold of FIG. 6 and the modular pneumatic valve of FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of yet another example pneumatic valve assembly in accordance with principles of the disclosed technology;

[0024] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of still another example pneumatic valve assembly in accordance with principles of the disclosed technology; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of configuring a pneumatic valve assembly in accordance with principles of the disclosed technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use examples of the disclosed technology. Various modifications to the illustrated examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other examples and applications without departing from disclosed technical principles. Thus, the disclosed technology is not intended to be limited to examples shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figureshave like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of this disclosure as a whole.

[0027] Before any examples are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the attached drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other configurations and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0028] As briefly discussed above, flow control devices, including valve assemblies such as pneumatic valve assemblies, can be used to operate fluid-powered systems. A pneumatic valve assembly, for example, can have a plurality of individual pneumatic valves that interoperate to provide supply fluid to one or more actuators of a fluid-powered system for various industrial applications. In order to reduce the size of the pneumatic valve assembly and to efficiently operate the plurality of pneumatic valves, the plurality of pneumatic valves can have one or more valve ports in fluid communication with each other or with a common fluid supply source via a pneumatic valve manifold.

[0029] Conventional pneumatic valve assemblies that include a plurality of pneumatic valves and one or more valve manifolds are commonly utilized. However, such conventional pneumatic valve assemblies may provide limited customization for a particular application, including relative to the types of valves that can be attached to manifolds, the configurability of those valves (e.g., regarding valve characteristics including the number of valve ports, flow capacity, etc.), and the availability of attachment interfaces on the manifold.

[0030] Examples of the disclosed technology can address these issues (or others), including by providing a pneumatic valve assembly that is more customizable for particular applications by a user. For example, some examples provide a pneumatic valve assembly including a single-piece valve manifold and a plurality of pneumatic valves that are removably attachable to the valve manifold. The valve manifold can be configured such that the plurality of pneumatic valves canbe interchangeably attached in a variety of configurations, including with the valves themselves customizably configured with varied valve characteristics in some examples (e.g., number of valve ports, flow capacities, electrical connectors, etc.). In some examples, the valve manifold itself can be of a modular design (e.g., in addition to the modular configuration of the plurality of pneumatic valves), to provide further customization of the pneumatic valve assembly by users. Thus, in general, a plurality of valves of a variety of different sizes can be selectively and interchangeably attached at different ports of a manifold to provide a customized valve assembly. For example, in some implementations, a first pneumatic valve having a first flow capacity and a second pneumatic valve having a second flow capacity that is different than the first flow capacity can be interchangeably attachable to a valve manifold at a plurality of different locations, including so as to be installed simultaneously at separate sets of manifold ports or individually at the same set of manifold ports.

[0031] In some implementations, a plurality of pneumatic valves of the pneumatic valve assembly can be configured as modular pneumatic valves that can be assembled of a plurality of valve modules (e.g., single components or sub-assembled parts of a valve) to allow additional customization of the valve assembly. For example, in some implementations, a modular pneumatic valve can be assembled using a selected one of many valve body modules to provide a customized flow control passage volume, valve control member, etc., or using selected one or more of peripheral valve modules that are removably attachable to the valve body module to provide a wide range of pneumatic valve configurations (e.g., to provide various port sizes, capacities, numbers, or locations, to provide electrical or other signal / control modules, or to customize the suitability of the pneumatic valves for specific application conditions, such as, for exposure to an outdoor environment, chemicals, etc.).

[0032] Some examples can also provide a method for improved customization in configuring a pneumatic valve assembly, including a pneumatic valve assembly having a plurality of pneumatic valves as described above. In some examples, the method can include attaching a plurality of pneumatic valves to a single-piece valve manifold to provide a customized operational configuration. For example, in some implementations, the single-piece valve manifold can be configured to interchangeably receive either of the first and second pneumatic valves at either of a first and a second manifold distribution port of the valve manifold, such that a user can selectively attach the first and second pneumatic valves at either of the first or second manifold distributionports to achieve the customized operational configuration. In addition, in some implementations, the valve manifold can also be of a modular design to provide further customization by a user.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 1, an example of a pneumatic valve assembly 100 is illustrated. The pneumatic valve assembly 100 is a pneumatic valve platform in which one or more independently operatable pneumatic valves can be assembled on one or more valve manifolds. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the pneumatic valve assembly 100 includes a single-piece valve manifold 102 and a first pneumatic valve 104 and a second pneumatic valve 106 removably attached to the valve manifold 102. The valve manifold 102 defines a manifold internal flow structure 110 that directs fluid through the valve manifold 102 and one or more manifold ports in communication with the manifold internal flow structure 110. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 102 can include one or more manifold supply ports 112 (e.g., one supply port as shown) and one or more manifold distribution ports 114 (e.g., two distribution ports as shown).

[0034] The one or more manifold supply ports 112 of the valve manifold 102 can be configured to receive supply fluid (e.g., pressurized air) from an external source into the manifold internal flow structure 110. On the other hand, the one or more manifold distribution ports 114 of the valve manifold 102 can be configured to distribute the supply fluid from the manifold internal flow structure 110 to the first or second pneumatic valves 104, 106 (or, in some implementations, directly to fluid-powered machines or other systems in communication with the pneumatic valve assembly 100).

[0035] In some examples, the valve manifold 102 can be an integrally molded single-piece manifold. In some examples, the valve manifold 102 can include two or more valve manifolds that are attached to each other and that collectively define the manifold internal flow structure 110 of the valve manifold 102. In other examples, the valve manifold 102 can be assembled of two or more molded (or other) manifold segments selected from a plurality of manifold segments (i.e., can be a modular valve manifold) that can have differing configurations to provide customizable characteristics of the valve manifold 102.

[0036] Although only the two valves 104, 106 and two interface locations are shown for the manifold 102 (i.e., at the ports 114A, 114B) in FIG. 1, other configurations are possible. For example, multiple supply ports can be provided, or the manifold 102 can include additional distribution ports also configured to receive valves or other functional modules. In some examples, as also further discussed below, ports of the manifold may be in communication with differentinternal flow areas of the manifold (e.g., so that supply air can be provided to valves from a supply port via a first flow gallery, and then redistributed from the valves to one or more distribution ports on the manifold via a second flow gallery, for distribution from those ports to an external system).

