Air valve assembly

Abstract

The air valve assembly (100) may include a plurality of air valves (102, 104) that are removably mounted to a valve manifold (102) which includes manifold ports and defines the internal flow structure of the manifold. The manifold ports may include manifold distribution ports and one or more manifold supply ports that communicate with the manifold distribution ports through the internal flow structure of the manifold. The plurality of air valves may include air valves having different flow capacities or adaptable port sets for engaging with manifolds.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Flow control devices including valves and valve system assemblies (e.g., air valves and valve system assemblies) can be used for purposes including operating fluid power systems in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and other environments. In some applications, multiple air valves can be utilized in an air valve assembly that communicates with an air-powered system or various devices thereof. That is, for example, control of air flow using an air valve can be used to control the operation of an actuator or other element of a powered system.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] Generally, some examples disclosed herein can provide improvements to valve assemblies including valves and air valve assemblies. In particular, some exemplary air valve assemblies according to the disclosure of the present invention can provide a customizable air valve assembly that can implement different arrangements of various air valves having different flow control characteristics (e.g., flow capacity) based on the needs of a particular application. For example, multiple modular air valves can be configured for interchangeable installation on a manifold to provide different customizable flow (and control) configurations. In some cases, such an arrangement can enable the selective installation of valves of different sizes, functions, and control and power connectivity at multiple common interfaces on a manifold (or other body).

[0003] Some examples provide an air valve assembly that may include a valve manifold (e.g., a standalone or modular manifold) and a plurality of air valves detachably mounted to the valve manifold. The valve manifold may define an internal flow structure and may include manifold ports. The manifold ports may include manifold distribution ports and one or more manifold supply ports that can communicate with the manifold distribution ports through the internal flow structure. The plurality of air valves may include a first air valve having a first flow capacity and a second air valve having a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity. The first air valve may include a first valve supply port that communicates with the internal flow structure through a first of the manifold distribution ports, and the second air valve may include a second valve supply port that communicates with the internal flow structure through a second of the manifold distribution ports.

[0004] In some examples, each of the first and second air valves may include a valve body capable of defining a flow control passage that can communicate with each of the first or second valve supply ports, a valve distribution port that can communicate with the flow control passage, a valve control member that can be positioned in the flow control passage, and a control device (e.g., an air-solenoid or pilot valve, or other electro-fluid transducer) that can be positioned to move the valve control member to guide the flow through the flow control passage.

[0005] In some examples, the first and second air valves can be interchangeably mounted to either the first or second manifold distribution port.

[0006] In some examples, the first air valve may further include a first valve distribution port that can communicate with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a first auxiliary valve distribution port of the valve manifold to guide flow from the first air valve to one or more of the second or third manifold distribution ports.

[0007] In some examples, at least one of the first or second air valve may be a modular valve that includes a valve body module and one or more peripheral modules attached to the valve body module that customarily provide one or more of a valve distribution port, a valve supply port, a control device, or a valve control member. In some such examples, the control device may include an electronic control device (e.g., a first electro-fluid transducer that can communicate with the flow control passage of the valve body module and a second electro-fluid transducer that can communicate with the flow control passage of the valve body module).

[0008] In some cases, the volume of the flow control passage of the first air valve can be larger than the volume of the flow control passage of the second air valve.

[0009] In some examples, the first valve supply port may include a first supply port structure having a first outer diameter that can be received into the first manifold distribution port, and the second valve supply port may include a second supply port structure having a second outer diameter that can be received into the second manifold distribution port. In some such examples, the first outer diameter of the first supply port structure may be substantially identical to the second outer diameter of the second supply port structure.

[0010] In some examples, the first manifold distribution port may have a first inner diameter for receiving the first valve supply port, and the second manifold distribution port may have a second inner diameter for receiving the second valve supply port. In some such examples, the first inner diameter of the first manifold distribution port may be substantially identical to the second inner diameter of the second manifold distribution port.

[0011] In some cases, the valve manifold can be a single-piece molded manifold. In some cases, the valve manifold can be additively manufactured.

[0012] Some examples provide a method for configuring an air valve assembly. This method may include the step of mounting a plurality of air valves to a valve manifold (e.g., a single or modular manifold) to provide a customized operating configuration. The valve manifold may include one or more manifold supply ports communicating with an internal flow structure of the manifold. The step of mounting a plurality of air valves to a valve manifold may include the step of removably mounting a first air valve such that the first valve supply port of the first air valve communicates with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a first manifold distribution port, and the step of removably mounting a second air valve such that the second valve supply port of the second air valve communicates with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a second manifold distribution port. The first air valve may have a first flow capacity, and the second air valve may have a second flow capacity which may differ from the first flow capacity.

[0013] In some examples, the valve manifold may be configured to interchangeably receive either the first or second air valve at either of the first or second manifold distribution ports. In some such examples, the step of providing a customized operating configuration may include the steps of selectively mounting the first air valve at either the first or second manifold distribution port and selectively mounting the second air valve at the other of the first or second manifold distribution port.

[0014] In some examples, the method may further include the steps of assembling a first air valve as a first modular valve having a first plurality of valve modules, and assembling a second air valve as a second modular valve having a second plurality of valve modules.

[0015] In some examples, the step of removably mounting the first air valve may involve placing the first valve distribution port of the first air valve in communication with the first auxiliary valve distribution port on the valve manifold.

[0016] The accompanying drawings incorporated into and forming part of this specification illustrate examples of the technology disclosed herein and contribute to explaining the principles of the technology disclosed herein together with this description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of an air valve assembly based on the principles of the technology disclosed in this invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary air valve in the air valve assembly. [Figure 3] This is an isometric projection of an exemplary modular air valve for an air valve assembly according to the principles of the technology disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an isometric projection view of an exemplary alternative configuration of the modular air valve. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is an isometric projection view of an exemplary alternative configuration of the modular air valve. [Figure 6] This is an isometric projection view of an air valve assembly including a single valve manifold and the modular air valve shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is an isometric projection view of another air valve assembly, including the valve manifold in Figure 6 and the modular air valve in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is an isometric projection view of yet another exemplary air valve assembly according to the principles of the technology disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an isometric projection view of yet another exemplary air valve assembly according to the principles of the technology disclosed in the present invention. [Figure 10] This flowchart illustrates a method for constructing an air valve assembly according to the principles of the technology disclosed in this invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The following discussion is provided to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use examples of the art disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will immediately recognize the various modifications that can be made to the illustrated examples, and the general principles herein can be applied to other examples and uses without departing from the principles of the art disclosed herein. Accordingly, the art disclosed herein is not intended to be limited to the illustrated examples, but rather to provide the broadest possible scope of the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description should be read with reference to figures where similar elements in different figures have similar reference numerals. These figures, not necessarily to exact scale, are representative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the art disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and, overall, fall within the scope of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0019] Before describing any example in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure of the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of the structure and arrangement of components revealed in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The art disclosed herein can take other configurations and can be carried out or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as limiting. For example, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein, is intended to include the items listed before these words, their equivalents, and additional items.

