EP2399036B1 - Valve device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a valve device for fluid supply fluidic consumers, with a plurality of valve modules lined up in a stacking direction; the valve modules each comprise a plate-shaped channel body, which has a Speisekanalausnehmung designed for connection to a fluid source, two provided for coupling fluidic consumers working channels and a venting fluidic consumers serving Entlüftungskanalausnehmung and two mutually parallel, mutually opposite joining surfaces and perpendicular to the joining surfaces aligned outer surfaces wherein the joining surfaces determine the stacking direction and are designed to bear against joining surfaces of adjacent channel bodies; and four 2/2-way valves each having first and second fluid ports and a movable valve member for adjusting a free fluid channel cross-section between the first and second fluid ports, wherein the four 2/2-way valves of the valve modules interconnect in a full bridge configuration are in which the first fluid ports of the first and the second 2/2-way valve are connected to the feed channel, the second fluid port of the first 2/2-way valve and the first fluid port of the fourth 2/2-way valve are connected to a first working channel , the second fluid port of the second 2/2-way valve and the first fluid port of the fourth 2/2-way valve with a second working channel are connected and the second fluid ports of the third and the fourth 2/2-way valve are connected to the Entlüftungskanalausnehmung, and wherein each 2/2-way valve comprises an electrically controllable actuating means which is placed on serving as Bestückungsfläche an outer surface of the channel body and which is designed to switch the respectively associated valve member between a blocking position and a release position.

From the DE 102 08 390 A1 is a multi-way valve with a freely configurable valve function known which comprises a plurality of arranged on a valve body pressure fluid connections and an electrically controllable drive unit for actuating a valve body housed in the valve mechanism. The valve mechanism consists of at least four individual, connected in series 2/2-way main valves with intermediate pressure fluid connections. Each individual main valve is associated with an electric drive element which is connected to a common electronic control device. With the multi-way valve, different travel functions can be freely selected.

From the DE 103 15 460 B4 a valve arrangement for gaseous and liquid media is known. This comprises at least four 2/2-way valves linked to a multiway valve unit in a full bridge arrangement, to which an electrical control unit having at least one bus connection, at least one sensor connection and at least one pulse width modulation is assigned. The directional valves are designed as fast-switching plate anchor valves whose switching time is less than 5 milliseconds.

The EP 0 391 269 B1 discloses a solenoid valve battery having a plurality disposed on a common base plate of solenoid valves, the input side via a channel integrated in the base plate can be supplied together with compressed air. The channel is connected to a stub, which opens at two opposite surfaces of the base plate.

From the EP 1 748 238 B1 For example, a solenoid valve is known which has a base body penetrated by valve channels and a magnetic head having an electromagnetic device. Between the magnetic head and the base body, which are arranged successively in the direction of a main axis, a communicating with a plurality of valve channels valve chamber is arranged. The valve chamber contains a plate-shaped armature serving as a valve member, which can be attracted by a stationary magnetic core arrangement of the electromagnetic device.

The DE 10 2007 016 579 A1 discloses an adapter plate comprising at least one auxiliary valve and adapted to be placed on a base plate in which one or more base valves are contained. With the aid of the adapter plate, the additional valve or valves can be adapted to different basic valves.

The object of the invention is to provide a valve device whose range of functions can be changed in a simple manner.

This object is achieved for a valve device of the type mentioned with the features of claim 1. It is provided that an additional module is arranged on a connection surface of the channel body, which is communicatively connected to one or both working channels and that for controlling a fluid flow and / or for determining a parameter the fluid flow is formed from or to the working channel.

The additional module serves to influence the fluid flows provided by the valve module in the working channels and / or to determine parameters such as, for example, the pressure and / or the temperature and / or the flow of the fluid flow (s). The additional module can be used for example for throttling the fluid volume flow through one of the working channels. Preferably, the additional module for temporary release of a connection between the first and the second working channel is formed.