[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 1 , the first pneumatic valve 104 includes a first valve body 120 that defines a first flow control passage 122 and at least one first valve supply port 124 and at least one first valve distribution port 126 that are each in communication with the first flow control passage 122. Likewise, the second pneumatic valve 106 includes a second valve body 130 that defines a second flow control passage 132 and at least one second valve supply port 134 and at least one second valve distribution port 136 that are each in communication with the second flow control passage 132. As described above, the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 are removably attachable to the valve manifold 102, so that the first and second valve supply ports 124, 134 of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 can be in communication with the manifold internal flow structure 110 of the valve manifold 102 via the one or more manifold distribution ports 114. For example, standardized port plugs on both of the valves 104, 106 (e.g., plugs with the same external diameter) can be removably received in standardized port openings on the manifold 102, or vice versa.

[0038] In the illustrated implementation, the first valve supply port 124 provides communication between the first flow control passage 122 of the first pneumatic valve 104 and the manifold internal flow structure 110 via a first manifold distribution port 114A of the valve manifold 102, and the second valve supply port 134 provides communication between the second flow control passage 132 of the second pneumatic valve 106 and the manifold internal flow structure 110 via a second manifold distribution port 114B of the valve manifold 102. However, the valves 104, 106 can in some examples be interchanged as desired, including so that the valve 104 is in communication with the port 114B or so that the valve 106 is in communication with the port 114A.

[0039] The first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106, respectively, can provide communication between the first and second flow control passages 122, 132, respectively, and one or more systems in communication with the pneumatic valve assembly 100. In some implementations, rather than direct fluid away from the manifold, the first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 can provide communication between the respective flow control passage 122, 132and the manifold internal flow structure 110. For example, either or both of the distribution ports 126, 136 can be instead aligned with corresponding supplemental (i.e., additional) valve distribution ports on the manifold 102, so that the port(s) 126, 136 direct flow from the respective valve 104, 106 back into the internal flow structure 110 (e.g., a separate flow gallery thereof (not shown)).

[0040] In some implementations, the first pneumatic valve 104 can have a first flow capacity that is different than a second flow capacity of the second pneumatic valve 106. For example, the first flow capacity as defined by one or more of the first flow control passage 122, the first valve supply port 124, or the first valve distribution port 126 can be larger (as shown, schematically) or smaller than the second flow capacity as defined by one or more of the second flow control passage 132 the second valve supply port 134, and the second valve distribution port 136. In some such implementations, despite having different flow capacities, the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 can each have a substantially identical overall external size (e.g., as defined by the first and second valve bodies 120, 130, respectively). Similarly, and as also noted above, the pneumatic valves 104, 106 can have similar interface connections (e.g., plugs with substantially identical diameters). Thus, for example, some expanded implementations of the manifold 110 can customizably include any practical number of the valves 104, 106, arranged in a wide variety of different locations, with a common spatial envelope for each valve (and, potentially, the assembly as a whole) regardless of configuration.

[0041] In the illustrated implementation, the first flow capacity of the first pneumatic valve 104 is greater than the second flow capacity of the second pneumatic valve 106. In some examples, the first flow control passage 122 of the first pneumatic valve 104 can have a first volume that is different (e.g., greater) than a second volume of the second flow control passage 132 of the second pneumatic valve 106. In some examples, the pneumatic valve assembly 100 can further include a third pneumatic valve (not shown) that can have a third flow capacity (or a third volume of a third flow control passage) that is greater than the first flow capacity (or the first volume of the first flow control passage 122) of the first pneumatic valve 104, is less than the second flow capacity (or the second volume of the second control passage 132) of the second pneumatic valve 106, is equal to the flow capacity of either valve 104, 106, or has a flow capacity between those of the valves 104, 106. In some such examples, the pneumatic valve assembly 100 can further include afourth pneumatic valve (not shown) that can have a fourth flow capacity or fourth volume that differs from that of one of more of the first, second, and third pneumatic valves.

[0042] Referring still to FIG. 1 , and as also noted above, the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 can be configured to be interchangeably attachable to the valve manifold 102. For example, widths of the first and second valve bodies 120, 130 can be substantially identical, and the valves 104, 106 can be interchangeably securable at either of the first or second distribution ports 114A, 114B (e.g., because interface structures of the first and second valve supply ports 124, 132 are substantially identical). Thus, for example, the first pneumatic valve 104 can be removably attached to the second manifold distribution port 114B while the second pneumatic valve 106 can be removably attached to the first manifold distribution port 114A without offset of the first and second valve supply ports 124, 132 relative to the first and second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B. In some examples, the first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 can be similarly interchangeably securable at ports on the manifold (or otherwise), including with interface structures of the ports 126, 136 being substantially identical in some cases. In some examples, a third (or fourth, fifth, etc.) pneumatic valve (not shown) can be interchangeably attachable to the valve manifold 102 in place of one or both of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106, or at an additional manifold distribution port (not shown) that can also interchangeably receive either of the valves 104, 106.

[0043] The first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 are configured to direct flow through the first and second control flow passages 122, 132, respectively. A variety of configurations of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 of the valve assembly 100 are possible to facilitate such capabilities, including various known internal valve structures (e.g., with control cylinders that can be electro-pneumatically operated, pneumatically operated, direct solenoid operated, indirectly operated by a pilot system, external control media operated, etc.). In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates an example pneumatic valve 204 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, including as can generally be implemented as either of the pneumatic valves 104, 106 of the pneumatic valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. Correspondingly, like elements are indicated by similar reference numerals under the “200 series” of reference numerals. For example, similarly to the first pneumatic valve 104 as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the pneumatic valve 204 includes a valve body 220 that defines a flow control passage 222 in communication with one or more valve supply ports 224 and one or more valve distribution ports 226. The one or more valve supply ports 224can be in communication with one or more manifold distribution ports of a valve manifold (e.g., the first or second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B of the valve manifold 102), and the one or more valve distribution ports 226 can be in communication with one or more supplemental distribution ports of the valve manifold or can be configured to otherwise distribute pressurized fluid (e.g., directly to one or more pneumatic actuators or other consumers).