[0020] As briefly discussed above, a flow control device including a valve assembly, such as an air valve assembly, can be used to operate a fluid power system. The air valve assembly can have, for example, a plurality of individual air valves that cooperate to provide supply fluid to one or more actuators of a fluid power system for various industrial applications. To reduce the size of the air valve assembly and to efficiently operate the plurality of air valves, the plurality of air valves can have one or more valve ports that are in fluid communication with each other or with a common fluid supply source through an air valve manifold.

[0021] Conventional air valve assemblies that include a plurality of air valves and one or more valve manifolds are generally utilized. However, such conventional air valve assemblies may have limited provision for customization for specific applications, regarding the type of valve that can be attached to the manifold, the configurability of these valves (e.g., regarding valve characteristics including the number of valve ports, flow capacity, etc.), and the availability of attachment interfaces on the manifold.

[0022] Examples of the technology disclosed in the present invention can address these problems (or other problems) by providing an air valve assembly that can be more customized by a user for a particular application. For example, some examples provide an air valve assembly that includes a single valve manifold and a plurality of air valves removably attachable thereto. The valve manifold can be configured to removably attach a plurality of air valves in various configurations, including cases where the valve itself is configured to be customizable by various valve characteristics (e.g., the number of valve ports, flow capacity, electrical connectors, etc.). In some examples, the valve manifold itself can be of a modular design that allows for further customization of the air valve assembly by the user (in addition to the modular configuration of the plurality of air valves). Thus, generally, a customized valve assembly can be provided by selectively and interchangeably attaching a plurality of valves of various different sizes to different ports of the manifold. For example, in some implementations, a first air valve having a first flow capacity and a second air valve having a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity can be removably attachable to the valve manifold at a plurality of different locations such that they are either installed simultaneously in separate manifold port sets or individually installed in the same manifold port set.

[0023] In some implementations, multiple air valves in an air valve assembly can be configured as a modular air valve, which can be assembled from multiple valve modules (e.g., single components or valve subassemblies), allowing for further customization of the valve assembly. For example, in some implementations, a modular air valve can be assembled using a selection of many valve body modules to provide customized flow control passage volumes, valve control members, etc., or a wide range of air valve configurations can be provided using one or more selections from ambient valve modules that can be detachably attached to the valve body modules (e.g., different port sizes, capacities, numbers, or locations can be provided, electrical or other signal / control modules can be provided, or the suitability of the air valve for specific application conditions such as exposure to outdoor environments, chemicals, etc.).

[0024] Some examples can also provide an improved method of customization when configuring an air valve assembly, including an air valve assembly having multiple air valves as described above. In some examples, the method may include a step of mounting multiple air valves to a single valve manifold when providing a customized operating configuration. For example, in some implementations, a single valve manifold may be included to interchangeably accept either the first or second air valve to either the first or second manifold distribution port of the valve manifold, so that when achieving a customized operating configuration, the user can selectively mount the first and second air valves to either the first or second manifold distribution port. In addition, in some implementations, the valve manifold may also be of a modular design to provide yet another level of customization by the user.

[0025] Moving on to Figure 1, an example of an air valve assembly 100 is shown. The air valve assembly 100 is an air valve platform through which one or more independently operable air valves can be assembled on one or more valve manifolds. In the example shown in Figure 1, the air valve assembly 100 includes a single valve manifold 102 and a first air valve 104 and a second air valve 106 that are detachably mounted on the valve manifold 102. The valve manifold 102 defines a manifold internal flow structure 110 that guides fluid through it and one or more manifold ports communicating with it. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 102 may include one or more manifold supply ports 112 (e.g., one supply port as shown) and one or more manifold distribution ports 114 (e.g., two distribution ports as shown).

[0026] One or more manifold supply ports 112 of the valve manifold 102 may be configured to receive a supply fluid (e.g., pressurized air) from an external supply source into the manifold internal flow structure 110. On the other hand, one or more manifold distribution ports 114 of the valve manifold 102 may be configured to distribute the supply fluid from the manifold internal flow structure 110 to the first or second air valves 104, 106 (or, in some implementations, directly to a fluid-powered machine or other system communicating with the air valve assembly 100).

[0027] In some examples, the valve manifold 102 may be a single, integrally molded manifold. In some examples, the valve manifold 102 may include two or more valve manifolds that are mounted together and define the internal flow structure 110 of the valve manifold 102. In other examples, the valve manifold 102 may be assembled from two or more molded (or other) manifold segments selected from a plurality of manifold segments that can have various configurations to give it customizable characteristics (i.e., it may be a modular valve manifold).

[0028] While Figure 1 shows only two valves 104, 106 and two interface locations (i.e., at ports 114A, 114B) for manifold 102, other configurations are possible. For example, multiple supply ports may be provided, or manifold 102 may include additional distribution ports configured to accept valves or other functional modules. In some examples, as will be discussed in more detail below, the ports of the manifold may communicate with different internal flow areas of the manifold (for example, supply air may be supplied from the supply ports to the valves through a first passage, and then redistributed from the valves to one or more distribution ports on the manifold through a second passage for distribution from these ports to an external system).

[0029] Continuing with the reference to Figure 1, the first air valve 104 includes a first valve body 120 that defines a first flow control passage 122 and at least one first valve supply port 124 and at least one first valve distribution port 126, each communicating with the first flow control passage 122. Similarly, the second air valve 106 includes a second valve body 130 that defines a second flow control passage 132 and at least one second valve supply port 134 and at least one second valve distribution port 136, each communicating with the second flow control passage 132. As described above, the first and second air valves 104 and 106 are removablely mountable to the valve manifold 102 so that their first and second valve supply ports 124 and 134 can communicate with the manifold internal flow structure 110 of the valve manifold 102 through one or more manifold distribution ports 114. For example, it is possible to configure the system so that standardized port plugs (e.g., plugs having the same outer diameter) on both valves 104 and 106 are removably received into standardized port openings on manifold 102, or vice versa.

[0030] In the illustrated implementation, the first valve supply port 124 enables communication between the first flow control passage 122 of the first air valve 104 and the manifold internal flow structure 110 through the first manifold distribution port 114A of the valve manifold 102, and the second valve supply port 134 enables communication between the second flow control passage 132 of the second air valve 106 and the manifold internal flow structure 110 through the second manifold distribution port 114B of the valve manifold 102. However, in some examples, valves 104 and 106 can be swapped with each other when it is desirable for valve 104 to communicate with port 114B or valve 106 to communicate with port 114A.

[0031] The first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second air valves 104, 106, respectively, can enable communication between the first and second flow control passages 122, 132, respectively, and one or more systems communicating with the air valve assembly 100. In some implementations, the first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second air valves 104, 106 can enable communication between the respective flow control passages 122, 132 and the manifold internal flow structure 110, rather than directing fluid away from the manifold. For example, one or both of the distribution ports 126, 136 can instead be aligned with corresponding auxiliary (i.e., additional) valve distribution ports on the manifold 102, such that the ports 126, 136 direct and return the flow from the respective valves 104, 106 into the internal flow structure 110 (e.g., its individual fluid passages (not shown)).

