Control element, especially a pneumatic valve

The invention relates to a multi-way valve as described in the preamble of claim 1, and a method for generating a relative movement between the closure body and the valve housing, according to the preamble of claim 32.

A switching element, in particular a multi-way valve, is known from US Pat. No. 4,114,645 A, which has a valve housing in which a distribution channel and a plurality of inflow and outflow channels opening into these are arranged and in which two separate valve pistons, which are displaceable in the longitudinal direction thereof, are arranged, for their actuation, screwed actuating elements for the valve piston are provided on the front ends of the valve housing. The actuating elements consist of a housing and an inflexible, rigid support plate, which can be displaced via a guide arrangement, and a heating element, which is arranged in an interior space enclosed between the support plate and the housing, for applying heat to the vaporizable liquid located within the interior space as required. To fluidically separate and connect the inflow or outflow channel and the distribution channel, the valve piston is actuated via the support plate which can be adjusted by means of the expandable liquid. A spring is provided between the valve housing and the support plate of the actuating element for the secure return of the support plate from a first position actuating the valve piston to a second starting position. Such a multi-way valve has the disadvantage that due to the spring force acting by the spring against the adjustment movement of the actuating element from an initial position to the first position actuating the piston, the heating coil requires a high amount of energy to evaporate the liquid in the interior of the actuating element. Such multi-way valves are also exposed to an extremely high thermal load at high switching frequencies, and the service life of such a multi-way valve is severely limited.

A control unit for regulating the ventilation of an air-conditioned room is known from US Pat. No. 5,143,287 A. The control unit has a multi-way valve with two inflow channels and one outflow channel. Different pressures prevail in the inflow ducts, whereby, in order to set a regulated pressure in the outflow duct, the displaceable piston arranged in the multi-way valve is controlled via actuating elements arranged outside the valve housing and the duct on opposite sides.

A multi-way valve of the type used for regulating a control unit of an air conditioning system is known from US Pat. No. 4,966,194 A. An adjustable closure body is arranged in the distribution channel of the valve housing in such a way that the direction of flow of a liquid can be changed by alternately opening or closing inflow and outflow channels. For this purpose, the closure body is adjusted via an actuating element which is built up on the side of the valve housing and is located outside the distribution channel. The adjustment of the closure body takes place as a function of a differential pressure measured between the inflow and outflow channels and the expansion of an electrically heated body. Such highly complex multi-way valves are only suitable for processes with very long switching times.

From FR 2 428 995 A a shut-off valve has become known, the valve piston of which can be adjusted by means of an actuating element containing an expandable medium. The valve piston and the actuating element are arranged in a housing specially screwed onto the valve housing, the valve housing exclusively having a distribution channel for the medium. The valve piston protruding from the housing is adjusted via the actuating element to interrupt the flow connection between two channels. Such shut-off valves have a large number of individual components, and only the valve piston protrudes into a distribution channel through which the medium flows.

From EP 0 150 576 A1 a control element is known that can be used to actuate a hydraulic valve, for example, in which a laser beam acts on an elastic chamber containing an expanding liquid that evaporates when heated, or heats a bimetal strip and over this a valve piston actuated. The chamber is arranged outside the channel through which the medium flows.

A large number of multi-way valves for media, in particular pneumatic valves, are already known which consist of a valve housing which has a plurality of openings and bores or channels. At least in a bore or in a channel there is a closure body which, depending on the switching position, has one or more bores or channels

AT 410 018 B releases or closes. This closure body is linearly and relatively movably guided in a channel and has an armature which protrudes from the valve housing into a drive device. This means for the relative movement of closure bodies consists of a coil to which current is applied and which, by means of magnetic force, moves the armature and thus the closure body in the bore or in the channel. In addition to the structure consisting of a large number of individual components, which has a negative effect on the production and assembly of such multi-way valves, there is also the high proportion of moving mass, which in particular increases the switching time of such multi-way valves, which is unfavorable or unfavorable, especially in automated assembly systems . leads to uneconomical cycle times.

Such previously known means are formed by coils which are produced by winding a thin conductor on a cylindrical body. The body has a bore in which a cylindrical anchor is arranged, which is connected to the closure body via a connecting piece. The coil, ie the body provided with the winding of a thin conductor and a portion of the armature protruding into its bore are attached outside of a multi-way valve. The disadvantage of such a means is based on the fact that the time required for relative movement is also increased due to the increased mass of the closure body by the armature. If you want to achieve a reduction in the time required with this means, this can only be achieved by increasing the force acting on the closure body and thus by increasing the energy, which has a detrimental effect on the operating costs and the service life of such means.

The object of the invention is therefore to create a multi-way valve which consists of a small number of individual components and which enables extremely short switching times and can be implemented with extremely small dimensions.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features described in the characterizing part of claim 1. The surprising advantage here is that the inventive arrangement of the actuating element in one of the channels reduces the switching time and the kinetic energy, whereby a considerably shorter cycle time and lower operating costs are achieved, especially in automated production facilities. Another advantage is that no additional elements have to be attached outside of the multi-way valve, which reduces the size.

The embodiment according to claim 2 has the advantage that, in addition to the advantage of the small size and short switching times of the multi-way valve, a simple structure is possible.

A further development according to claim 3 is advantageous, in which the operating costs of the multi-way valve, in particular energy costs, are reduced.

The arrangement of the heat source in the immediate vicinity of the respectively assigned actuating element is also advantageous.

According to claim 5, the direct arrangement of the heat source and the actuating element in one of the channels enables a short switching time to open and close this channel.

An embodiment variant according to claim 6 is advantageous, as a result of which a compact design of the multi-way valve is achieved.

The embodiment according to claim 7 is also advantageous, since a pressure pulse for the relative movement of the closure body, in particular the piston, triggered by the actuating element, acts directly on the end face of the closure body.

A further development according to claim 8 is possible, as a result of which a reduction in wear and thus a reduction in manufacturing costs and maintenance costs is achieved in a simple manner and media circulation is prevented in the closed position of the closure body.

A variant according to claim 9 is advantageous, which is characterized by a high degree of flexibility with regard to the individual switching options of the multi-way valve. Furthermore, it is easy to precisely match the switching times to the switching travel.

However, the variant according to claim 10 is also favorable, which creates the possibility of controlling actuators that are operated via the multi-way valve individually, ie separately, and the flow volume can be easily changed by alternately opening or closing one or more channels.

However, an embodiment variant according to claim 11 is also advantageous, whereby a double 3

AT 410 018 B functionality of the multi-way valve with regard to the flow line and with regard to an exact positioning option is achieved.

However, a further development according to claim 12 is also possible, whereby a line connection is created with stops which, when energized, exert an electromagnetic force on the closure body and thereby lock it in a predetermined position.

The embodiment variant according to claim 13 has the advantage that the relative movement of the closure body is not hindered laying of line connections.

In an embodiment according to claim 14, a line connection to the heat source is established in a simple manner.

The assembly of the multi-way valve is facilitated in an advantageous manner by the features listed in claim 15.

The development according to claims 16 and 17 represent advantageous measures by which the size of the multi-way valve can be further minimized.

A favorable variant is described in claim 18, by means of which an unintentional relative movement of the closure body is prevented.

A further development according to claim 19 is advantageous, whereby in the released state of the holding and / or locking device a free mobility of the closure body is possible. Furthermore, a reduction in the energy requirement of the holding and / or locking device is achieved by controlling the heating elements in a star shape.

A variant according to claim 20 is advantageous, as a result of which an unintentional axial movement of the closure body is prevented in a simple manner.

An embodiment according to claim 21 is advantageous, as a result of which the holding and / or locking device can be resiliently reset.

Another favorable variant is achieved by claim 22, whereby the resetting of the holding and / or locking device is possible by means of electricity.

Favorable designs are described in claims 23 and 24, whereby the flow volume through the multi-way valve can be varied in a simple manner.

However, a variant according to claim 25 is also possible, whereby a corresponding actuating element can be assigned to each heating element and thereby easy assembly of the multi-way valve is achieved.

An embodiment according to claim 26 is advantageous, as a result of which a line connection can be established in a simple manner and as a result assembly or disassembly of the multi-way valve is further facilitated.

A further development according to claim 27 is advantageous, as a result of which the manufacture of the multi-way valve is further facilitated.

The variant according to claim 28 ensures the tightness and centering of the closure body in a simple manner.

Favorable design variants are described in claims 29 to 31, through which an automatic resettability of the closure body is achieved when the volume of the envelope changes. In particular, this design enables a desirable elastic deformation of the holding and / or locking device to be easily achieved, whereby locking or releasing of the locking is easily possible.

The object of the invention is finally also achieved by the measure described in the characterizing part of claim 32. It is advantageous that the motive force acts directly on the closure body, whereby a reduction in the switching times and the energy consumption is achieved. In addition, an exact positioning of the piston-shaped closure body is achieved.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in an end view;

2 shows another embodiment variant of a multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in the front view;

3 shows the multi-way valve, in section, along the lines III - III in FIG. 2;

4 shows a closure body of the multi-way valve according to the invention in an end view;

AT 410 018 Β

5 shows a further embodiment variant of a multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in an end view;

6 shows the multi-way valve according to the invention, sectioned along the lines VI - VI in FIG. 5;

7 shows a further embodiment variant of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in the front view;

FIG. 8 shows the multi-way valve, sectioned along the lines VIII - VIII in FIG. 7; FIG.

9 shows another embodiment variant of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in an end view;

FIG. 10 shows the multi-way valve, in section, along the lines X - X in FIG. 9; FIG.

11 shows the multi-way valve, in section, along lines XI-XI in FIG. 10;

12 shows a heat source, in particular a heating device, for relative movement in the

Top view;

13 shows the heat source, in particular the heating device, in section, along the lines XIII-XIII in FIG. 12;

14 shows an actuating element with the heating device and the closure body, in section, in an end view;

15 shows another embodiment variant of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in the front view;

16 shows the multi-way valve according to the invention, sectioned along the lines XVI-XVI in FIG. 15;

17 shows a closure piece of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in a side view;

18 shows the closure piece, in section, along the lines XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17;

19 shows a further embodiment variant of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in an end view;

FIG. 20 shows the multi-way valve, sectioned along the lines XX-XX in FIG. 19; FIG.

21 shows another embodiment variant of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in an end view;

22 shows a further embodiment variant of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in an end view;

23 shows a holding and / or locking device of the multi-way valve, in section, in an end view;

24 shows another embodiment of the holding and / or locking device, in section, in an end view;

25 shows another embodiment variant of the holding and / or locking device, in section, in the front view;

26 shows the holding and / or locking device, in section, along the lines XXVI - XXVI in FIG. 25,

27 shows the holding and / or locking device, in section, along the lines XXVII -XXVII in FIG. 25;

28 shows another embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the invention, in section, in a side view;

29 shows the multi-way valve, in section, along the lines XXIX-XXIX in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 shows the multi-way valve, in section, along the lines XXX-XXX in FIG. 28; FIG.

31 shows a schematic representation of a control device with a media-operated consumer.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred accordingly to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. Furthermore, individual features from the different exemplary embodiments shown can also represent independent solutions according to the invention.