[0044] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the pneumatic valve 204 includes a valve control member 250 arranged within the flow control passage 222 that is configured to direct flow through the flow control passage 222 from the valve supply port 224 to the valve distribution port 226. For example, various grooves or other contours (not shown) can be included on the control member 250 (e.g., according to various known configurations) or in the valve body 220 to define one or more particular flow paths through the flow control passage 222 depending on the position of the control member 250. In particular, a control device 252 (such as, e.g., an electric-fluid convertor, a fluidic actuator (e.g., a fluid piston assembly), or a solenoid actuator (e.g., a direct acting solenoid arrangement)) is included in the pneumatic valve 204 and is configured to cause the valve control member 250 within the flow control passage 222, based on received control signals (e.g., electronic or fluidic), to control flow through the flow control passage 222. In some examples, the control device 252 can be removably attached to the valve body 220 (e.g., can be a modular component, as discussed above and below). In some examples, the control device 252 can be in electrical communication with a controller (not shown) of the pneumatic valve assembly 100 that is configured to provide electronic signals to the control device 252 to cause movement of the valve control member 250. In some examples, the pneumatic valve 204 can include two or more control devices 252. In some such examples, a first control device can be an electric-fluid convertor and a second control device can be a fluidic actuator or a solenoid actuator.

[0045] It is contemplated that one or more pneumatic valves of a pneumatic valve assembly can be configured as a modular valve that is customizable for a particular application through the inclusion (or exclusion) of select one or more modular components. In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates another example pneumatic valve 304 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, including as can generally be implemented as either of the pneumatic valves 104, 106 of the pneumatic valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. Correspondingly, like elements are indicated by similar reference numerals under the “300 series” of reference numerals.

[0046] In particular, the pneumatic valve 304 includes a valve body module 320 that defines an internal flow control system (not shown, but see discussion of FIG. 2) in communication with one or more valve supply ports and one or more valve distribution ports. The valve body module 320 is configured to operatively attach with one or more peripheral modules to customizably provide the pneumatic valve 304 with one or more of: one or more valve distribution ports, one or more valve supply ports, one or more electronic control devices for flow control, or one or more valve control members. For example, a valve control member (not shown) of the pneumatic valve 304 can be customized by selectively choosing the valve body module 320 from a plurality of interchangeable valve body modules (see, e.g., FIG. 1) that provide differing internal flow control systems (e.g., different valve control members, flow control passage dimensions, etc.) and that can also — for alternative configurations — be operatively coupled with one or more of the same peripheral modules as the body module 320 (or others). In some examples, the valve body module 320 can be formed of two or more valve body modules (e.g., as a combination of valves 102, 104 in FIG. 1). In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 3, the one or more peripheral modules of the pneumatic valve 304 can include a first valve body cover plate 360, a second valve body cover plate 362, and a control device carriage 364, although other configurations are possible.

[0047] In particular, with continued reference to FIG. 3, the first valve body cover plate 360 is removably attached to a first (e.g., bottom) side of the valve body module 320 and defines one or more first port structures 366 of the pneumatic valve 304 (e.g., three, as shown). Similarly, the second valve body cover plate 362 is removably attached to a second (e.g., top) side of the valve body module 320 (e.g., opposite the first valve body cover plate 360) The second valve body cover plate 362 defines one or more second port structures 368 of the pneumatic valve 304 (e.g., two as shown). In the illustrated example, the pneumatic valve 304 includes three first port structures 366 and two second port structures 368. One or more of the first and second port structures 366, 368 can at least partly define one or more valve supply ports and one or more valve distribution ports (see, e.g., the valve supply ports 124, 134 and valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second valves 120, 130 in FIG. 1, and the valve supply port 224 and the valve distribution port 226 of the pneumatic valve 204 in FIG. 2) of the pneumatic valve 304.

[0048] Although a particular configuration is shown in FIG. 3, other cover plates can be configured to provide other port arrangements for use in combination with the body module 320 (or other body module). Thus, a user can customize a total number, location, internal diameter,external diameter, flow capacity, or function, etc. for valve supply ports and valve distribution ports of the pneumatic valve 304 by removably attaching selected cover plates (e.g., cover plates 360, 362) to the valve body module 320. In some examples, the first valve body cover plate 360 can include less than three first port structures 366 or four or more first port structures 366. In some examples, the second valve body cover plate 362 can include a single second port structure 368 or three or more second port structures 368. In some examples, the second valve body cover plate 362 can include no second port structures 368 (i.e., can have supply or distribution zero ports). In some examples, the valve body module 320 can be configured such that the pneumatic valve 304 does not include one or both of the first and second valve body cover plates 360, 362.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in some examples, port structures on a plurality of valves (e.g., on a plurality of modular valves with different flow capacities) can have a common exterior diameter, so as to be interchangeably securable to a common set of ports on a manifold. For example, a plurality of valves can include an external diameter substantially identical to an exterior diameter D3 of the first port structures 366 (see FIG. 3), so as to be configured to be selectively interchangeable received in either of the manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B of the valve manifold 102 (see FIG. 1) to be in communication with the manifold internal flow structure 110.

[0050] As also noted above, in some examples, the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 of the valve assembly 100 can be configured as modular valves similar to the pneumatic valve 304. In some such examples, the first pneumatic valve 104 can have a first port structure that defines one or more of the first valve supply ports 124 with a first exterior diameter (e.g., the exterior diameter D3) that is substantially identical to a second exterior diameter (e.g., the exterior diameter D3) of a first port structure that defines one or more of the second valve supply ports 134 of the second pneumatic valve 106. In some such examples, and referring specifically to FIG. 1 , the first manifold distribution port 114A of the valve manifold 102 can exhibit a first interior diameter DI that is substantially identical to a second interior diameter D2 of the second manifold distribution port 114B, such that at least the first and second valve supply ports 124, 134 of the pneumatic valves 104, 106 (e.g., having the third diameter D3 (see FIG. 3)) can be interchangeably attachable to the first and second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B of the valve manifold 102. In some examples, the valve manifold 102 can include three or more manifold distribution ports having substantially identical interior diameters configured to receive three or more first port structures of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106. In some such examples, the three or more firstport structures of the first and second pneumatic valves 104, 106 can define one or more of: the first and second valve supply ports 124, 134 or the first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136.

