Valve Module System

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve module system 1 for the compressed air supply of a compressed air consumer 82, in which a valve module 4 can have a differently configured passage plate 5 for fluid communication with the fluid passages 33, 34, 35, 36 of a carrier plate 2, in which a number of connecting passages 43, 44, 45, 46 are formed in the passage plate 5 for connecting a first valve connection 20 and a second valve connection 21 of a valve assembly 18 with one passage opening 14 for each of the fluid passages 33, 34, 35, 36.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve module system for the compressed air supply of compressed air consumers. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a valve module system for supplying or exhausting one or more compressed air consumers, e.g. pneumatic cylinders or other pneumatic actuators, with compressed air in an appropriate manner is sold by the applicant, e.g. under the product name "Ventilinsel CPV" and is used in automation technology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve module system which can be adapted in a flexible manner to the various requirements regarding the compressed air consumers to be supplied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The problem is that for a valve module system, the valve module system is A carrier plate is provided. the support plate is provided with a plurality of connection portions at a connection portion surface, Each connection is formed for the attachment of a valve module and has a connection area with a plurality of passage openings; The solution is that each passage opening is connected to a fluid passage formed in the carrier plate. Effect of the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, the valve module system one or more valve modules; Each of the valve modules has a valve housing in which one or more valve assemblies are accommodated, and the valve housing is mounted with a narrow side on a respective one of the connections in a regional manner, and A passage plate is provided. the passage plate is sealingly connected to the valve housing by a first connecting surface; and the passage plate abuts in a sealing manner against the connection area by means of a second connecting surface, which is in particular oriented parallel to the narrow side surface, A plurality of coupling passages are formed in the passage plate, each of which is formed for coupling between one of the valve assemblies and one of the passage openings.

[0006] In particular, it has one or more valve modules, each of the valve modules having a valve housing; the valve housing rests regionally with its narrow side on the respective connection part, and Within the valve housing, a duct or multiple ducts aligned parallel to one another are formed, It is provided that the duct openings of the ducts are arranged in a common duct opening plane at the valve housing end face, oriented transversely to the narrow side surface. The valve module system further comprises at least one valve assembly; the valve assembly is contained within one of the ducts of a valve housing; At an end face of the valve assembly, which is arranged in the region of the duct opening, A first valve connection and a second valve connection are formed.

[0007] in a first control passage assigned to the first valve connection and / or in a second control passage assigned to the second valve connection, A valve seat; A valve member is disposed which is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat. In that case, The valve housing includes a passage plate; the passage plate is sealingly connected by a first connecting surface to the valve housing end face or to the valve assembly, in particular to the end face of the valve assembly, and the passage plate abuts in a sealing manner against the connection area by means of a second connecting surface, which is in particular oriented parallel to the narrow side surface, It is provided that in the passage plate a plurality of connecting passages are formed, which connecting passages are formed for the connection of the first valve connection and the second valve connection with one passage opening in each case.

[0008] The task of the carrier plate is primarily the mechanical fixing of at least one valve module, in particular of several valve modules, which are preferably arranged adjacent to one another with their side faces lying opposite one another along the alignment direction.Preferably, the valve housing of the valve module has two side faces oriented parallel to one another, which are connected to one another by a narrow side face, at least one of which is designed for abutment on a connection of the carrier plate. Advantageously, it is provided that this narrow side is designed flat and that the corresponding connection part on the carrier plate is likewise designed flat.

[0009] In the carrier plate run a number of fluid channels which are formed for the supply or discharge of fluid to or from the passage openings provided in the connection region of the connection part. It is advantageously intended that the valve housing is dimensioned such that it does not cover the connection region with the passage openings realized therein, so that free access to the passage openings is guaranteed when the valve housing is mounted on the carrier plate.

[0010] The valve housing can be formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has, at its end face, which is oriented perpendicular to the narrow side intended for bearing on the carrier plate, a number of ducts, which are in particular spaced apart from one another at a constant pitch and oriented parallel to one another, the parallel orientation of the ducts being provided by the fact that each of the ducts extends, in the manner of a recess, along an extension axis into the valve housing and the extension axes of the ducts are oriented parallel to one another. It is further provided that the outlet openings of the ducts, also referred to as duct openings, are arranged in a common duct opening plane oriented transversely to the narrow side surface. Advantageously, it is provided that the ducts are formed at least partially with a constant contour along their respective extension axes, this contour being selected so that a valve assembly can be inserted into each of them.

[0011] The valve assembly comprises a first valve connection and a second valve connection which define an outlet opening for each of the assigned control passages, whereby it is intended that the first valve connection is assigned to the first control passage and that the second valve connection is assigned to the second control passage. It is further contemplated that in at least one control passage a valve seat and a valve member are arranged which are electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the respective control passage can be varied. Advantageously, it is provided that in the open position the valve member relieves the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the control passage and in the closed position completely closes the control passage.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve module system includes a replaceable passage plate, and the problem of the passage plate is as follows: It is intended that the fluidly communicating connection be formed between the respective valve assembly and the assigned connection area having a passage opening therein. For this purpose, the passage plate has a first connecting surface which sealingly abuts against the outlet openings of the ducts or against an end face of a valve assembly accommodated in the respective duct, and in particular between the first valve connection and the connecting passage formed in the passage plate, in particular the first connecting passage 43, and It ensures a tight connection between the second valve connection and the connecting passage formed in the further passage plate or the first connecting passage. It is provided that the connecting passages are in a state of fluid communication with the respective passage openings of the connection region at a second connecting surface which is aligned parallel to the narrow side surface of the valve housing and which abuts in a sealing manner against this connection region. Advantageously, it is provided that the passage plate is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are each formed flat and are aligned at right angles to one another.