In Fig. 1, a switching element forming multi-way valve 1 for pressure medium, in particular a pneumatic valve 2, is shown. This is made of metal or plastic, for example

AT 410 018 B and cuboid. It has a preferably flat top 3, an underside 5 running parallel to it at a distance of a height 4, as well as side faces 6 running at right angles to these, the two opposite and facing side faces 6 being spaced apart from one another by a length 7 measured at right angles to the height 4 are. The multi-way valve 1 preferably has several channels 8.

At least one channel 8 is designed with a central axis 9 running parallel to the top 3 and / or bottom 5 as a guide device 10 for at least one closure body 11a or a piston. This channel 8 forming the guide device 10 is preferably designed as a distribution channel 12 for the medium. For example, at right angles to the top 3 and / or bottom 5, bore axes 13 run in the centers of the cylindrical secondary channels 8.

The secondary channel 8, which extends from the top 3 to the distribution channel 12, is connected, for example, via a connecting thread 14 and via hose connections (not shown) to a cylinder (not shown), in particular a pneumatic cylinder. From the underside 5, for example, two secondary channels 8 protrude as far as the distribution channel 12, one secondary channel 8 being designed as an inflow channel 15 and a further secondary channel 8 as an outflow channel 16. These secondary channels 8 are spaced from one another by a distance 17 which, for example, is halved by the bore axis 13 of a secondary channel 18 which extends from the top 3 to the distribution channel 12 and forms a secondary channel 8.

The movement element or the closure body 11a forming it is delimited in a direction parallel to the central axis 9 by end faces 19 which extend at right angles to this and which delimit the closure body 11a, in particular collars 20. At least one collar 20 has one or more groove-shaped depressions 21 which run concentrically around the central axis 9 and are designed to accommodate sealing elements 22. A sealing element 22 that runs concentrically around the central axis 9, for example as a sealing layer, sealing ring is limited by an inner diameter 23 that runs concentrically around the central axis 9 and delimits the distribution channel 12. When using two sealing elements 22, these are spaced apart in the direction of the central axis 9 by a distance 24 which is, for example, the same size as a channel diameter 25 of a secondary channel 8 running concentrically to the bore axis 13.

If the medium located in the pneumatic cylinder, in particular the compressed air, is to be removed from the pneumatic cylinder via the secondary channel 18, which is, for example, connected to a pneumatic cylinder (not shown), the collar 20 having the sealing elements 22 is in the illustrated closed position in which the connection between the inflow channel 15 and the distribution channel 12 and / or the secondary channel 18 is blocked by the sealing elements 22. At the same time, in this position of the closure body 11a, a connection between the secondary channel 18 and the outflow channel 16 is established.

To reduce flow resistances, the two collars 20 are connected via an intermediate piece 26, which has a concentric diameter 27 around the central axis 9, which is smaller than a collar diameter 28 measured parallel to this. The intermediate piece 26 separates the collars 20 so far that the end faces 19 are spaced apart by a distance 29 measured parallel to the central axis 9. In the closed position of the closure body 11a blocking the inflow channel 15, an end face 19 is preferably in an abutting position with an actuating element 31, which is arranged adjacent to the inflow channel 15 and has a heat source 30, for relative movement between the closure body 11a and the valve housing.

The actuating element 31 and the heat source 30 are arranged in the valve housing, the actuating element 31 having an elastically deformable sleeve 32 which completely delimits an interior 33. The shell 32 has outer surfaces 34 facing away from the interior 33, an outer surface 34 being in the illustrated closed position of the closure body 11a in a position adjacent to the end face 19 of a collar 20. An electrical heating device 35, which forms the heat source 30 and is preferably formed by one or more heating elements 36, in particular heating resistors 37, is arranged on a further outer surface 34 or in the interior 33. Via this heating device 35, electrically generated heating energy is quickly transferred to the actuating element 31, in particular to one arranged in the interior 33

AT 410 018 B transfer evaporating liquid, which changes the state of aggregation, preferably from liquid to gaseous when there is a slight change in temperature, and as a result the interior 33 experiences an increase in volume.

This state is shown in the present exemplary embodiment in the case of an actuating element 31 which is also arranged in the distribution channel 12 and is located adjacent to the outflow channel 16 and has a heat source 30. In this actuating element 31 it can be seen that the outer surfaces 34 of the shell 32, which run approximately at right angles to the central axis 9 and approximately parallel to one another, are spaced apart by a distance 38 measured parallel to the central axis 9, which is greater than the distance 38 from the outer surfaces 34 of a shell 32, whose rapidly evaporating liquid located in the interior 33 has not undergone any change in its physical state due to the action of thermal energy. This further actuating element 31 also has a heating device 35, preferably formed by heating resistors 37, which heats the rapidly evaporating liquid located in the interior 33 and brings about a change in the physical state.

In the case of rapidly evaporating liquids, this change in physical state takes place in such a way that at the moment of the change in physical state, i.e. when the volume of the interior 33 increases, the change in physical state is reversed from liquid to gaseous, which in turn reduces the distance 38 and the interior 33 assumes its original volume . As a result of the at least short-term change in volume, an impulse is exerted on the end face 19 of the closure body 11a, as a result of which it is displaced in the distribution channel 12 which forms the guide device 10 for the closure body 11a. By applying a heat energy source to the rapidly vaporizable liquid, the volume change, in particular the enlargement of the actuating element 31, occurs due to the evaporation of the liquid. Therefore, the actuating element 31 is in the expanded state as long as a heat energy source is applied. If no thermal energy is supplied, the condensation of the liquid causes another change in volume, in particular a reduction in the size of the actuating element 31. The respective opposite actuating element 31, which is not acted upon, then forms a damping device for the closure body 11a.

The distribution channel 12 is designed, for example, as a blind hole and has a receptacle 39 for a closure piece 40 in an area adjacent to the side surface 6 23 of the distribution channel 12 and approximately corresponds to a core diameter 43 of an internal thread 44 of the receptacle 39. A surface 45 of the closure piece 40 that faces the distribution channel 12 and runs at right angles to the central axis 9 and delimits the threaded section 41 is surmounted by a preferably cylindrical extension 46 in the direction of the distribution channel 12, which has an extension diameter 47 extending concentrically around the central axis 9 and a right-angled extension this measured extension length 48 has, which distances a front surface 49 running at right angles to the central axis 9 from the surface 45. The already described heating element 36 is now located on this front surface 49 and is supplied with electrical current via a line 50 which extends outward in the extension 46 and in the area of ​​the threaded section 41.

The threaded section 41 also has, for example, a hexagon socket 51 shown in dashed lines.This makes it possible to insert the closure piece 40 with its extension 46 more or less into the guide device 10, ie into the distribution channel 12 and thus a distance 52 between the facing outer surfaces 34 two actuators 31 to change. This in turn makes it possible to change the closed position or To match the opening position of the closure body 11a exactly to the secondary channels 8 and thus prevent incorrect distribution of media to the various secondary channels 8. The multi-way valve 1 can furthermore have monitoring elements 53, as shown by way of example, which are designed, for example, as inductive proximity switches 54 and monitor the position of the closure body 11a.

In FIGS. 2 to 4, which are described together, another embodiment variant of a multi-way valve 1 according to the invention is shown. The multi-way valve 1 has as a guide 7

AT 410 018 B

Device 10 formed distribution channel 12 the closure body 11a. The closure body 11a, in particular the piston, which is shown in greater detail in FIG.

The closure body 11a has a plurality of collars 20 spaced from one another in the direction of the spacing 29. In each case two collars 20 are spaced apart from one another by a distance 55, which is measured parallel to the distance 29. The collars 20 have a collar diameter 28 measured concentrically around the central axis 9. A receiving groove 56 for the sealing elements 22 is formed by the collars 20 spaced apart from one another by the distance 55. At a distance 57 from the collars 20 of a receiving groove 56, there are further collars 20 which form holding grooves 58 for a holding and / or locking device shown in more detail in FIG. 3. In the end regions of the closure body 11a spaced apart from one another by the distance 29, there are also collars 20, whereby these can also form a receiving groove 56 for a sealing element 22. The outer surfaces 34 of the sleeves 32 from the actuating element 31 are spaced apart from one another by the distance 52, which in the present exemplary embodiment corresponds to the distance 29.

The multi-way valve 1 in turn has several channels 8, whereby a secondary channel 8 protruding from the top 3 to the distribution channel 12 is designed as a secondary channel 18, while a secondary channel 8 protruding from the bottom 5 to the distribution channel 12 is designed as an inflow channel 15 and another as an outflow channel 16 . The previously mentioned holding and / or locking device 59 is located in the distribution channel 12 both in the intermediate area between the inflow channel 15 and the secondary channel 18 and between the outflow channel 16 and the secondary channel 18.

This is shown in detail in Fig. 3 and has an electrical heating device 35 running concentrically around the central axis 9, which is composed of several heating elements 36 which are arranged on an inner surface 60 delimiting the distribution channel 12 in the direction of the central axis 9 and which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the inner surface 60 are arranged one after the other and are formed, for example, by heating resistors 37. Actuating elements 31 are located on an inner side 61 delimiting the heating elements 36 in the direction of the central axis 9, a closure body 11a preferably being assigned to each heating element 36. These actuating elements 31 have shells 32 which delimit inner spaces 33 in which an easily evaporating liquid is arranged.

If the actuating element 31 is now subjected to thermal energy by means of the heating element 36, the liquid arranged in the interior 33 evaporates and the shell 32 expands, this process taking place simultaneously for two diametrically opposed actuating elements 31, for example diametrically opposite actuating elements 31 spaced from one another by a distance 63, which is greater than the diameter 27 of intermediate pieces 26 of the closure body 11a shown in FIG. 4, which collars 20 spaced apart from one another. The distance 63 is less than the collar diameter 28, so that, for example, two diametrically opposite actuating elements 31 shown in FIG. 3 engage in the retaining groove 58 of the closure body 11a and thus prevent axial movement of the closure body 11a shown in FIG.

Since the expansion of the sheath 32 preferably only takes place for a short moment, the actuating elements 31 arranged over the inner circumference of the inside 61 of the heating device 35, ie the heating elements 36 assigned to them, are controlled in a successive manner, so that, for example, only two diametrically opposite shells in each case 32 expand at short notice. As a result of the successive activation, however, the result is that always two opposing shells 32 are expanded and so there is always a locking of the piston-shaped closure body 11a shown in FIG there is a risk of thermal destruction. The holding and / or locking devices 59 are arranged at a distance from one another in the distribution channel 12 so that in a position of the piston-shaped closure body 11a that prevents a flow connection between the inflow channel 15 and the secondary channel 18, a holding and / or locking device 59 engages in a holding groove 58, whereas in a position of the piston-shaped closure body 11a Blocking position preventing flow connection between outflow channel 16 and secondary channel 18

AT 410 018 B of the piston-shaped closure body 11a another holding and / or locking device 59 engages in a further holding groove 58 of the piston-shaped closure body 11a.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, which are described together, a further embodiment variant of a multi-way valve 1 for media, in particular a pneumatic valve 2, is shown. This has the distribution channel 12, which has the central axis 9 and which is delimited by the inner diameter 23 running concentrically around the central axis 9.