It is expedient for the additional module to be arranged in a mounting direction orthogonal to the stacking direction to the connection surface of the valve module or to a further additional module for a sequence in order to form an additional module arrangement. This ensures that arranged on one or more valve modules additional modules do not hinder the stacking of the valve modules to the valve device. In addition, a communicating connection between the additional module associated with the respective valve module and the working channels of the valve module opening out at the connection surface is thereby ensured in a simple manner. In addition, it is advantageous that in the mounting direction several additional modules strung together can be attached to a valve module, whereby the functional scope of the valve module can be extended by a plurality of additional functions.

The additional module preferably comprises a channel unit with a fluid channel for a communicating connection with one or both working channels of the channel body and a functional unit placed on the channel unit for influencing and / or scanning the channel in the fluid channel Fluid flow from or to one or both working channels. The fluid channel is used to forward the fluid provided in the working channel of the valve module to a connection surface of the additional module, to which a further additional module or a fluidic consumer can be coupled in a communicating manner. Due to the modular design, the additional module can be easily adapted to different requirements, for example, by replacing the functional unit. The functional unit may be, for example, a valve device, a detection device or a combination of such devices.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the fluid channel passes through the channel unit and is oriented perpendicular to the connection surface when the additional module is fixed to the channel body and that a connection channel for a communicating connection between the fluid channel and the functional unit is formed in the channel unit. The fluid channel provides a communicating connection between the working channel opening out at the connection surface of the channel body and a connection opening, which opens out at an end face of the channel unit which is at a distance from the connection surface. A connection channel coupled to the fluid channel ensures a fluid flow between the working channel and the functional unit.

It is expedient if the fluid channel extends between opposing contact surfaces of the channel unit. In addition, it is ensured by the alignment of the fluid channel perpendicular to the pad of the valve module that several additional modules can be strung with the least possible space in the mounting direction.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the fluid channel is designed for receiving a fastening means which serves for fixing the additional module on the channel body or on a further additional module. As a result, the fluid channel is additionally used as a recess for the fastening means, which ensures the determination of the additional module to the valve module. Due to this multiple use of the fluid channel, a simple construction of the channel unit is made possible.

Preferably, the fastening means is provided in a longitudinal direction at opposite end portions with a head portion and a shaft portion and traversed by a between shaft portion and head portion and each end Ausmündenden longitudinal recess to allow a communicating connection between in the mounting direction juxtaposed add-on modules, wherein the shaft portion to Engaged in the working channel of the channel body or in the head portion of a further fastening means is formed. The longitudinal recess serves to provide a free flow cross section through the fastening means, which passes through the fluid channel and is fixed to the channel body or to another additional module. The shank portion is designed for a positive and / or non-positive engagement of the fastening means in the connection opening of the working channel. Alternatively, the shaft portion can also be fixed in a corresponding to the connection opening of the working channel formed head portion of a further fastening means. The head section also ensures the power transmission between the fastening means and channel unit, for example by positive engagement with respect to the channel unit by means of an end-side thickening of the fastener.

It is expedient if the fastening means has a connecting recess which is aligned transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent and communicates with the longitudinal recess and which is designed to provide a communicating connection between the longitudinal recess and the fluid channel and the connecting channel. Thus, the fluid flowing through the longitudinal recess can be guided at least partially into the fluid channel and from there in the direction of the connection channel and interact with the functional unit arranged at the end on the connection channel.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the functional unit as a detection device, in particular as a pressure sensor and / or flow sensor and / or temperature sensor and / or humidity sensor for determining an electrical measurement signal in dependence on the fluid flowing in the working channel and to provide the measurement signal to a control device is trained. With such a functional unit, one or more parameters of the fluid provided at the working channel can be determined. The electrical measurement signals of the functional unit are transmitted to a control device, which is set up to evaluate the measurement signals and can perform a control or regulation of the valve module for influencing the fluid provided at the working channel.

