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 supplying compressed air to a compressed air consuming part.

Background Art

[0002] Such a valve module system for purposefully supplying or exhausting one or more compressed air consuming parts, which are, for example, pneumatic cylinders or other pneumatic actuators, with compressed air, is sold by the applicant under the product name "Ventilinsel CPV", for example, and is used in automation technology.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve module system that can be adapted in a flexible manner to various requirements regarding the compressed air consuming parts to be supplied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This problem is solved for a valve module system in that the valve module system has a carrier plate, the carrier plate has a plurality of connections on the connection surface, each connection is formed for mounting the valve module and has a connection area, and this connection area has a plurality of passage openings, each passage opening is solved by being coupled to a fluid passage formed in the carrier plate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, this valve module system comprises one or more valve modules, Each valve module of the valve module has a valve housing, in which one or more valve assemblies are accommodated, and the valve housing has a narrow side surface and is placed on each of the connection parts in terms of area, and has a passage plate, and this passage plate is hermetically coupled to the valve housing by a first coupling surface, and this passage plate is hermetically in contact with the connection area by a second coupling surface that is oriented particularly parallel to the narrow side surface, In the passage plate, a plurality of coupling passages are formed, and these coupling passages are formed for coupling between one valve assembly in the valve assemblies and one passage opening in the passage openings, respectively.

[0006] Particularly, it has one or more valve modules, Each valve module of the valve module has a valve housing, and this valve housing has a narrow side surface and is placed on each of the connection parts in terms of area, and in this valve housing, one duct or a plurality of ducts oriented parallel to each other are formed, It is intended that the duct openings of the ducts are arranged in a common duct opening plane that is laterally oriented with respect to the narrow side surface at the end face of the valve housing. Furthermore, the valve module system includes at least one valve assembly, and the valve assembly is accommodated in one of the ducts of the valve housing, at the end face of the valve assembly arranged in the area of the duct opening, a first valve connection part and a second valve connection part are formed.

[0007] In the first control passage assigned to the first valve connection part and / or in the second control passage assigned to the second valve connection part, a valve seat, and a valve member which is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the seat are arranged. Memo In that case, the valve housing comprises a passage plate, which is sealingly connected by a first connecting surface to the end face of the valve housing or to the valve assembly, in particular sealingly abuts against the end face of the valve assembly, and the passage plate is sealingly abutted against the connection region by a second connecting surface which is oriented in particular parallel to the narrow side face, and a plurality of connecting passages are formed in the passage plate, and it is intended that these connecting passages are each formed for the connection of the first valve connection part and the second valve connection part to one passage opening.

[0008] The function of the support plate is first of all the mechanical fixation of at least one valve module, in particular a plurality of valve modules, wherein the plurality of valve modules are preferably arranged adjacent to each other by side faces which face each other along a direction in a row. Advantageously, the valve housing of the valve module has two side faces which are oriented parallel to each other, wherein these side faces are connected to each other by a narrow side face, and wherein at least one of these narrow side faces is formed for abutting on the connection part of the support plate. Advantageously, it is intended that this narrow side face is formed flat and that the corresponding connection part on the support plate is likewise formed flat.

[0009] ​Within the carrier plate, a plurality of fluid passages extend, and these fluid passages are formed for the supply or discharge of fluid to / from the passage openings provided within the connection region of the connection part. Advantageously, the valve housing is dimensioned such that it does not cover the connection region with the passage openings realized therein. Thus, it is intended that free access to the passage openings is ensured when the valve housing is mounted on the carrier plate.

[0010] It is possible for the valve housing to be formed, for example, in a cuboid shape, and at an end face oriented perpendicular to the narrow side faces intended for abutment on the carrier plate, it has a plurality of ducts spaced apart from each other at a particular pitch and oriented parallel to each other. The parallel orientation of these ducts is given by the fact that each of these ducts extends into the valve housing along an extension axis in the form of a recess, and the extension axes of these ducts are oriented parallel to each other. Furthermore, it is intended that the outlet openings of the ducts, also referred to as duct openings, are arranged within a common duct opening plane oriented transversely to the narrow side faces. Advantageously, these ducts are formed with at least a partially constant contour along their respective extension axes, and it is intended that this contour is selected such that a valve assembly can be inserted into each of these ducts.