The multi-way valve 1 has a plurality of channels 8, a secondary channel 8 being designed as an inflow channel 15 and a secondary channel 8 running parallel to this being designed as an outflow channel 16. These have the bore axes 13, which run parallel to one another and at right angles to the central axis 9 at a distance by the distance 17 measured parallel to this. They also extend from the top 3 to the distribution channel 12 and have the connecting thread 14 in the area of ​​the top 3. Approximately in the middle of the distance 17 at right angles to the central axis 9 and to the bore axes 13, the secondary channel 18 runs from a rear side 64 running at right angles to the upper side 3 also to the distribution channel 12. In the distribution channel 12 there are, for example, two closure bodies 11b or the actuating elements 31, one closure body 11b each being assigned to the inflow channel 15 and the outflow channel 16. In the present exemplary embodiment, the closure bodies 11b are designed in the form of drops of liquid which are forcibly guided in a cage-shaped housing 65.

The housing 65 consists of a jacket 66 running concentrically around the central axis 9 and preferably plate-shaped end parts 67 running at right angles to the central axis 9, which are spaced from one another by a width 68 measured parallel to the central axis 9. This is equal to or greater than the channel diameter 25 of the inflow channel 15 and / or outflow channel 16 and forms approximately a width 69 of the teardrop-shaped closure body 11b. The housing 65, in particular the jacket 66 and the front parts 67 have openings 70 for the medium to flow through. Located opposite the inflow channel 15 and / or outflow channel 16 are the heat source 30 for the relative movement and / or deformation of the closure body 11b, which in the present embodiment are designed as wave energy sources 71 and / or wave generators 72, in particular as microwave generators 73.

These have axes 74 running parallel to one another, which are preferably arranged in alignment with the bore axes 13 of the inflow channel 15 and outflow channel 16. If, for example, the outflow channel 16 is to be blocked, ie a flow passage from the inflow channel 15 to the secondary channel 18 is to be created, a microwave generator 73 is acted upon, for example via a central connecting line 75 and a plug 76. The closure body 11b is lifted off by the wave energy and moved in the direction of the outflow channel 16, whereby the latter is closed. Of course, it is also possible, instead of the closure body 11b, to use an actuating element 31, as described in FIG.

The wave energy sources 71 are screwed into a threaded hole 77. In the present exemplary embodiment, the distribution channel 12 is designed as a through opening, the receptacles 39 for closure pieces 40 being arranged in the region of the side surfaces 6. These in turn have threaded sections 41 via which the locking pieces 40 are screwed into the receptacles 39. This embodiment variant has the advantage that both the inflow channel 15 and the outflow channel 16 can be closed at the same time.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, which are described together, a further embodiment variant of the multi-way valve 1 according to the invention is shown. This has the distribution channel 12, which is delimited by surfaces 88 running parallel to the upper side 3 and lower side 5, spaced from one another by a channel height 87, and facing side surfaces 89 running parallel to the rear side 64. As a result, an approximately rectangular cross section of the distribution channel 12 is formed, which has a length 90 from the side surface 6 in the direction of the further side surface 6 facing away from it and running parallel to it. The pneumatic valve 2 in turn has several channels 8, whereby a secondary channel 8 extending from the bottom 5 to the distribution channel 12 and running parallel to the side surface 6 is designed as an inflow channel 15 and the other secondary channels 8 extend from the top 3 to the distribution channel 12 and are designed as secondary channels 18 . The multi-way valve 1 has in the present Ausfüh9

AT 410 018 B approximately example has four secondary channels 18, all of which have a connecting thread 14. They also run parallel to the side surfaces 6, the bore axes 13 of the secondary channels 18 being spaced apart by the distance 17.

Arranged in the distribution channel 12 is the closure body 11b, which has a plurality of interior spaces 33 spaced apart in the direction of the length 90 and surrounded by at least one shell 32, which in turn are filled with easily evaporating liquids. The secondary channels 18 form openings 91 in the area of ​​intersection with the distribution channel 12, each opening 91 being assigned a chamber 92 forming the interior 33 or the interior 33. The closure body 11b is formed by the actuating element 31.

The electrical heating device 35 is arranged in the area between the surface 88 and the outer surface 34 of the closure body 11b facing it, a heating element 36 being assigned to each chamber 92. However, the closure body 11b preferably has more chambers 92 than there are secondary channels 18, so that a chamber 92 is also arranged in the area between the inflow channel 15 and the secondary channel 18 arranged next to it, and a main shut-off element 93 is thus created. The closure body 11b, that is to say the sheath 32, has, as shown in FIG. 8th can be seen, in the deformed state, a width 94 measured parallel to the upper side 3, which is greater than the channel diameter 25 of the secondary channel 18 and smaller than a width 95 spacing the side surfaces 89. This creates a gap between the shell 32 and the side surface 89, which can be flowed through by the medium even in the expanded state, so that a separate shut-off of each individual secondary channel 18 is possible. The width 94 of the main shut-off element 93 can, however, be designed in such a way that it corresponds to the width 95 in the expanded state and thus the last-mentioned gap in the area of ​​the main shut-off element 93 is avoided.

In the area of ​​the end face 6, the multi-way valve 1 again has the receptacle 39 for the closure piece 40, which is connected in one piece to the electrical heating device 35, for example. This closure piece 40 also has at least one sealing element 22 and a line 50, which can be connected to other lines or a central connection line via a bus connector 96, for example.

Another embodiment variant of the multi-way event 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, which are further described. This consists of a base body 97 and an additional body 98, which is arranged on the top 3 of the base body 97 and forms a collecting element 99 for the medium. The base body 97 has the distribution channel 12 and an inflow channel 15 protruding from the distribution channel 12 to the bottom 5. A plurality of secondary channels 18 spaced apart from one another by a distance 17 extend from the top 3, the bore axes 13 of which run at right angles to the top 3. In the distribution channel 12 there is the closure body 11b, which in turn has a plurality of interior spaces 33 which are spaced apart in the direction of the length 90 of the base body 97 and which are delimited by at least one casing 32. The interior spaces 33 are filled with an easily evaporating liquid. The electrical heating device 35 is arranged in the area between the surface 88 of the distribution channel 12, which is assigned to the underside 5, and the outer surface 34 of the closure body 11b or the shell 32 facing it.

The base body 97 has a width 100 measured at right angles to the length 90, which is greater than a width 95 of the distribution channel 12 measured parallel to it the spacing 17 has secondary channels 18 spaced from one another. These extend from the upper side 3 to the surface 88 of the distribution channel 12 associated therewith and form openings 91 in the area of ​​this surface 88. A chamber 92 of the closure body 11b, which forms the interior 33, is assigned to each opening 91, and a heating element 36 of the heating device 35 is assigned to each chamber 92.

The secondary channels 18 of the base body 97 are therefore arranged in the form of a grid, for example five secondary channels 18, ie in particular their bore axes 13, lying in a transverse plane 101 running parallel to the side surface 6 and the transverse planes 101 being spaced from one another by, for example, a distance 17. For example, four of the secondary channels 18, ie the bore axes 13 thereof lie in a longitudinal plane 102 which runs at right angles to the transverse plane 101 and which is parallel to the rear side 64 of the base body 97

AT 410 018 B and which are also spaced from one another, for example, by the distance 17. This now results in a grid-like arrangement of the secondary channels 18.

The closure body 11b, which has a plurality of chambers 92 both in the direction of the length 90 and in the direction of the width 95, has the width 94, which corresponds to the width 95 in the present exemplary embodiment. In the area of ​​intersection of the secondary channels 18 with the upper side 3, openings 103 are formed, the openings 103 of secondary channels 18 lying, for example, in a transverse plane 101 opening into a groove-shaped recess 104.

This has an inner surface 105 facing the top 3, which is spaced from the top 3 in the opposite direction to the bottom 5 by a groove depth 106. The recess 104 is delimited by two in the inner side surfaces 107 running at right angles to the inner surface 105 and parallel to the side surface 6, which are spaced apart from one another by a groove width 108 measured at right angles to the side surface 6. This is at least the same size as the channel diameter 25 of the secondary channels 18. The depressions 104 are delimited by at least one sealing element 109 in a plane running parallel to the top side 3. A connection opening 112 with a connection thread 113 protruding from the outside 111 in the direction of the inner surface 105 extends from the inner surface 105 to an outer side 111 spaced from it by a height 110 in the opposite direction to the upper side 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the additional body 98, that is to say the collecting element 99, is designed in such a way that five secondary channels 18 each open into a recess 104 which has a connection opening 112. Of course, it is also possible to design the recess 104 not to run parallel to the side surface 6, but at right angles to it, so that, for example, four secondary channels 18 each in a longitudinal plane 102 open into a recess 104 and thus into a connection opening 112.

With this variant it is now possible, by closing one or more secondary channels 18 with the closing body 11b, to adapt a flow rate of the medium exactly to a specific requirement and, for example, to combine a plurality of secondary channels 8 to form a flow path.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, which are described together, a heat source 30 is now shown for the relative movement and / or deformation of one or more closure bodies 11a (not shown); 11b shown. The heat source 30, which forms an electrical heating device 35, consists of a, for example, rectangular base plate 114, which has a width 115 which is bisected by a longitudinal plane 116 extending at right angles to it. The base plate 114 has a length 117 parallel to the longitudinal plane 116. This separates two transverse side surfaces 118 running parallel to the width 115, which run at right angles to the longitudinal side surfaces 119, which are spaced from one another by the width 115 and are arranged parallel to the longitudinal plane 116. The base plate 114 is further delimited by an underside 120 running at right angles to the longitudinal side surface 119 and an upper side 122 spaced from this by a height 121 and running parallel to it.

A plurality of heating elements 36 are located on the upper side 122, arranged in the form of a grid, which are designed, for example, as heating resistors 37 and, in their entirety, form the heating device 35. The heating elements 36 are arranged such that, for example, five heating elements 36 each have a longitudinal plane 123 running parallel to the longitudinal plane 116 and, for example, five heating elements 36 each have a transverse plane 124 running at right angles to this and to the longitudinal plane 116. The longitudinal planes 123 are each spaced apart by a distance 125 measured parallel to the width 115 and the transverse planes 124 by a distance 126 measured at right angles to the distance 125. The distances 125, 126 can be designed in such a way that they correspond to the distance 17 of the secondary channels 18 shown in FIG.

The base plate 114 has an end element 127, which has an end height 128, measured parallel to the height 121, which is greater than the height 121. In the end face 129 there are coupling receptacles 130 of a coupling device 131 protruding from the end face 129 in the direction of the underside 120, which are designed, for example, as sockets 132, from which lines 133 lead in the direction of the underside 120 and then to the heating elements 36. The lines 133 can preferably be designed as conductor tracks 134 in the area of ​​the top 122, so that the heat source 30 is an integrated circuit or

AT 410 018 B

Board 135 can be formed.