[0032] In some implementations, the first air valve 104 may have a first flow capacity different from the second flow capacity of the second air valve 106. For example, the first flow capacity, determined by one or more of the first flow control passage 122, the first valve supply port 124, or the first valve distribution port 126, may be greater than (as roughly illustrated) or less than the second flow capacity, determined by one or more of the second flow control passage 132, the second valve supply port 134, and the second valve distribution port 136. In some such implementations, the first and second air valves 104, 106 may have substantially equal overall external sizes (e.g., determined by the first and second valve bodies 120, 130) rather than having different flow capacities. Similarly, and as described above, the air valves 104 and 106 may have similar interface connections (e.g., plugs with substantially equal diameters). Therefore, for example, an extended implementation of part of the manifold 110 may include, in a customizable manner, any practical number of valves 104, 106 located in various different places, along with a common spatial envelope for each valve (and potentially, the entire assembly), regardless of the configuration.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first flow capacity of the first air valve 104 is greater than the second flow capacity of the second air valve 106. In some examples, the first flow control passage 122 of the first air valve 104 may have a first volume that is different from (e.g., larger than) the second volume of the second flow control passage 132 of the second air valve 106. In some examples, the air valve assembly 100 may further include a third air valve (not shown) which may have a third flow capacity (or a third volume of the third flow control passage) that is greater than the first flow capacity of the first air valve 104 (or the first volume of the first flow control passage 122), or less than the second flow capacity of the second air valve 106 (or the second volume of the second control passage 132), or equal to the flow capacity of either valve 104, 106, or a flow capacity between the flow capacity of valve 104 and the flow capacity of valve 106. In some such examples, the air valve assembly 100 may further include a fourth air valve (not shown) which may have a fourth flow capacity or fourth volume that is different from the flow capacity or volume of one or more of the first, second, and third air valves.

[0034] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, as mentioned above, the first air valve 104 and the second air valve 106 can be configured to be interchangeably mounted on the valve manifold 102. For example, the width of the first valve body 120 and the width of the second valve body 130 can be substantially equal, and the valves 104 and 106 can be interchangeably fixed to either the first or second distribution ports 114A, 114B (for example, by the interface structure of the first valve supply port 124 and the interface structure of the second valve supply port 132 being substantially equal). Thus, for example, the first air valve 104 can be detachably mounted on the second manifold distribution port 114B without offsetting the first and second valve supply ports 124, 132 relative to the first and second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B, and the second air valve 106 can be detachably mounted on the first manifold distribution port 114A at the same time. In some examples, the first valve distribution port 126 of the first air valve 104 and the second valve distribution port 136 of the second air valve 106 can similarly be interchangeably fixed to (or otherwise) ports on the manifold by interface structures that include substantially identical interface structures for port 126 and port 136 in some cases. In some examples, a third (or fourth, fifth, etc.) air valve (not shown) can be interchangeably mounted on the valve manifold 102 at the location of one or both of the first and second air valves 104, 106, or at an additional manifold distribution port (not shown) that can similarly interchangeably accept either of the valves 104, 106.

[0035] The first and second air valves 104 and 106 are configured to guide flow through the first and second control passages 122 and 132, respectively. To improve such performance, various configurations of the first and second air valves 104 and 106 of the valve assembly 100 are possible, including different known internal valve structures (e.g., having a control cylinder that can be actuated by electro-pneumatic, pneumatic, or linear solenoid, indirectly actuated by a pilot system, or actuated by an external control medium). In this regard, Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary air valve 204 according to the principles of the disclosure of the present invention, which can also be commonly implemented as either of the air valves 104 and 106 of the air valve assembly 100 shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, similar elements are indicated by similar reference numbers in the "200s" range. For example, similar to the first air valve 104 shown in Figure 1, the air valve 204 includes a valve body 220 that defines a flow control passage 222 communicating with one or more valve supply ports 224 and one or more valve distribution ports 226. One or more valve supply ports 224 may communicate with one or more manifold distribution ports of a valve manifold (e.g., the first or second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B of valve manifold 102), and one or more valve distribution ports 226 may communicate with one or more auxiliary distribution ports of a valve manifold or be configured to distribute pressurized fluid elsewhere (e.g., directly to one or more air actuators or other consumption destinations).

[0036] Continuing with the reference to Figure 2, the air valve 204 includes a valve control member 250 positioned within the flow control passage 222 and configured to guide the flow through the flow control passage 222 from the valve supply port 224 to the valve distribution port 226. For example, different grooves or other undulations (not shown) may be included on the control member 250 (e.g., according to different known configurations) or within the valve body 220 to define one or more specific passages through the flow control passage 222 depending on the position of the control member 250. In particular, a control device 252 (e.g., an electro-fluid converter, a fluid actuator (e.g., a fluid piston assembly), or a solenoid actuator (e.g., a linear solenoid configuration)) may be included within the air valve 204 and configured to cause the valve control member 250 in the flow control passage 222 to receive the flow through the flow control passage 222 and control it based on a control signal (e.g., electronic or fluid). In some examples, the control device 252 can be detachably mounted to the valve body 220 (for example, it can be a modular component as discussed above and below). In some examples, the control device 252 can communicate with a controller (not shown) of the air valve assembly 100, which is configured to provide the control device 252 with electronic signals to provide the movement of the valve control member 250. In some examples, the air valve 204 may include two or more control devices 252. In some such examples, the first control device may be an electro-fluid transducer, and the second control device may be a fluid actuator or a solenoid actuator.

[0037] One or more air valves in an air valve assembly are intended to be configured as modular valves that can be customized for a particular application by including (or excluding) one or more selected modular components. In this regard, Figure 3 illustrates another exemplary air valve 304 according to the principles of the disclosure of the present invention, which can also be commonly implemented as one of the air valves 104, 106 of the air valve assembly 100 shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, similar elements are indicated by similar reference numbers in the "300 series".

[0038] In particular, the air valve 304 includes a valve body module 320 that defines an internal flow control system (not shown, see discussion in Figure 2) communicating with one or more valve supply ports and one or more valve distribution ports. The valve body module 320 is configured to operably mount one or more peripheral modules, thereby providing a customizable air valve 304 having one or more of the following: one or more valve distribution ports, one or more valve supply ports, one or more electronic control devices for flow control, or one or more valve control members. For example, the valve control members (not shown) of the air valve 304 can be customized by selectively selecting the valve body module 320 from a plurality of interchangeable valve body modules (see, for example, Figure 1) that offer different internal flow control systems (e.g., different valve control members, flow control passage dimensions, etc.) and can operably couple with one or more of the same peripheral modules as the body module 320 (or others) in alternative configurations. In some examples, the valve body module 320 can be formed from two or more valve body modules (for example, as a combination of valves 102 and 104 in Figure 1). In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, one or more surrounding modules of the air valve 304 may include a first valve body cover plate 360, a second valve body cover plate 362, and a control device carriage 364, but other configurations are also possible.