Preferably, the functional unit is designed as a 2/2-way valve. This makes it possible to influence the fluid provided on one or both working channels of the valve module.

It is advantageous if the channel unit comprises a first and a second connecting channel, wherein the first connecting channel with the first fluid channel and a first Fluid connection of the functional unit and the second connection channel communicating with the second fluid channel and a second fluid port of the functional unit are connected. In this way, the additional module can be looped between the valve module and a fluidic consumer, without resulting in an impairment of the functional scope of the valve module. Rather, the range of functions of the valve module can be expanded by combining with the additional module by the add-on module, for example, a temporary connection between the working channels of the valve module is released without the part of the valve module at the same time the release of communicating connections to feed channel and / or vent channel are necessary.

It is advantageous if 2/2-way valves are designed as valve units in which the actuating means with a valve portion forms a compact unit which is placed on the mounting surface of the channel body, wherein the valve portion comprises the first and the second fluid port and a valve seat, opposite to which the valve member is movably arranged to influence the free fluid channel cross section between the first and the second fluid connection between a blocking position and a release position. In this embodiment of the invention, the 2/2-way valves are formed completely outside the channel body and are mounted as compact units on the mounting surface of the channel body. The 2/2-way valves have, in addition to the electrically controllable actuating means on the valve portion, which serves the fluid guide. The valve portion has a fluid channel, which opens at an outer surface into two spaced-apart fluid ports. In the fluid passage, a valve seat is formed, which has a sealing Facility of the valve member for blocking the free cross section of the fluid channel allows. The valve member can be moved by a force exerted by the actuating force from a sealing contact with the valve seat in a release position in which the valve seat and thus the fluid channel cross section are free. The actuating means can thus influence the valve member such that it occupies either the blocking position or the release position.

• Figur 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Ventileinrichtung,
• Figur 2 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung der Ventileinrichtung gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ventilmoduls aus der Ventileinrichtung gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2,
• Figur 4 eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung des Ventilmoduls gemäß der Figur 3,
• Figur 5 eine ebene Schnittdarstellung des Ventilmoduls gemäß der Figur 3 und
• Figur 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Kanaleinheit und
• Figur 7 eine Schnittdarstellung der Kanaleinheit gemäß Figur 6.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing. Showing:

• FIG. 1 a perspective view of a valve device,
• FIG. 2 an exploded perspective view of the valve device according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 a perspective view of a valve module from the valve device according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 .
• FIG. 4 a perspective sectional view of the valve module according to the FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 5 a planar sectional view of the valve module according to the FIG. 3 and
• FIG. 6 a perspective view of a channel unit and
• FIG. 7 a sectional view of the channel unit according to Figure 6.

One in the FIG. 1 Valve device 1 shown is for fluidic supply of a plurality, not shown fluidic consumers, such as pneumatic cylinder, is provided. The valve device 1 is used to control and / or regulate a plurality of fluid streams to be provided by a fluid source, not shown, to the respective fluidic consumers.

The valve device 1 comprises a plurality of exemplary disk-like valve modules 2 which are lined up in a stacking direction 3. The valve modules 2 are arranged between a base element 4 and a closure plate 5, which delimit the valve device 1 along the stacking direction 3 at each end.

Some of the valve modules 2 are associated with additional modules 6, 7, which are designed for example as valve elements or sensor elements. The additional modules 6, 7 are, as can be seen from the FIG. 1 shows, in an assembly direction 92 orthogonal to the stacking direction 3 juxtaposed and allow, if necessary, the extension of the functional scope of the valve modules 2. The valve modules 2 of the valve device 1, however, can also be used without the associated additional modules 6, 7. The additional module 6 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as an additional valve. The additional module 7 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a measuring module.

The base element 4 has at an end face 8 a feed opening 9 for connecting a fluid conductor, not shown, and a vent opening 10, which may serve as outlet for fluid, for example, which has already flowed through the valve device 1 and the fluidic consumers, not shown, on.