Coupling extensions 136, which are arranged in a coupling element 137 arranged on the end face 129, are assigned to the coupling receptacles 130. This coupling element 137 has, for example, the bus connector 96, which is in line connection with the coupling extensions 136, which are designed, for example, as plug-in elements 138, via lines 139. As a result, it is now possible to control one or more of the heating elements 36 via a bus line and the bus connector 96 and also via the lines 139, the coupling device 131 and the lines 133 or conductor tracks 134. The heat source 30 also has a sealing element 22. The heating elements 36 are arranged on the upper side 122 in such a way that they are assigned to the individual chambers 92 of a closure body 11b shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

14 shows a further variant of a closure body 11a. This is designed, for example, as a reciprocating piston 140, which is arranged in a secondary channel 8, in particular in the secondary channel 18. The reciprocating piston 140 has a sealing section 141 which is formed by a conical jacket 143 extending from a cylinder jacket 142 arranged cylindrically around the bore axis 13 in the direction of the distribution channel 12, the cylinder jacket 142 having a jacket diameter 144 which is greater than a diameter 145 a rod 147 extending in the direction of the distribution channel 12 following a conical part 146 delimited by the conical casing 143. At a distance 148 from the conical part 146 in the opposite direction to the cylinder jacket 142, the rod 147 has a collar 149 which has a collar diameter 150 which is greater than the diameter 145 of the rod 147. Following the collar 149, another extends in the opposite direction Pull rod 151 which extends in the direction of the sealing section 141 and which has a threaded section 152 in an end region facing away from the sealing section 141.

The pull rod 151 is delimited by a further actuating element 31 which - as already described - is formed by a casing 32 which delimits an interior space 33 in which, in turn, a high-boiling liquid is arranged. In the area between the shell 32 and the surface 88 of the distribution channel 12, the heat source 30 is located, for example in the form of at least one heating element 36. The pull rod 151 protrudes through the heating element 36 and the surface 88 and protrudes into an opening 153 in which a spring element 154 is arranged. A plate element 155 is screwed onto the threaded section 152. In the area of ​​the surface 88 assigned to the upper side 3, the secondary channel 18 has a sealing seat 156 which tapers conically in the direction of the distribution channel 12 and to which the conical jacket 143 of the reciprocating piston 140 is assigned.

If the shell 32 is not subjected to thermal energy, the spring element 154 causes a spring force on the plate element 155, which is detachably or non-detachably connected to the pull rod 151, and thus presses the conical casing 143 of the reciprocating piston 140 against the sealing seat 156, whereby the flow passage from the distribution channel 12 is interrupted in the secondary channel 18. If this flow passage is now to be opened, then the shell 32 is acted upon with thermal energy via the heating element 36, whereby the high-boiling liquid arranged in the interior 33 evaporates and the shell 32 expands. As a result, a pressure force directed opposite to the spring force is exerted on the collar 149 and the reciprocating piston 140, ie the cone jacket 143, lifted from the sealing seat 156 and the spring element 154 tensioned, whereby when the thermal energy effect and when the state of aggregation of the liquid arranged in the interior 33 changes from a gaseous to the liquid state, the reciprocating piston 140 is automatically pressed into the closed position by spring force.

In FIGS. 15 and 16, which are described together, another embodiment variant of a multi-way valve 1 according to the invention is shown. This has two secondary channels 18 extending from the top 3 to the distribution channel 12, as well as two secondary channels 8 running at right angles to these, one of which is designed as an inflow channel 15 and another as an outflow channel 16. The distribution channel 12 is designed as a cylindrical bore which, in an area adjacent to the bottom 5, has a groove 185 with a groove bottom 186 running parallel to the bottom 5, in which the actuating element 31 and / or the heat source 30 is arranged. The distribution channel 12 is closed by a plate-shaped closure piece 40 which, on an inner surface 187 facing the distribution channel 12, has a cylindrical bolt 188 protruding at right angles.

AT 410 018 B

This has a bolt length 189 measured parallel to the central axis 9 and at right angles to the inner surface 187, which is preferably greater than the length 90 of the distribution channel 12 measured parallel to this. The bolt 188 has a bolt diameter 190 measured at right angles to the bolt length 189, which is equal to or smaller than a recess diameter 191 of a recess 192 which is arranged in an end region 193 of the multi-way valve 1 arranged opposite to the closure piece 40. A depth 194 of the recess 192, measured parallel to the bolt length 189, is selected in such a way that, when added to the length 90, it is greater than the bolt length 189. The bolt 188 forms the guide device 10 for the closure body 11a, which is arranged in the distribution channel 12. A longitudinal guide can be provided between the bolt 188 and the closure body 11a, which prevents a radial movement of the closure body 11a.

The closure body 11a has one or more bearing elements 195 which run concentrically around the central axis 9, in particular in the form of plain bearing bushes 196, into which the bolt 188 is inserted. The closure body 11a has at least one sealing element 22, which is preferably formed in one piece and has two transverse webs 197 and two circumferential webs 198 running approximately at right angles to these. The transverse webs 197 run parallel to the central axis 9 and are spaced from the groove base 186 in the opposite direction to the underside 5 by a height 199 which is greater than a width 200 measured parallel to this, facing parallel to one another and at right angles to the groove base 186. The width 200 is limited by the groove bottom 186 and a cut edge 202, which is formed by the groove sides 201 and a cylindrical surface 203 of the distribution channel 12 that encircles concentrically around the central axis 9. The height 199, however, is less than a measured parallel to this Axial spacing 204, which separates the bore axis 13 of the inflow channel 15 and / or of the outflow channel 16 from the groove base 186. The center distance 204 corresponds at least to the height 199 plus half the channel diameter 25 of the inflow channel 15 and / or of the outflow channel 16.

In an area facing the groove base 186, the closure body 11a has concave indentations 205 which run at right angles to the central axis 9 and which delimit the closure body 11a in the direction of the groove base 186 and which extend through the central axis 9 and are at right angles to the inner surface 187 and to the top 3 Surface line 207 lying above the plane of symmetry 206 in the direction of the central axis 9 by an indentation depth 208. The surface line 207 is spaced from the groove bottom 186 by a distance 209 which is less than a height 210 of a segment 211 of the shell 32 of the actuating element 31, the chamber 92 of which is in the expanded state Inner surface 187 spaced a distance 213, which in an end position of the closure body 11a closing the outflow channel 16 is greater than a distance 214 of a surface area of ​​an expanded segment 211 closest to the central axis 9 from the inner surface 187. The end edge 212 is of the surface area of ​​the segment closest to the central axis 9 211 spaced apart by a lateral offset 215 measured parallel to the central axis 9.

If the closure body 11a is now to be moved in the opposite direction to the closure piece 40, the segment 211 of the actuating element 31 adjacent to the closure piece 40 is expanded, whereby the sleeve 32 presses on the adjacent end edge 212 and thereby an axial force component running parallel to the central axis 9 on the closure body 11a exercises. As a result, another end edge 216 delimiting the first indentation 205 opposite to the end edge 212 reaches a position in which it also has the lateral offset 215 to the surface area of ​​the further segment 211 of the actuating element 31 that is closest to the central axis 9. If this further segment 211 is now expanded, a further axial movement of the closure body 11a is carried out in accordance with the procedure described.

The axial movement of the closure body 11a is limited by a sleeve-shaped stop 217 which is arranged concentrically around the bolt 188. This stop 217 has an annular stop surface 218 facing the closure body 11a, which runs parallel to an end face 219 of a recess 220 in the closure body 11a. In a position of the closure body 13 that seals the inflow channel 15 by means of the sealing elements 22

AT 410 018 B pers 11a, the stop surface 218 and the end surface 219 are in an adjacent position.

If the closure body 11a is now to be moved in the direction of the closure piece 40, ie in a position sealing the outflow channel 16, an axial force component is exerted on an end edge 221 delimiting the closure body 11a in the opposite direction to the closure piece 40, which is exerted by an expanded end edge 221 associated with this end edge 221 Segment 211 is created. For axial movement it is further necessary that the segments 211 are not expanded simultaneously, but in each case in successive order, so that when a segment 211 expands, the segments 211 adjacent to it and preferably all the others are in a relaxed state. The expansion of the segments 211, which in turn have a rapidly evaporating liquid in the chambers 92, is carried out by the thermal application of the segments 211 by means of the electrical heating device 35 already described and consisting of the individual heating elements 36, with each segment 211 being assigned a heating element 36, which can be supplied with electrical power independently of the other heating elements 36. For the purpose of limiting the axial movement in the direction of the closure piece 40, a stop 217 is also arranged concentrically around the bolt 188.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, described together, a closure piece 40 of the multi-way valve 1 according to the invention, shown for example in FIGS. 15 and 16, is shown. This has the bolt 188, which is preferably connected in one piece to a flange plate 222. The bolt 188 projects beyond the inner surface 187 of the flange plate 222 by a bolt length 189 and has the bolt diameter 190. The bolt 188, in particular an outer surface 223, is arranged rotationally symmetrically around the central axis 9 and has, for example, two recess grooves 224 running concentrically around the central axis 9 with a groove width 225 measured parallel to the central axis 9 and a groove depth protruding from the outer surface 223 in the direction of the central axis 9 226. The recess groove 224 adjacent to the flange plate 222 is spaced from the inner surface 187 by a distance 227. The recess groove 224, which is arranged in the opposite direction to the flange plate 222 from this recess groove 224, is spaced from the inner surface 187 by a distance 228. The difference between the distance 228 and the distance 227 results in a distance 229 between the two recess grooves 224.

In the recess grooves 224 there are contact elements 230 which each have a contact web 231 which protrudes beyond a groove base 232, which is spaced apart from the outer surface 223 in the direction of the central axis 9 by the groove depth 226, in the direction of the central axis 9. The bolt 188 also has an inner bore 233, which extends from an outer surface 234 of the flange plate 222 facing away from the inner surface 187 and running parallel to it to a bore depth 235 that is greater than the sum of the distance 228, the groove width 225 and the outer surface 234, the flange thickness 236 distancing from the inner surface 187. The inner bore 233 has a bore diameter 237 which is smaller than the bolt diameter 190.

The contact webs 231 are designed so that they protrude into the inner bore 233 and are line-connected via line elements 238, for example flexible lines 239, to a coupling device 240, for example a multiple plug 241, arranged in the flange plate 222. This makes it possible to apply electrical current to the contact elements 230 via the coupling device 240. The flange plate 222 has further contact elements 242 on the inner surface 187, which can be connected to the multiple plug 241 or a further coupling device 243 and are used to contact the heat source 30 shown in FIG. 15, in particular the electrical heating device 35. The contact elements 230 arranged in the bolt 188 form the holding and / or locking device 59 in that when a contact element 230 is subjected to electrical current and the electromagnetism achieved thereby, the stops 217 shown in dashed lines also generate an electromagnetic force and thus the in Fig 15 hold the closure body 11a shown, for example, on its end face 219. This prevents the closure body 11a from being moved automatically by the pressure conditions prevailing in the distribution channel 12.