[0011] The valve assembly comprises a first valve connection part and a second valve connection part, and these valve connection parts delimit one outlet opening each for the assigned control passages. In this case, it is intended that a first control passage is assigned to the first valve connection part and a second control passage is assigned to the second valve connection part. Furthermore, in at least one control passage, a valve seat and a valve member which is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat are arranged, so that it is intended that the cross-sectional area of each control passage can be changed. Advantageously, it is intended that the valve member releases the maximum cross-sectional area of the control passage in the open position and completely closes the control passage in the closed position.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve module system comprises an exchangeably formed passage plate, and the task of this passage plate is to form a fluidly communicating connection between each valve assembly and the assigned connection region having a passage opening provided therein. For this purpose, the passage plate has a first connecting surface, and this first connecting surface abuts sealingly against the outlet opening of the duct or against the end face of the valve assembly accommodated in each duct, and in particular, to ensure a sealed connection between the first valve connection and the connecting passage formed in the passage plate, in particular the first connecting passage 43, and to ensure a sealed connection between the second valve connection and the connecting passage formed in another passage plate or the first connecting passage. In this case, it is intended that the connecting passage is in a state of fluidly communicating connection with each passage opening of the connection region at a second connecting surface oriented parallel to the narrow side surface of the valve housing, and that this second connecting surface abuts sealingly against this connection region. Advantageously, it is intended that the passage plate is formed in a cuboid shape, and that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are each formed flat and oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0013] Depending on the assignment provided for each coupling passage between the first valve connection part and one or more passage openings in the connection area, as well as between the second valve connection part and one or more passage openings in the connection area, different functions can be configured for each valve assembly, or for a plurality of valve assemblies belonging to each valve module. For this purpose, in particular, it is intended to select a passage plate with a corresponding course of the coupling passage from a plurality of differently configured passage plates, and to assign this passage plate to each 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 abuts sealingly against the end face of the valve housing penetrated by the duct opening and delimits a pressure chamber together with the duct, in which at least one of the valve assemblies is accommodated. For example, a plate-shaped rubber-elastic sealing material is arranged between the passage plate and the end face of the valve housing which is penetrated by the duct and in which a duct opening is formed at its end face of the valve housing, whereupon this sealing material forms a common pressure chamber for all the ducts covered by the passage plate, or each duct covered by the passage plate forms a separate pressure chamber, or groups of these ducts are intended to form a common pressure chamber. Optionally, in the assembled state, the end face of the passage plate facing the end face of the valve housing is provided in each case with a ring-shaped sealing material made of a rubber-elastic material, which sealing material is formed for the individual sealing of each duct opening, and thus it is intended that a separate pressure chamber is provided for each valve assembly. In yet another alternative, each of these duct openings is surrounded by a ring-shaped seal made of a rubber-elastic material, and the end face of the passage plate is sealingly pressed against this seal in the assembled state, whereby, likewise, for each valve assembly, it is possible that a dedicated pressure chamber is intended to be provided. Advantageously, it is intended that a common pressure load or negative pressure load for each pressure chamber is effected via a corresponding connecting passage in the passage plate.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the valve assembly sealingly abuts against the inner surface of the duct by means of a seal extending therearound and delimits a pressure chamber together with the duct, and a supply connection coupled to the pressure chamber is formed at the end face of the valve housing or of the valve assembly, it being intended that this supply connection is coupled to a connecting passage in the passage plate so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Advantageously, the valve assembly is formed in the manner of a cartridge or a cartridge, which, seen by themselves, do not have functionality in the individual state, but rather are only placed in the functional state for the first time by being assembled into the duct of the valve housing. This should be attributed to the fact that the valve assembly does not have any inherent, pressure-sealed housing, but rather has to rely on a sealed accommodation within the duct. For this purpose, it is intended that the valve assembly sealingly abuts against the inner surface of the duct by means of a seal extending therearound and, by this means, delimits a pressure chamber by the duct. Starting from this pressure chamber, a first control passage assigned to a first valve connection and a second control passage assigned to a second valve connection extend. Furthermore, it is intended that, similar to in the first control passage, in the second control passage as well, one valve seat each, and an electrically controllable valve member are arranged respectively. For the supply of the pressure chamber with compressed air, process gas, process gas mixture, or negative pressure, a supply connection is provided, via which a fluid supply of the pressure chamber by overpressure or negative pressure can be effected. When sealing between the passage plate and the valve housing, it is intended that the supply connection is formed in this passage plate and is in a fluid communication connection state with the assigned passage opening in the connection region via the assigned connecting passage in this passage plate. As long as the valve assembly is hermetically accommodated in each duct by a sealing material extending around it and thereby the pressure chamber is partitioned for the first time, it is possible that the supply connection is selectively formed at the valve housing or at the end face of the valve assembly, and in this case, it is in a fluid communication connection state with the assigned passage opening in the connection region via the assigned connecting passage in the passage plate.

[0017] Advantageously, it is intended that the support plate has a connecting surface, at which at least a part of the fluid passage opens, and at least one fluid connection is assigned to the fluid passage opening at the connecting surface. The fluid passages opening at the connecting surface and each having one fluid connection enable, accordingly, the connection of fluid conduits, in particular flexible fluid ducts, and these fluid conduits can be connected by themselves, for example, to a compressed air source, or a negative pressure supply source, or a working connection of a compressed air consumer. Accordingly, the fluid connection forms a fluid-technical connection between the valve module system and the assigned supply device or compressed air consumer. Advantageously, it is intended that each fluid passage formed in the support plate opens at the connecting surface and has the assigned fluid connection.

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

[0019] This configuration of the outlet openings provided in the connection region and the connections arranged on the connection surface enables a typical operating method for a valve module system to be realized. For example, it is intended that a compressed air source is connected to the first fluid connection on the connection surface, and this compressed air source is coupled to a plurality of third outlet openings in a plurality of connection regions via the assigned third fluid passage. In the same way, this also applies to the second fluid connection formed on the connection surface, which is coupled to a plurality of fourth outlet openings of a plurality of connection regions via the fourth fluid passage and can be used, for example, as an exhaust passage. Conversely, the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are each intended as a direct connection between the first or second outlet opening assigned to a single connection region and the first or second working connection assigned to the connection surface.

[0020] In an advantageous further configuration, A sealing material, preferably formed in a plate shape, is disposed between the second connecting surface of the passage plate and the connecting region. This sealing material is intended to be formed for individual sealing between the outlet opening and the respective assigned connecting passages. For this purpose, a sealing material, preferably made of a rubber-elastic material and having at least a rubber-elastic sealing region, is penetrated by a plurality of passages. These passages each serve to ensure a fluid connection between the connecting passage and the assigned outlet opening. In contrast, a sealing portion formed to extend around each passage serves to ensure the sealing of this fluidly communicating connection.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the passage plate has individual fluid connections for each assigned connecting passage for each valve assembly housed within the valve housing, with respect to the first valve connection, the second valve connection, and the supply connection. This is intended. This ensures that there is a fluid separation between the first valve connection, the second valve connection, and the supply connection within the passage plate and the carrier plate for each valve assembly. Conversely, it is possible that adjacent valve assemblies arranged within a common valve housing can similarly access one or more connecting passages formed within the passage plate via their respective first valve connections, or second valve connections, or supply connections.

[0022] Within the first control passage, when a valve seat and a valve member, which is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat, are arranged, and In the second control passage, when a valve seat and an electrically controllable valve member movable between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat are arranged, it is advantageous. Thereby, the fluidly communicating connections 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 that case, similar to the first control passage, in order to enable individual adjustment of the cross-sectional area for the second 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 each other.

[0023] In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, the passage plate has a first coupling passage, which is coupled to the first valve connection of the first valve assembly and to the first valve connection of the second valve assembly, a second coupling passage, which is coupled to the second valve connection of the first valve assembly and to the second valve connection of the second valve assembly, a third coupling passage, which is coupled to the supply connection of the first valve assembly, and a fourth coupling passage, which is coupled to the supply connection of the second valve assembly, is intended. For example, a first coupling passage is coupled to a coupling passage formed within the carrier plate and opening at the connection surface, and this coupling passage is intended to also be referred to as a first working passage. Further, it is possible that a second coupling passage is coupled to a fluid passage formed within the carrier plate and opening at the connection surface, and this fluid passage is intended to be referred to as a second working passage. In this case, a first valve assembly, each having two 2 / 2-way control valves, and a second valve assembly, each also having two 2 / 2-way control valves, can be operated in combination to form a 4 / 3-way control valve in the manner of a full bridge structure (Vollbrueckenstruktur). As long as a third coupling passage is coupled to a compressed air source and a fourth coupling passage is formed as an exhaust connection, ventilation or exhaust can be ensured individually for the first coupling passage and the second coupling passage.

[0024] In an alternative further configuration of the invention, the passage plate has a first coupling passage, this first coupling passage being coupled to a first valve connection and a second valve connection of the first valve assembly, and a first valve connection and a second valve connection of the second valve assembly, has a second coupling passage, this second coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection of the first valve assembly, and has a third coupling passage, this third coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection of the second valve assembly, is intended. In this case, the supply of compressed air is ensured via the second connection passage, and the discharge of exhaust is intended via the third connection passage. Thus, in the first connection passage, the compressed air consumption unit connected to the working connection part of this first connection passage can be selectively ventilated by the control of the first valve assembly, and can be exhausted by the control of the second valve assembly, and in both cases, a flow rate twice that of each can be provided. This is because both ventilation and exhaust can be performed via two valve members that are controllable independently of each other in each valve assembly respectively.

[0025] In yet another alternative embodiment, the passage plate has, a first connection passage, this first connection passage being coupled to the first valve connection part of the first valve assembly and to the first valve connection part of the second valve assembly, a second connection passage, this second connection passage being coupled to the second valve connection part of the first valve assembly and to the second valve connection part of the second valve assembly, and, a third connection passage, this third connection passage being coupled to the supply connection part of the first valve assembly and to the supply connection part of the second valve assembly, which is intended. In this embodiment of the passage plate, by the second valve assembly as well as the first valve assembly, the compressed air consumption units can be supplied via the first or second connection passage respectively, where both of these compressed air consumption units are supplied exclusively by compressed air and no exhaust is intended. It is possible that the compressed air consumption unit in this manner is formed as, for example, a compressed air motor.

[0026] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the passage plate has, It has a first coupling passage, and this first coupling passage is coupled to the first valve connection part and the second valve connection part of the first valve assembly, and to the first valve connection part and the second valve connection part of the second valve assembly, It has a second coupling passage, and this second coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection part of the first valve assembly and to the supply connection part of the second valve assembly. This is intended. In this embodiment of the passage plate, for example, the pressure supply of the compressed air consumption part can be carried out, and in this pressure supply, both valve assemblies selectively block or release the fluidly communicating connection between the second coupling passage, which is particularly coupled to the compressed air source, and the first coupling passage used as the working connection part. In this case, the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly can be used for flow rate control.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the valve member is coupled to a piezo drive device, particularly a piezo bending body, the piezo drive device is connected to a voltage supply device, and this voltage supply device is electrically coupled to a control device, and it is intended that this control device is formed for providing a control signal for the control of the piezo drive device. With a piezo drive device, particularly a piezo bending body formed in a strip shape (monomorph, bimorph, trimorph with or without a conductive intermediate layer), a highly accurate proportional valve function can be realized. In this case, it is intended to mount the valve member formed as a sealing element in the end region of the piezo drive device, and this piezo drive device is accommodated in a position-fixed manner in the valve assembly, for example, via a spring-elastic three-point support. A piezo drive device, in particular, requires a voltage to induce deformation of a piezo bending body, and this voltage needs to be supplied from a voltage supply device. This voltage supply device is electrically coupled to a control device, and this control device adjusts the amount of electrical energy to be supplied to the piezo drive device by the voltage supply device. Advantageously, it is intended that the high-voltage supply device and the control device are formed as components of an electronic circuit, and in this case, the control device is formed in particular as a microprocessor. Particularly advantageously, it is intended that the voltage supply device and the control device are arranged and formed on a common printed circuit (printed circuit board).

[0028] In the fluid passage formed within the carrier plate, sensors from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a humidity sensor are assigned, it is expedient if the sensors are electrically coupled to the control device and are formed for providing an electrical sensor signal. Using the sensors, for example, the supply pressure of a compressed air source, or the working pressure for a compressed air consumption unit, or the temperature, volumetric flow rate, and moisture content of a gas flow flowing within the fluid passage can be detected. The electrical sensor signal provided by the sensors is supplied to the control device via sensor leads and can be processed there. For example, it is possible that the control device is formed for performing pressure control for the fluid pressure that is dominant within the fluid passage. For this purpose, corresponding control of a valve assembly that is fluidly connected to the fluid passage is carried out.

[0029] Advantageously, it is intended that the pressure sensor is coupled to a sensor passage, and this sensor passage branches off from the fluid passage. Such a sensor passage, which may also be referred to as a stub conduit, on the one hand enables reliable pressure detection for the pressure that is dominant within the fluid passage, yet, within the sensor passage, there is no significant fluid flow, thus avoiding the undesired inclusion of the kinetic pressure fraction, and thereby enabling more accurate measurement results to be expected in comparison to a sensor placed directly within the fluid passage.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the valve module system, the fluid passage formed within the carrier plate has a throttle portion, a first pressure sensor formed for providing an electrical first sensor signal dependent on pressure is assigned to a first end region of the throttle portion, and, a second pressure sensor formed for providing an electrical second sensor signal dependent on pressure is assigned to a second end region of the throttle portion, and, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are electrically coupled to the control device, which is formed for processing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. This is intended. In this embodiment, the throttle portion, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor form a device for flow rate measurement within the fluid passage. In this case, it is not necessary for the throttle portion to have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to other fluid passages. Rather, for each, it is sufficient if the flow resistance regarding the throttle portion is known in order to be able to detect a pressure difference based on the sensor signals of the sensors arranged on the end sides of the throttle portion, and from this, to be able to calculate the desired flow rate measurement. Optionally, it is equally possible that only one pressure sensor is pneumatically coupled to the first end region of the throttle portion and to the second end region of the throttle portion and is formed for detecting the differential pressure across the throttle portion.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] The valve module system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is intended for the fluid supply of a plurality of compressed air consumers (not shown), and is shown in an unassembled state for clarity of the structure of this valve module system. As an example, the valve module system 1 comprises a support plate 2, on which, beside the communication unit 3, a plurality of valve modules 4 arranged in a row along the axis 15 are arranged, and it is possible that an assigned passage plate 5 is attached. As an example, according to the illustration in FIG. 1, only the sole passage plate 5 is assigned to one of these valve modules 4, while the other valve modules 4 do not have a passage plate 5 for illustrative reasons. The communication unit 3 in particular OPC integration architecture (OPC UA (Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture)), bus communication system (Buskommunikationssystem), its IO link enables data exchange with, for example, a higher-level control device, in particular a programmable logic controller (speicherprogrammierbaren Steuerung (SPS)), or with a control level (Leitebene) or cloud via this IO link (IO Link). This enables the connection of the valve module system 1 to a communication system (not shown) from the group consisting of

[0034] Each valve module of the valve modules 4 comprises a valve housing 6, in which, as an example, four ducts 7 are formed, which are intended for the accommodation of a group of valve structural parts 18 formed in the form of a cartridge or a cartridge. At this time, the contour of each group of valve structural parts 18 is adapted to the contour of the duct 7 without the valve assembly 18 shown in FIG. 1, so that this group of valve structural parts 18 can be inserted into each duct 7. At that time, the valve assembly 18 is formed such that it can be used for controlling fluid flow only when the valve assembly is incorporated in the duct 7. Accordingly, the valve assembly 18 is provided with a sealing material 28 extending around it, and this sealing material is formed for a sealing contact state with the inner surface 29 of the duct 7. In this way, the valve assembly 18 and the duct 7 partition the pressure chamber 30 shown in more detail in FIG. 4.

[0035] At the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18, a first valve connection portion 20, a second valve connection portion 21, and a supply connection portion 31 are formed, and these are shown in more detail in the detailed view of FIG. 2. By way of positive example, the first valve connection portion 20 and the second valve connection portion 21 each have one rubber elastic sealing material 32, while the supply connection portion 31 is, by way of positive example, intended to be formed as a rectangular connection portion within the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18. The valve assembly 18 is inserted into the duct 7 of the valve housing 6 such that the end face 19 of each valve assembly 18 is aligned flush with the duct opening plane 10 of each valve housing 6. In that case, the duct opening plane 10 is the plane within which the duct opening 9 of the duct 7 is arranged.

[0036] By way of positive example, the valve housing 6 formed in a cuboid shape is placed flat on a connection portion surface 11, which is formed flat, by way of positive example, by a narrow side surface 8 oriented at a right angle to the duct opening plane 10. The valve housing 6 is fixed to the support plate 2 by fixing means (not shown), and at that time, a defined position on the support plate 2 is provided for each valve housing 6, and this position is also referred to as the connection portion 12. This connection portion 12 includes, by way of positive example, a connection region 13 formed in a rectangle, and this connection region is not covered by the valve housing 6 and opens at a plurality of passage openings 14. As shown in more detail in FIG. 4, each of these passage openings 14 is connected to fluid passages 33 to 36 formed in the carrier plate 2. For the fluidly communicating connection between the valve assembly 18 and the passage opening 14 in the connection region 13, one passage plate 5 is provided for each valve module 4. In FIG. 1, only the only passage plate among these passage plates 5 is shown for reasons of visibility.

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

[0038] In an alternative embodiment of one valve module 84, as shown at the top in the arrangement by the valve modules 4, 84 in FIG. 1, the individual seals for each duct 7 are ensured upon abutment of the passage plate 5 by a sealing material 17 arranged in a recess of the valve housing end face 16 that extends circumferentially in a ring shape around each duct opening 9. In this case, since the pressure chamber is delimited by the passage plate 5, the sealing material 17, and the duct 7, the sealing material 28 provided in the valve assembly 18 and the supply connection 31 can be omitted. This is because the supply of the valve assembly 18 can be achieved by a supply duct 40 that opens into this pressure chamber in the passage plate, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0039] As schematically shown in FIG. 4 as well, at the end face of the carrier plate 2, also referred to as the connecting surface, the fluid passages 33 to 36 formed in the carrier plate 2 terminate. Each of the fluid passages from fluid passage 33 to 36 opens at the connection surface 77 of the support plate 2 and, in so doing, forms one fluid connection 73, 74, 75, 76 each, which fluid connection comprises a fluid connection part (not shown) that enables the connection of a fluid duct (not shown), for example.

[0040] In FIG. 3, a schematic perspective view of the passage plate 5 is shown. The passage plate 5 generally comprises four valve connections 37, which are arranged at the same pitch as is the case for the duct 7 in the valve housing 6. Each of these valve connections 37 is provided for a liquid-tight connection with one assigned valve assembly 18. For example, each of these valve connections 37 comprises a first receiving bore 38, a second receiving bore 39, and a supply duct 40. In that case, the first receiving bore 38 is used for receiving the sealing material 32 of the first valve connection 20, while the second receiving bore 39 is used for the sealed reception of the sealing material 32 of the second valve connection 21. The supply duct 40 can be used for a liquid-tight connection with the supply connection 31 at the end face 19 of the valve assembly 18 when using the passage plate 5 in a coupled state with the valve module 4. When using the passage plate 5 in a coupled state with the valve module 84, the supply duct 40 is used for the supply of fluid into the pressure chamber delimited by the passage plate 5, the sealing material 17, and the duct 7.

[0041] The surface of the passage plate 5, which advantageously is formed flat and comprises the valve connections 37, is also referred to as the first connection surface 41. As an exemplary positive example, a second connection surface 42, which is oriented at a right angle to the first connection surface 41 and has a flat surface, is used for placement on the connection region 13 of the connection part 12. At the second connecting surface 42, the first connecting passage 43, the second connecting passage 44, the third connecting passage 45, and the fourth connecting passage 46 are open. Each of the connecting passages from 43 to 46 is in a fluid communication connection with one of the two receiving perforations 38, 39 or with the supply duct 40 in a manner to be described in more detail below.

[0042] By way of positive example, a sealing plate 47 is arranged between the second connecting surface 42 and the connection region 13, and it is intended that this sealing plate be manufactured, by way of positive example, from a rubber-elastic material. This sealing plate 47 is penetrated by perforations 48 corresponding to the arrangement of the connecting passages from 43 to 46 in the passage plate 5, and these perforations ensure, in connection therewith, a fluid communication connection between the passage openings 14 and the connecting passages from 43 to 46 in the passage plate 5.

[0043] As can be seen from the schematic illustration of FIG. 4, the valve assembly 18, together with the duct 7, delimits a pressure chamber 30 which is in a fluid communication connection with the supply connection 31. In the nozzle carrier 51 belonging to the valve assembly 18, whose outer end face 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. At that time, the supply passage 52 connects the supply connection 31 to the pressure chamber 30. The first control passage 53 connects the first valve connection 20 to the first valve seat 55. The second control passage 54 connects the second valve connection 21 to the second valve seat 56. A first valve member 57, which is formed, for example, as a rubber-elastic sealing element in accordance with the illustration of FIG. 4, is seated sealingly on the first valve seat 55. At that time, 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 to the cartridge housing 22 of the valve assembly 18 in the end region opposite this first valve member 57. In the same way, in accordance with the illustration of FIG. 4, a second valve member 58, which is likewise formed as a rubber-elastic sealing element, is seated sealingly on a second valve seat 56 of the nozzle carrier 51 and is connected to a second piezo element 60, which is fixed on the end side to the cartridge housing 22.

[0044] Upon loading of the first piezo element 59 by voltage, a curvature of the first piezo element 59 is induced, by which the first valve member 57 is lifted from the first valve seat 55, and thus the fluidically communicating connection between the pressure chamber 30 and the first valve connection 20 is released. In the same way, this also applies to the second piezo element 60, which is able to assume a curved position by voltage, in which the second valve member 58 is lifted from the second valve seat 56 in order to release the fluidically 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 are provided, which are schematically illustrated and are electrically coupled to a control board 62. On the control board 62, a control device 63 is arranged, which comprises a microprocessor and a voltage generator in a way not shown in more detail, and this voltage generator is formed for the control of the voltage supply in dependence on a control program running in this microprocessor and in dependence on sensor signals, which will be explained in more detail below, in order to cause a desired curvature of the first piezo element 59 and / or the second piezo element 60.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) for the piezo elements, these piezo elements occupy a position curved without voltage load in the neutral position, and thus the valve members or sealing elements assigned to each are lifted from their respective valve seats, and it is intended that, upon supply of voltage, they undergo deformation, and by this deformation, the valve members or sealing elements assigned to each are pressed sealingly onto their respective valve seats.

[0046] As can be further perceived from the illustration of FIG. 4, illustratively by way of example, the passage plate 5 is generally penetrated by four coupling passages 43 to 46, and it is intended that these coupling passages can be coupled, in various configurations, to the respective first valve connections 20 and second valve connections 21 of the assigned valve assemblies 18, as well as to the respective supply connections 31 of the respective valve assemblies 18. From the illustration of FIG. 4, it can also be perceived that generally four passage openings 14 are in fluid communication and coupled, respectively, via the assigned fluid passages 33 to 36, to fluid connections 73 to 76, referred to as such and more particularly to fluid couplings not shown in greater detail. Furthermore, it is intended that the fluid connections 73 to 76 are arranged at the connection surface 77 of the carrier plate 2. As can be perceived from FIG. 1, both fluid connections 73 and 74 are arranged far away from the fluid connections 75 and 76 assigned to their respective valve modules by themselves. For clarification of the relationship between the fluid connections 74 to 76, these fluid connections are shown in FIG. 4 within a common illustration plane.

[0047] Illustratively, at the first fluid connection 73, a muffler 78 is arranged, and thus it is 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 thus the second fluid passage 34 can also be referred to as a supply passage. In the third fluid connection portion 75, the first working conduit 80 of the compressed air consumption portion 82 is attached. Therefore, the assigned third fluid passage 35 can also be referred to as the first working passage. In the fourth fluid connection portion 76, the second working conduit 81 of the compressed air consumption portion 82 is attached. Therefore, the assigned fourth fluid passage 36 can also be referred to as the second working passage. As an example, the compressed air consumption portion 82 is formed as a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder and is intended to provide bidirectional linear movement.

[0048] According to the illustration of FIG. 4, from the fluid passages 33 to 36 in the carrier plate 2 and from the connecting passages 43 to 46 in the passage plate 5, for example, the compressed air supplied from the compressed air source 79 is adapted to be supplied to the first connecting passage 43 through the second fluid passage 34. The passage plate 5 is formed such that the compressed air of the compressed air source 79 is supplied at the supply connection portion 31 of the lower both valve assemblies 18 arranged in the valve housing 6. As an example, each first valve connection portion of the first valve connection portion 20 of all the valve assemblies 18 is connected to the third connecting passage 45, and this third connecting passage itself is connected to the third fluid passage 35 of the carrier plate 2 and opens at the third fluid connection portion 75. It is intended that the second working conduit 81 of the compressed air consumption portion 82 is connected at this third fluid connection portion according to the illustration of FIG. 4. Furthermore, the first fluid passage 33 provided for exhaust is connected to the second connecting passage 44, and it is intended that this second connecting passage is connected to the supply connection portion 31 of the upper both valve assemblies 18 arranged in the valve housing 6. Exemplarily, each second valve connection of all valve assemblies 18 is coupled to a fourth coupling passage 46, which in turn is coupled to a fourth fluid passage 36, which opens into a fourth fluid connection 76. Exemplarily, it is intended that a first working conduit 80 of a compressed air consumer 82 is connected to the fourth fluid connection 76. By the fluid connections provided in advance by the passage plate 5, the lower valve assemblies 18 accommodated within the valve housing 6 are used for the freely selectable ventilation of the first working conduit 80 or the second working conduit 81. The upper valve assemblies 18 accommodated within the valve housing 6 are used for the freely selectable exhaust of the first working conduit 80 or the second working conduit 81.

[0049] Accordingly, the fluid connections of the four valve assemblies can redundantly generate both a ventilation function and an exhaust function for each working conduit of the two working conduits 80, 81 by means of two valve assemblies 18 each. Thus, although the reduced flow rates involved have to be tolerated, the maintenance of each ventilation function or exhaust function is also configured to be ensured in the event of a failure of one of these valve assemblies 18.

[0050] In order to enable the measurement technology-based detection of the flow process for the compressed air consumer 82, a throttle 65 is arranged within the third fluid passage 35, which has a defined flow resistance. At each end region of the throttle 65, a first pressure sensor 66 and a second pressure sensor 67 are arranged, which are electrically coupled to the control device 63 via the assigned sensor leads 86, 87. Each of the pressure sensors 66 and 67 supplies an electrical sensor signal to the control device 63 via the assigned sensor leads 86 and 87, from which it is possible for this control device 63 to detect the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor 66 and the second pressure sensor 67 and, based on the known flow resistance of this throttle part 65, to determine the flow rate through the third fluid passage 35.

[0051] In the fourth fluid passage, a third pressure sensor 68 and a flow rate measuring device 69 are arranged, which are connected to the control device 63 via sensor leads 88 and 89 and are likewise formed for providing sensor signals to the control device 63. For example, the use of the combination of the third pressure sensor 68 with the flow rate measuring device 69 enables direct flow rate measurement in the fourth fluid passage 36.

[0052] According to the illustration of FIG. 4, the pressure sensors 66 to 68 are each arranged on the mounting surface 100 of the sensor plate 97 at the ends of the stub conduits 93 to 96, and in this sensor plate, the sensor leads 86 to 89, which are only shown separately for reasons of illustration, are actually intended to be integrated. Depending on each usage situation, as shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to hermetically close each of the stub conduits 93 to 96 by the assigned pressure sensors 66 to 68, or, selectively, to insert a plug into each of the stub conduits 93 to 96 if 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 be further perceived from FIG. 4, the mounting surface 100 of the sensor plate 97 is arranged to face the lower surface 50 of the support plate 2.

[0053] Furthermore, a sensor conductor 90 is assigned to the control device 63, and this sensor conductor is provided with a plug connector 91 on the end side. According to the illustration in FIG. 4, a sensor cable 98 is plugged into the plug connector 91, and this sensor cable is used for the electrical connection between the position sensor 99 assigned to the compressed air consumption unit 82 and the control device 63.

[0054] In various modifications from the passage plates 24 to 27, as shown in these modification FIGS. 5 to 8, the connection passages 43 to 46 formed in each of the passage plates 24 to 27 are provided with the reference signs P for the pressure supply part, S for the exhaust part, A for the first working connection part, and B for the second working connection part, which have been normal in aerodynamics for a long time. The assignment of each function for each of the connection passages 43 to 46 is, accordingly, the same as the schematic illustration according to FIG. 4. However, for example, in the first fluid connection part 73 and the second fluid connection part 74, when the reverse arrangement of the silencer 78 and the compressed air source 79 is made, it can also be selected in a similar different way.

[0055] Optionally, it is also possible that, similarly to the first fluid connection part 73, different compressed air sources or other supply sources for the pressure-loaded gas are intended to be installed in the second fluid connection part 74 respectively. In this way, the valve module system can be used, for example, for the delivery of a gas mixture having a variable adjustable ratio of compressed air and pressure-loaded gas.

[0056] The passage plates 24 to 27 are, by way of positive example, each intended for the connection of two valve assemblies 18. Depending on each usage situation, a duplicate connection of four valve assemblies 18 can be similarly intended in the same way as in FIG. 4. In this case, the connection configurations shown respectively are duplicated within each of the passage plates 24 to 27 and are particularly mirror-symmetrical.

[0057]

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

[0058] In a second modification of the passage plate 25 according to FIG. 6, the supply connection portion 31 is coupled to the first coupling passage 43, and the second supply connection portion 31 is coupled to the second coupling passage 44. Further, all valve connection portions 20, 21 are coupled to the third coupling passage 45, while the fourth coupling passage 46 has no couplings. By means of this type of fluid connection within the passage plate 25, the venting and exhausting of a compressed air consuming unit (not shown) can be achieved with a volumetric flow rate that is twice as large for each, where it is possible for this compressed air consuming unit to be, for example, an air pressure cylinder that operates easily.

[0059] In a third modification of the passage plate 26 according to FIG. 7, both supply connection portions 31 are coupled to the first coupling passage 43, while each first valve connection portion 20 is coupled to the third coupling passage 45, and each second valve connection portion 21 is coupled to the fourth coupling passage 46.

[0058] In this way, for example, fluid flow control can be performed for two separate compressed air consuming units that are fluidly coupled to the third coupling passage 45 or the fourth coupling passage 46.

[0060] In a fourth variant of the passage plate 27 according to FIG. 8, both supply connection parts 31 are connected to the first connecting passage 43, while all valve connection parts 20, 21 are connected to the third connecting passage 45 and have no connection to the fourth connecting passage 46. By this means, for example, fluid flow control can be carried out for a compressed air consumption part having a flow cross-sectional area twice that of the passage plate 27 according to FIG. 7.