[0051] Referring again to FIG. 3, the control device carriage 364 of the pneumatic valve 304 is removably attached to one of the sides of the valve body module 320 (e.g., a third side that is different than the first and second sides of the valve body module 320). The control device carriage 364 can be configured to removably receive one or more control devices (such as, e.g., an electricfluid convertor, a fluidic actuator, or a solenoid actuator) of the pneumatic valve 304 that can be configured to move the control member (not shown) to direct flow through the flow control passage (not shown) of the pneumatic valve 304. In other examples, a control device can be directly attached to (or included in) the valve body module 304.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the control device carriage 364 is configured to removably receive a first control device 352A and a second control device 352B. The control device carriage 364 can further include one or more control device carriage connectors 372 that can be configured to provide electrical (or other) communication between one or both of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B and an external source (e.g., to provide control signals and / or power the control devices 352A, 352B). In some examples, the one or more control device carriage connectors 372 can be configured to provide electrical communication between one or both of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B and a controller (not shown) that can be included in the valve assembly 100 or can be external to the valve assembly 100 (such as, e.g., a programmable logic controller, a program sequencer, or a computer or a network of computers) to receive command signals corresponding to operation of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B.

[0053] In some examples, each of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B can be in communication with the flow control passage (not shown) of the valve body module 320, for parallel or interchangeable control of flowthrough the valve 304. In some such examples, the first control device 352A can be configured to move the valve control member within the flow control passage in a first direction and the second control device 352B can be configured to move the valve control member within the flow control passage in a second direction, opposite the first direction. In some examples, the first control device 352A can be in communication with a first flow control passage of the valve body module 320 to move a first valve control member and the second control device 352B can be in communication with a second flow control passage (notshown) of the valve body module 320 to move a second valve control member (not shown). In some examples, the control device carriage 364 can be configured to removably receive a single control device or three or more control devices. In some examples, the control device carriage 364 can be integrally formed with the valve body module 320. In some examples, other control interfaces can be provided, including pins, leads, tubes, fluid connectors or other elements arranged to interface with a manifold structure to receive control signals therefrom (see, e.g., FIG. 9).

[0054] As briefly mentioned above, a user can customize various functional aspects of the pneumatic valve 304 by selecting and assembling one or more of various valve bodies, cover plates, control device carriages, and control devices to form the pneumatic valve 304. In this regard, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate various example alternative configurations of the pneumatic valve 304 of FIG. 3. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, a first example alternative configuration of a pneumatic valve 304' includes a valve body 320', similar to the valve body 320 of the pneumatic valve 304, with the control device carriage 364 having the first and second control devices 352A, 352B attached thereto. However, dissimilar to the pneumatic valve 304, the pneumatic valve 304' includes a second cover plate 362' that does not define any second port structures 368 (see FIG. 3) and does not include the first cover plate 360 (see FIG. 3). Further, the valve body 320' of the pneumatic valve 304' may have an internal structure that is different from that of the valve body 320 of the pneumatic valve 304.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, a second example alternative configuration of a pneumatic valve 304" includes a valve body 320", similar to the valve bodies 320, 320' of the pneumatic valves 304, 304', with the control device carriage 364 having the first and second control devices 352A, 352B attached thereto. Further, similar to the pneumatic valve 304, the pneumatic valve 304" includes a second cover plate 362" that defines second port structures 368'. However, the second port structures 368' defined by the second cover plate 362" of the pneumatic valve 304" may be different (such as, e.g., internal diameter, external diameter, flow capacity, etc.) than the second port structures 368 defined by the second cover plate 362 of the pneumatic valve 304. Further, the valve body 320" of the pneumatic valve 304" may have an internal structure that different from that of one or both of the valve bodies 320, 320' of the pneumatic valves 304, 304'.

[0056] It should be appreciated that a variety of configurations of a valve manifold are thus possible to facilitate the benefits of a pneumatic valve assembly having one or more pneumatic valves as discussed above. In this regard, example configurations of valve manifolds utilized invarious example valve assemblies will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6-9.

[0057] Referring specifically to FIGS. 6 and 7, another example of a pneumatic valve assembly 400 is depicted, which includes a valve manifold 402 and one or more pneumatic valves 404 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, including as can generally be implemented as either of the pneumatic valves 104, 106 and the valve manifold 102 of the pneumatic valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. Further, the one or more pneumatic valves 404 of the valve assembly 400 is similar to the previously discussed pneumatic valve 304, in particular the pneumatic valves 304', 304" of FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. Corresponding, like elements are indicated by similar reference numerals under the “400 series” of reference numerals.

[0058] In particular, the valve assembly 400 includes the single-piece valve manifold 402 and the one or more pneumatic valves 404 removably attached to the valve manifold 402. The valve manifold 402 includes a manifold internal flow structure (not shown) and one or more manifold ports in communication with the manifold internal flow structure. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 402 can include one or more manifold supply ports that can be configured to receive supply fluid and one or more manifold distribution ports configured to distribute supply fluid. In some examples, the valve manifold 402 can be an integrally molded single-piece manifold.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the valve manifold 402 of the valve assembly 400 includes a first plurality of manifold supply ports 412A configured to receive supply fluid from a fluid source or vent fluid from fluid consumers (e.g., fluid-powered machines) external to the valve manifold 402 and a second plurality of (intermediate) manifold supply ports 412B configured to receive (or vent) supply fluid from the flow control passage of the one or more pneumatic valves 404 (e.g., via one or more valve distribution ports). The valve manifold 402 includes a first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A configured to distribute supply fluid from the manifold internal flow structure to the one or more pneumatic valves 404 and a second plurality of manifold distribution ports 414B configured to distribute supply fluid from the valve manifold 402 directly to one or more systems (e.g., fluid-powered machines) in communication with the pneumatic valve assembly 400.