[0013] Depending on the allocation provided for the respective connecting passages between the first valve connection and one or more passage openings of the connection area, as well as between the second valve connection and one or more passage openings of the connection area, different functions can be configured for the respective valve assembly or for multiple valve assemblies belonging to the respective valve module. For this purpose, it is intended, in particular, to select a passage plate provided with a corresponding course of the connecting passages from a plurality of differently configured passage plates and to assign this passage plate to the respective valve module and to the assigned connection area.

[0014] Advantageous further configurations of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] It is expedient if the passage plate sealingly abuts against the valve housing end face pierced by the duct opening and, together with the duct, defines a pressure chamber in which at least one valve assembly is accommodated. For example, it is provided that a plate-shaped rubber-elastic seal is arranged between the passage plate and the valve housing end face which is pierced by the ducts and in which the duct openings are formed, the seal being arranged in such a way that all ducts covered by the passage plate form a common pressure chamber, or that each duct covered by the passage plate forms its own individual pressure chamber, or that groups of these ducts form a common pressure chamber. Alternatively, it is intended that the end faces of the passage plates which, in the assembled state, lie opposite the end faces of the valve housing each have a ring-shaped seal made of rubber-elastic material which seal is formed for an individual sealing of each duct opening, so that a separate pressure chamber is provided for each valve assembly. In a further alternative, it is possible for each of these duct openings to be surrounded by a ring-shaped seal made of rubber-elastic material against which the end face of the passage plate is pressed sealingly in the assembled state, so that a separate pressure chamber is likewise provided for each valve assembly. It is preferably provided that a common pressure or vacuum load for each pressure chamber is provided via corresponding connecting passages in the passage plate.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the valve assembly sealingly abuts an inner surface of the duct by a circumferentially extending seal and defines a pressure chamber together with the duct; and a supply connection is formed in the end face of the valve housing or the valve assembly, the supply connection being connected to the pressure chamber; It is contemplated that the supply connection is coupled in fluid communication with a connecting passage in the passage plate. Advantageously, the valve assembly is formed in the manner of a cartridge or a cartridge, which is not functional in itself, but is only put into a functional state by the installation of the valve housing in the duct, since the valve assembly does not have any inherent pressure-tightly constructed housing, but rather has to rely on the hermetic accommodation in the duct. For this purpose, it is provided that the valve assembly rests sealingly by means of a circumferentially extending seal against the inner surface of the duct and thus defines by the duct a pressure chamber, starting from which a first control passage assigned to the first valve connection and a second control passage assigned to the second valve connection extend. It is further provided that in the first control passage as well as in the second control passage a valve seat and an electrically controllable valve element are each arranged.For supplying the pressure chamber with compressed air, process gas, process gas mixture or underpressure, a supply connection is provided via which the pressure chamber can be supplied with fluid by overpressure or underpressure. It is intended that, upon sealing between the passage plate and the valve housing, the supply connection is formed in this passage plate and, via the assigned connecting passage in this passage plate, is in fluid communication with the assigned passage opening in the connection region. As long as the valve assemblies are hermetically received in the respective ducts by means of circumferentially extending seals and only thereby delimit the pressure chambers, it is possible for the supply connections to be formed alternatively on the valve housing or on the end faces of the valve assemblies and in this case to be in fluid communication with assigned passage openings in the connection region via assigned connecting passages in the passage plate.

[0017] Advantageously, it is provided that the carrier plate has a connecting surface, in which at least a part of the fluid passage opens, and that at least one fluid connection is assigned to the fluid passage opening into the connecting surface. The fluid passages opening at the connecting surface and each having a fluid connection thereby enable the connection of fluid conduits, in particular flexible fluid ducts, which can themselves be coupled, for example, to a working connection of a compressed air source or a negative pressure source or a compressed air consumer. The fluid connections thereby form a fluid-technical connection between the valve module system and the assigned supply device or compressed air consumer. It is advantageously provided that each fluid channel formed in the carrier plate opens out in the connection face and has an assigned fluid connection.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connection area has a first outlet opening and the associated first fluid passage is connected to a first working connection arranged on the connecting surface, and the connection area has a second outlet opening and the associated second fluid passage is connected to a second working connection arranged on the connecting surface, and the connection area has a third outlet opening and the associated third fluid passage is connected to a first fluid connection, in particular a compressed air connection, which is arranged on the connecting surface, and It is provided that the connection region has a fourth outlet opening and that the associated fourth fluid passage is connected to a second fluid connection, in particular an exhaust connection, arranged on the connecting surface.

[0019] This configuration of the outlet openings in the connection area and the connections arranged on the coupling surface allows a typical operating method for the valve module system to be realized, for example, a compressed air source is connected to the first fluid connection on the coupling surface, and this compressed air source is coupled to a plurality of third outlet openings in the plurality of connection areas via assigned third fluid passages. In the same way, this also applies to a second fluid connection formed in the connecting surface, which is coupled via a fourth fluid passage with a number of fourth outlet openings of a number of connection areas and which can be used, for example, as an exhaust passage. On the other hand, the first and second fluid passages are intended as direct connections between a first or second outlet opening, respectively, assigned to a unique connection area and a first or second working connection, respectively, assigned to the connecting surface.

[0020] In a further advantageous configuration, a seal, preferably in the form of a plate, is arranged between the second connecting surface of the passage plate and the connection area, It is provided that the seals are formed for individual sealing between the outlet openings and the respectively assigned connecting passages. For this purpose, the seal, which is preferably made of a rubber-elastic material and has at least a rubber-elastically formed sealing region, is penetrated by a number of passages, each of which serves to ensure a fluid connection between the connecting passage and the assigned outlet opening, while a sealing part, which is respectively formed around the respective passage and extends circumferentially, ensures the sealing for this fluidly communicating connection.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, The passage plate has individual fluid connections of the first valve connection, the second valve connection, and the supply connection with respective assigned connection passages for each valve assembly accommodated in the valve housing. That is what is intended. This ensures that for each valve assembly there is a fluid separation between the first valve connection, the second valve connection and the supply connection in the passage plate and the carrier plate. On the other hand, it is possible that adjacent valve assemblies arranged in a common valve housing are intended to have access to one or more connecting passages formed in the passage plate in the same way by their respective first valve connections or second valve connections or supply connections.