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

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

[0063] It is possible to assign different sensors to each of the stub conduits from 93 to 96 as required. In so doing, this is a matter of the mounting variants for the sensor plate 97 in each case, and it is self-evident that no other changes, particularly to the carrier plate 2, are necessary in other respects. Note that although this application relates to the invention described in the claims, the following may also be included as other aspects. 1. A valve module system (1) for supplying compressed air to a compressed air consumption unit (82), the valve module system comprising: having a carrier plate (2), the carrier plate having one or more connection parts (12) on a connection part surface (11), each connection part (12) being formed for mounting a valve module (4) and having a connection area (13), the connection area having a plurality of passage openings (14), each passage opening (14) being coupled to fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2), and having one or more valve modules (4), each valve module of the valve module (4) having a valve housing (6), one or more valve assemblies (18) being accommodated in the valve housing (6), and the valve housing being regionally placed on each of the connection parts (12) with a narrow side surface (8), and having a passage plate (5), the passage plate (5) being hermetically coupled to the valve housing (6) by a first coupling surface (41), and the passage plate being hermetically in contact with the connection area (13) by a second coupling surface (42) oriented particularly parallel to the narrow side surface (8), a plurality of coupling passages (43, 44, 45, 46) being formed in the passage plate (5), the coupling passages being formed respectively for coupling between one valve assembly of the valve assemblies (18) and one passage opening of the passage openings (14), characterized valve module system (1). 2. A valve module system (1) for a compressed air supply device of a compressed air consumption unit (82), the valve module system comprising: having a carrier plate (2), the carrier plate having one or more connection parts (12) on a connection part surface (11), Each connection part (12) is formed for mounting the valve module (4) and has a connection area (13), and this connection area is provided with a plurality of passage openings (14). Each passage opening (14) is connected to fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) formed in the support plate (2), and has one or more valve modules (4), each valve module of the valve module (4) has a valve housing (6), this valve housing has a narrow side surface (8) and is placed regionally on each of the connection parts (12), and one duct (7) or a plurality of ducts (7) aligned parallel to each other are formed in this valve housing, the duct opening (9) of the duct is arranged in a common duct opening plane (10) oriented laterally with respect to the narrow side surface (8) at the end face (16) of the valve housing, and has a valve assembly (18), this valve assembly is accommodated in one of the ducts (7), at the end face (19) of the valve assembly (18) arranged within the region of the duct opening (9), a first valve connection part (20) and a second valve connection part (21) are formed, within the first control passage (53) assigned to the first valve connection part (20) and / or within the second control passage (54) assigned to the second valve connection part (21), valve seats (55, 56), and a valve member (57, 58) which is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seats (55, 56) and an open position for the valve seats (55, 56) is arranged, the valve housing (6) is provided with a passage plate (5), this passage plate is hermetically coupled to the end face (16) of the valve housing or to the valve assembly (18) by a first coupling surface (41), in particular, hermetically abuts against the end face (19) of the valve assembly (18), and this passage plate hermetically abuts against the connection area (13) by a second coupling surface (42) oriented in particular parallel to the narrow side surface (8). In the passage plate (5), a plurality of connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) are formed, and these connecting passages are each formed for the connection of one passage opening (14) with the first valve connection part (20) and the second valve connection part (21). A valve module system (1) characterized by this. 3. The passage plate (5) is in airtight contact with the valve housing end face (16) penetrated by the duct opening (9), and together with the duct (7), partitions a pressure chamber, and at least one of the valve assemblies (18) is accommodated in this pressure chamber. The valve module system (1) according to 2 above, characterized by this. 4. The valve assembly (18) is in airtight contact with the inner surface (29) of the duct (7) by a sealing material (28) extending around, and together with the duct (7), partitions a pressure chamber (30), and On the end face (19) of the valve housing (6) or the valve assembly (18), a supply connection part (31) connected to the pressure chamber (30) is formed. This supply connection part is connected to the connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) in the passage plate (5) so as to be in fluid communication. The valve module system (1) according to 2 above, characterized by this. 5. The support plate (2) has a connecting surface (77), and at least a part of the fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) opens on this connecting surface. Fluid connection parts (73, 74, 75, 76) are assigned to the fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) opening on the connecting surface (77). The valve module system (1) according to any one of 1 to 4 above, characterized by this. 6. The connection region (13) has a first outlet opening (14), and the belonging first fluid passage (33) is connected to a first working connection part (75) arranged on the connecting surface (77), and The connection region (13) has a second outlet opening (14), and the belonging second fluid passage (34) is connected to a second working connection part (76) arranged on the connecting surface (77), and The connecting region (13) has a third outlet opening (14), and the third fluid passage (35) to which it belongs is connected to a first fluid connection (74), in particular a compressed air connection, arranged on the connecting surface (77), and the connecting region (13) has a fourth outlet opening (14), and the fourth fluid passage (36) to which it belongs is connected to a second fluid connection (73), in particular an exhaust connection, arranged on the connecting surface (77), The valve module system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that. 7. A sealing material (47), preferably formed in a plate shape, is arranged between the second connecting surface (42) of the passage plate (5) and the connecting region (13), This sealing material is formed for individual sealing between the outlet opening (14) and the respective assigned connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46). The valve module system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that. 8. The passage plate (5) has individual fluid connections with the first valve connection (20), the second valve connection (21), and the supply connection (31) for the respective assigned connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) for each valve assembly (18) accommodated in the valve housing (6). The valve module system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that. 9. In a first control passage (53), a valve seat (55) and a valve member (57) that can be electrically controlled and move between a closed position for the valve seat (55) and an open position for the valve seat (55) are arranged, and in a second control passage (54), a valve seat (55) and a valve member (58) that can be electrically controlled and move between a closed position for the valve seat (55) and an open position for the valve seat (55) are arranged. The valve module system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that. 10. The passage plate (5) has a first connecting passage (45), This first connecting passage is connected to the first valve connection (20) of the first valve assembly (18) and the first valve connection (20) of the second valve assembly (18). It has a second coupling passage (46), and this second coupling passage is coupled to a second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and a second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18). It has a third coupling passage (43), and this third coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18), and It has a fourth coupling passage (44), and this fourth coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to item 9 above, characterized by this. 11. The passage plate (5) has a first coupling passage (45), and this first coupling passage is coupled to a first valve connection portion (20) and a second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18), and a first valve connection portion (20) and a second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18). It has a second coupling passage (43), and this second coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18), and It has a third coupling passage (44), and this third coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to item 9 above, characterized by this. 12. The passage plate (5) has a first coupling passage (45), and this first coupling passage is coupled to a first valve connection portion (20) of the first valve assembly (18) and a first valve connection portion (20) of the second valve assembly (18). It has a second coupling passage (46), and this second coupling passage is coupled to a second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and a second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18), and It has a third coupling passage (43), and this third coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to item 9 above, characterized by this. 13. The passage plate (5) It has a first coupling passage (45), and this first coupling passage is coupled to the first valve connection part (20) and the second valve connection part (21) of the first valve assembly (18), and to the first valve connection part (20) and the second valve connection part (21) of the second valve assembly (18), it has a second coupling passage (43), and this second coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection part (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the supply connection part (31) of the second valve assembly (18), The valve module system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that. 14. The valve members (57, 58) are coupled to piezo drive devices (59, 60), in particular piezo bending bodies, the piezo drive devices (59, 60) are coupled to a voltage supply device, and this voltage supply device is electrically coupled to a control device (63), and this control device is formed for providing a control signal for controlling the piezo drive devices (59, 60). The valve module system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that. 15. In the fluid passages (35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2), sensors (66, 67, 68) of a group consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a humidity sensor are assigned, the sensors are electrically coupled to a control device (63) and are formed for providing an electrical sensor signal. The valve module system (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that. 16. The sensors (66, 67, 68) are coupled to sensor passages (93, 94, 95, 96), and this sensor passage branches off from the fluid passages (35, 36). The valve module system (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that. 17. The fluid passages (35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2) have a throttle part (65), a first pressure sensor (66) formed for providing an electrical first sensor signal depending on pressure is assigned to the first end region of the throttle part (65), and a second pressure sensor (67) formed for providing an electrical second sensor signal depending on pressure is assigned to the second end region of the throttle part (65), and The first pressure sensor (66) and the second pressure sensor (67) are electrically coupled to the control device (63), and the control device is formed for processing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. The valve module system (1) according to 14 above, characterized in that.

Claims

1. A valve module system (1) for a compressed air supply device of a compressed air consumption unit (82), the valve module system comprising: having a carrier plate (2); the carrier plate having one or more connections (12) at a connection surface (11); each connection (12) being formed for mounting a valve module (4) and having a connection area (13), the connection area having a plurality of passage openings (14); each passage opening (14) being coupled to a fluid passage (33, 34, 35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2); and having one or more valve modules (4); each valve module of the valve module (4) having a valve housing (6); the valve housing being placed regionally on each connection (12) with a narrow side surface (8); and one duct (7) or a plurality of ducts (7) aligned parallel to each other being formed in the valve housing; the duct opening (9) of the duct being arranged in a common duct opening plane (10) oriented transversely to the narrow side surface (8) at the valve housing end face (16); and having a valve assembly (18); the valve assembly being housed in one of the ducts within the duct (7); at an end face (19) of the valve assembly (18) arranged within the region of the duct opening (9), a first valve connection (20) and a second valve connection (21) being 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), valve seats (55, 56); and a valve member (57, 58) that is electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seats (55, 56) and an open position for the valve seats (55, 56) being arranged; the valve housing (6) comprising a passage plate (5); the passage plate being sealingly coupled to the valve housing end face (16) or the valve assembly (18) by a first coupling surface (41); and the passage plate being sealingly abutted against the connection area (13) by a second coupling surface (42). Within the passage plate (5), a plurality of connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) are formed, and these connecting passages are each formed for the connection of a first valve connection part (20) and a second valve connection part (21) to one passage opening (14). Valve module system (1), characterized in that.

2. The passage plate (5) abuts in a sealed manner against the valve housing end face (16) penetrated by the duct opening (9), and together with the duct (7) delimits a pressure chamber, in which at least one valve assembly (18) is accommodated. The valve module system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The valve assembly (18) abuts in a sealed manner against the inner surface (29) of the duct (7) by means of a sealing material (28) extending around it, and together with the duct (7) delimits a pressure chamber (30), and On the end face (19) of the valve housing (6) or the valve assembly (18), a supply connection part (31) connected to the pressure chamber (30) is formed, This supply connection part is connected to the connecting passages (43, 44, 45, 46) in the passage plate (5) so as to be in fluid communication. The valve module system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The support plate (2) has a connecting surface (77), and at least a part of the fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) opens at this connecting surface. Fluid connection parts (73, 74, 75, 76) are assigned to the fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36) opening at the connecting surface (77). The valve module system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

5. The connection region (13) has a first outlet opening (14), and the belonging first fluid passage (33) is connected to a first working connection part (75) arranged on the connecting surface (77), and The connection region (13) has a second outlet opening (14), and the belonging second fluid passage (34) is connected to a second working connection part (76) arranged on the connecting surface (77), and The connection region (13) has a third outlet opening (14), and the third fluid passage (35) to which it belongs is coupled to a first fluid connection portion (74) disposed on the connection surface (77), and the connection region (13) has a fourth outlet opening (14), and the fourth fluid passage (36) to which it belongs is coupled to a second fluid connection portion (73) disposed on the connection surface (77), The valve module system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. A sealing material (47), preferably formed in a plate shape, is disposed between the second connection surface (42) of the passage plate (5) and the connection region (13), This sealing material is formed for individual sealing between the outlet opening (14) and the respective assigned connection passages (43, 44, 45, 46), The valve module system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

7. The passage plate (5) has individual fluid connections of a first valve connection portion (20), a second valve connection portion (21), and a supply connection portion (31) with the respective assigned connection passages (43, 44, 45, 46) for each valve assembly (18) housed within the valve housing (6), The valve module system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

8. Within the first control passage (53), a valve seat (55) and a valve member (57) electrically controllable and movable between a closed position for the valve seat (55) and an open position for the valve seat (55) are disposed, 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 the valve seat (55) and an open position for the valve seat (55) are disposed, The valve module system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

9. The passage plate (5) has a first connection passage (45), This first connection passage is coupled to the first valve connection portion (20) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the first valve connection portion (20) of the second valve assembly (18), has a second connection passage (46), This second coupling passage is coupled to the second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18), and has a third coupling passage (43), this third coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and having a fourth coupling passage (44), this fourth coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. The passage plate (5) has a first coupling passage (45), this first coupling passage being coupled to the first valve connection portion (20) and the second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the first valve connection portion (20) and the second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18), has a second coupling passage (43), this second coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and has a third coupling passage (44), this third coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

11. The passage plate (5) has a first coupling passage (45), this first coupling passage being coupled to the first valve connection portion (20) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the first valve connection portion (20) of the second valve assembly (18), has a second coupling passage (46), this second coupling passage being coupled to the second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18) and has a third coupling passage (43), this third coupling passage being coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

12. The passage plate (5) has a first coupling passage (45), This first coupling passage is coupled to the first valve connection portion (20) and the second valve connection portion (21) of the first valve assembly (18), and to the first valve connection portion (20) and the second valve connection portion (21) of the second valve assembly (18). It has a second coupling passage (43). This second coupling passage is coupled to the supply connection portion (31) of the first valve assembly (18) and to the supply connection portion (31) of the second valve assembly (18). The valve module system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that.

13. The valve members (57, 58) are coupled to piezo actuators (59, 60). The piezo actuators (59, 60) are coupled to a voltage supply device, and this voltage supply device is electrically coupled to a control device (63). This control device is formed for providing a control signal for controlling the piezo actuators (59, 60). The valve module system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

14. In the fluid passages (35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2), Sensors (66, 67, 68) of a group consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a humidity sensor are assigned. The sensors are electrically coupled to a control device (63) and are formed for providing an electrical sensor signal. The valve module system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that.

15. The sensors (66, 67, 68) are coupled to sensor passages (93, 94, 95, 96), and this sensor passage branches off from the fluid passages (35, 36). The valve module system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that.

16. The fluid passages (35, 36) formed in the carrier plate (2) have a throttle portion (65). A first pressure sensor (66) formed for providing an electrical first sensor signal depending on pressure is assigned to the first end region of the throttle portion (65), and A second pressure sensor (67) formed for providing an electrical second sensor signal depending on pressure is assigned to the second end region of the throttle portion (65), and The first pressure sensor (66) and the second pressure sensor (67) are electrically coupled to a control device (63), and this control device is formed for the processing of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. The valve module system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that.

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