[0060] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the one or more pneumatic valves 404 can be in communication with one or more of the first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A and one or more of the second plurality of manifold supply ports 412B of the valve manifold 402. Forexample, supply fluid from an external source can enter the manifold internal flow structure via the first plurality of manifold supply ports 412A and can flow to the flow control passage of the one or more pneumatic valves 404 via the first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A in communication with one more valve supply ports of the one or more pneumatic valves 404. From the flow control passage of the one or more pneumatic valves 404, the supply fluid can flow back into the manifold internal flow structure via the manifold supply ports 412B and through the manifold 402 to the second plurality of manifold distribution ports 414B.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 7, some configurations of the valve manifold 402 may not include the second plurality of manifold distribution ports 414B. For example, the valve distribution ports of the one or more pneumatic valves 404 can instead distribute fluid received from the valve manifold 402 to other components in communication with the pneumatic valve assembly 400 (e.g., directly to one or more fluid-powered machines or other systems). For example, in the illustrated example, supply fluid from an external source can enter the manifold internal flow structure via the first plurality of manifold supply ports 412A and can flow to the flow control passage of the one or more pneumatic valves 404 via the first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A in communication with one more valve supply ports of the one or more pneumatic valves 404 (e.g., defined by second port structures 468 of a second valve body cover plate 462 in the illustrated example). From the flow control passage of the one or more pneumatic valves 404, the supply fluid can be distributed directly to one or more systems external to the valve assembly 400 that is in communication with the valve supply ports (i.e., via the second port structures 468) of the one or more pneumatic valves 404. It should be appreciated that the one or more second port structures 468 of the one or more pneumatic valves 404 can also be configured to receive fluid (e.g., exhaust fluid) from the one or more external systems that can be redistributed in the manifold internal flow structure.

[0062] Referring specifically to FIG. 8, another example of a pneumatic valve assembly 500 is depicted, which has a valve manifold 502 and one or more pneumatic valves 504 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, including as can generally be implemented as either of the pneumatic valve 104, 106 and the valve manifold 102 of the pneumatic valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. Further, the valve assembly 500 having the valve manifold 502 is similar to the previously discussed example valve assembly 400 having the valve manifold 402, and the one or more pneumatic valves 504 of the valve assembly 500 is similar to the previously discussedpneumatic valves 304, 404. Corresponding, like elements are indicated by similar reference numerals under the “500 series” of reference numerals. For example, the valve manifold 502 includes first and second pluralities of manifold supply ports 512A, 512B and first and second pluralities of manifold distribution ports 514A, 514B just as the valve manifold 402 has the pluralities of manifold supply ports 412A, 412B and the pluralities of manifold distribution ports 414A, 414B.

[0063] In some aspects, the valve assembly 500 is similar to the previously discussed example valve assembly 400. For example, similarly to the valve assembly 400, the valve assembly 500 includes the single-piece valve manifold 502 and the one or more pneumatic valves 504 removably attached to the valve manifold 502. The valve manifold 502 includes a manifold internal flow structure (not shown) and one or more manifold ports in communication with the manifold internal flow structure. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 502 can include one or more manifold supply ports that can be configured to receive supply fluid and one or more manifold distribution ports configured to distribute supply fluid.

[0064] Other aspects may differ between the valve assemblies 400, 500. For example, in contrast to the decentralized power distribution system of the valve assembly 400 (i.e., with the first and second control devices (e.g., electric-fluid convertors) 452A, 452B connected to an external electrical power source), for example, the valve manifold 502 of the valve assembly 500 is configured with a centralized power distribution system that supplies electrical power to one or more electronic control devices of the one or more pneumatic valves 504 (e.g., first and second control devices (e.g., electric-fluid convertors) 552A, 552B that are electronically controlled). In other words, in contrast the valve assemblies 400, a single external power source can supply power to a plurality of electronic control devices of a plurality of pneumatic valves of the valve assembly 500. For example, the valve assembly 500 can include an electronic controller (such as, e.g., a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 570 or, alternatively, a wire harness (not shown)) in electrical communication with each of the electronic control devices of the one or more pneumatic valves 504 and a power and connectivity supply unit 572 in electrical communication with the PCBA 570 to supply electrical power from an external source to the PCBA 570 and to provide electrical communication between the electronic controller and the external source (such as, e.g., via a fieldbus or ethernet connection).

[0065] With continued reference to FIG. 8, in the illustrated example, the PCBA 570 can be received within an integrally formed electronic controller channel 574 of the valve manifold 502. The electronic controller channel 574 can be covered by one or more channel covers 576 that can be removably attached to the valve manifold 502 over opposing ends of the electronic controller channel 574. The PCBA 570 can be in electrical communication with each of the first and second control devices 552A, 552B of the one or more pneumatic valves 504 and thus, can be configured to control the one or more pneumatic valves 504 of the valve assembly 500. In some examples, the valve manifold 502 can include a plurality of PCBAs 570 each corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of pneumatic valves 504 of the valve assembly 500. In some examples, the PCBA 570 can be in communication with a programmable logic controller, a program sequencer, a computer, or a network of computers external to the valve assembly 500 and can be configured to control the pneumatic valves 504 based on command signals received from the computer or network of computers. In some examples, the PCBA 570 can include a wireless communication module (not shown) that can be configured to wirelessly connect with a programmable logic controller, a program sequencer, a computer, or a network of computers external to the valve assembly 500.

[0066] The power and connectivity supply unit 572 can be removably attached to the valve manifold 502 and can be in electrical communication with the PCBA 570 disposed internally within the electronic controller channel 574 of the valve manifold 502. The power and connectivity supply unit 572 is configured to electrically connect with an external power source or a connectivity unit via a wired connection along an exterior of the valve manifold 502. Thus, a user can customize the inlet power source connection of the valve assembly 500 by attaching one of a plurality of power and connectivity supply units 572 having different connection interfaces to the valve manifold 502. In some examples, the power and connectivity supply unit 572 can be configured to receive, in addition to electrical power, electrical command signals from a programmable logic controller, a program sequencer, a computer, or a network of computers external to the valve assembly 500 that are transmitted to the PCBA 570. In some examples, the power and connectivity supply unit 572 can be integrally formed with the valve manifold 502. In some examples, the PCBA 570 can be included as part of the power and connectivity supply unit 572.

[0067] Referring specifically to FIG. 9, another example of a pneumatic valve assembly 600 is depicted, which includes a valve manifold 602 and one or more pneumatic valves 604 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. The valve assembly 600 having the valve manifold 602 is similar to the previously discussed example valve assemblies 400, 500 having the valve manifolds 402, 502, respectively, and the one or more pneumatic valves 604 of the valve assembly 600 is similar to the previously discussed pneumatic valves 304, 404, 504 with like elements being indicated by similar reference numerals under the “600 series” of reference numerals.

[0068] In some aspects, the valve assembly 600 is similar to the previously discussed example valve assemblies 400, 500. For example, similarly to the valve assemblies 400, 500, the valve assembly 600 includes the valve manifold 502 having the manifold internal flow structure (not shown) and one or more manifold ports in communication with the manifold internal flow structure. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 502 can include one or more manifold supply ports that can be configured to receive supply fluid and one or more manifold distribution ports configured to distribute supply fluid. Further, similarly to the valve assembly 500, the valve assembly 600 is configured with a centralized power and connectivity distribution system that supplies electrical power or control signals to each of the one or more electronic control devices (such as, e.g., first and second control devices (e.g., electric-fluid convertors) 652A, 652B) of each of the one or more pneumatic valves 604.

[0069] Other aspects between the valve assemblies 100, 400, 500, 600 may differ. In contrast to the valve manifolds 402, 502 of the valve assemblies 400, 500, respectively, for example, the valve manifold 602 of the valve assembly 600 is a valve manifold assembly comprising a plurality of valve manifold modules 680 that are assembled together to form the valve manifold 602. In particular, each of the valve manifold modules 680 have a manifold module internal flow structure (not shown) that collectively define the manifold internal flow structure of the valve manifold 602 when the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 are assembled. Thus, the size and number of ports of the valve manifold 602 can be customizable by a user based on the two or more valve manifold modules 680 of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 used to form the valve manifold 602. In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 are configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of pneumatic valves 604 of the valve assembly 600. In some examples, each of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 can beconfigured to receive two or more of the plurality of pneumatic valves 604 of the valve assembly 600. In addition, as shown in the illustrated example, the valve manifold 602 can further include one or more manifold supply and exhaust modules 684 that can be assembled to one or more of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 to provide additional manifold supply or exhaust ports of the valve manifold 602.

[0070] Referring still to FIG. 9, the centralized power and connectivity distribution system of the valve assembly 600 can be configured as a modular centralized power and connectivity system including one or more modular electronics (such as, e.g., electronic drivers, transmitters, receivers, transducers, processors, or other electronic components) that can be assembled with the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 further include an electronic controller channel 674 that collectively define the electronic controller channel of the valve manifold 602 when the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 are assembled. One or more electronic controllers (such as, e.g., the PCBA 670) of the valve assembly 600 can be received within the plurality of electronic controller channels 674 of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. In some examples, each of the valve manifold modules 680 can include an integrally formed PCBA 670. Further, the one or more power and connectivity system electronics (not shown) can be in communication with the PCBA 670 of the valve manifold 602 when the one or more power and connectivity system electronics are assembled with the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. The one or more power and connectivity electronics can also include a PCBA 670 that is configured to communicate with the PCBAs 670 of the valve manifold modules 680 to control the control devices 652A, 652B of the pneumatic valves 604 attached thereto.

[0071] The valve assembly 600 further includes a modular power and connectivity supply unit 672 that can be in communication with the PCBAs 670 of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 and the manifold supply and exhaust modules 684. The modular power and connectivity supply unit 672 is configured to electrically connect with an external power source via a wired connection along an exterior of the valve manifold 602 and a connectivity connection that can be wired or wireless. Thus, a user can customize the centralized inlet power source and connectivity connections of the valve assembly 600 by utilizing one of a plurality of modular power and connectivity supply units 672 having different connection interfaces when assembling the valve assembly 600. In some examples, the modular power and connectivity supply unit 672 can beconfigured to receive, in addition to electrical power, electrical command signals from a programmable logic controller, a program sequencer, a computer, or a network of computers external to the valve assembly 600 that are transmitted to the PCBAs 670 of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 or the manifold supply and exhaust modules 684.

[0072] Referring still to FIG. 9, the valve assembly 600 can further include one or more peripheral manifold module plates (i.e., “sandwich plates,” as known in the art) removably attachable to one or more of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. The one or more one or more peripheral manifold module plates of the valve assembly 600 can have various configurations to provide various customizable features of the valve assembly 600. In the illustrated example, the one or more one or more peripheral manifold module plates of the valve assembly 600 can include an electrical or fluid power supply peripheral manifold module plate 688, a pressure regulating peripheral manifold module plate 690, a supplemental exhaust peripheral manifold module plate 692, and a flow diverting peripheral manifold module plate 694. In some examples, the one or more one or more peripheral manifold module plates of the valve assembly 600 can be configured to removably attach to two or more of the valve manifold modules 680 of the valve assembly 600.

[0073] In addition to (or alternative to) the power and connectivity system electronics provided by the power and connectivity supply unit 672, the valve assembly 600 can include one or more of the power supply peripheral manifold module plates 688 having an independent electrical input that is configured to receive electrical signals from an external power source independent of the modular power and connectivity supply unit 672. Thus, in some examples, the one or more power supply peripheral manifold module plates 688 of the valve assembly 600 can be utilized to independently power and control one or more pneumatic valves 604 while the other pneumatic valves 604 are powered and controlled by the power and connectivity supply unit 672, such as, e.g., to provide isolated safety zones. In some examples, the one or more power supply peripheral manifold module plates 688 can be utilized to provide a supplemental power supply to the valve assembly 600, such as, e.g., to ensure constant power levels are provided for larger valve assemblies 600. In some examples, the valve assembly 600 can include a plurality of power supply peripheral manifold module plates 688 corresponding to a respective one of the plurality the pneumatic valves 604.