[0022] Within the first control path: a valve seat and a valve member electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat; and Within the second control path, a valve seat and a valve member electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for said valve seat and an open position for said valve seat, It is advantageous. Thereby, the fluid communication between the pressure chamber and the first valve connection and between the pressure chamber and the second valve connection can be adjusted or completely blocked depending on the position of the respective valve member. In order to enable individual adjustment of the cross-sectional area for the second control passage as well as for the first control passage, the first valve member assigned to the first control passage and the second valve member assigned to the second control passage can be controlled by corresponding electrical signals independently of one another.

[0023] In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, The passage plate is a first coupling passage; the first coupling passage is coupled to a first valve connection of the first valve assembly and to a first valve connection of the second valve assembly; a second connecting passage; the second connecting passage is connected to a second valve connection of the first valve assembly and to a second valve connection of the second valve assembly; a third connecting passage; the third connecting passage is connected to the supply connection of the first valve assembly; and a fourth connecting passage; the fourth connecting passage is connected to the supply connection of the second valve assembly. That is what is intended. For example, it is possible that the first connecting passage is connected to a connecting passage formed in the carrier plate and opening out at the connecting surface, which connecting passage is also intended to be referred to as the first working passage, and that the second connecting passage is connected to a fluid passage formed in the carrier plate and opening out at the connecting surface, which fluid passage is also intended to be referred to as the second working passage. In this case, a first valve assembly, each with two 2 / 2 directional control valves, and a second valve assembly, each also with two 2 / 2 directional control valves, in combination form a 4 / 3 directional control valve and can be operated in the manner of a full bridge structure. This allows ventilation or exhaust to be ensured individually for the first and second connecting passages, respectively, as long as the third connecting passage is connected to a compressed air source and the fourth connecting passage is formed as an exhaust connection.

[0024] In an optional further configuration of the invention, The passage plate is a first coupling passage; the first coupling passage is connected to the first valve connection and the second valve connection of the first valve assembly; coupled to the first valve connection and the second valve connection of the second valve assembly; a second connecting passage; the second connecting passage is connected to the supply connection of the first valve assembly; and a third connecting passage; the third connecting passage is connected to the supply connection of the second valve assembly. That is what is intended. In this case, a supply of compressed air is ensured via the second connecting passage and an exhaust air discharge is intended via the third connecting passage, so that in the first connecting passage, the compressed air consumer connected to the working connection of this first connecting passage can be selectively vented under the control of the first valve assembly and vented under the control of the second valve assembly and in both cases a double flow rate can be provided, since venting as well as exhausting can take place via two independently controllable valve members of the respective valve assemblies.

[0025] In yet another alternative embodiment, The passage plate is a first coupling passage; the first coupling passage is coupled to a first valve connection of the first valve assembly and to a first valve connection of the second valve assembly; a second connecting passage; the second coupling passage is coupled to the second valve connection of the first valve assembly and to the second valve connection of the second valve assembly; and a third connecting passage; the third connecting passage is connected to the supply connection of the first valve assembly and to the supply connection of the second valve assembly. That is what is intended. In this embodiment of the passage plate, the compressed air consumers can be supplied via the first or second connecting passage by the second valve assembly as well as the first valve assembly, respectively, whereby both these compressed air consumers are supplied exclusively by compressed air and no exhaust is intended. It is possible for a compressed air consumer of this type to be designed, for example, as a compressed air motor.

[0026] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, The passage plate is a first coupling passage; the first coupling passage is coupled to the first valve connection and the second valve connection of the first valve assembly and to the first valve connection and the second valve connection of the second valve assembly; a second connecting passage; the second connecting passage is coupled to the supply connection of the first valve assembly and to the supply connection of the second valve assembly. That is what is intended. In this embodiment of the passage plate, for example, a pressure supply of a compressed air consumer can be provided in which both valve assemblies selectively block or release the fluidly communicating connection between the second connecting passage, which is in particular connected to a compressed air source, and the first connecting passage, which is utilized as a working connection. In that regard, the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly may be used for flow control.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the valve member is coupled to a piezo actuator, in particular a piezo bending body; the piezo drive is coupled to a voltage supply, the voltage supply being electrically coupled to a control device; It is envisaged that the control device is formed for providing a control signal for controlling the piezo drive device. By means of piezo actuators, in particular strip-shaped piezo bending bodies (monomorph, bimorph, trimorph, with or without an electrically conductive intermediate layer), highly accurate proportional valve functions can be realized. In this case, it is provided that a valve member designed as a sealing element is attached in the end region of the piezo actuator, which is accommodated in a positionally fixed manner in the valve assembly, for example via a spring-elastic three-point bearing. To induce deformation of the piezo drive, in particular the piezo bending body, a voltage is required, which has to be supplied by a voltage supply device which is electrically coupled to a control device, which adjusts the amount of electrical energy to be supplied by the voltage supply device to the piezo drive. It is preferably provided that the high-voltage supply and the control device are formed as components of an electronic circuit, the control device being in particular formed as a microprocessor, and it is particularly preferably provided that the voltage supply and the control device are arranged and formed on a common printed circuit (printed circuit board).

[0028] A fluid passage formed in the carrier plate, A group of sensors consisting of pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, and humidity sensors are assigned to It is expedient if the sensor is electrically connected to the control device and is designed to provide an electrical sensor signal. The sensor can be used to detect, for example, the supply pressure of a compressed air source, or the working pressure for a compressed air consumer, or the temperature, volumetric flow rate, moisture content of a gas stream flowing in a fluid passage. An electrical sensor signal provided by the sensor can be supplied via a sensor lead to a control device and processed there. For example, it is possible for the control device to be designed to perform a pressure control for the fluid pressure prevailing in the fluid passage, for which purpose a corresponding control of a valve assembly which is fluidly connected with the fluid passage is performed.