In the illustrated embodiment of the valve device 1, a plurality of valve modules 2 are lined up on the base element 4 in the stacking direction 3, all of which have the same structure, described in more detail below. The task of the valve modules 2 is to dispense the fluid provided via the base element 4 in the desired manner to the fluidic consumers (not shown) and, if appropriate, to return the fluid flowing back from the fluidic consumers back to the base element 4.

Each of the in the FIGS. 2 to 5 shown valve modules 2 comprises a plate-shaped channel body 11 and patch on the channel body 11, uniformly shaped valve units 12th

The valve units 12 of the valve module 2 are provided with a cover strip 13, which may be formed, for example, for noise insulation and / or shielding of the valve units 12 from environmental influences, in particular dirt, and / or for electrical contacting of the valve units 12. The valve unit 12 of the additional module 6 is provided with a cover 14, which realizes the same functionality for the single valve unit 12 as the cover strip 13 for the plurality of valve units 12 of the valve module 2.

The channel body 11, which may have, for example, a cubic outer geometry, has two mutually opposite joining surfaces 15, 16 whose surface normals, not shown, are aligned parallel to the stacking direction 3. For example, the first joining surface 15 points in the direction of the base element 4, correspondingly the second joining surface 16 points in the direction of the end plate 5. The joining surfaces 15, 16 form the channel body 11 in the illustrated embodiment its largest surfaces. Of the to the joining surfaces 15, 16 orthogonally oriented narrow sides of the channel body 11, the non-illustrated surface normal extending perpendicular to the stacking direction 3, serves a shorter narrow side as a connection surface 17 and a longer narrow side than mounting surface 18th

In the in the FIGS. 3 to 5 shown valve module 2 open at the connection surface 17 connection openings 19, 20 of the working channels 21, 22 described in more detail below. On the mounting surface 18 open connection bores 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the working channels 21, 22, as is known from FIGS. 4 and 5 evident. Connecting holes 29, 30, 31, 32 which open out and communicate with feeding channel recesses 35 or vent channel recesses 36 in the channel body 11, which are described in greater detail below, also open out of the mounting surface 18.

Like that FIGS. 2 to 5 can be removed, the channel body 11 is penetrated in the stacking direction 3 of two recesses, which serve as Speisekanalausnehmung 35 and 36 as Entlüftungskanalausnehmung and which have a longitudinal extension in a cross-sectional plane whose normal vector is aligned parallel to the stacking direction 3. In the FIGS. 4 and 5 In each case, a cross-sectional main extension 37 of the feed channel recess 35 and a cross-sectional main extension 38 of the vent channel recess 36 are shown. The cross-sectional main extension is a straight line which, in the present case, extends transversely with a maximum length within a boundary of the respective cross-section of the feed channel recess 35 and the vent channel recess 36. The cross-sectional main stretches 37, 38 are in the present embodiment of the channel body 11 coaxial with each other aligned and parallel to the surface normal of the pad 17, not shown.

As from the exploded view of the FIG. 2 can be removed form the Speisekanalausnehmung 35 and the Enttüftungskanalausnehmung 36 of stacked in the stacking direction 3 channel body 11 of the valve modules 2 extending between the base member 4 and the end plate 5, continuous feed channel, which is symbolized by the arrow 39, and a continuous venting channel, which is symbolized by the arrow 40. This allows a central supply and disposal of the valve modules 2 with or from fluid.

Like that FIGS. 4 and 5 2, the working channels 21 and 22 respectively extend between the connecting openings 20 or 19 provided on the connection surface 17 and the connection bores 25 and 28 or 26 and 27 opening out on the component surface 18.

The first working channel 21 provides a communicating connection between the fluidic load connectable to the connection opening 20 and the first 2/2-way valve 41 and the fourth 2/2-way valve 46. The second working channel 22 is provided for a communicating connection between the connection opening 19 and the second 2/2-way valve 42 and the third 2/2-way valve 45.