[0039] In particular, continuing with the reference to Figure 3, the first valve body cover plate 360 ​​is removably attached to the first (e.g., bottom) side of the valve body module 320 and defines one or more (e.g., three) first port structures 366 of the air valve 304. Similarly, the second valve body cover plate 362 is removably attached to the second (e.g., top) side of the valve body module 320 (e.g., opposite to the first valve body cover plate 360). The second valve body cover plate 362 defines one or more (e.g., two) second port structures 368 of the air valve 304. In the illustrated example, the air valve 304 includes three first port structures 366 and two second port structures 368. One or both of the first and second port structures 366, 368 can at least partially define one or more valve supply ports and one or more valve distribution ports of the air valve 304 (see, for example, the valve supply ports 124, 134 and valve distribution ports 126, 136 of the first and second valves 120, 130 in Figure 1, and the valve supply port 224 and valve distribution port 226 of the air valve 204 in Figure 2).

[0040] Figure 3 shows a specific configuration, but other cover plates can be configured to provide other port arrangements for use in combination with valve body module 320 (or other valve body modules). Thus, the user can customize the total number, location, inner diameter, outer diameter, flow capacity, or function of the valve supply and distribution ports of the air valve 304 by removably attaching the selected cover plates (cover plates 360, 362) to the valve body module 320. In some examples, the first valve body cover plate 360 ​​may include fewer than three first port structures 366 or four or five or more first port structures 366. In some examples, the second valve body cover plate 362 may include a single second port structure 368 or three or four or more second port structures 368. In some examples, the second valve body cover plate 362 may not include a second port structure 368 (i.e., it may not have supply or distribution ports). In some examples, the valve body module 320 may be configured such that the air valve 304 does not include one or both of the first and second valve body cover plates 360, 362.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, in some examples, the port structures on multiple valves (e.g., on multiple modular valves with different flow capacities) may have a common outer diameter so as to be interchangeably fixed to a common set of ports on the manifold. For example, multiple valves may have an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter D3 (see Figure 3) of the first port structure 366 so as to be selectively and interchangeably received into any of the manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B (see Figure 1) of the valve manifold 102 and communicate with the manifold internal flow structure 110.

[0042] As mentioned above, the first and second air valves 104 and 106 of the valve assembly 100 can be configured as modular valves, just like the air valve 304. In some such examples, the first air valve 104 may have a first port structure that defines one or more of the first valve supply ports 124, and the first port structure has a first outer diameter (e.g., outer diameter D3) substantially equal to the second outer diameter (e.g., outer diameter D3) of the first port structure of the second air valve 106 that defines one or more of the second valve supply ports 134. Referring particularly to Figure 1, in some such examples, the first manifold distribution port 114A of the valve manifold 102 can provide a first inner diameter D1 substantially equal to the second inner diameter D2 of the second manifold distribution port 114B, so that at least the first valve supply port 124 of the air valve 104 and the second valve supply port 134 of the air valve 106 (for example, having a third diameter D3 (see Figure 3)) can be interchangeably mounted to the first and second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B of the valve manifold 102. In some examples, the valve manifold 102 may include three or more manifold distribution ports having substantially equal inner diameters and configured to accept three or more first port structures of the first and second air valves 104, 106. In some such examples, three or four or more first port structures of the first and second air valves 104, 106 may define one or more of the first and second valve supply ports 124, 134 or the first and second valve distribution ports 126, 136.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 3, the control device carriage 364 of the air valve 304 is detachably mounted on one of the sides of the valve body module 320 (for example, a third side different from the first and second sides of the valve body module 320). The control device carriage 364 may be configured to detachably receive one or more control devices of the air valve 304 (e.g., an electro-fluid converter, a fluid actuator, or a solenoid actuator) which can be configured to move a control member (not shown) to guide flow through the flow control passage (not shown) of the air valve 304. In other examples, the control device may be mounted directly to (or included in) the valve body module 304.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the control device carriage 364 is configured to removably receive the first control device 352A and the second control device 352B. The control device carriage 364 may further include one or more control device carriage connectors 372 that can be configured to enable electrical (or other) communication between one or both of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B and an external power source (e.g., for providing control signals and / or power to the control devices 352A, 352B). In some examples, one or more control device carriage connectors 372 may be configured to enable electrical communication between one or both of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B and a controller (not shown) (e.g., a programmable logic controller, a programmable sequencer, or a computer or computer network) which is included in or located outside the valve assembly 100 and can receive command signals corresponding to the operation of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B.

[0045] In some examples, each of the first and second control devices 352A, 352B can communicate with a flow control passage (not shown) of the valve body module 320 for parallel or interchangeable control of the flow through the valve 304. In some such examples, the first control device 352A can be configured to move a valve control member in a first direction within the flow control passage, and the second control device 352B can be configured to move a valve control member in a second direction opposite to the first direction within the flow control passage. In some examples, the first control device 352A can communicate with a first flow control passage of the valve body module 320 to move a first valve control member, and the second control device 352B can communicate with a second flow control passage (not shown) of the valve body module 320 to move a second valve control member (not shown). In some examples, the control device carriage 364 can be configured to detachably receive a single control device or three or four or more control devices. In some examples, the control device carriage 364 can be formed integrally with the valve body module 320. In some examples, other control interfaces may be provided, including pins, leads, tubes, fluid connectors, or other elements arranged to interface with the manifold structure in order to receive control signals from the manifold structure (see, for example, Figure 9).

[0046] As briefly mentioned above, users can customize different functional modes of the air valve 304 by selecting and assembling one or more of different valve bodies, cover plates, control device carriages, and control devices to form the air valve 304. In this regard, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate different exemplary alternative configurations of the air valve 304 of Figure 3. Referring particularly to Figure 4, the first exemplary alternative configuration of the air valve 304' includes a valve body 320' similar to the valve body 320 of the air valve 304, and the control device carriage 364 is fitted with first and second control devices 352A and 352B. However, unlike the air valve 304, the air valve 304' includes a second cover plate 362' which does not define any second port structure 368 (see Figure 3), and does not include the first cover plate 360 ​​(see Figure 3). Furthermore, the valve body 320' of the air valve 304' may have a different internal structure from the valve body 320 of the air valve 304.

[0047] Referring here to Figure 5, the second exemplary alternative configuration 304'' of the air valve includes a valve body 320'' similar to the valve bodies 320, 320' of air valves 304, 304', with the first and second control devices 352A, 352B mounted on a control device carriage 364. Furthermore, similar to air valve 304, air valve 304'' includes a second cover plate 362'' that defines a second port structure 368'. However, the second port structure 368' defined by the second cover plate 362'' of air valve 304'' may differ from the second port structure 368 defined by the second cover plate 362 of air valve 304 (e.g., inner diameter, outer diameter, flow capacity, etc.). Furthermore, the valve body 320'' of air valve 304'' may have a different internal structure from one or both of the valve bodies 320, 320' of air valves 304, 304'.

[0048] In other words, as discussed above, it must be acknowledged that various configurations of valve manifolds are possible to facilitate the benefits of air valve assemblies having one or more air valves. In this regard, exemplary configurations of valve manifolds used for different exemplary valve assemblies are described below with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

[0049] Referring particularly to Figures 6 and 7, another example 400 of an air valve assembly is shown, which includes one or more air valves 404 and a valve manifold 402 according to the principles of the disclosure of the present invention, which can be generally implemented as either of the air valves 104, 106 of the air valve assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 and a valve manifold 102. Furthermore, one or more air valves 404 of the valve assembly 400 are similar to the air valves 304 discussed earlier, in particular the air valves 304' and 304'' in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Thus, similar elements are indicated by similar reference numbers in the "400 series" of reference numbers.

[0050] In particular, the valve assembly 400 includes a standalone valve manifold 402 and one or more air valves 404 detachably attached thereto. The valve manifold 402 includes a manifold internal flow structure (not shown) and one or more manifold ports communicating thereto. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 402 may include one or more manifold supply ports that can be configured to receive supply fluid and one or more manifold distribution ports configured to distribute supply fluid. In some examples, the valve manifold 402 may be a single-piece manifold formed from a single molded structure.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the valve manifold 402 of the valve assembly 400 includes a first plurality of manifold supply ports 412A configured to receive supply fluid from a fluid supply source or discharge fluid from a fluid consumption destination outside the valve manifold 402 (e.g., a fluid-powered machine), and a second plurality of (intermediate) manifold supply ports 412B configured to receive (or discharge) supply fluid from the flow control passages of one or more air valves 404 (e.g., through one or more valve distribution ports). The valve manifold 402 includes a first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A configured to distribute supply fluid from the internal flow structure of the manifold to one or more air valves 404, and a second plurality of manifold distribution ports 414B configured to directly distribute supply fluid from the valve manifold 402 to one or more systems (e.g., a fluid-powered machine) communicating with the air valve assembly 400.

[0052] Continuing with the reference to Figure 6, one or more air valves 404 can communicate with one or more of the first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A and one or more of the second plurality of manifold supply ports 412B of the valve manifold 402. For example, supply fluid from an external supply source can flow into the manifold internal flow structure through the first plurality of manifold supply ports 412A and flow into the flow control passages of one or more air valves 404 through the first plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A which communicate with one or more of the valve supply ports of one or more air valves 404. The supply fluid can flow back into the manifold internal flow structure from the flow control passages of one or more air valves 404 through the manifold supply ports 412B and proceed through the manifold 402 to the second plurality of manifold distribution ports 414B.

[0053] Referring here to Figure 7, some configurations of the valve manifold 402 may not include the second set of manifold distribution ports 414B. For example, the valve distribution ports of one or more air valves 404 can instead distribute the fluid received from the valve manifold 402 to other components communicating with the air valve assembly 400 (e.g., directly to one or more fluid-powered machines or other systems). For example, in the illustrated example, the supply fluid from an external supply source can flow into the manifold internal flow structure through the first set of manifold supply ports 412A and flow into the flow control passages of one or more air valves 404 through the first set of manifold distribution ports 414A, which communicate with one or more valve supply ports of one or more air valves 404 (e.g., defined by the second port structure 468 of the second valve body cover plate 462 in the illustrated example). The supply fluid can be distributed directly (i.e., through a second port structure 468) from the flow control passage of one or more air valves 404 to one or more systems outside the valve assembly 400 that communicate with the valve supply ports of one or more air valves 404. One or more second port structures 468 of one or more air valves 404 can be configured to receive fluid (e.g., discharge fluid) arriving from one or more external systems that can be redistributed into the manifold internal flow structure.

[0054] Referring particularly to Figure 8, another example 500 of an air valve assembly having a valve manifold 502 and one or more air valves 504 according to the principles of the disclosure of the present invention, which can be generally implemented as either of the air valves 104, 106 of the air valve assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 and a valve manifold 102. Furthermore, the valve assembly 500 having the valve manifold 502 is similar to the exemplary valve assembly 400 discussed earlier having the valve manifold 402, and the one or more air valves 504 of the valve assembly 500 are similar to the air valves 304, 404 discussed earlier. Accordingly, similar elements are indicated by similar reference numbers in the "500 series" of reference numbers. For example, valve manifold 502 includes first and second sets of manifold supply ports 512A, 512B and first and second sets of manifold distribution ports 514A, 514B, just as valve manifold 402 has a plurality of manifold supply ports 412A, 412B and a plurality of manifold distribution ports 414A, 414B.

[0055] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 500 is similar to the exemplary valve assembly 400 discussed earlier. For example, similar to the valve assembly 400, the valve assembly 500 includes a standalone valve manifold 502 and one or more air valves 504 detachably attached thereto. The valve manifold 502 includes an internal manifold flow structure (not shown) and one or more manifold ports communicating thereto. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 502 may include one or more manifold supply ports that can be configured to receive supply fluid and one or more manifold distribution ports configured to distribute supply fluid.

[0056] Other embodiments may differ between valve assemblies 400 and 500. For example, in contrast to the distributed power distribution system of valve assembly 400 (i.e., having first and second control devices (e.g., electro-fluid converters) 452A, 452B connected to an external power source), the valve manifold 502 of valve assembly 500 is configured to have a centralized power distribution system that provides power to one or more electronic control devices (e.g., electronically controlled first and second control devices (e.g., electro-fluid converters) 552A, 552B) of one or more air valves 504. In other words, in contrast to valve assembly 400, a single external power source can provide power to multiple electronic control devices of multiple air valves in valve assembly 500. For example, the valve assembly 500 may include an electronic controller (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 570 or a wire harness (not shown)) that communicates with each of the electronic control devices of one or more air valves 504, and a power and connectivity supply unit 572 that communicates with the PCBA 570, supplies power from an external power source to the PCBA 570, and provides electrical communication between the electronic controller and the external power source (e.g., via a fieldbus or Ethernet connection).

[0057] Continuing with the reference to Figure 8, in the illustrated example, the PCBA 570 can be housed within an integrally formed electronic controller channel 574 of the valve manifold 502. The electronic controller channel 574 can be covered by one or more channel covers 576 that can be removably attached to the valve manifold 502 across both ends. The PCBA 570 can communicate electronically with the first and second control devices 552A, 552B of one or more air valves 504, and thus can be configured to control one or more air valves 504 of the valve assembly 500. In some examples, the valve manifold 502 may contain multiple PCBAs 570, each corresponding to one of the multiple air valves 504 of the valve assembly 500. In some examples, the PCBAs 570 can communicate with a programmable logic controller, a programmable sequencer, a computer, or a computer network outside the valve assembly 500, and can be configured to control the air valves 504 based on command signals received from the computer or computer network. In some examples, the PCBA570 may include a wireless communication module (not shown) that can be configured to wirelessly connect to a programmable logic controller, programmable sequencer, computer, or computer network outside the valve assembly 500.