[0029] Advantageously, it is provided that said pressure sensor is associated with a sensor passage which branches off from said fluid passage. Such a sensor passage, which may also be referred to as a stub conduit, on the one hand allows reliable pressure detection for the pressure prevailing in the fluid passage, but avoids the undesired inclusion of dynamic pressure components, since there is no significant fluid flow in the sensor passage, whereby more accurate measurement results can be expected in comparison to a sensor placed directly in the fluid passage.

[0030] In an optional embodiment of the valve module system, A fluid passage formed in the carrier plate has a throttle portion; a first pressure sensor, which is designed to provide a pressure-dependent electrical first sensor signal, is assigned to a first end region of the throttle; and a second pressure sensor, which is designed to provide a pressure-dependent electrical second sensor signal, is assigned to a second end region of the throttle; and the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are electrically coupled to the control device, the control device being configured for processing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. That is what is intended. In this embodiment, the throttle, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor form a device for flow measurement in a fluid passage, where it is not necessary for the throttle to have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the remaining fluid passages, but rather it is sufficient if the flow resistance through the throttle is known in order to be able to detect a pressure difference on the basis of the sensor signals of the sensors, which are respectively arranged on the end side of the throttle, and from this to be able to calculate the desired flow measurement. Alternatively, it is also possible for only one pressure sensor to be provided which is pneumatically connected to the first end region of the throttling portion and to the second end region of the throttling portion and which is formed for detecting the pressure difference across the throttling portion.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a valve module system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic and perspective view of a valve assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a passage plate. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of the fluid and electrical connections within the valve module system according to FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a first embodiment of a passageway plate, the passageway plate being provided for connecting adjacently disposed valve assemblies; [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a view of a second embodiment of this style of passage plate. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a view of a third embodiment of this style of passage plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a view of a fourth embodiment of this style of passage plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows a second mounting variant for the sensor in the carrier plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 shows a third mounting variant for the sensor in the carrier plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The valve module system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is intended for the fluid supply of a number of compressed air consumers, not shown, and is shown in a not fully assembled state in order to clarify the structure of the valve module system. By way of example only, the valve module system 1 comprises a carrier plate 2, to which a number of valve modules 4 are attached which are arranged along an aligned axis 15 alongside a communication unit 3, as well as assigned passage plates 5. By way of example only one passage plate 5 is assigned to one of these valve modules 4 according to the illustration in Fig. 1, whereas the other valve modules 4 do not comprise a passage plate 5 for illustrative reasons. The communication unit 3 comprises, in particular: OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA (Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture)), Bus communication systems (Buskommunikationssystem), an IO link, via which data exchange can take place, for example with a higher-level control device, in particular with a programmable logic controller (SPS) or with a control level or the cloud, 4, the valve module system 1 is connected to a communication system (not shown) of the group consisting of:

[0034] Each of the valve modules 4 has a valve housing 6 in which, by way of example, four ducts 7 are formed, which are intended for the reception of a valve assembly 18 formed in the form of a cartridge or cartridge, the contour of which is adapted to the contour of the duct 7 shown in FIG. The valve assembly 18 is then configured in such a way that it can only be used to control the fluid flow when it is installed in the duct 7. Accordingly, the valve assembly 18 is provided with a circumferentially extending seal 28, which is configured for sealing abutment with an inner surface 29 of the duct 7. The valve assembly 18 and the duct 7 thus define a pressure chamber 30, which is illustrated in more detail in FIG.

[0035] At the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18, a first valve connection 20, a second valve connection 21 and a supply connection 31 are formed, which are shown in more detail in the detailed view of Fig. 2. Purely by way of example, it is provided that the first valve connection 20 and the second valve connection 21 each have an elastomeric seal 32, whereas the supply connection 31 is formed, purely by way of example, as a rectangular connection in the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18. The valve assemblies 18 are inserted into the ducts 7 of the valve housing 6 such that the end face 19 of each valve assembly 18 is oriented flush with the duct opening plane 10 of the respective valve housing 6, the duct opening plane 10 being the plane in which the duct openings 9 of the ducts 7 are located.

[0036] The valve housing 6, which is by way of example made in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, rests with its narrow side surface 8 oriented perpendicularly to the duct opening plane 10 on a planar, by way of example only, flat-formed connection surface 11. The valve housings 6 are fixed by means of fixing means (not shown) to the carrier plate 2, with a defined position on this carrier plate 2 being provided for each valve housing 6, which position is also referred to as connection 12. The connection part 12 comprises, by way of example only, a rectangularly shaped connection area 13 which is not covered by the valve housing 6 and which opens out at a number of passage openings 14 . As shown in more detail in Fig. 4, each of these passage openings 14 is connected to a fluid passage 33 to 36 formed in the carrier plate 2. For the fluidly communicating connection between the valve assembly 18 and the passage openings 14 in the connection area 13, one passage plate 5 is provided for each valve module 4, whereby for reasons of perspective only one of these passage plates 5 is shown in Fig. 1.

[0037] The passage plate 5 is fixed in a manner not shown in more detail at the respective valve housing 6 as well as at the connection 12 of the carrier plate 2 and ensures a fluid-tight connection between the first valve connection 20, the second valve connection 21, the supply connection 31 of each valve assembly 18 and the respectively assigned passage openings 14.

[0038] In an optional variant of one valve module 84, as shown at the top in the arrangement with valve modules 4, 84 in FIG. 1, an individual seal for each duct 7 is ensured upon abutment of the passage plate 5 by a seal 17 arranged in a recess in the valve housing end face 16, which extends circumferentially in a ring shape around the respective duct opening 9. In this case, the pressure chamber is defined by the passage plate 5, the seal 17 and the duct 7, so that the seal 28 and the supply connection 31 provided in the valve assembly 18 can be omitted, since the supply of the valve assembly 18 can be realized by a supply duct 40 in the passage plate, shown in FIG. 3, which opens into this pressure chamber.

[0039] As this is likewise shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, at the end faces of the carrier plate 2, also referred to as connection faces, the fluid channels 33 to 36 formed in the carrier plate 2 terminate. Each of the fluid passages 33 to 36 opens into a connecting surface 77 of the carrier plate 2 and thereby forms a fluid connection 73, 74, 75, 76 in each case, which has a fluid connector not shown, which allows, for example, the connection of a fluid duct not shown.

[0040] 3, a schematic perspective view of the passage plate 5 is shown. The passage plate 5 comprises in total four valve connections 37, which are arranged at the same pitch as is the case with respect to the ducts 7 in the valve housing 6. Each of the valve connections 37 is provided for a fluid-tight connection with an assigned valve assembly 18. For example, each of the valve connections 37 comprises a first receiving bore 38 as well as a second receiving bore 39 and a supply duct 40. The first receiving bore 38 is then used for receiving the seal 32 of the first valve connection 20, whereas the second receiving bore 39 is used for the sealing reception of the seal 32 of the second valve connection 21. The supply duct 40 can be used for a fluid-tight connection with the supply connection 31 at the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18 when the passage plate 5 is used in combination with the valve module 4. When the passage plate 5 is used in combination with the valve module 84, the supply duct 40 is used for the fluid supply to the pressure chamber defined by the passage plate 5, the seal 17 and the duct 7.

[0041] The surface of the passage plate 5, which is provided with the valve connection 37 and is preferably formed flat, is also referred to as the first connecting surface 41. By way of example only, a second connecting surface 42, which is oriented perpendicular to the first connecting surface 41 and has a flat surface, serves for resting on the connection region 13 of the connection part 12. Opening into the second connecting surface 42 are a first connecting passage 43, a second connecting passage 44, a third connecting passage 45 and a fourth connecting passage 46. Each of the connecting passages 43 to 46 is in fluid communication with one of the receiving perforations 38, 39 or with the supply duct 40, in a manner that will be explained in more detail below.

[0042] By way of example only, a sealing plate 47 is arranged between the second connecting surface 42 and the connection region 13, which sealing plate is provided, by way of example only, to be manufactured from a rubber-elastic material. This sealing plate 47 is pierced by perforations 48 corresponding to the arrangement of the connecting channels 43 to 46 in the passage plate 5, which perforations thereby ensure a fluidly communicating connection between the passage openings 14 and the connecting channels 43 to 46 in the passage plate 5.

[0043] As can be seen from the schematic representation in Figure 4, the valve assembly 18 together with the duct 7 defines a pressure chamber 30 which is in fluid communication with the supply connection 31. In a nozzle carrier 51 belonging to the valve assembly 18, the outer end face of which forms the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18, a supply passage 52, a first control passage 53 and a second control passage 54 are formed. A supply passage 52 thereby connects the supply connection 31 with the pressure chamber 30. A first control passage 53 connects the first valve connection 20 with a first valve seat 55. A second control passage 54 connects the second valve connection 21 with a second valve seat 56. 4, a first valve member 57, which is formed, for example, as a rubber-elastic sealing element, rests sealingly on the first valve seat 55. In this case, the first valve member 57 is attached to a first piezo element 59, which is formed as a piezo bending body and which is fixed in its end area facing away from the first valve member 57 to the cartridge housing 22 of the valve assembly 18. In the same manner, according to the illustration in FIG. 4, a second valve member 58, which is likewise configured as a rubber-elastic sealing element, rests sealingly on the second valve seat 56 of the nozzle carrier 51 and is connected to a second piezo element 60, which is fixed on its end side to the cartridge housing 22.

[0044] Upon loading of the first piezo element 59 by a voltage, a bending of the first piezo element 59 is induced, which causes the first valve member 57 to lift from the first valve seat 55 and thus releases the fluidly communicating connection between the pressure chamber 30 and the first valve connection 20. In the same way, this also applies to the second piezo element 60, which can be brought into a curved position by a voltage, in which the second valve member 58 is lifted from the second valve seat 56 in order to release the fluidly communicating connection between the pressure chamber 30 and the second valve connection 21. For the supply of these voltages to the first piezo element 59 and the second piezo element 60, electrical connection conductors 61, shown diagrammatically, are provided, which are electrically connected to a control board 62. On the control board 62 a control device 63 is arranged, which in a manner not shown in more detail comprises a microprocessor and a voltage generator, which is formed for controlling the voltage supply to cause the desired bending of the first piezo element 59 and / or the second piezo element 60 depending on a control program running in the microprocessor and depending on sensor signals, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0045] In an optional embodiment for the piezo elements, not shown, it is intended that these piezo elements in a neutral position assume a curved position without voltage load, so that the respectively assigned valve member or sealing element is lifted from the respective valve seat and, on application of voltage, undergo a deformation, by which the respectively assigned valve member or sealing element is pressed in a sealing manner onto the respective valve seat.

[0046] As can be further seen from the illustration of FIG. 4, by way of example only, it is contemplated that the passage plate 5 is penetrated by a total of four connecting passages 43 to 46, which can be connected in various configurations with the respective first valve connections 20 and second valve connections 21 of the assigned valve assemblies 18, as well as with the respective supply connections 31 of the respective valve assemblies 18. 4 it can furthermore be seen that the generally four passage openings 14 are respectively connected in fluid communication with fluid connections, which are called fluid connections 73 to 76 and are not shown in more detail, via the assigned fluid passages 33 to 36. It is further intended that the fluid connections 73 to 76 are arranged in a connection surface 77 of the carrier plate 2. As can be seen from Fig. 1, both fluid connections 73 and 74 are arranged far to the side from the fluid connections 75 and 76 which are assigned to the respective valve modules themselves. For clarity of the relationship between the fluid connections 74 to 76, these are shown in a common illustration plane in Fig. 4.

[0047] By way of example, a silencer 78 is arranged at the first fluid connection 73, and it is therefore intended that the assigned first fluid passage 33 can also be referred to as an exhaust passage. At the second fluid connection 74, a compressed air source 79 is attached, and the second fluid passage 34 can also be referred to as a supply passage. At the third fluid connection 75, a first working conduit 80 of a compressed air consumer 82 is attached, and therefore the assigned third fluid passage 35 can also be referred to as a first working passage. At the fourth fluid connection 76, a second working conduit 81 of a compressed air consumer 82 is attached, and therefore the assigned fourth fluid passage 36 can also be referred to as a second working passage. By way of example only, the compressed air consumer 82 is formed as a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder and is intended for providing bidirectional linear movement.

[0048] 4, the fluid passages 33 to 36 in the carrier plate 2 and the connecting passages 43 to 46 in the passage plate 5 are adapted to one another in such a way that compressed air, for example from a compressed air source 79, is supplied to the first connecting passage 43 via the second fluid passage 34. The passage plate 5 is formed in such a way that the compressed air of the compressed air source 79 is supplied at the supply connections 31 of both lower valve assemblies 18 arranged in the valve housing 6. By way of example only, it is intended that the respective first valve connection of the first valve connections 20 of all valve assemblies 18 is connected to a third connecting passage 45 which is itself connected to the third fluid passage 35 of the carrier plate 2 and opens into a third fluid connection 75 to which the second working conduit 81 of the compressed air consumer 82 is connected according to the illustration in FIG. 4 . It is further intended that the first fluid passage 33 provided for exhaust is connected to a second connecting passage 44, and this second connecting passage is connected to the supply connections 31 of both upper valve assemblies 18 arranged in the valve housing 6. By way of example only, a respective second valve connection of the second valve connections 21 of all valve assemblies 18 is connected to a fourth connecting passage 46 which is itself connected to a fourth fluid passage 36, with this fourth fluid passage 36 opening into a fourth fluid connection 76. By way of example only, it is provided that a first working conduit 80 of a compressed air consumer 82 is connected to the fourth fluid connection 76. By virtue of the fluid connection provided by the passage plate 5, the two lower valve assemblies 18 housed in the valve housing 6 are used for selective ventilation of the first working conduit 80 or the second working conduit 81. The two upper valve assemblies 18 housed in the valve housing 6 are used for selective exhaust of the first working conduit 80 or the second working conduit 81.

[0049] Accordingly, the fluid connection of the four valve assemblies is configured in such a way that the ventilation function as well as the exhaust function for each of the two working conduits 80, 81 can be produced redundantly by two valve assemblies 18 respectively, and thus the maintenance of the respective ventilation or exhaust function is likewise guaranteed in the event of a failure of one of these valve assemblies 18, although a reduced flow rate must then be accepted.

[0050] In order to enable metrological detection of the flow process for the compressed air consumer 82, a throttle 65 is arranged in the third fluid channel 35, which has a defined flow resistance. A first pressure sensor 66 and a second pressure sensor 67 are respectively arranged in the end region of the throttle 65, which are electrically connected to the control device 63 via assigned sensor lines 86, 87. Each of the pressure sensors 66, 67 supplies an electrical sensor signal to the controller 63 via an assigned sensor conductor 86, 87, from which the controller 63 can detect the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor 66 and the second pressure sensor 67 and, based on the known flow resistance of the restriction 65, determine the flow rate through the third fluid passage 35.

[0051] A third pressure sensor 68 and a flow measuring device 69 are disposed within the fourth fluid passageway and are connected to the controller 63 via sensor leads 88, 89 and are also configured to provide a sensor signal to the controller 63. For example, the use of the third pressure sensor 68 in combination with the flow measuring device 69 allows for direct flow measurement within the fourth fluid passageway 36.

[0052] In accordance with the illustration of FIG. 4, pressure sensors 66 to 68 are disposed at the ends of stub conduits 93 to 96, respectively, on a mounting surface 100 of a sensor plate 97, in which sensor leads 86 to 89, shown separately only for illustration purposes, are intended to be integrated in reality. Depending on the respective situation of use, it is possible to provide for closing each stub conduit 93 to 96 in a fluid-tight manner by an assigned pressure sensor 66 to 68, as shown in FIG. 4, or alternatively for inserting a blind plug into each stub conduit 93 to 96, as long as no pressure measurement or other measurement (temperature measurement, humidity measurement, etc.) is provided for the third fluid passage 35 or the fourth fluid passage 36. As can further be seen from FIG. 4, the mounting surface 100 of the sensor plate 97 is arranged to lie opposite the lower surface 50 of the carrier plate 2 .

[0053] Furthermore, a sensor lead 90 is assigned to the control device 63, which at its end is provided with a plug-in connector 91. According to the illustration in Fig. 4, a sensor cable 98 is plugged into the plug-in connector 91, which serves for the electrical connection between the control device 63 and a position sensor 99 assigned to the compressed air consumer 82.

[0054] In the various variants of the passage plates 24 to 27, as shown in these variants FIGS. 5 to 8, the connecting passages 43 to 46 formed in the respective passage plates 24 to 27 are provided with the references P for the pressure supply, S for the exhaust, A for the first working connection and B for the second working connection, as previously customary in aerodynamics. The allocation of the respective functions for the respective connecting passages 43 to 46 is accordingly identical to the schematic illustration according to FIG. 4, but can also be selected in a different manner, for example if an inverse arrangement of the muffler 78 and the compressed air source 79 is made in the first fluid connection 73 and the second fluid connection 74.