In FIGS. 19 and 20, which are described together, another embodiment variant of a multi-way valve 1 according to the invention, in particular a pneumatic valve 2, is shown. This has the distribution channel 12 running parallel to the upper side 3 or lower side 5, respectively

AT 410 018 B which, for example, three secondary channels 18 to the top 3 and an inflow channel 15 to the bottom 5 run. The bore axes 13 are again arranged at right angles to the central axis 9, axially aligned with the bore axes 13, from the distribution channel 12 to the underside 5, concentric receiving openings 244, into which the electrical heating devices 35 are inserted. The heating device 35 protrudes through the receiving opening 244 and the distribution channel 12 and protrudes into the secondary channel 18, a device axis 245 of the heating device 35 running at right angles to the central axis 9. In the area of ​​the secondary channel 18, the heating device 35 has a cylindrical extension 246 which forms the heating element 36. This is limited in the direction of the top 5 by a collar 247. Arranged concentrically around the extension 246, there is the actuating element 31 which forms the closure body 11b and which is formed by the envelope 32 which has the chamber 92. In the chamber 92 there is again a rapidly evaporating liquid, as a result of which the shell 32 expands when the temperature increases by means of the heating element 36 and the associated evaporation of the liquid in the chamber 92 and thus closes the secondary channel 18. The electrical heating devices 35 are controlled individually, for example, via the common plug 76 and the line 50, which is designed, for example, as a bus line. The distribution channel 12 is in turn sealed by the closure piece 40.

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment of the multi-way valve 1 according to the invention, in particular a pneumatic valve 2 with a secondary channel 18, an inflow channel 15 and an outflow channel 16. The closure body 11a, which in turn has sealing elements 22 on collars 20, is actuated pneumatically via further multi-way valves 1, in particular via pilot valves 248. Arranged on the end faces 19 of the collars 20 are damping elements 249.

The pilot valve 248 is introduced into the distribution channel 12 from the side surface 6, in particular screwed in, and has an inflow channel 15 running at right angles to the central axis 9 and a secondary channel 18 running axially aligned with the central axis 9. In this an electrical heating device 35 is introduced, which has a bolt-shaped heating element 36, around which the locking body 11b, designed as an actuating element 31, is arranged concentrically around it. This consists of a shell 32 with a chamber 92 in which a rapidly evaporating liquid is arranged, which closes the inflow channel 15 and / or the secondary channel 18 in the expanded state.

A further variant embodiment of the multi-way valve 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 22. The closure body 11a arranged in the distribution channel 12 in turn has a plurality of collars 20 which form or limit receiving grooves 56 for sealing elements 22. In each case one sealing element 22 is arranged adjacent to a pilot control valve 248, as has been described by way of example in FIG. 21. The closure body 11a, in particular two opposite end faces 19, are spaced from one another by the distance 29, with a further receiving groove 56 for a sealing element 22 being arranged approximately by half of the distance 29, which is either a flow connection between the secondary channel 18 and the inflow channel 15 or between the secondary channel 18 and outflow channel 16 produces.

The closure body 11a, in particular the intermediate pieces 26, has locking grooves 251 extending concentrically around the central axis 9, spaced apart by, for example, the same distance 250 from the collars 20 delimiting this receiving groove 56. For example, in that switching position of the closure body 11a in which a flow connection is established between the secondary channel 18 and the outflow channel 16, a locking element 252 of a holding and / or locking device 59 is in engagement with the locking groove 251 located adjacent to the outflow channel 16, whereby an automatic relative movement of the closure body 11a, due to different pressure conditions in the distribution channel 12, is avoided. The locking grooves 251 are spaced from one another by a distance 253 measured parallel to the central axis 9, which is formed from the sum of twice the distance 250 and a width 254 which separates the collars 20 of a receiving groove 56 from one another.

The holding and / or locking devices 59 have central axes 255 running at right angles to the central axis 9 and at right angles to the top 3, which are spaced from one another by a width 256 that is halved, for example, by the bore axis 13 of the secondary channel 18. The width 256 is dimensioned so that it is approximately the distance 253 between the two arrestors15

AT 410 018 B corresponds to grooves 251 minus a stroke 257 of the closure body 11a.

A holding and / or locking device 59 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 23. As already described, the closure body 11a has one or more locking grooves 251 into which the locking element 252 of the holding and / or locking device 59 can engage. The locking element 252 has a cylindrical locking pin 258 which protrudes through a bore 259 arranged in the multi-way valve 1 and extends into the distribution channel 12. This bore 259 extends from a planar surface 260 of a recess 261, which runs concentrically around the central axis 255, extends from the top 3 to the planar surface 260 and has an internal thread 262 in the area of ​​the top 3. The locking pin 258 is preferably connected in one piece to a plate 263 which runs concentrically around the central axis 255 and which is arranged in the recess 261. In the area between an end face 264 of the plate 263 facing the plane surface 260 and running parallel to it and the plane surface 260 there is an actuating element 31 and a heat source 30. The actuating element 31 has a sleeve 32 which encompasses the locking pin 258 and which delimits an interior 33, in which a high-boiling liquid is arranged. The heat source 30 is located between the shell 32 and the plane surface 260. A closure piece 265 is screwed into the internal thread 262 and has an end face 266 concentric around the central axis 255, which faces an end face 267 of the plate 264 running parallel to the end face 264 of the plate 263 and facing away from it.

In an area bounded by the end face 266 of the closure piece 265 and the end face 267 of the plate 263 there is a spring element 268 which exerts a spring force on the plate 263 and thus on the locking element 252 in the direction of the closure body 11a arranged in the distribution channel 12, so that this is pressed either in the locking groove 251 or on a surface 269 of the closure body 11a arranged in the distribution channel 12. If the locking element 252 now rests on the surface 269 and the closure body 11a arranged in the distribution channel 12 is displaced along the central axis 9, the locking pin 258 engages in the locking groove 251 and an independent relative movement of the closure body 11a is prevented.

If the mobility of the closure body 11a is to be restored, the high-boiling liquid located in the interior 33 of the shell 32 is heated by the heat source 30, which leads to an increase in the volume of the liquid and an expansion of the shell 32 and thus a compressive force on the End face 264 of the plate 263 is exerted and this moves in the direction of the closure piece 265 against the force of the spring element 268. As a result, the locking pin 258 is lifted out of the locking groove 251 and the closure body 11a is released. The relative movement of the closure body 11a results in a lateral offset between the locking pin 258 and the locking groove 251 when it cools, it is pressed onto the surface 269 and the surface 269, ie the closure body 11a, slides off the locking pin 258, in particular on a tip 270.

Another embodiment variant of the holding and / or locking device 59 is shown in FIG. 24. Instead of the actuating element 31 shown in FIG. 23 with the sheath 32, this has a piezo element 271 which is arranged between the plane surface 260, the recess 261 and the end face 264 of the plate 263 and is connected to an energy source.

If the locking pin 258 is to be removed from the locking groove 251, an electrical voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 271, causing the same to change in volume and moving the plate 263 against the spring force of the spring element 268 in the direction of the locking piece 265. If the piezo element 271 is de-energized, it takes up its original volume again and the locking element 258 is moved via the spring element 268 either to the surface 269 of the closure body 11a arranged in the distribution channel 12 or into the locking groove 251. If the locking pin 258 rests on the surface 269 and the locking body 11a is moved in the distribution channel 12 along the central axis 9, the locking pin 258, by virtue of the spring element 268, engages in the locking groove 251 and the locking body 11a is held in the desired position.

In the jointly described FIGS. 25 to 27, another embodiment variant is shown in FIG

AT 410 018 B

Holding and / or locking device 59 shown. The closure body 11a is designed as a reciprocating piston 140, which is arranged in a reciprocating piston receptacle 276 which is arranged in the multiway valve 1 and preferably extends cylindrically around a reciprocating piston axis 275. The reciprocating piston axis 275 runs, for example, at right angles to a surface 88 of the distribution channel 12. The reciprocating piston receptacle 276 has a sealing seat 156 in the area of ​​the surface 88, which has a frustoconical sealing surface 277, which runs rotationally symmetrically around the reciprocating piston axis 275 and tapers conically from a plane surface 278 running parallel to the surface 88 of a cylindrical piston bore 279 running around the reciprocating piston axis 275 Direction to the surface 88 is arranged.

The reciprocating piston bore 279 runs from the plane surface 278 in the opposite direction to the surface 88 up to a height 280 with a diameter 281 which is greater than a sealing diameter 282 of the sealing seat 156 located in the plane surface 278. At right angles to the reciprocating piston axis 275, the secondary channel 18 extends from the reciprocating piston bore 279 to the rear side 64, the bore axis 13 of which is spaced from the plane surface 278 by a distance 283 which, for example, is less than the height 280. From the height 280 to the top 3 of the multi-way valve 1, a guide bore 284 runs cylindrically around the reciprocating piston axis 275, which has a bore diameter 285 that is larger than the diameter 281 of the reciprocating piston bore 279. Arranged in the guide bore 284 is a guide sleeve 286 which has an inside diameter 287 measured parallel to the bore diameter 285, which is smaller than the bore diameter 285 and, for example, is smaller than the diameter 281.

A locking element 252 is arranged in the area between the guide sleeve 286 and the reciprocating piston bore 279. An underside 288 of the locking element 252 facing the plane surface 278 lies flat on an annular surface 289 running parallel to the plane surface 275, which is formed by the guide bore 284, the bore diameter 285 of which, as already mentioned, is greater than the diameter 281 of the reciprocating piston bore 279. An annular surface 292 delimiting the guide sleeve 286 in the direction of the distribution channel 12 rests on an upper side 291 of the locking element 252 facing away from the lower side 288 and spaced from it by a thickness 290 in the opposite direction to the surface 88. This annular surface 292 is spaced from an annular surface 293 of the guide sleeve 286, which faces away and runs parallel to it, by a sleeve height 294 in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12. The annular surface 293 is spaced from the top 3 by a depth 295 in the direction of the distribution channel 12.

In the cylindrical area formed by the depth 295 and the bore diameter 285, an extension 296 extending cylindrically around the piston axis 275 engages, which protrudes over an inner side 297 of a cover plate 298 facing the top side 3 in the direction of the distribution channel 12. The extension 296 has an indentation 299 in which the heat source 30, in particular the electrical heating device 35, is arranged, which is connected in a fixed manner to an actuating element 31 formed by the sheath 32. The sheath 32 protrudes beyond the heating device 35 or the annular surface 293 of the guide sleeve 286 in the direction of the distribution channel 12. The locking element 252 has an outer diameter 300 which corresponds to the bore diameter 285 of the guide bore 284. It also has an inner diameter 301 which is smaller than the outer diameter 300. The inner diameter 301 delimits an inner end face 302 running concentrically around the reciprocating piston axis 275. Slots 303, which are arranged in a star shape around the reciprocating piston axis 275 and are spaced from one another by an angular offset 304, run from the inner end face 302. The slots 303 have a slot depth 305 measured from the inner end face 302 in the direction of the guide sleeve 286, which is selected so that the sum of twice the slot depth 305 and the inner diameter 301 is not greater than the outer diameter 300 of the locking element 252. Spring extensions 306, which are arranged in a star shape around the reciprocating piston axis 275, are thus also formed by the slots 303.