[0058] The power and connectivity supply unit 572 can be detachably mounted on the valve manifold 502 and can communicate electrically with the PCBA 570, which is internally located within the electronic controller channel 574 of the valve manifold 502. The power and connectivity supply unit 572 is configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply or connectivity unit via a wired connection along the outer surface of the valve manifold 502. Thus, the user can customize the inlet power connection of the valve assembly 500 by mounting one of several power and connectivity supply units 572 having different connectivity interfaces on the valve manifold 502. In some examples, in addition to power, the power and connectivity supply unit 572 can be configured to receive electrical command signals sent to the PCBA 570 from a programmable logic controller, programmable sequencer, computer, or computer network outside the valve assembly 500. In some examples, the power and connectivity supply unit 572 can be formed integrally with the valve manifold 502. In some examples, the PCBA 570 can be included as part of the power and connectivity supply unit 572.

[0059] Referring particularly to Figure 9, another example 600 of an air valve assembly comprising a valve manifold 602 and one or more air valves 604 according to the principles of the disclosure of the present invention is shown. The valve assembly 600 having the valve manifold 602 is similar to the exemplary valve assemblies 400, 500 discussed earlier, each having a valve manifold 402, 502, and the one or more air valves 604 of the valve assembly 600 are similar to the air valves 304, 404, 504 discussed earlier, with similar elements indicated by similar reference numbers in the "600 series" of reference numbers.

[0060] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 600 is similar to the exemplary valve assemblies 400, 500 discussed earlier. For example, like the valve assemblies 400, 500, the valve assembly 600 includes a valve manifold 502 having a manifold internal flow structure (not shown) and one or more manifold ports communicating therewith. The manifold ports of the valve manifold 502 may include one or more manifold supply ports that can be configured to receive supply fluid and one or more manifold distribution ports configured to distribute supply fluid. Furthermore, like the valve assembly 500, the valve assembly 600 is configured to have a centralized power and connectivity distribution system that provides power or control signals to each of the one or more electronic control devices (e.g., first and second control devices (e.g., electro-fluid converters) 652A, 652B, etc.) of one or more air valves 604.

[0061] Other aspects may differ between valve assemblies 100, 400, 500, and 600. In contrast to the valve manifolds 402, 502 of valve assemblies 400, 500, respectively, the valve manifold 602 of valve assembly 600, for example, is a valve manifold assembly comprising a plurality of valve manifold modules 680 that are assembled together to form the valve manifold 602. In particular, each of the valve manifold modules 680 has a manifold module internal flow structure (not shown) that defines the internal flow structure of the valve manifold 602 when the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 are assembled together. Thus, the size and number of ports of the valve manifold 602 can be customized by the user based on two or more of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 used to form the valve manifold 602. In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 is configured to receive each of the plurality of air valves 604 of valve assembly 600. In some examples, each of the multiple valve manifold modules 680 may be configured to accept two or more of the multiple air valves 604 of the valve assembly 600. In addition, as shown in the illustrated example, the valve manifold 602 may further include one or more manifold supply and discharge modules 684 that can be incorporated into one or more of the multiple valve manifold modules 680 to provide additional manifold supply ports or manifold discharge ports of the valve manifold 602.

[0062] Continuing to refer to Figure 9, the centralized power and connectivity distribution system of the valve assembly 600 can be configured as a modular centralized power and connectivity system including one or more modular electronic components (e.g., electronic drives, transmitters, receivers, converters, processors, or other electronic components) that can be incorporated together with a plurality of valve manifold modules 680. In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 further includes an electronic controller channel 674 that defines the electronic controller channels of the valve manifold 602 to each other when the plurality of valve manifold modules 680 are incorporated. One or more electronic controllers of the valve assembly 600 (e.g., PCBAs 670) can be accommodated within the plurality of electronic controller channels 674 of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. In some examples, each of the valve manifold modules 680 may include a integrally molded PCBA 670. Furthermore, one or more power and connectivity system electronics (not shown) can communicate with the PCBA 670 of the valve manifold 602 when they are incorporated together with a plurality of valve manifold modules 680. One or more power and connectivity electronics may further include PCBA 670 configured to communicate with the PCBA 670 of the valve manifold module 680 and to control control devices 652A, 652B of the mounted air valves 604.

[0063] The valve assembly 600 further includes a modular power and connectivity supply unit 672 capable of communicating with the PCBA 670 of a plurality of valve manifold modules 680 and manifold supply and discharge modules 684. The modular power and connectivity supply unit 672 is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source through a wired connection along the outer surface of the valve manifold 602 and a connection that can be wired or wireless. Thus, when assembling the valve assembly 600, the user can customize the connectivity connections of the valve assembly 600 to a centralized inlet power source by utilizing one of the plurality of modular power and connectivity supply units 672 having different connection interfaces. In some examples, in addition to power, the modular power and connectivity supply unit 672 can be configured to receive electrical command signals transmitted to the PCBA 670 of the valve manifold modules 680 or manifold supply and discharge modules 684 from a programmable logic controller, programmable sequencer, computer, or computer network outside the valve assembly 600.

[0064] Continuing to refer to Figure 9, the valve assembly 600 may further include one or more perimeter manifold module plates (i.e., "sandwich plates" known in the art) that are removablely attachable to one or more of the multiple valve manifold modules 680. The one or more perimeter manifold module plates of the valve assembly 600 can have various configurations that give the valve assembly 600 various customizable features. In the illustrated example, the one or more perimeter manifold module plates of the valve assembly 600 may include an electrical or fluid power supply perimeter manifold module plate 688, a pressure regulating perimeter manifold module plate 690, an auxiliary discharge perimeter manifold module plate 692, and a flow bypass perimeter manifold module plate 694. In some examples, the one or more perimeter manifold module plates of the valve assembly 600 may be configured to be removablely attachable to two or more of the valve manifold modules 680 of the valve assembly 600.

[0065] In addition to (or instead of) the power and connectivity system electronics provided by the power and connectivity supply unit 672, the valve assembly 600 may include one or more power supply perimanifold module plates 688 having independent electrical inputs configured to receive electrical signals from an external power source independent of the modular power and connectivity supply unit 672. Thus, in some examples, one or more power supply perimanifold module plates 688 of the valve assembly 600 can be used to independently power and control one or more air valves 604, while other air valves 604 are powered and controlled by the power and connectivity supply unit 672, for example, to provide an isolated safety zone. In some examples, one or more power supply perimanifold module plates 688 can be used to provide auxiliary power to the valve assembly 600, for example, to ensure that a constant power level is supplied to a larger valve assembly 600. In some examples, the valve assembly 600 may include multiple power supply perimanifold module plates 688 corresponding to each of a plurality of air valves 604.

[0066] One or more pressure regulating perimeter manifold module plates 690 of the valve assembly 600 can be used to regulate the pressure at one or more of the valve supply ports or valve distribution ports of the air valve 604, or to control the outlet pressure at a select port of the valve manifold 602. Similarly, one or more auxiliary discharge perimeter manifold module plates 692 of the valve assembly 600 can be used to provide additional discharge ports for a particular one of a plurality of valve manifold modules 680. Furthermore, one or more flow bypass perimeter manifold module plates 694 can be used to customize the flow path between one or more of the plurality of valve manifold modules 680. In some examples, the flow bypass perimeter manifold module plates 694 can include flow control devices (e.g., check valves). In some examples, one or more flow bypass perimeter manifold module plates 694 can be configured as flow suppression sections between a valve manifold module 680 and each air valve 604, or between two or more valve manifold modules 680. Furthermore, various spacers or other modules can be provided as needed.