The first working channel 21 is communicatively connected to the second fluid port 48 of the first 2/2-way valve 41 and to the first fluid port 55 of the fourth 2/2-way valve 46. The second working channel 22 is in communication with the second fluid port 50 of the second 2/2-way valve 42 and with the first fluid port 51 of the third 2/2-way valve 45 connected. Furthermore, the first fluid port 47 of the first 2/2-way valve 41 and the first valve port 49 of the second 2/2-way valve 42 are communicatively connected to the Speisekanalausnehmung 35. The second fluid port 52 of the third 2/2-way valve 45 and the second valve port 56 of the fourth 2/2-way valve 46 are communicatively connected to the vent passage recess 36.

With this configuration of the communicating connections between the working channels 21, 22 and the feed channel recess 35 and the vent channel recess 36, the 2/2-way valves 41, 42, 45, 46 are coupled together in a full bridge arrangement.

The longitudinal axes of the fluidic connections in the channel body 11 are each arranged in one of two spaced-apart, substantially parallel to the joining surfaces 15, 16 aligned fluid channel planes 33, 34. The longitudinal axes of the connection bores 25, 26, 27, 28 and the connection bores 29, 30, 31, 32 are in accordance with FIG. 4 arranged in the first fluid channel plane 33. The second fluid channel plane 34 is arranged adjacent to the first joining face 15 and comprises the longitudinal axes of groove-like depressions 61, 62, which are introduced into the first joining face 15. The groove-like depression 61 projects beyond the working channel bores 57, 58, which are aligned, for example, as perpendicular to the joining surfaces 15, 16, in communicating connection with the second connection opening 20 on the connection surface 17 and with the connection bores 25 and 28 on the assembly surface 18 open out. The groove-like recess 62 is connected via the associated working channel bores 59, 60, 63 in communicating connection with the connection opening 19 on the connection surface 17 and with the connection bores 26 and 27, which lead to the mounting surface 18.

The crossing-free arrangement of the fluidic connections is in the FIGS. 4 and 5 can be seen in which the groove-like recesses 61, 62 are shown in dashed lines, since they are located in the second fluid channel plane 34, which is spaced from the matching with the fluid channel plane 33 cutting plane, as for example from FIG. 3 can be removed.

Of the FIG. 3 are groove-like recesses 65, 66, 67, 68 respectively, which are arranged circumferentially around the feed channel recess 35, to the vent passage recess 36 to the groove-like recess 61 and the groove-like recess 62. These serve to receive sealants, not shown, for example, designed as endless round cord seals.

In the FIGS. 6 and 7 exemplarily a channel unit 94 is shown, which is provided for an additional module 6 designed as an additional valve. The channel unit 94 is designed as a substantially parallelepiped-shaped body and has a coupling surface 95 provided for abutment with the connection surface 17 of the valve module 2 and a mounting surface 96 opposite the coupling surface 95, both of which can also be referred to as contact surfaces. An attachment surface 97 for coupling a functional unit is arranged between the coupling surface 95 and the mounting surface 96 and aligned at right angles to these surfaces.

Like from the FIG. 7 As can be seen, the channel unit 94 is penetrated by a plurality of recesses, which are formed as fluid channels 98, 99 and as connecting channels 100, 101. The Fluid channels 98, 99 pass through the channel unit 94 between the coupling surface 95 and the mounting surface 96 and terminate at these surfaces. They are provided for a communicating connection with the working channels 21, 22 of the valve module 2 and the connecting channels 100, 101, when the additional module 6, 7 is mounted in the mounting direction 92 on the valve module 2 or in a cascaded arrangement on a preceding additional module 6, 7.

The connection channels 100, 101 each provide a communicating connection between the fluid channels 98, 99 and the attachment surface 97. The fluid channel 98 associated with the connecting channel 100 is introduced as a bore orthogonal to the top surface 97 in the channel unit 94 and extends in a median plane 102, which divides the channel unit 94 in half. The connection channel 101 assigned to the fluid channel 99 also extends initially from the attachment surface 97 in the center plane 102. In order to avoid overlapping with the fluid channel 98, the connection channel 101 is guided in sections in a side plane 103 aligned parallel to the center plane 102 and spaced therefrom. For communicating coupling of the channel portion of the connecting channel 101 in the median plane 102 with the channel portion of the connecting channel 101 in the sublevel 103, transverse bores 104, 105 are provided, which pass through the channel unit 94 in sections.

On the in the FIGS. 6 and 7 shown channel unit 94 may be in the FIGS. 1 and 2 only schematically illustrated valve unit 12 are placed, which has the same structure as the valve units 12 for the valve module 2. The valve unit 12 sealingly mounted on the top surface 97 communicates with its fluid ports in communicating communication with the communication channels 100, 101 and Thus, a transverse flow between the fluid channels 98, 99, which in turn communicating with the working channels 21, 22 of the valve module 2 can be connected, are influenced by the valve unit 12.

For fastening the channel unit 94 to a valve module 2 or to a further additional module 6, 7, the fastening means 106 embodied by way of example as a hollow screw is provided. The fastening means 106 comprises a cylindrical sleeve-shaped shank portion 107 and an adjoining, likewise cylindrical sleeve-shaped head portion 108. The sheep portion 107 is provided in an end portion facing away from the head portion 108 with an external thread, not shown. In the head section 108, the fastening means 106 has an internal thread which is designed to receive the external thread of a further fastening means 106.

The shaft portion 107 has adjacent to the external thread on a circumferential, groove-like fluid recess 109. By means of a fluid opening 110, the fluid recess 109 establishes a communicating connection between an inner bore 111 delimited in the fastening means 106 by the cylindrical sleeve-shaped configuration and the respective fluid channel 98, 99 or the connecting channels 100, 101 opening out therein.

The fluid channels 98, 99 are each provided in the region of their mouths with a circumferential groove which is provided for receiving a, preferably made of rubber-elastic material, sealing ring 112. With the aid of the sealing rings 112, a sealing coupling between the fluid channels 98, 99 and the working channels 21, 22 of the valve module 2 can be ensured.

In one embodiment, not shown, of the invention is sealingly mounted on a designed as a measuring device functional unit on the channel unit. The functional unit has an integrated fluid channel which communicates with one or both connection channels 100, 101 in connection. For example, a probe protrudes into the fluid channel, or a probe is disposed adjacent to a channel wall of the fluid channel to directly or indirectly determine one or more parameters of the flowing fluid.

Claims (12)

1. Valve device for the fluid supply of fluidic loads, comprising a plurality of valve modules (2) lined up in a stacking direction (3); each valve module (2) comprising a plate-shaped passage body (11) which comprises a feed passage recess (35) designed for connection to a fluid source, two working passages (21, 22) provided for coupling fluidic loads, a venting passage recess (36) for venting fluidic loads and two parallel, opposite joining surfaces (15, 16) and outer surfaces (17, 18) oriented at right angles to the joining surfaces (15, 16), wherein the joining surfaces (15, 16) determine the stacking direction (3) and are designed for abutting joining surfaces (15, 16) of adjacent channel bodies (11); and further comprising four 2/2-way valves (41, 42, 45, 46), each of which has a first and a second fluid port (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56) and a movable valve member (87) for the adjustment of a free fluid passage cross-section between the first and the second fluid port (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56), wherein the four 2/2-way valves (41, 42, 45, 46) of the valve modules (2) are interconnected in a full-bridge arrangement in which the first fluid ports (47, 49) of the first and the second 2/2-way valve (41, 42) are connected to the feed passage recess (35), the second fluid port (48) of the first 2/2-way valve (41) and the first fluid port (55) of the fourth 2/2-way valve (46) are connected to a first working passage (21), the second fluid port (50) of the second 2/2-way valve (42) and the first fluid port (51) of the third 2/2-way valve (45) are connected to a second working passage (22) and the second fluid ports (52, 56) of the third and the fourth 2/2-way valve (45, 46) are connected to the venting passage recess (36), and wherein each 2/2-way valve (41, 42, 45, 46) is provided with an electrically selectable actuating means (76) which is fitted to an outer surface of the passage body (11) designed as a mounting surface (18) and which is designed for switching the associated valve member (87) between a blocking position and a release position, characterised in that a connecting surface (17) of the passage body (11) is fitted with an auxiliary module (6, 7) which is in communicating connection to one or both of the working passages (21, 22) and which is designed for the control of a fluid flow and/or for the determination of a parameter of the fluid flow from or to the operating passage (21, 22).
2. Valve device according to claim 1, characterised in that the auxiliary module (6, 7) is designed for fitting in a mounting direction (92) orthogonal to the stacking direction (3) to the connecting surface of the valve module (2) or to a further auxiliary module (6, 7) in order to form an auxiliary module arrangement.
3. Valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the auxiliary module (6, 7) comprises a passage unit (94) with a fluid passage (98, 99) for communicating connection to one or both of the working passages (21, 22) of the passage body (11) and a function unit (12) mounted on the passage unit (94) for influencing and/or scanning the fluid flow routed in the fluid passage (98, 99) from or to one or both of the working passages (21, 22).
4. Valve device according to claim 3, characterised in that the fluid passage (98, 99) passes through the passage unit (94) and is oriented perpendicular to the connecting surface (17) when the auxiliary module (6, 7) is located on the passage body (11), and in that a connecting passage (100, 101) for communicating connection between the fluid passage (98, 99) and the function unit (12) is formed in the passage body (11).
5. Valve device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the fluid passage (98, 99) extends between opposite locating surfaces (95, 96) of the passage unit (94).
6. Valve device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterised in that the fluid passage (98, 99) is designed to accommodate a mounting means (106) for locating the auxiliary module (6, 7) on the passage body (11) or on a further auxiliary module (6, 7).
7. Valve device according to claim 6, characterised in that the mounting means (106) is, in the direction of its longitudinal dimension and in opposite end regions, provided with a head section (108) and a shank section (107) and is passed through by a longitudinal recess (111) extending between the shank section (107) and the head section (108) and terminating at the end faces in order to provide a communicating connection between auxiliary modules (6, 7) lined up in the mounting direction (92), the shank section (107) being designed for engagement with the working passage (21, 22) of the passage body (11) or with the head section (108) of a further mounting means (106).
8. Valve device according to claim 7, characterised in that the mounting means (106) comprises a communicating connection recess (110) oriented perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal dimension and communicating with the longitudinal recess (111), which communicating connection recess (110) is designed for communicating connection between the longitudinal recess (111) and the connecting passage (100, 101).
9. Valve device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the function unit is designed as a detecting device, in particular as a pressure sensor and/or flow sensor and/or temperature sensor and/or humidity sensor for determining an electric measuring signal as a function of the fluid flowing in the working passage and for making the measuring signal available to a control unit.
10. Valve device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the function unit (12) is designed as a 2/2-way valve (12).
11. Valve device according to claim 10, characterised in that the passage unit (94) comprises a first and a second connecting passage (100, 101), the first connecting passage (100) being in communicating connection with the first fluid passage (98) and a first fluid port of the function unit (12) and the second connecting passage (101) being in communicating connection with the second fluid passage (99) and a second fluid port of the function unit (12).
12. Valve device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the 2/2-way valves (41, 42, 45, 46) are designed as valve units (12) wherein the actuating means (76) together with a valve section (77) forms a compact unit which is mounted on the mounting surface (18) of the passage body (11), the valve section (77) comprising the first and the second fluid port (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56) as well as a valve seat (89) with respect to which the valve member (87) is arranged movably in order to influence the free fluid passage cross-section between the first and the second fluid port (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56) between a blocking position and a release position.

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