[0074] The one or more pressure regulating peripheral manifold module plates 690 of the valve assembly 600 can be utilized to regulate pressure at one or more of the valve supply ports or valvedistribution ports of the pneumatic valves 604 or to control output pressure at select ports of the valve manifold 602. Similarly, the one or more supplemental exhaust peripheral manifold module plates 692 of the valve assembly 600 can be utilized to provide an additional exhaust port of a particular one of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. Further, the one or more flow diverting peripheral manifold module plates 694 can be utilized to customizably divert flow between one or more of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. In some examples, the one or more flow diverting peripheral manifold module plates 694 can include a flow control device (such as, e.g., a check valve). In some examples, the one or more flow diverting peripheral manifold module plates 694 can be configured as a flow restriction between the particular valve manifold module 680 and the respective pneumatic valve 604 or between two or more valve manifold modules 680. Further, various spacer or other modules can be provided as desired.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3-9, various components of the example pneumatic valve assemblies 100, 400, 500, 600 (e.g., the valve manifolds 102, 402, 502, 602 and the pneumatic valves 104, 106, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604) may be formed through additive manufacturing techniques or processes, such as 3D printing. To that end, a number of additive manufacturing processes may be implemented (e.g., vat photopolymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, material extrusion, directed energy deposition, sheet lamination, direct metal laser melting, electron beam melting, sintering, or multi-layer material joined by adhesives, melt welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) to form one or more components of a number of materials, including metals, metal alloys, ceramics (e.g., zirconia, alumina, or tricalcium phosphate), or polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyamides, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyvinyl alcohol). For example, in some cases, the single-piece valve manifold 402 of the pneumatic valve assembly 400 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be additively manufactured using one or more of the additive manufacturing processes described herein. In some such examples, one or more portions of the single-piece valve manifold 402 may be formed with a first material and other portions of the single-piece valve manifold 402 may be formed with a second material having one or more properties that differ from the first material. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of valve modules of the pneumatic valve 304 as shown in FIG. 3, including the valve body module 320 and one or more of the peripheral modules (e.g., the first and second valve body cover plates 360, 362 and the control device carriage364) can be additively manufactured separately or can be integrally formed using one or more additive manufacturing processes.

[0076] It should be appreciated that, while aspects of the present disclosure are described in connection with pneumatic valve assemblies and pneumatic valves herein, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these implementations. A wide variety of valve assemblies including one or more modular components can be improved by aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the principles of the present disclosure are applicable to various types of valve assemblies, such as hydraulic valve assemblies (operated with hydraulic oil, water, or other fluids), for example, as well as various valves that can have various configurations, such as hydraulic valves, for example, that can be utilized in various applications, such as manufacturing or packaging processes (e.g., involving food, pharmaceutical, etc.), for example.

[0077] In some implementations, devices or systems (e.g., a pneumatic valve assembly or components of a pneumatic valve assembly, such as one or more pneumatic valves) disclosed herein can be utilized, manufactured, or installed using methods embodying aspects of the present disclosure. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for the intended purposes, a method of implementing such capabilities, a method of manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and a method of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support these purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as examples of the disclosed technology, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

[0078] In this regard, for example, FIG. 10 illustrates a method 700 of configuring a pneumatic valve assembly. By way of example, the method 700 will be described below with reference to the pneumatic valve assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1. However, other pneumatic valve assemblies having other components can be configured or assembled according to other example implementations of the disclosed method (e.g., the pneumatic valve assemblies 400, 500, 600 of FIGS. 6-9 with the pneumatic valves 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 of FIGS. 2-9 or the valve manifolds 400, 500, 600 of FIGS. 6-9).

[0079] The example method 700 can include attaching a plurality of pneumatic valves to a single-piece valve manifold that can include one or more manifold supply ports in communication with a manifold internal flow structure to provide a customized operational configuration. For example, the first and second pneumatic valves 102, 104 of the valve assembly 100 can be attached to the valve manifold 102 of the valve assembly 100.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, in some implementations, an operation 710 of method 700 can include removably attaching a first pneumatic valve with a first flow capacity, so that a first valve supply port of the first pneumatic valve is in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first manifold distribution port. For example, the first pneumatic valve 104 can be attached to the valve manifold 102 so that the first valve supply port 124 is in communication with the first manifold distribution port 114A (or the port 114B), as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0081] With continued reference to FIG. 10, an operation 720 of method 700 can include removably attaching a second pneumatic valve with a second flow capacity different from (e.g., smaller than) the first flow capacity so that a second valve supply port of the second pneumatic valve is in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a second manifold distribution port. For example, the second pneumatic valve 106 can be attached to the valve manifold 102 so that the second valve supply port 134 is in communication with the second manifold distribution port 114B (or the port 114 A), as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some examples, a pneumatic valve assembly can include three or more pneumatic valves attachable to the singlepiece valve manifold. Accordingly, in some examples, the method 700 can further include one or more additional steps to removably attach three or more pneumatic valves to the valve manifold to the valve manifold with three or more valve supply ports of the three or more pneumatic valves being in communication with three or more manifold distribution ports of the valve manifold.

[0082] In some examples, the single-piece valve manifold can be configured to interchangeably receive either of the first and second pneumatic valves at either of the first and second manifold distribution ports. Thus, in some such examples, providing the customized operational configuration of method 700 can include selectively attaching the first pneumatic valve at either of the first or second manifold distribution ports, and selectively attaching the second pneumatic valve at the other of the first or second manifold distribution ports. For example, with reference to the pneumatic valve 304 shown in FIG. 3, the valve supply ports 124, 134 of the first and second pneumatic valves 102, 104 can be at least partly defined by the first port structures 366having exterior diameters that are substantially identical and the interior diameters of the first and second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B can be substantially identical to interchangeably receive the first port structures 366 of the first and second pneumatic valves 102, 104.

[0083] Referring still to FIG. 10, in some examples, the first and second pneumatic valves of operations 710, 720 can be configured as first and second modular valves that can be assembled with first and second pluralities of valve modules, respectively. For example, with reference again to the pneumatic valve 304 shown in FIG. 3, the first and second pneumatic valves 102, 104 can be assembled of a plurality of valve modules that can include the valve body module 320 and one or more of the peripheral modules (e.g., the first and second valve body cover plates 360, 362 and the control device carriage 364). Accordingly, in some such examples, the method 700 can further include assembling the first pneumatic valve as a first modular valve with a first plurality of valve modules and assembling the second pneumatic valve as a second modular valve with a second plurality of valve modules.