In an area assigned to the distribution channel 12, the reciprocating piston 140 has a frustoconical part with a cylindrical conical surface 143 running around the reciprocating piston axis 275 and a cylindrical surface 142 arranged therefrom in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12. From the cone envelope 143 in the direction of the distribution channel 12

AT 410 018 B extends a cylindrical extension 307 which has an extension diameter 308 which is smaller than a sealing diameter 309 which delimits the sealing surface 277 in the area of ​​the surface 88. The cylinder jacket 142 has a jacket diameter 144 which is larger than the sealing diameter 282, but smaller than the diameter 281 of the reciprocating piston bore 279. The cylinder jacket 142 is delimited in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12 by a flat surface 310. At a distance from this pian surface 310 by a width 311 measured parallel to the reciprocating piston axis 275 in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12, the reciprocating piston 140 has a locking collar 312 running concentrically around the reciprocating piston axis 272. This is limited by a collar diameter 313, which corresponds, for example, to the jacket diameter 144. In the area of ​​width 311, a connecting piece 315, which has a diameter 316 that is smaller than the collar diameter 313 and the inner diameter 301 of the locking element 252, runs between the plane surface 310 and a collar surface 314 facing it. The reciprocating piston 140 also has a cylindrical guide piston 317 running around the reciprocating piston axis 272, which is connected to the locking collar 312 via an intermediate piece 318 and which has a sliding element 320 on an outer side 319 which slides along the inner side of the guide sleeve 286. In the distribution channel 12 there is in turn an actuating element 31 formed by the shell 32, which can be thermally acted upon by a heat source 30. If a flow connection is now to be established between the distribution channel 12 and the secondary channel 18, the actuating element 31, which is arranged in the distribution channel 12 and formed by the cover 32, is thermally applied and expanded, whereby the outer surface 34 of the cover 32 touches the extension 307 and the reciprocating piston 140 moved in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12. In the process, the conical casing 143 moves away from the sealing surface 277, as a result of which a flow channel is opened in the area of ​​the surface 88, which flow channel is formed from the difference between the sealing diameter 309 and the extension diameter 308. At the same time, the locking collar 312 is pressed against the underside 288 of the locking element 252, whereby the spring extensions 306 are elastically pressed in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12, until the inner diameter 301 reaches the size of the collar diameter 313 and the locking collar 312 is approximately on the inner face 302 of the locking element 252 slides in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12, until the collar surface 314 is spaced from the annular surface 292 in the opposite direction to the distribution channel 12.

When the reciprocating piston 140 reaches this position, the spring extensions 306 spring back into their original position and the top 291 of the locking element 252 is roughly in one plane with the collar surface 314. This creates an automatic relative movement of the reciprocating piston 140 in the direction of the distribution channel 12 prevented. If the flow channel between the distribution channel 12 and the secondary channel 18 is now to be closed, the heating device 35 arranged in the extension 296 is heated so that the actuating element 31 formed by the shell 32 and connected to the heating device 35 is expanded and the guide piston 317 in the direction of the distribution channel 12 presses, whereby the locking collar 312 is pressed in the direction of the distribution channel 12, which causes that the spring extensions 306 are moved in the direction of the distribution channel 12 and finally the conical casing 143 lies against the sealing surface 277 in a sealing manner.

In FIGS. 28 to 30, which are described together, another embodiment of the multi-way valve 1 according to the invention is shown. The multi-way valve 1 has a housing part 321 which is detachably or non-detachably connected to a further housing part 322 on mutually facing inner surfaces 323, 324. The housing part 321 is delimited in the opposite direction to the housing part 322 by an outer surface 325 running parallel to the inner surface 323, which is spaced from the inner surface 323 in the opposite direction to the housing part 322 by a housing part depth 326. The housing parts 321, 322 have center planes 327, 328 arranged at right angles to the inner surfaces 323, 324 and at right angles to one another. The intersection of the two central planes 327, 328 forms a central axis 329. In an area facing away from the outer surface 325, the housing part 321 has a shoulder 330 running concentrically around the central axis 329, which is delimited by a shoulder diameter 331 which delimits a shoulder surface 332 extending concentrically around the central axis 329 on the outside. One extends from the attachment surface 332 in the opposite direction to the central axis 329

AT 410 018 Β indentation 333 running circularly around the central axis 329, which has an end face 334 located in a plane at right angles to the central axis 329, from a plane surface 336 of the extension that delimits the extension face 332 in the opposite direction to the outer surface 325 and runs parallel to this 330 is spaced apart by a recess depth 337 in the direction of the outer surface 325. The indentation 333 is delimited by an inner surface 338 running concentrically around the central axis 329, facing the attachment surface 332, in the opposite direction to the central axis 329, which runs in an indentation diameter 339 concentrically around the central axis 329. The housing parts 321, 322 have a housing part height 340 and a housing part width 341. The recess diameter 339 is smaller than the housing part height 340 or the housing part width 341, which, for example, are of the same size. A secondary channel 8 runs along the central axis 329, the central axis 329 forming the bore axis 13 of the secondary channel 8, which is designed as a secondary channel 18. This has the connecting thread 14 in the area of ​​the outer surface 325. In the area of ​​the plane surface 336, a sealing element 22 is arranged, which preferably runs concentrically around the central axis 329.

The housing part 322 has an outer surface 343 that is spaced from the inner surface 324 by a housing portion depth 342 in the opposite direction to the housing part 321 and runs parallel to the outer surface 325. It also has an indentation 344 running rotationally symmetrically around the central axis 329, which has a first end face 345 running at right angles to the central axis 329, which is spaced from the inner surface 324 by an end face depth 346 in the opposite direction to the housing part 321 and from a rotationally symmetrical one around the central axis 329 extending inner surface 347 is delimited in the opposite direction to the central axis 329, which runs concentrically around the central axis 329 in a first recess diameter 348. The first indentation diameter 348 corresponds to the indentation diameter 339, the indentation 333 arranged in the housing part 321. The indentation 344 has a second end face 349 that runs parallel to the first end face 345 and is spaced from the first end face 345 in the opposite direction to the inner surface 324 by an end face depth 350 in the direction of the outer surface 343. This second end face 349 is delimited by an inner surface 351, which has a second indentation diameter 352 that runs concentrically around the central axis 329, is smaller than the first indentation diameter 348 and is arranged concentrically to this and to the central axis 349. Channels 8, the bore axes 13 of which run parallel to the central axis 329 and at right angles to the outer surface 343, extend from the outer surface 343 to the second end surface 349. The bore axes 13 lie in a circle of holes 353 concentrically around the central axis 329 with a circle radius 354 measured from the central axis 329. The further secondary channel 8 is designed, for example, as an outflow channel 16, the bore axis 13 of which is spaced from the bore axis 13 of the inflow channel 15 by an angle 355 of, for example, 60 degrees. In the area of ​​the outer surface 343, these secondary channels 8 again have a connecting thread 14.

The housing part 322 also has a recess groove 356 protruding from the second end face 349 in the direction of the outer surface 341. The recess groove 356 has a groove depth 357 measured at right angles to the second end face 349 and is arranged in the shape of a circular arc around the central axis 329, with one in a radius 358 around the central axis 329 has a circular arc-shaped center line 359. In the end regions, the recess groove 356 has a semicircular course with centers 360 which lie on the center line 359 and are also spaced from one another by the angle 355.

The indentation 333 of the housing part 321 and the indentation 344 of the housing part 322 create an interior space 361. In this, for example, two rotary bodies 362, 363 designed as closure bodies 11a are arranged so as to be rotatable, with the rotary body 362 being assigned to the housing part 322 and the rotating body 363 being assigned to the housing part 321, for example. The body of revolution 362 has a shoulder 364 which has a flat shoulder surface 365 which faces the second end face 349 and which is delimited by a shoulder diameter 366 which delimits a circumferential shoulder surface 367 concentrically around the central axis 329. The shoulder surface 367 protrudes in the opposite direction

AT 410 018 B to the second end face 249 from the extension plane surface 365 by a extension length 368 in the direction of the housing part 321 and is delimited by a plane surface 369 running parallel to the extension plane surface 365.

The rotating body 362 also has a distribution channel 370, which consists of a longitudinal groove 371 arranged in the area of ​​the attachment plane surface 365 and a bore 372. The longitudinal groove 371 is similar to an elongated hole and has two central axes 374, 375 spaced from one another by a length 373, the central axis 375 simultaneously forming a bore axis 376 of the bore 372, which in turn is congruent with the bore axis 13 of the secondary channel 18 arranged in the housing part 321 . The length 373 of the longitudinal groove 371 corresponds to the pitch circle radius 354 of the channels 8 arranged in the housing part 322. The longitudinal groove 371 is further delimited on the outside by a sealing element 22.

Facing away from the planar surface 369 and running parallel to it, the rotational body 362 has a further planar surface 377, which is spaced from the planar surface 369 by a width 378 in the direction of the housing part 321. The plane surface 377 has a cylindrical recess 379 which is arranged eccentrically to the central axis 329. The plane surface 377 is also surmounted by a projection 380 extending cylindrically around the central axis 329 in the direction of the housing part 321. This has a projection flat surface 381 located in a plane at right angles to the central axis 329, which is spaced from the flat surface 377 by a projection length 382 in the direction of the housing part 321. The flat attachment surface 381 is further delimited by a lateral attachment surface 383 which runs concentrically around the central axis 329 and which is delimited by a attachment diameter 384. This corresponds to the extension diameter 331 of the extension 330 of the housing part 321. The plane surfaces 369 and 377 are delimited by an end face 385 which runs concentrically around the central axis 329 and which runs around the central axis 329 in an end face diameter 386. The end face 385 is also surmounted by tooth-shaped projections 387 in the opposite direction to the central axis 329. These are spaced from one another by 90 degrees so that the rotary body 362 has a total of four tooth-shaped extensions 387.

The end face 385 and the inner face 347 of the indentation 344 of the housing part 322 delimit an intermediate space 388 running in the shape of a circular ring around the central axis 329. The heat sources 30 are preferably permanently connected to an annular base body 389 that encircles concentrically around the central axis 329 and have heating surfaces 390 facing the rotating body 362 over which the sheaths 32 protrude in the direction of the central axis 329. For example, six heating elements 36 are combined to form a heating device group 391, with four such heating device groups 391 being present in the interior 361. A chamber 92 of the shell 32 is assigned to each heating element 36. A chamber 92 is offset from an adjacent chamber 92 by an angle 392 which is, for example, 10 degrees. For example, in each case one shell 32 having six chambers 92 is combined to form an actuating element group 393, the chambers 92 of this actuating element group 393 corresponding to the heating elements 36 of the heating device group 391 assigned to it.

The actuating element groups 393 and thus also the heating device groups 391 are arranged in such a way that, viewed clockwise, a first chamber 92 of a first actuating element group 393 is spaced from a first chamber 92 of the second actuating element group 393 by an angular offset 394 of 92.5 degrees. The same applies to the first chambers of the third and fourth actuating element groups 393. The first chamber 92 of the fourth actuating element group 393 is also offset by the angular offset 394 from the second chamber 92 of the first actuating element group 393. An extension 387 of the rotary body 362 is assigned to each actuation element group 393.