[0067] Referring to Figures 3 to 9, various components of the exemplary air valve assemblies 100, 400, 500, and 600 (e.g., valve manifolds 102, 402, 502, 602 and air valves 104, 106, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604) can be formed through additive manufacturing techniques or processes such as 3D printing. For this purpose, additive manufacturing processes (e.g., vat photopolymerization, material injection, binder injection, powder bed fusion bonding, material extrusion, directed energy deposition, sheet lamination, direct metal laser melting, electron beam melting, sintering, or multilayer materials joined by adhesives, fusion welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) can be carried out to form one or more components composed of some materials including metals, metal alloys, ceramics (e.g., zirconia, alumina, or tricalcium phosphate) or polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyvinyl alcohol). For example, in some cases, the individual valve manifold 402 of the air valve assembly 400 shown in Figures 6 and 7 can be additively manufactured using one or more of the additive manufacturing processes described herein. In some such examples, one or more parts of the individual valve manifold 402 can be formed using a first material, and the other parts of the individual valve manifold 402 can be formed using a second material having one or more properties different from the first material. In some examples, one or more of the multiple valve modules of the air valve 304 shown in Figure 3, which include a valve body module 320 and one or more of the surrounding modules (e.g., first and second valve body cover plates 360, 362 and control device carriage 364), can be additively manufactured separately or integrally formed using one or more additive manufacturing processes.

[0068] While embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention are described herein with respect to air valve assemblies and air valves, it should be acknowledged that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. A wide range of valve assemblies comprising one or more modular components can be improved by embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention. Accordingly, the principles of the disclosure of the present invention are applicable to different types of valve assemblies, such as hydraulic valve assemblies (operated by the pressure of oil, water, or other fluids), and to various valves, such as hydraulic valves, which can have various configurations and can be used for different applications, such as manufacturing or packaging processes (e.g., related to food, pharmaceuticals, etc.).

[0069] In some implementations, the devices or systems disclosed herein (e.g., an air valve assembly or its components, e.g., one or more air valves) can be used, manufactured, or installed using methods for carrying out aspects of the disclosure of the present invention. Accordingly, any description herein of specific features, performance, or intended purposes of a device or system is generally intended to include disclosures of methods for using such features, for carrying out such performance, for manufacturing the relevant components of such device or system (or the overall device or system), and for installing components of the disclosure of the present invention (or other known components) that support these purposes or performances. Similarly, unless otherwise noted or limited, any discussion herein of any method for manufacturing or using such devices or systems, including the step of installing a particular device or system, is intended to include disclosures as examples of the techniques disclosed in the present invention, the features used for such devices or systems, and the performance they carry out.

[0070] In this regard, for example, Figure 10 shows a method 700 for constructing an air valve assembly. As an example, the method 700 will be described below with reference to the air valve assembly 100 shown in Figure 1. However, other air valve assemblies having other components (for example, air valves 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 in Figures 2 to 9, or air valve assemblies 400, 500, 600 having valve manifolds 400, 500, 600 in Figures 6 to 9) can be constructed or assembled by other exemplary embodiments of the methods disclosed in the present invention.

[0071] The exemplary method 700 may include the step of mounting a plurality of air valves to a single valve manifold that can include one or more manifold supply ports communicating with an internal flow structure of the manifold in order to provide a customized operating configuration. For example, the first and second air valves 102, 104 of valve assembly 100 can be mounted to the valve manifold 102 of valve assembly 100.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, in some implementations, the operation 710 of method 700 may include the step of removably mounting a first air valve having a first flow capacity such that its first valve supply port communicates with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a first manifold distribution port. For example, the first air valve 104 may be mounted on the valve manifold 102 such that its first valve supply port 124 communicates with the first manifold distribution port 114A (or port 114B), as shown in Figure 1.

[0073] Continuing with the reference to Figure 10, the operation 720 of method 700 may include a step of removably mounting a second air valve having a second flow capacity different from (e.g., smaller than) the first flow capacity, such that the second valve supply port of the second air valve communicates with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a second manifold distribution port. For example, the second air valve 106 may be mounted on the valve manifold 102 such that the second valve supply port 134 communicates with the second manifold distribution port 114B (or port 114A), as shown in Figure 1. In some examples, the air valve assembly may include three or more air valves that can be mounted on a single valve manifold. Thus, in some examples, method 700 may further include one or more additional steps of removably mounting three or more air valves on the valve manifold such that two or three or more of their valve supply ports communicate with two or three or more manifold distribution ports of the valve manifold.

[0074] In some examples, a single valve manifold can be configured to interchangeably receive either the first or second air valve into either the first or second manifold distribution port. Thus, in some such examples, a customized operating configuration of Method 700 may include the step of selectively mounting the first air valve into either the first or second manifold distribution port and selectively mounting the second air valve into the other of the first or second manifold distribution port. For example, referring to the air valve 304 shown in Figure 3, the valve supply ports 124, 134 of the first and second air valves 102, 104 can be at least partially defined by a plurality of first port structures 366 having substantially equal outer diameters, and the inner diameter of the first manifold distribution port 114A and the inner diameter of the second manifold distribution port 114B can be substantially equal in order to interchangeably receive the first port structure 366 of the first air valve 102 and the first port structure 366 of the second air valve 104.

[0075] Continuing to refer to Figure 10, in some examples, the first and second air valves in operations 710, 720 can be configured as first and second modular valves, each assembled using a plurality of first and second valve modules. For example, referring again to the air valve 304 shown in Figure 3, the first and second air valves 102, 104 can be assembled with a plurality of valve modules, which may include a valve body module 320 and one or more surrounding modules (e.g., first and second valve body cover plates 360, 362, and control device carriage 364). Thus, in some such examples, method 700 may further include the steps of assembling the first air valve as a first modular valve having a first plurality of valve modules, and assembling the second air valve as a second modular valve having a second plurality of valve modules.

[0076] In some examples, one or both of the first and second air valves of an air assembly may include one or more valve distribution ports that can be configured to communicate with auxiliary distribution ports of a valve manifold. For example, referring to air valve 204 shown in Figure 2, valve distribution port 226 may communicate with an auxiliary distribution port of valve manifold 100 in parallel with the first or second manifold distribution ports 114A, 114B (see Figure 1). Thus, in some examples, the step of removably mounting the first air valve, as in the case of actuation 710 of method 700, may connect the first valve distribution port of the first air valve to a first auxiliary distribution port on a standalone valve manifold. Similarly, in some examples, the step of removably mounting the second air valve, as in the case of actuation 720 of method 700, may connect the second valve distribution port of the second air valve to a second auxiliary distribution port on a standalone valve manifold.

[0077] Certain operations of the methods disclosed in the present invention or systems for carrying out these methods may be schematically represented in the figures or otherwise discussed herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the representation of certain operations in a particular spatial order in these figures does not necessarily require that these operations be performed in a particular sequence corresponding to such a particular spatial order. Accordingly, certain operations represented in the figures or otherwise disclosed herein may be performed in an order different from that expressly exemplified or described where appropriate for a particular embodiment. Furthermore, in some examples, certain multiple operations may be performed in parallel.

[0078] When used herein, “or” indicates a non-restrictive enumeration of components or operations that can exist in any different combination, rather than a restrictive enumeration of components that can only exist as substitutes for each other, unless otherwise specified. For example, the enumeration “A, B, or C” indicates options consisting of A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Thus, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate restrictive substitutes only when preceded by an exclusivity term such as “any of,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “strictly one of.” For example, the enumeration “one of A, B, or C” indicates options consisting of A excluding B and C, B excluding A and C, and C excluding A and B. An enumeration preceded by “one or more of” (and its variations, e.g., “at least one of”) and containing “or” to separate the elements being enumerated indicates options consisting of one or more of the elements being enumerated, or all of them. For example, the phrases "one or more of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" indicate options consisting of one or more A, one or more B, one or more C, one or more A and one or more B, one or more B and one or more C, one or more A and one or more C, and one or more A, one or more B and one or more C. Similarly, enumerations containing "or" to separate preceding elements, such as "multiple" (and variations thereof), indicate options consisting of multiple instances of any or all of the enumerated elements. For example, the phrases "multiple A, B, or C" and "two or more of A, B, or C" indicate options consisting of A and B, B and C, A and C, and A, B, and C.

[0079] Throughout the disclosure of this invention, the terms “about” and “approximately” are intended to inclusively refer to a range of values ​​of ±5% (or less) of the preceding numerical value.

[0080] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, “integral” and its derivatives (e.g., “integrally”) refer to an element manufactured as a single structure without the use of fasteners or adhesives to fasten separate components together. For example, an element pressed, cast, or otherwise formed as a single structural component from a single sheet metal member or using a single mold without the use of rivets, screws, or adhesives to hold separately formed members together is a single structural element or an integrated (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple members that are initially formed separately and later connected to one another is not a single structural element or an integrated (and integrally formed) element.

[0081] Also, as used herein, “substantially identical” means, unless otherwise specified, two or more components or systems (their subcomponents) that are manufactured or used in accordance with the same processes and specifications and involve only variations within the limits of the permissible tolerances relating to the relevant processes and specifications. For example, two components can be considered substantially identical if they are manufactured according to the same standard manufacturing steps and are within the same permissible dimensional tolerance range (e.g., specified for a particular process or product).

[0082] As described herein, examples of the technology disclosed herein can provide air valve assemblies and methods for constructing them. The prior art description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to manufacture or use the technology disclosed herein. To a person skilled in the art, various modifications to the examples disclosed herein will be immediately apparent, and the general principles set forth herein can be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of the invention is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but rather to provide the broadest possible scope that is consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Air valve assembly 102 Valve Manifold 110 Manifold Internal Flow Structure 112 Manifold Supply Ports 120 First valve body 122 Flow control passage

Claims

1. A valve manifold (102) having a defined internal flow structure (110) and including manifold ports (112, 114), wherein the manifold ports include a manifold distribution port (114) and one or more manifold supply ports (112) communicating with the manifold distribution port through the internal flow structure, A plurality of air valves (104, 106) are detachably attached to the valve manifold, A first air valve (104) having a first flow capacity, wherein the first air valve includes a first valve supply port (124) that communicates with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a first of the manifold distribution ports, and A second air valve (106) having a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity, wherein the second air valve includes a second valve supply port (134) that communicates with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a second of the manifold distribution ports, Multiple air valves (104, 106) including, An air valve assembly (100) including the air valve assembly.

2. Each of the first air valve and the second air valve, A valve body (220) that defines a flow control passage (222) communicating with the first valve supply port or the second valve supply port, A valve distribution port (226) communicating with the flow control passage, A valve control member (250) arranged in the flow control passage, A control device (252) is arranged to move the valve control member in order to guide the flow through the flow control passage, including, The air valve assembly according to claim 1.

3. The air valve assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first air valve and the second air valve are interchangeably mounted at either the first manifold distribution port or the second manifold distribution port.

4. The air valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first air valve further includes a first valve distribution port communicating with the internal flow structure of the manifold through a first auxiliary valve distribution port (414A) of the valve manifold to guide flow from the first air valve to one or both of the second manifold distribution port (414A) or the third manifold distribution port (414B).

5. The air valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first air valve or the second air valve is a modular valve (304) comprising a valve body module (320) and one or more peripheral modules (360, 362, 364) that customizablely provide one or more of the following attached to the valve body module: valve distribution ports (366, 368), valve supply ports (366, 368), control devices (352A, 352B), or valve control members (250).

6. The air valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the control device includes one or more electronic control devices optionally or preferably comprising a first electro-fluid converter communicating with the flow control passage of the valve body module and a second electro-fluid converter communicating with the flow control passage of the valve body module.

7. The air valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the volume of the flow control passage (122) of the first air valve is greater than the volume of the flow control passage (132) of the second air valve.

8. The first valve supply port includes a first supply port structure having a first outer diameter that is received by the first manifold distribution port, The second valve supply port includes a second supply port structure having a second outer diameter that is received by the second manifold distribution port. The first outer diameter is substantially the same as the second outer diameter. The air valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first manifold distribution port has a first inner diameter for receiving the first valve supply port, The second manifold distribution port has a second inner diameter for receiving the second valve supply port, The first inner diameter is substantially the same as the second inner diameter. The air valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The air valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the valve manifold is an integrally molded manifold.

11. The valve manifold is manufactured by add-on, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A method for constructing an air valve assembly, To provide a customized operating configuration, a plurality of air valves (100) are mounted on a valve manifold (102), wherein the valve manifold includes one or more manifold supply ports that communicate with the internal flow structure of the manifold. Includes, Installing the aforementioned multiple air valves (100) A first air valve (104) having a first flow capacity is detachably mounted, and the first valve supply port of the first air valve is in communication with the internal flow structure of the manifold through the first manifold distribution port, and A second air valve (106) having a second flow capacity different from the first flow capacity is detachably attached, and the second valve supply port of the second air valve is in communication with the internal flow structure of the manifold through the second manifold distribution port. Methods that include...

13. The valve manifold is configured to interchangeably receive either the first air valve or the second air valve at either the first manifold distribution port or the second manifold distribution port, and the customized operating configuration is provided by The first air valve is selectively installed at either the first manifold distribution port or the second manifold distribution port, and The second air valve is selectively installed at the other of the first manifold distribution port or the second manifold distribution port. The method according to claim 12, including the method described in claim 12.

14. Assembling the first air valve as a first modular valve having a first plurality of valve modules, and The second air valve is assembled as a second modular valve having a second plurality of valve modules. The method according to any one of claim 12 or 13, further comprising:

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first air valve is detachably mounted, thereby connecting the first valve distribution port of the first air valve to a first auxiliary valve distribution port on the valve manifold.

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