[0084] In some examples, one or both of the first and second pneumatic valves of the pneumatic assembly can include one or more valve distribution ports that can be configured to be in communication with a supplemental distribution port of the valve manifold. For example, with reference the pneumatic valve 204 shown in FIG. 2, the valve distribution port 226 can be in communication with a supplemental distribution port of the valve manifold 100 in parallel to the first or second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B (see FIG. 1). Thus, in some examples, removably attaching the first pneumatic valve, as in operation 710 of method 700, can place a first valve distribution port of the first pneumatic valve in communication with a first supplemental distribution port on the single-piece valve manifold. Likewise, in some examples, removably attaching the second pneumatic valve, as in operation 720 of method 700, can place a second valve distribution port of the second pneumatic valve in communication with a second supplemental distribution port on the single-piece valve manifold.

[0085] Certain operations of methods according to the present disclosure, or of systems executing those methods, may be represented schematically in the figures or otherwise discussed herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, representation in the figures of particular operations in particular spatial order may not necessarily require those operations to be executed in a particular sequence corresponding to the particular spatial order. Correspondingly, certain operations represented in the figures, or otherwise disclosed herein, can be executed in differentorders than are expressly illustrated or described, as appropriate for particular implementations. Further, in some examples, certain operations can be executed in parallel.

[0086] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicates a non-exclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example, a list of “one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. A list preceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon, e.g., “at least one of’) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more of A, one or more of B, and one or more of C. Similarly, a list preceded by “a plurality of’ (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of multiple instances of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, or C” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0087] Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” are intended to refer to a range of values ± 5% (or less) of the numeric value that the term proceeds, inclusive.

[0088] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “integral” and derivatives thereof (e.g., “integrally”) describe elements that are manufactured as a single piece without fasteners, adhesive, or the like to secure separate components together. For example, an element stamped, cast, or otherwise molded as a single-piece component from a single piece of sheet metal or using a single mold, without rivets, screws, or adhesive to hold separately formed pieces together is a single-piece or integral (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple pieces that are separately formed initially then later connected together, is not a singlepiece or integral (or integrally formed) element.

[0089] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or specified, “substantially identical” refers to two or more components or systems (or subcomponents thereof) that are manufactured orused according to the same process and specification, with variation between the components or systems that are within the limitations of acceptable tolerances for the relevant process and specification. For example, two components can be considered to be substantially identical if the components are manufactured according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, with the same materials, and within the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., as specified for a particular process or product).

[0090] As described herein, examples of the disclosed technology can provide a pneumatic valve assembly and a method of configuring a pneumatic valve assembly. The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed technology. Various modifications to the disclosed examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pneumatic valve assembly (100) comprising: a valve manifold (102) that defines a manifold internal flow structure (110) and includes manifold ports (112, 114), the manifold ports including: manifold distribution ports (114), and one or more manifold supply ports (112) in communication with the manifold distribution ports via the manifold internal flow structure; and a plurality of pneumatic valves (104, 106) that are removably attached to the valve manifold, including: a first pneumatic valve (104) with a first flow capacity, the first pneumatic valve including a first valve supply port (124) in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first of the manifold distribution ports; and a second pneumatic valve (106) with a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity, the second pneumatic valve including a second valve supply port (134) in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a second of the manifold distribution ports.

2. The pneumatic valve assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second pneumatic valves includes, respectively: a valve body (220) defining a flow control passage (222) in communication with the first or second valve supply port, respectively; a valve distribution port (226) in communication with the flow control passage; a valve control member (250) arranged in the flow control passage; and a control device (252) arranged to move the valve control member to direct flow through the flow control passage.

3. The pneumatic valve assembly of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and second pneumatic valves are interchangeably attachable at either of the first and second manifold distribution ports.

4. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first pneumatic valve further includes a first valve distribution port in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first supplemental valve distribution port (414A) of the valve manifold, to direct flow from the first pneumatic valve to one or both of the second manifold distribution port (414A) or a third manifold distribution port (414B).

5. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first pneumatic valve or the second pneumatic valve is a modular valve (304) that includes a valve body module (320) and one or more peripheral modules (360, 362, 364) attached to the valve body module to customizably provide one or more of: a valve distribution port (366, 368), a valve supply port (366, 368), a control device (352A, 352B), or a valve control member (250).

6. The pneumatic valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the control device includes one or more electronic control devices, optionally or preferably including a first electric-fluid convertor in communication with a flow control passage of the valve body module and a second electric-fluid convertor in communication with the flow control passage of the valve body module.

7. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of a flow control passage (122) of the first pneumatic valve is greater than a volume of a flow control passage (132) of that of the second pneumatic valve.

8. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein: the first valve supply port includes a first supply port structure with a first exterior diameter that is received in the first manifold distribution port; the second valve supply port includes a second supply port structure with a second exterior diameter that is received in the second manifold distribution port; and the first exterior diameter is substantially identical to the second exterior diameter.

9. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein: the first manifold distribution port exhibits a first interior diameter to receive the first valve supply port; the second manifold distribution port exhibits a second interior diameter to receive the second valve supply port; and the first interior diameter is substantially identical to the second interior diameter.

10. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve manifold is an integrally molded manifold.

11. The pneumatic valve assembly of any of claims 1 through 9, wherein the valve manifold is additively manufactured.

12. A method of configuring a pneumatic valve assembly, the method comprising: attaching a plurality of pneumatic valves (100) to a valve manifold (102) to provide a customized operational configuration, the valve manifold including one or more manifold supply ports in communication with a manifold internal flow structure, wherein attaching the plurality of pneumatic valves includes: removably attaching a first pneumatic valve (104) with a first flow capacity, so that a first valve supply port of the first pneumatic valve is in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a first manifold distribution port; and removably attaching a second pneumatic valve (106) with a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity, so that a second valve supply port of the second pneumatic valve is in communication with the manifold internal flow structure via a second manifold distribution port.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the valve manifold is configured to interchangeably receive either of the first and second pneumatic valves at either of the first and second manifold distribution ports, such that providing the customized operational configuration includes:selectively attaching the first pneumatic valve at either of the first or second manifold distribution ports; and selectively attaching the second pneumatic valve at the other of the first or second manifold distribution ports.

14. The method of either of claims 12 or 13, further comprising: assembling the first pneumatic valve as a first modular valve with a first plurality of valve modules; and assembling the second pneumatic valve as a second modular valve with a second plurality of valve modules.

15. The method of any of claims 12 through 14, wherein removably attaching the first pneumatic valve places a first valve distribution port of the first pneumatic valve in communication with a first supplemental valve distribution port on the valve manifold.

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