If the flow path from the inflow channel 15 to the secondary channel 18 is to be changed so that a flow path is established between the outflow channel 16 and the secondary channel 18, the longitudinal groove 371 of the distribution channel 370 must be brought into a congruent position with the outflow channel 16. For this purpose, the rotary body 362 is set in a clockwise direction of rotation about the central axis 329. This is done in that the first chamber 92 of the first group of actuating elements 393, that is to say the one in this

AT 410 018 B, high-boiling liquid is thermally applied by means of the heating element 36 assigned to this chamber 92, as a result of which the envelope 32 surrounding the chamber 92 expands and a pressure force is exerted on a flank 395 delimiting the extension 387. As a result, the rotating body 362 is rotated clockwise, for example, by 2.5 degrees. This has the effect that the extension 387 assigned to the second actuation element group 393 is also moved by 2.5 degrees, as a result of which the first chamber 92 of the second actuation element group 393, i.e. a central axis of this chamber 92 to a central axis of the second extension 387, forms an angle of 2, 5 degrees.

If the liquid located in the first chamber 92 of the second actuating element group 393 expands, the extension 387 assigned to it is subjected to a pressure force on its flank 395, which moves the rotary body 362 by 2.5 degrees, so that the third extension 387 moves to the first Chamber of the third movement group has an angular offset of 2.5 degrees, which is increased to 5 degrees when the first chamber 92 of the third actuating element group 393 expands, so that the fourth extension 387 to the first chamber 92 of the fourth actuating element group 393 also has an angular offset of 2.5 degrees in the non-expanded position, which is increased to 5 degrees when this first chamber 92 of the fourth actuating element group 393 is expanded. As a result, however, the first extension 387 is in turn moved further by 2.5 degrees, so that it then has an angular offset of 2.5 degrees with respect to the second chamber 92 of the first actuating element group 393. As a result, it is now possible for the rotary body 362 to be rotated by a fraction of the angular offset 394, with a pin 396, which protrudes over the projection plane surface 365 in the direction of the base housing part 322 and is arranged in the recess groove 356, being moved further in the recess groove 356, which forms a stop so that when the distribution channel 370, in particular the longitudinal groove 371, forms a covering layer with the outflow channel 16, a further rotational movement of the rotary body 362 is prevented.

For the purpose of a counterclockwise rotational movement of the rotary body 362, ie to restore the flow connection between the secondary channel 18 and the inflow channel 15, a further rotary body 363 is arranged in the interior 361, which has a driving pin 397 which protrudes into the rotary body 362. The second rotary body 363 also has, as described, heat sources 30 and actuating elements 31 formed by shells 32, which function in the opposite direction. The rotary body 363 has a bore 398 which is arranged rotationally symmetrically to the central axis 329 and has a bore diameter 399 which is larger than the attachment diameter 331, with an intermediate space being arranged between the attachment diameter 331 and the bore diameter 399 in which there is, for example, a plain bearing 400 which both is stored on the approach 380 as well as on the approach 330. The housing parts 321, 322 also have conduits 401 through which lines 50 are routed from multiple plugs 241 to the base body 389, in which, for example, conductor tracks 134 (not shown) that are routed to the individual heating elements 36 of the individual heating device groups 391 are arranged. Of course, the angle 392 or the angular offset 394 or the number of chambers 92 of the actuating element group 393 and the number of extensions 387 can be selected differently.

31 shows a schematic representation of a control device 402 for a media-operated consumer 403, in particular a pneumatic cylinder 404. The pneumatic cylinder 404 is designed, for example, to be double-acting, media-actuated and has two media connections 405 from which connecting lines 406, in particular compressed air lines 407, lead to the secondary channels 18 of the multi-way valves 1. The inflow channels 15 of the multi-way valves 1 are combined to form a common media inflow line 181, for example. This is connected to a pressure source 408, for example a compressor. The outflow channels 16 of the multi-way valves 1 are, for example, also combined to form a common media outflow line 182, the medium being released to the environment via a silencer 409, for example. The holding or locking devices 59 and the pilot valves 248, in particular their heating devices 35, are connected to a control unit 410, for example a microprocessor, via lines 50 shown in dashed lines or via conductor tracks 134. This controls the multi-way valves 1 according to the purpose or the task of the consumer 403, the multi-way valves 1 or the

AT 410 018 B

Control unit 410 can be integrated directly in the media connection 405, so that connecting lines 406 and lines 50 or conductor track 134 can be omitted.

The pneumatic cylinder 404 can, however, also be designed in such a way that a cylinder jacket 411 has internally running media channels 412, which run from an end connection area 413, for example, to an inner area 414 delimited by the cylinder jacket 411. In the connection area 413 there is, for example, a switching element group 415 which is formed from one or more described multi-way valves 1 and which has central connections 416 for the supply air or exhaust air. These are in turn connected to the media inflow line 181 and the media outflow line 182.

The individual variants and details shown can of course be designed as standardized or standardized components, which can be assembled in a component-like manner to form a modular overall element. This makes it possible, for example, to manufacture valve blocks with fieldbus connections, such as those offered by pneumatic manufacturers at the time of registration on the market. In particular, the switching modules and, if necessary, the control modules for producing the valve blocks can be made using pneumatic distribution strips and / or electrical distribution rails, as described in detail in DE 30 42 205 C3 by the same applicant and the entire content of this by reference as a disclosure of the subject matter Registration is accepted, will be formed.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the structure of the multi-way valve 1, this or its components have been shown partially not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

Above all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 31 can form the subject of independent, inventive or inventive solutions. The related tasks and solutions can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

List of reference symbols

<td> 1</td><td>Multi-way valve</td><td> 40</td><td>Locking piece</td>

<td> 2</td><td>Pneumatic valve</td><td> 41</td><td>Threaded section</td>

<td> 3</td><td>Top</td><td> 42</td><td>outer diameter</td>

<td> 4</td><td>height</td><td> 43</td><td>core diameter</td>

<td> 5</td><td>bottom</td><td> 44</td><td>inner thread</td>

<td> 6</td><td>Side face</td><td> 45</td><td>area</td>

<td> 7</td><td>length</td><td> 46</td><td>Appendix</td>

<td> 8</td><td>channel</td><td> 47</td><td>Appendix diameter</td>

<td> 9</td><td>Central axis</td><td> 48</td><td>Extension length</td>

<td> 10</td><td>Guide device</td><td> 49</td><td>Front surface</td>

<td>11a</td><td>Closure body</td><td> 50</td><td>management</td>

<td>11b</td><td>Closure body</td><td> 51</td><td>Hexagon socket</td>

<td> 12</td><td>Distribution channel</td><td> 52</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 13</td><td>Hole axis</td><td> 53</td><td>Monitoring element</td>

<td> 14</td><td>Connection thread</td><td> 54</td><td>proximity switch</td>

<td> 15</td><td>Inflow channel</td><td> 55</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 16</td><td>Outflow channel!</td><td> 56</td><td>Receiving groove</td>

<td> 17</td><td>distance</td><td> 57</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 18</td><td>Secondary channel</td><td> 58</td><td>Holding groove</td>

<td> 19</td><td>Face</td><td> 59</td><td>Holding and / or locking device</td>

<td> 20</td><td>Federation</td><td> 60</td><td>Inner surface</td>

<td> 21</td><td>deepening</td><td> 61</td><td>inside</td>

<td> 22</td><td>Sealing element</td><td> 62</td><td>area</td>

<td> 23</td><td>Inside diameter</td><td> 63</td><td>distance</td>

AT 410 018 B

<td> 24</td><td>distance</td><td> 64</td><td>back</td>

<td> 25</td><td>Channel diameter</td><td> 65</td><td>casing</td>

<td> 26</td><td>Intermediate piece</td><td> 66</td><td>a coat</td>

<td> 27</td><td>diameter</td><td> 67</td><td>Forehead parts</td>

<td> 28</td><td>Collar diameter</td><td> 68</td><td>Expanse</td>

<td> 29</td><td>distance</td><td> 69</td><td>broad</td>

<td> 30</td><td>Heat source</td><td> 70</td><td>opening</td>

<td> 31</td><td>Actuator</td><td> 71</td><td>Wave energy source</td>

<td> 32</td><td>covering</td><td> 72</td><td>Wave generator</td>

<td> 33</td><td>inner space</td><td> 73</td><td>Microwave generator</td>

<td> 34</td><td>Exterior surface</td><td> 74</td><td>axis</td>

<td> 35</td><td>Heater</td><td> 75</td><td>Connecting line</td>

<td> 36</td><td>Heating element</td><td> 76</td><td>plug</td>

<td> 37</td><td>Heating resistor</td><td> 77</td><td>Threaded hole</td>

<td> 38</td><td>distance</td><td> 78</td><td></td>

<td> 39</td><td>recording</td><td> 79</td><td></td>

<td> 80</td><td></td><td> 120</td><td>bottom</td>

<td> 81</td><td></td><td> 121</td><td>height</td>

<td> 82</td><td></td><td> 122</td><td>Top</td>

<td> 83</td><td></td><td> 123</td><td>Longitudinal plane</td>

<td> 84</td><td></td><td></td><td>Transverse plane</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 124</td><td></td>

<td> 85</td><td></td><td> 125</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 86</td><td></td><td> 126</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 87</td><td>Channel height</td><td> 127</td><td>Front element</td>

<td> 88</td><td>surface</td><td> 128</td><td>Forehead height</td>

<td> 89</td><td>Side face</td><td> 129</td><td>Face</td>

<td> 90</td><td>length</td><td> 130</td><td>Coupling pocket</td>

<td> 91</td><td>opening</td><td> 131</td><td>Coupling device</td>

<td> 92</td><td>chamber</td><td> 132</td><td>Socket</td>

<td> 93</td><td>Main shut-off device</td><td> 133</td><td>management</td>

<td> 94</td><td>broad</td><td> 134</td><td>Track</td>

<td> 95</td><td>Expanse</td><td> 135</td><td>circuit board</td>

<td> 96</td><td>Bus connector</td><td> 136</td><td>Coupling extension</td>

<td> 97</td><td>Base body</td><td> 137</td><td>Coupling element</td>

<td> 98</td><td>Additional body</td><td> 138</td><td>Plug element</td>

<td> 99</td><td>Collecting element</td><td> 139</td><td>management</td>

<td> 100</td><td>broad</td><td> 140</td><td>Reciprocating piston</td>

<td> 101</td><td>Transverse plane</td><td> 141</td><td>Sealing section</td>

<td> 102</td><td>Longitudinal plane</td><td> 142</td><td>Cylinder jacket</td>

<td> 103</td><td>opening</td><td> 143</td><td>Cone shell</td>

<td> 104</td><td>deepening</td><td> 144</td><td>Jacket diameter</td>

<td> 105</td><td>Inner surface</td><td> 145</td><td>diameter</td>

<td> 106</td><td>Groove depth</td><td> 146</td><td>Cone part</td>

<td> 107</td><td>Inside face</td><td> 147</td><td>pole</td>

<td> 108</td><td>Groove width</td><td> 148</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 109</td><td>Sealing element</td><td> 149</td><td>Federation</td>