[0055] Alternatively, it is also possible for the second fluid connection 74, as well as the first fluid connection 73, to be provided with a different compressed air source or other source for pressure-loaded gas, respectively. In this way, the valve module system can be used, for example, for the delivery of gas mixtures with a variably adjustable proportion of compressed air and pressure-loaded gas.

[0056] The passage plates 24 to 27 are each intended, purely by way of example, for the connection of two valve assemblies 18. Depending on the respective situation of use, a redundant connection of four valve assemblies 18 can likewise be provided in the same way as in FIG. 4, in which case the connection configurations shown respectively are duplicated, in particular mirror-symmetrical, in the respective passage plates 24 to 27.

[0057] In a first variant of the passage plate 24 according to FIG. 5, the supply connection 31 is connected to the first connecting passage 43, the second supply connection 31 is connected to the second connecting passage 44, both first valve connections 20 are connected to the third connecting passage 45 and both second valve connections 21 are connected to the fourth connecting passage 46. Accordingly, one valve assembly 18 is utilized as an exhaust valve for both connecting passages 45 and 46, while the other valve assembly 18 is utilized as a vent valve for both connecting passages 45 and 46.

[0058] In the second variant of the passage plate 25 according to Fig. 6, the supply connection 31 is connected to the first connecting passage 43 and the second supply connection 31 is connected to the second connecting passage 44. Furthermore, all valve connections 20, 21 are connected to the third connecting passage 45, whereas the fourth connecting passage 46 does not have any connection. By this type of fluid connection in the passage plate 25, the ventilation and exhaust of a compressed air consumer not shown can be realized with twice the volumetric flow rate, respectively, whereby it is possible for this compressed air consumer to be, for example, a readily acting pneumatic cylinder.

[0059] In a third variant of the passage plate 26 according to FIG. 7, both supply connections 31 are connected to the first connecting passage 43, whereas each first valve connection 20 is connected to the third connecting passage 45 and each second valve connection 21 is connected to the fourth connecting passage 46. In this way, for example, a fluid flow control can be effected for two separate compressed air consumers which are fluidly connected to the third connecting passage 45 or to the fourth connecting passage 46 .

[0060] In the fourth variant of the passage plate 27 according to FIG. 8, both supply connections 31 are connected to the first connecting passage 43, whereas all valve connections 20, 21 are connected to the third connecting passage 45 and do not have any connection to the fourth connecting passage 46. In this way, for example, a fluid flow control can be performed for a compressed air consumer having twice the flow cross section compared to the passage plate 27 according to FIG.

[0061] In the mounting variant shown in FIG. 9 for a sensor plate 97 arranged below the carrier plate 2, it is provided, purely by way of example, that the first stub conduit 93 is closed by a blind plug 70 and that the second stub conduit 94 is assigned a temperature sensor 71. A pressure sensor 66 is assigned to the third stub conduit 95 and a humidity sensor 72 is assigned to the fourth stub conduit 96 .

[0062] In the mounting variant shown in FIG. 10 for a sensor plate 97 arranged below the carrier plate 2, it is provided, purely by way of example, that the second stub conduit 94, like the first stub conduit 93, is also closed by a blind plug 70, and that a temperature sensor 71 is assigned to the third stub conduit 95 and a humidity sensor 72 is assigned to the fourth stub conduit 96.

[0063] It is possible, if necessary, to assign a different sensor to each of the stub ducts 93 to 96, in which case it is a matter of mounting modifications for the sensor plate 97 in each case, whereas it is self-evident that no changes are otherwise necessary, in particular in the carrier plate 2.

Claims

1. A valve module system (1) for the compressed air supply of a compressed air consumer (82), the valve module system comprising: It has a carrier plate (2), This carrier plate is provided with one or more connections (12) at the connection surface (11), Each connection (12) is designed for the attachment of a valve module (4) and has a connection area (13) with a number of passage openings (14), Each passage opening (14) is connected to a fluid passage (33, 34, 35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2); and having one or more valve modules (4), Each of the valve modules (4) has a valve housing (6) in which one or more valve assemblies (18) are accommodated and which, with a narrow side (8), rests area-wise on the respective connection (12), and A passage plate (5), The passage plate (5) is sealingly connected to the valve housing (6) by a first connecting surface (41), and said passage plate abuts in a sealing manner against said connection area (13) by means of a second connecting surface (42), which is in particular oriented parallel to said narrow side surface (8), a plurality of connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) are formed in the passage plate (5), each of which is formed for connection between one of the valve assemblies (18) and one of the passage openings (14); A valve module system (1).

2. A valve module system (1) for a compressed air supply device of a compressed air consumer (82), the valve module system comprising: A carrier plate (2), This carrier plate is provided with one or more connections (12) at the connection surface (11), Each connection (12) is designed for the attachment of a valve module (4) and has a connection area (13) with a number of passage openings (14), Each passage opening (14) is connected to a fluid passage (33, 34, 35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2); and having one or more valve modules (4), Each of the valve modules (4) has a valve housing (6), the valve housing rests regionally on the respective connection part (12) with its narrow side (8), and In the valve housing, a duct (7) or a number of ducts (7) arranged parallel to one another are formed, the duct openings (9) of the ducts are arranged in a common duct opening plane (10) at the valve housing end face (16) and oriented transversely to the narrow side face (8), and A valve assembly (18), This valve assembly is housed in one of the ducts (7), At an end face (19) of the valve assembly (18), which is arranged in the region of the duct opening (9), A first valve connection (20) and a second valve connection (21) are formed, in a first control passage (53) assigned to the first valve connection (20) and / or in a second control passage (54) assigned to the second valve connection (21), A valve seat (55, 56); a valve member (57, 58) is arranged which is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for said valve seat (55, 56) and an open position for said valve seat (55, 56); The valve housing (6) comprises a passage plate (5), the passage plate is sealingly connected by a first connecting surface (41) to the valve housing end surface (16) or to the valve assembly (18), in particular to the end surface (19) of the valve assembly (18), and the passage plate abuts in a sealing manner against the connection area (13) by means of a second connecting surface (42), which is in particular oriented parallel to the narrow side surface (8), in said passage plate (5) a number of connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) are formed for the connection of said first valve connection (20) and said second valve connection (21) with each one of said passage openings (14); A valve module system (1).

3. the passage plate (5) sealingly abuts against the valve housing end face (16) pierced by the duct opening (9) and defines, together with the duct (7), a pressure chamber in which at least one of the valve assemblies (18) is accommodated; A valve module system (1) according to claim 2.

4. said valve assembly (18) sealingly abuts, by means of a circumferentially extending seal (28), against an inner surface (29) of said duct (7) and defines, together with said duct (7), a pressure chamber (30); and a supply connection (31) connected to the pressure chamber (30) is formed at the end face (19) of the valve housing (6) or the valve assembly (18), said supply connections being connected in fluid communication with connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) in said passage plate (5); 3. The valve module system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that

5. the carrier plate (2) has a connecting surface (77) in which at least some of the fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) open; the fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) opening into the connecting surface (77) are assigned fluid connections (73, 74, 75, 76); A valve module system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. the connection area (13) has a first outlet opening (14) and the associated first fluid passage (33) is connected to a first working connection (75) arranged on the connecting surface (77), and the connection area (13) has a second outlet opening (14) and the associated second fluid passage (34) is connected to a second working connection (76) arranged on the connecting surface (77), and the connection area (13) has a third outlet opening (14) and the associated third fluid passage (35) is connected to a first fluid connection (74), in particular a compressed air connection, which is arranged on the connecting surface (77), and the connection area (13) has a fourth outlet opening (14) and the associated fourth fluid passage (36) is connected to a second fluid connection (73), in particular an exhaust connection, which is arranged on the connecting surface (77), 6. The valve module system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that

7. a seal (47), preferably in the form of a plate, is arranged between the second connecting surface (42) of the passage plate (5) and the connection area (13), said seals being formed for individual sealing between said outlet openings (14) and the respectively assigned connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46); A valve module system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. the passage plate (5) has individual fluid connections of the first valve connection (20), the second valve connection (21) and the supply connection (31) with respectively assigned connection passages (43, 44, 45, 46) for each valve assembly (18) accommodated in the valve housing (6); A valve module system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Within the first control passage (53), a valve seat (55) and a valve member (57) electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for said valve seat (55) and an open position for said valve seat (55); and Within the second control passage (54), a valve seat (55) and a valve member (58) electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for said valve seat (55) and an open position for said valve seat (55); A valve module system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

10. The passage plate (5) a first connecting passage (45); the first connecting passage is connected to a first valve connection (20) of the first valve assembly (18) and to a first valve connection (20) of the second valve assembly (18); a second connecting passage (46); the second connecting passage is connected to a second valve connection (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and to a second valve connection (21) of the second valve assembly (18); a third connecting passage (43); the third connecting passage is connected to the supply connection (31) of the first valve assembly (18); and a fourth connecting passage (44); the fourth connecting passage is connected to the supply connection (31) of the second valve assembly (18); The valve module system (1) according to claim 9.

11. The passage plate (5) a first connecting passage (45); The first connecting passage is connected to a first valve connection (20) and a second valve connection (21) of a first valve assembly (18), and coupled to the first valve connection (20) and the second valve connection (21) of the second valve assembly (18); A second connecting passage (43) is provided. the second connecting passage is connected to the supply connection (31) of the first valve assembly (18); and a third connecting passage (44); the third connecting passage is connected to the supply connection (31) of the second valve assembly (18); The valve module system (1) according to claim 9.

12. The passage plate (5) a first connecting passage (45); the first connecting passage is connected to a first valve connection (20) of the first valve assembly (18) and to a first valve connection (20) of the second valve assembly (18); a second connecting passage (46); the second connecting passage is connected to a second valve connection (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and to a second valve connection (21) of the second valve assembly (18); and a third connecting passage (43); the third connecting passage is connected to the supply connection (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the supply connection (31) of the second valve assembly (18); The valve module system (1) according to claim 9.

13. The passage plate (5) a first connecting passage (45); the first connecting passage is connected to the first valve connection (20) and the second valve connection (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the first valve connection (20) and the second valve connection (21) of the second valve assembly (18); A second connecting passage (43) is provided. the second connecting passage is connected to the supply connection (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the supply connection (31) of the second valve assembly (18); The valve module system (1) according to claim 9.

14. the valve members (57, 58) are coupled to piezo actuators (59, 60), in particular piezo bending bodies; The piezo actuators (59, 60) are connected to a voltage supply device, which is electrically coupled to a control device (63); the control device being configured for providing control signals for the control of said piezo drive devices (59, 60); A valve module system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that

15. The fluid passages (35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2) A group of sensors (66, 67, 68) consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a humidity sensor are assigned to the sensor; the sensor being electrically coupled to a control device (63) and configured to provide an electrical sensor signal; A valve module system (1) according to claim 14.

16. 15. The valve module system (1) of claim 14, wherein the sensors (66, 67, 68) are coupled to sensor passages (93, 94, 95, 96) that branch off from the fluid passages (35, 36).

17. The fluid passages (35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2) have a throttle portion (65), a first pressure sensor (66) designed for providing a pressure-dependent electrical first sensor signal is assigned to a first end region of the throttle (65); and a second pressure sensor (67) designed for providing a pressure-dependent electrical second sensor signal is assigned to a second end region of the throttle (65); and the first pressure sensor (66) and the second pressure sensor (67) are electrically coupled to the control device (63), the control device being configured for processing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. A valve module system (1) according to claim 14.

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