AT 410 018 B

<td> 110</td><td>height</td><td> 150</td><td>Collar diameter</td>

<td> 111</td><td>Outside</td><td> 151</td><td>pull bar</td>

<td> 112</td><td>Connection opening</td><td> 152</td><td>Threaded section</td>

<td> 113</td><td>Connection thread</td><td> 153</td><td>opening</td>

<td> 114</td><td>Base plate</td><td> 154</td><td>Spring element</td>

<td> 115</td><td>broad</td><td> 155</td><td>Plate element</td>

<td> 116</td><td>Longitudinal plane</td><td> 156</td><td>Sealing seat</td>

<td> 117</td><td>length</td><td> 157</td><td></td>

<td> 118</td><td>Transverse side face</td><td> 158</td><td></td>

<td> 119</td><td>Long side surface</td><td> 159</td><td></td>

<td> 160</td><td></td><td> 203</td><td>surface</td>

<td> 161</td><td></td><td> 204</td><td>Center distance</td>

<td> 162</td><td></td><td> 205</td><td>Molding</td>

<td> 163</td><td></td><td> 206</td><td>Plane of symmetry</td>

<td> 164</td><td></td><td> 207</td><td>Surface line</td>

<td> 165</td><td></td><td> 208</td><td>Recess depth</td>

<td> 166</td><td></td><td> 209</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 167</td><td></td><td> 210</td><td>height</td>

<td> 168</td><td></td><td> 211</td><td>segment</td>

<td> 169</td><td></td><td> 212</td><td>End edge</td>

<td> 170</td><td></td><td> 213</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 171</td><td></td><td> 214</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 172</td><td></td><td> 215</td><td>Offset</td>

<td> 173</td><td></td><td> 216</td><td>End edge</td>

<td> 174</td><td></td><td> 217</td><td>attack</td>

<td> 175</td><td></td><td> 218</td><td>Stop surface</td>

<td> 176</td><td></td><td> 219</td><td>Face</td>

<td> 177</td><td></td><td> 220</td><td>Alignment</td>

<td> 178</td><td></td><td> 221</td><td>End edge</td>

<td> 179</td><td></td><td> 222</td><td>Flange plate</td>

<td> 180</td><td></td><td> 223</td><td>Exterior surface</td>

<td> 181</td><td></td><td> 224</td><td>Recess groove</td>

<td> 182</td><td></td><td> 225</td><td>Groove width</td>

<td> 183</td><td></td><td> 226</td><td>Groove depth</td>

<td> 184</td><td></td><td> 227</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 185</td><td>Groove</td><td> 228</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 186</td><td>Groove base</td><td> 229</td><td>distance</td>

<td> 187</td><td>Inner surface</td><td> 230</td><td>Contact element</td>

<td> 188</td><td>bolt</td><td> 231</td><td>Contact bridge</td>

<td> 189</td><td>Bolt length</td><td> 232</td><td>Groove base</td>

<td> 190</td><td>Bolt diameter</td><td> 233</td><td>Inner bore</td>

<td> 191</td><td>Recess diameter</td><td> 234</td><td>Exterior surface</td>

<td> 192</td><td>Recess</td><td> 235</td><td>Drilling depth</td>

<td> 193</td><td>End area</td><td> 236</td><td>Flange thickness</td>

<td> 194</td><td>depth</td><td> 237</td><td>Bore diameter</td>

<td> 195</td><td>Bearing element</td><td> 238</td><td>Line element</td>

AT 410 018 B

<td> 196</td><td>Plain bearing bush</td><td> 239</td><td>management</td>

<td> 197</td><td>Crossbar</td><td> 240</td><td>Coupling device</td>

<td> 198</td><td>Circumferential web</td><td> 241</td><td>Multiple plugs</td>

<td> 199</td><td>height</td><td> 242</td><td>Contact element</td>

<td> 200</td><td>broad</td><td> 243</td><td>Coupling device</td>

<td> 201</td><td>Groove side</td><td> 244</td><td>Receiving opening</td>

<td> 202</td><td>Cut edge</td><td> 245</td><td>Device axis</td>

<td> 246</td><td>Appendix</td><td> 288</td><td>bottom</td>

<td> 247</td><td>Federation</td><td> 289</td><td>Ring surface</td>

<td> 248</td><td>Pilot valve</td><td> 290</td><td>thickness</td>

<td> 249</td><td>Damping element</td><td> 291</td><td>Top</td>

<td> 250</td><td>distance</td><td> 292</td><td>Ring surface</td>

<td> 251</td><td>Locking groove</td><td> 293</td><td>Ring surface</td>

<td> 252</td><td>Locking element</td><td> 294</td><td>Sleeve height</td>

<td> 253</td><td>distance</td><td> 295</td><td>depth</td>

<td> 254</td><td>broad</td><td> 296</td><td>Appendix</td>

<td> 255</td><td>Central axis</td><td> 297</td><td>inside</td>

<td> 256</td><td>Expanse</td><td> 298</td><td>Cover plate</td>

<td> 257</td><td>Stroke</td><td> 299</td><td>Molding</td>

<td> 258</td><td>Locking pin</td><td> 300</td><td>outer diameter</td>

<td> 259</td><td>drilling</td><td> 301</td><td>Inside diameter</td>

<td> 260</td><td>Flat surface</td><td> 302</td><td>Inner face</td>

<td> 261</td><td>Recess</td><td> 303</td><td>slot</td>

<td> 262</td><td>inner thread</td><td> 304</td><td>Angular misalignment</td>

<td> 263</td><td>plate</td><td> 305</td><td>Slot depth</td>

<td> 264</td><td>Face</td><td> 306</td><td>Feathery process</td>

<td> 265</td><td>Locking piece</td><td> 307</td><td>Appendix</td>

<td> 266</td><td>Face</td><td> 308</td><td>Appendix diameter</td>

<td> 267</td><td>Face</td><td> 309</td><td>Sealing diameter</td>

<td> 268</td><td>Spring element</td><td> 310</td><td>Flat surface</td>

<td> 269</td><td>surface</td><td> 311</td><td>broad</td>

<td> 270</td><td>top</td><td> 312</td><td>Locking collar</td>

<td> 271</td><td>Piezo element</td><td> 313</td><td>Collar diameter</td>

<td> 272</td><td></td><td> 314</td><td>Collar surface</td>

<td> 273</td><td></td><td> 315</td><td>Connector</td>

<td> 274</td><td></td><td> 316</td><td>diameter</td>

<td> 274'</td><td></td><td> 317</td><td>Guide piston</td>

<td> 275</td><td>Reciprocating axis</td><td> 318</td><td>Intermediate piece</td>

<td> 276</td><td>Reciprocating piston mount</td><td> 319</td><td>Outside</td>

<td> 277</td><td>Sealing surface</td><td> 320</td><td>Sliding element</td>

<td> 278</td><td>Flat surface</td><td> 321</td><td>Housing part</td>

<td> 279</td><td>Piston bore</td><td> 322</td><td>Housing part</td>

<td> 280</td><td>height</td><td> 323</td><td>Inner surface</td>

<td> 281</td><td>diameter</td><td> 324</td><td>Inner surface</td>

<td> 282</td><td>Sealing diameter</td><td> 325</td><td>Exterior surface</td>

<td> 283</td><td>distance</td><td> 326</td><td>Housing part depth</td>

AT 410 018 B

<td> 284</td><td>Pilot hole</td><td> 327</td><td>Middle plane</td>

<td> 285</td><td>Bore diameter</td><td> 328</td><td>Middle plane</td>

<td> 286</td><td>Guide sleeve</td><td> 329</td><td>Central axis</td>

<td> 287</td><td>Inside diameter</td><td> 330</td><td>approach</td>

<td> 331</td><td>Neck diameter</td><td> 374</td><td>Central axis</td>

<td> 332</td><td>Attachment surface</td><td> 375</td><td>Central axis</td>

<td> 333</td><td>Molding</td><td> 376</td><td>Hole axis</td>

<td> 334</td><td>Face</td><td> 377</td><td>Flat surface</td>

<td> 335</td><td></td><td> 378</td><td>broad</td>

<td> 336</td><td>Flat surface</td><td> 379</td><td>deepening</td>

<td> 337</td><td>Recess depth</td><td> 380</td><td>approach</td>

<td> 338</td><td>Inner surface</td><td> 381</td><td>Approach plan area</td>

<td> 339</td><td>Recess diameter</td><td> 382</td><td>Neck length</td>

<td> 340</td><td>Housing part height</td><td> 383</td><td>Approach surface</td>

<td> 341</td><td>Housing part width</td><td> 384</td><td>Attachment diameter</td>

<td> 342</td><td>Housing part depth</td><td> 385</td><td>Face</td>

<td> 343</td><td>Exterior surface</td><td> 386</td><td>Face diameter</td>

<td> 344</td><td>Molding</td><td> 387</td><td>Appendix</td>

<td> 345</td><td>Face (first)</td><td> 388</td><td>Space</td>

<td> 346</td><td>Face depth</td><td> 389</td><td>Base body</td>

<td> 347</td><td>Inner surface</td><td> 390</td><td>Heating surface</td>

<td> 348</td><td>(first) recess diameter</td><td> 391</td><td>Heater group</td>

<td> 349</td><td>(second) face</td><td> 392</td><td>angle</td>

<td> 350</td><td>Face depth</td><td> 393</td><td>Actuator group</td>

<td> 351</td><td>Inner surface</td><td> 394</td><td>Angular misalignment</td>

<td> 352</td><td>(second) recess diameter</td><td> 395</td><td>Flank</td>

<td> 353</td><td>Bolt circle</td><td> 396</td><td>Cones</td>

<td> 354</td><td>Bolt circle radius</td><td> 397</td><td>Driving pin</td>

<td> 355</td><td>angle</td><td> 398</td><td>drilling</td>

<td> 356</td><td>Recess groove</td><td> 399</td><td>Bore diameter</td>

<td> 357</td><td>Groove depth</td><td> 400</td><td>bearings</td>

<td> 358</td><td>radius</td><td> 401</td><td>Conduit</td>

<td> 359</td><td>Center line</td><td> 402</td><td>Control direction</td>

<td> 360</td><td>Focus</td><td> 403</td><td>consumer</td>

<td> 361</td><td>inner space</td><td> 404</td><td>Pneumatic cylinder</td>

<td> 362</td><td>Solid of revolution</td><td> 405</td><td>Media connection</td>

<td> 363</td><td>Solid of revolution</td><td> 406</td><td>Connecting line</td>

<td> 364</td><td>approach</td><td> 407</td><td>Compressed air line</td>

<td> 365</td><td>Approach plan area</td><td> 408</td><td>Pressure source</td>

<td> 366</td><td>Neck diameter</td><td> 409</td><td>silencer</td>

<td> 367</td><td>Approach surface</td><td> 410</td><td>Control unit</td>

<td> 368</td><td>Neck length</td><td> 411</td><td>Cylinder jacket</td>

<td> 369</td><td>Flat surface</td><td> 412</td><td>Media channel</td>

<td> 370</td><td>Distribution channel</td><td> 413</td><td>Connection area</td>

<td> 371</td><td>Longitudinal groove</td><td> 414</td><td>Indoor</td>

AT 410 018 B

<td> 372</td><td>drilling</td><td> 415</td><td>Switching element group</td>

<td> 373</td><td>length</td><td> 416</td><td>Connection</td>

PATENT CLAIMS: