EP1984631B1 - Modular compressed air maintenance unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular compressed air maintenance unit is proposed which has a plurality of unit modules (3) which are arranged one after another in a row direction (2) and are connected releasably to one another. At least two unit modules (3) are fastened releasably to one another by a module connector (4) which is placed between them, wherein the module connector (4) has a through opening (14), via which the two unit modules (3) are connected fluidically to one another. The module connector (4) is equipped with at least one sensor device (15) which is connected to the through opening (14) and makes it possible to monitor state values of the flowing compressed air.

Description

The invention relates to a modular compressed air maintenance device, with a plurality of successively arranged in a row direction and releasably interconnected device modules, wherein at least two device modules placed between them and a disc or plate-shaped flat Gestbalt having module connector whose main plane of extent perpendicular to the row direction, are releasably attached to each other, wherein the module connecting a fluidly interconnecting the two device modules interconnected through opening.

Compressed air service equipment is generally used to treat and treat the compressed air used in pneumatic systems according to certain criteria. They may contain various types of device modules that have different functionalities, such as power-on valve modules, filter modules, oiler modules, pressure control modules, bleed modules, etc.

According to the DE 40 32 515 A1 , of the US 6,913,115 B2 or the DE 295 09 073 U1 , each showing a compressed air maintenance device of the type mentioned above, the various device modules are lined up in a row direction and releasably connected together by arranged between each adjacent module module module connectors such that there is a self-supporting assembly. Each module connector contains a perforated intermediate plate, whose passage opening ensures a fluidic connection between the adjacent device modules, so that a device modules all pulling through Compressed air channel results. The compressed air to be treated is fed via a compressed air inlet, coming from a compressed air source, in the compressed air maintenance unit and exits after passing through all the modules in the desired recycled form at a compressed air outlet again. From there, the treated compressed air reaches one or more consumers.

During operation of a compressed air maintenance device, it is sometimes desirable to obtain status information about the air flowing through the service device, for example pressure information. Based on such information, the proper functioning of the maintenance device could be monitored. As can be seen from the product catalog "Der Pneumatic-Katalog 97/98", 33rd edition, FESTO AG & Co, Ruiter Strasse 82, D-73734 Esslingen, page 9.1 / 1-3, status today becomes pressure monitoring within a maintenance device realized that an additional device module is provided in the form of a manifold block, which is equipped with a pressure switch. This requires an extension of the maintenance device, because it is equipped with a larger number of device modules, as the desired treatment of the compressed air actually requires. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to install the pressure switch using a suitable adapter instead of a pressure gauge on a pressure control module. However, this would eliminate the optical pressure gauge of the manometer.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a modular compressed air maintenance device that allows condition monitoring of the compressed air while maintaining compact dimensions using relatively simple means.

In order to achieve this object, the module connector serving to connect two adjacent device modules is equipped with at least one sensor device connected to its passage opening.

Depending on the equipment, the compressed air maintenance unit contains two or more device modules. In the case of only two device modules, the module connector connecting these device modules is designed according to the invention. If there are more than two device modules, only one or even several or all connections of two adjacent device modules can continue to be implemented by a module connector equipped according to the invention. In any case, the affected module connector takes on a dual function in that it is not only responsible for the mechanical coupling of two adjacent device modules, but also acts as a carrier for at least one sensor device. Thus one uses an already existing component, the module connector, also for condition detection of the maintenance unit flowing through the compressed air. The existing device modules can thus continue to be used in the usual way and without retrofitting and it is also unnecessary to incorporate additional, only condition monitoring device modules. Since the sensor device is connected to the passage opening of the module connector equipped with it, there is no need for concatenation with any device modules to make the desired evaluation. However, the module connector could, if a corresponding electronic equipment is present, also have interface means that allow a connection to an internal bus of the compressed air maintenance device.

The type of existing sensor device is based on the monitoring requirements. It may be, for example, a pressure sensor device, a flow sensor device, a temperature sensor device or a humidity sensor device, wherein one and the same module connector can be equipped with several different sensor devices simultaneously and wherein it is also possible to provide within a maintenance device several module connector with mutually different features on sensor devices.

If the module connector is structurally designed so that it can be functionally combined with device modules of compressed air service devices already on the market, it is also suitable for cost-effective retrofitting of existing compressed air maintenance devices.

Further advantageous measures in relation to the modular compressed air maintenance device will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The connection of the at least one sensor device to the through-opening of the module connector is expediently carried out via at least one tap-off channel passing through the module connector, which preferably runs in a plane which is perpendicular to the row direction of the device modules. According to the type of sensor device, a single tap channel can suffice - for example, for pure pressure detection - or multiple tap channels may be useful or necessary - for example for determining compressed air flow values according to the differential pressure principle.

The at least one sensor device is expediently arranged in the region of the outer surface of the associated module connector oriented at right angles to the row direction. This makes it easily accessible from the side of the service unit. Based on the installation position of the maintenance device can the sensor device can be placed at the top, bottom, front or at the back as needed.

Compared to a mere mounting of the sensor device to the module connector integration has the advantage that the existing volume of the module connector can be exploited to ensure space-saving accommodation. In this case, it is particularly appropriate to accommodate the sensor device completely or partially recessed in a receiving recess arranged in the region of the outer surface of the module connector.

An equipment of the sensor device with electrical interface means allows easy communication with an external electronic evaluation device. Therefore, no additional interfaces are required on the device modules.

An equipment of the sensor device with optical display means, for example with one or more LEDs and / or an LCD monitor, allows a clear on-site control. If necessary, manually operable input means may also be present, for example to teach a suitably equipped sensor device. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device may also contain acoustic signaling means in order to be able to draw attention to certain events not directly on-site staff.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the module connector includes a through-opening having, perpendicular to the row direction plate plane between the device modules to be connected intervening intermediate plate, in a direction perpendicular to the row direction Beaufschlagungsrichtung is flanked on opposite sides of each one Beaufschlagungskörper the module connector. The Beaufschlagungskörper are designed so that they can cooperate with associated holding portions of the device modules to be coupled, wherein the interaction is advantageously supported by clamping means, for example in the form of one or more clamping screws.

By the tensioning means, the Beaufschlagungskörper can be acted upon in the sense of mutual approach, where they are pressed against the holding portions that the device modules are clamped together in the row direction, wherein they are supported from opposite sides to the intermediate plate.

Particularly useful in this context is an embodiment in which a Beaufschlagungskörper is summarized with the intermediate plate to a markable as an application unit assembly, in particular in one-piece design.

For accommodating the at least one sensor device, in particular at least one of the Beaufschlagungskörper offers, although it would in principle also be possible to equip the intermediate plate with at least one sensor device. If an admission unit is present, the sensor device is expediently located on or in the separate admission body.

Figur 1

eine bevorzugte Bauform des erfindungsgemäßen Druckluft-Wartungsgerätes in Draufsicht in stark schematisierter Darstellungsweise, wobei ein Modul- verbinder im installierten Zustand gezeigt ist und ein anderer Modulverbinder vor der Installation,

Figur 2

in Einzeldarstellung ein Gerätemodul des Druckluft- Wartungsgerätes der Figur 1 in einer perspektivi- schen Einzeldarstellung im installierten Zustand eines Modulverbinders, wobei das zweite mit diesem Modulverbinder zusammenwirkende Gerätemodul der besseren Übersichtlichkeit wegen nur strichpunk- tiert angedeutet ist,

Figur 3

einen Schnitt durch den Modulverbinder gemäß Schnittlinie III-III aus Figuren 2 und 4 in einer zur Reihenrichtung der Gerätemodule rechtwinkeligen Schnittebene, und

Figur 4

einen Schnitt durch die Anordnung aus Figuren 2 und 3 gemäß Schnittlinie IV-IV in einer bezüglich Figur 3 um 90° verdrehten Schnittebene, wobei hier die einander zugewandten Endabschnitte beider durch den Modulverbinder mechanisch miteinander gekoppelter Gerätemodule sichtbar sind.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

FIG. 1

a preferred design of the compressed air maintenance device according to the invention in plan view in strong schematic diagram showing one module connector in the installed state and another module connector before installation,

FIG. 2

in detail a device module of the compressed air maintenance device of FIG. 1 in a perspective individual representation in the installed state of a module connector, wherein the second device module cooperating with this module connector is only indicated by dot-dash lines for the sake of better clarity,

FIG. 3

a section through the module connector according to section line III-III Figures 2 and 4 in a direction perpendicular to the row direction of the device modules cutting plane, and

FIG. 4

a section through the arrangement Figures 2 and 3 according to section line IV-IV in a respect FIG. 3 rotated by 90 ° cutting plane, in which case the mutually facing end portions of both by the module connector mechanically coupled to each other module modules are visible.

The designated in its entirety by reference numeral 1 modular compressed air maintenance device includes a plurality of successively arranged in a row direction 2 device modules 3, of which each directly successive by a respective module connector 4 are releasably connected to each other. The device modules 3 and the module connector 4 form in this way a self-supporting assembly in the form of compressed air maintenance device. 1

Through the service unit 1 passes through a compressed air channel 5, which opens out at the two end-side device modules 3, 3a, 3b, in one case with a compressed air inlet 6 and in the other case with a compressed air outlet 7. These two ports 6, 7 can in principle be arbitrarily placed and oriented, wherein they are in the embodiment of the two oriented in the row direction 2 faces of the module assembly each final device module 3a, 3b are located.

The compressed air inlet 6 and the compressed air outlet 7 are each designed to be able to connect a compressed air line 8a, 8b, preferably releasably. These compressed air lines 8a, 8b are regularly part of a laid at the site of compressed air maintenance device 1 piping system. During operation of the compressed air maintenance device 1 this is supplied via the compressed air line 8a untreated compressed air, which can be discharged after passing through the service device 1 passing through the compressed air duct 5 in the desired form prepared via the other compressed air line 8b to one or more connected consumers. The compressed-air inlet 6 and the compressed-air outlet 7 can be equipped, for example, with threaded means and / or with plug connection devices for the connection of the compressed air lines 8a, 8b.

The compressed air channel 5 is composed of several running in the individual device modules 3 channel sections 13, which are connected to each other during assembly of the device modules 3 under seal and complement each other to the compressed air channel 5.

According to FIG. 4 lie in the assembled state, the channel mouths 12 of the channel sections 13 of two successive Device modules 3 facing each other. The arranged between the device modules 3 module connector 4 has a continuous in the row direction 2 through hole 14, which comes to rest coaxially between the two channel openings 12 and whose cross-section is at least as large as that of the aforementioned channel openings 12 to unhindered passage of the compressed air to guarantee.

The number, type and order of the summarized in the compressed air service unit 1 device modules 3 is in principle arbitrary and is based on the needs of the user. According to FIG. 1 For example, it is a Einschaltventilmodul, a subsequent pressure control module and an adjoining filter module. The pressure control module is in FIG. 2 presented in its entirety. Likewise in FIG. 2 as well as in Figures 3 and 4 , is the pressure regulator module with the downstream filter module coupling module connector. 4

The designed as Einschaltventilmodul device module 3 includes a not shown in detail, electrically or manually operable shut-off valve device, through which the flow through the compressed air channel 5 can optionally be shut off or released. By the pressure control module, the pressure of the compressed air can be adjusted to a relation to the input pressure reduced working pressure. The filter module contains a filter device for filtering contaminants from the compressed air.

The existing in the embodiment of the two module connector 4 are identical, so that the further description can be limited to a copy.

These two module connectors 4 and therefore all the module connectors 4 of the compressed air maintenance device 1 are equipped with a sensor device 15 which is connected within the module connector 4 to the through hole 14 of the relevant module connector 4 and thus is capable of state values of the compressed air channel 5 flowing through To detect compressed air and possibly also to process and / or evaluate.

The sensor device 15 is a pressure sensor device 15a in both embodiments. In this way, in the embodiment of the pending before the pressure control module input pressure and the pending after the pressure control module output pressure can be checked. This allows a control of the correct operation of the pressure control module or other diagnostic measures.

The module connectors 4 have a total disk-shaped or plate-shaped flat shape and are incorporated between adjacent device modules 3, that their main extension plane is perpendicular to the row direction 2. They therefore have a relatively narrow peripheral edge which defines the outer surface 16 of the module connector 4 which is radially oriented with respect to the row direction 2. The sensor device 15 is preferably placed in the region of this outer surface 16 and is therefore easily accessible even when the module connector 4 is installed from the side of the compressed air maintenance device 1.

For the pressure tap in the passage opening 14 of the module connector 4 includes a first tap channel 17, which is connected on the one hand to the sensor device 15 and the other part to the passage opening 14. The connection to the through hole 14 is done simply by the fact that the first Tap channel 17 opens at the peripheral side wall 22 of the through hole 14 in this.

For other types of sensor devices 15, it may be appropriate or necessary to provide one or more further tap channels in the module connector 4. Representative is in FIG. 3 dash-dotted lines a second tap channel 18 indicated, which opens in the row direction 2 at a distance to the first tap channel 17 into the through hole 14, so that in conjunction with not shown, a pressure drop of the compressed air flowing through means a pressure difference can be measured in a Flow sensor device is used to determine the compressed air flow rate.

Exemplary are in FIG. 3 two further types of possible sensor devices 15 indicated by dash-dotted lines, on the one hand a temperature sensor device 15b and on the other hand a humidity sensor device 15c. The former makes it possible to monitor the temperature of the flowing compressed air, the second one to control the relative humidity of the compressed air. The connection with the passage opening 14 is also realized here via at least one tap channel, which is not shown in the drawing, however.

According to the applied measuring principle can be made via the at least one tap channel 17, 18, a fluid connection to the affected sensor device 15 or it runs in the tap channel at least one electrical conductor, in which case the remaining channel cross section may be poured with a potting compound if necessary. The latter applies in particular to a temperature detection by means of a placed in the through hole 14 thermocouple.

In order to be able to produce the module connector 4 in a particularly simple manner, the at least one tap channel 17, 18 expediently always runs in a plane perpendicular to the row direction 2, specifically in a straight line in a straight line.

In principle, the sensor device 15 can be attached externally to the outer surface 16. This variant will be selected primarily for compressed air service devices 1 small flow rates in which the volume of the module connector 4 is not sufficient to accommodate the sensor device 15.

The drawing shows a more advantageous variant in which the sensor device 15 is accommodated in a receiving recess 23 of the module connector 4 that is open towards the outer surface 16.

The sensor device 15 expediently presents itself as a compact sensor unit with a sensor housing 24, in particular made of plastic, which receives the required electronic and mechanical sensor means 25. By way of example, the sensor device 15 designed in this way is countersunk in the essentially complementary receiving recess 23 and projects in the embodiment only with electrical interface means 26 and - slightly - with optical display means 27 out of the receiving recess.

By means of at least one fastening device 28 passing through the sensor device 15, the sensor device 15 is detachably fixed to the module connector 4. Other fastening means would also be conceivable. For example, the sensor device 15 could be held on the module connector 4 by an adhesive connection.

The electrical interface means 26 allow electrical connection of the sensor device 15 to an external electronic control device capable of processing the generated sensor signals. In this way, for example, in a state of the compressed air that does not meet the expectations, a warning signal can be generated or even a switching operation, by which, for example - if damage threatens - the switch-on valve module is switched to the closed position. The visual display means 27 provide a visually recognizable status indication. This is, for example, an LED with a circulating light guide. Alternatively or additionally, an LCD monitor could also be present.

The sensor device 15 can also be equipped with only schematically indicated, manually operable input means 32, for example one or more sensing elements. With a corresponding configuration of the sensor device 15, this makes it possible, for example, to input threshold values at which the sensor device 15 should initiate a certain action.

Preferably, the at least one tap channel 17, 18 opens at its end opposite the passage opening 14 at a base 33 of the module connector 4, at which the installed sensor device 15 comes to rest with a bottom surface 34. At this bottom surface 34 opens one of the number of tap channels 17, 18 corresponding number of measuring channels 35, which extend in the sensor housing 24 and there lead to the sensor means 25. When the sensor device 15 is installed, the measuring channels 35 communicate with the tap channels 17, 18, which open out with aligned openings on the base surface 33. This base surface 33 is, in particular, the base of the receiving recess 23.

Sealing means not shown in detail provide a tight connection between the measuring channels 35 and the tapping channels 17, 18. They are expediently part of the sensor device 15.

The module connector 4, which is designed in a particularly advantageous manner, contains an intermediate plate 36 which engages between the device modules 3 to be connected to one another and which is oriented so that its plate plane 37 runs at right angles to the row direction 2. It is, in particular at a central location, perforated, wherein the preferred circular hole forms the above-mentioned passage opening 14.

Relative to an indicated by a double arrow loading direction 38 which is parallel to the plate plane 37 and perpendicular to the row direction 2, the intermediate plate 36 is flanked on opposite sides of each one Beaufschlagungskörper 42, 43. The latter have a substantially beam-like shape with a longitudinal extent in the plate plane 37 and at right angles to the loading direction 38. Their width measured in the row direction 2 is preferably greater than that of the intermediate plate 36.

Both Beaufschlagungskörper 42, 43 have in the row direction 2 on both sides of the intermediate plate 36 each have a Beaufschlagungskontur 44. This contains at least one with respect to the plate plane 37 inclined first inclined surface 44a, which faces the intermediate plate 36, but from this with increasing approach to the passage opening fourteenth away.

Each application contour 44 cooperates with a holding section 45 arranged on the associated device module 3. This defines a second inclined surface 45a with the same oblique course like the first inclined surface 44 a, but with an orientation pointing away from the intermediate plate 36.

The two Beaufschlagungskörper 42, 43 are now so attached to the juxtaposed with the interposition of the intermediate plate 36 device modules 3 attachable that they engage behind with their first inclined surfaces 44a, the second inclined surfaces 45a in the row direction 2.

By clamping means 46 of the module connector 4, the two Beaufschlagungskörper 42, 43 are acted upon in the direction of action 38 in the sense of mutual approach. The tensioning means 46 may consist, for example, of two tensioning screws 47, which extend transversely to the direction of action 38 and extend in the urging direction 38. Another number of clamping screws 47 would also be conceivable.

The strained Beaufschlagungskörper 42, 43 act with their Beaufschlagungskonturen 44 on the holding portions 45 and thus act on the device modules 3 in such a way that they are subject to a mutual approach of a force in the row direction 2. As a result, the device modules 3 with their end faces 48 facing one another are pressed against the respective facing plate surface 52 of the intermediate plate 36. The intermediate plate 36 is thus firmly clamped between the two device modules. This results in a total of a rigid connection between the two device modules. 3

The two plate surfaces 52 are each formed around the mouth of the through hole 14 around as a sealing surface on which a sealing ring 53 sealingly comes to rest. The sealing ring 53 is seated in an axially open annular groove of End face 48, wherein it surrounds the associated channel opening 12, so that the joining surfaces between the intermediate plate 36 and the respective associated end face 48 is sealed and in the connection region of the device modules 3 no compressed air can escape.

Conveniently, the one, first Beaufschlagungskörper 42 and the intermediate plate 36 are combined to form a preferably one-piece unit, which is referred to as Beaufschlagungseinheit 54. The clamping screws 47 extending in the urging direction 38 respectively penetrate the separate second loading body 43, on which they bear their screw heads 55, and extend within the loading unit 54, in which they are screwed into an internal thread 56.

The placement location for the internal threads 56 is in principle arbitrary. If, however, two separate Beaufschlagungskörper 42, 43 are present, the internal threads 56 are in the first Beaufschlagungskörper 42nd

The sensor device 15 is exemplarily at or in the separate second Beaufschlagungskörper 43. In a preferred usage orientation of the compressed air maintenance device 1, the row direction and the loading direction 38 are horizontal, wherein the second Beaufschlagungskörper 43 equipped with the sensor device 15 is located in particular on the front.

Depending in particular on the position of use, one or more sensor devices 15 can also be arranged at another location on or in the module connector 4. Exemplarily shows the FIG. 3 dash-dotted an additional or alternative features of the first Beaufschlagungskörpers 42nd with a sensor device 15, 15c, as well as an equipment of the intermediate plate 36 with a sensor device 15, 15b.

Relative to the position of use of the compressed air maintenance device 1, a sensor device 15 may be located in particular on the front side, on the rear side, on the underside and / or on the top side of the module connector 4.

There is a sensor device 15, as in FIG. 3 illustrated, on or in the separate second Beaufschlagungskörper 43, results in a subdivision of at least one tap channel 17, 18 into two channel sections, one of which extends in the intermediate plate 36 and the other in the second Beaufschlagungskörper 43. In the transition region between these two components, the channel section openings are aligned and are surrounded by a sealing ring 57, which prevents escape of compressed air to the outside.

Within a compressed air maintenance device 1, one, several or all of the existing module connectors 4 may be equipped with a sensor device 15 in the manner according to the invention. There is therefore also the possibility, as required, of using conventional module connectors 4 which are not equipped or equipped with a sensor device 15 together with one or more module connectors 4 designed according to the invention in one and the same compressed air service device 1.

By combining the sensor device 15 with a module connector 4, a cost-effective monitoring and diagnostic function is possible. The application can be application-oriented and extremely flexible. Additional interfaces on the device modules 3 are unnecessary, as well as no special additional device modules are needed. For the sensor device 15 virtually any functionality is conceivable, in particular as a pressure sensor with window comparator functionality.

Instead of the wired in the embodiment electrical interface means 26 and wireless interface means would be conceivable, in particular radio interface means.

If the compressed air service unit 1 contains further electrical and / or electronic components, a data bus extending in the row direction 2 may be present, to which the sensor means 15 can also be coupled. In this case, the module connector 4 expediently contains an electrical interface enabling the connection to this internal bus.

Claims (17)

1. Modular compressed air conditioning unit comprising a plurality of modules (3) arranged consecutively and releasably connected to one another, wherein at least two modules (3) are releasably attached to one another by a module connector (4) placed between them, the main dimensional plane of which extends at right angles to the direction (2) of the module row, wherein the module connector (4), which belongs to the compressed air conditioning unit and has a disc- or plate-shaped flat form, has a through-opening (14) for the fluidic connection of the two modules (3), characterised in that the module connector (4) is equipped with at least one sensor device (15) connected to the through-opening (14).
2. Compressed air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises more than two modules (3) connected to one another, wherein a module connector (4) equipped with at least one sensor device (15) is provided between the modules (3) of one or more module pairs.
3. Compressed air conditioning unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one module connector (4) is equipped with a pressure sensor device (15a).
4. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one module connector (4) is equipped with a flow sensor device (15).
5. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one module connector (4) is equipped with a temperature sensor device (15b).
6. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that at least one module connector (4) is equipped with a humidity sensor device (15, 15c).
7. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the at least one sensor device (15) is connected to the through-opening (14) via at least one tapping passage (17, 18) passing through the module connector (4) and terminating into the through-opening (14) at the circumferential wall (22) thereof.
8. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least one tapping passage (17, 18) extends in a plane which lies at right angles to the direction (2) of the module row.
9. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the at least one sensor device (15) is located in the region of the outer surface (16) of the associated module connector (4) oriented at right angles to the direction (2) of the module row, being expediently accommodated in a locating recess (23) of the module connector (4) which is open towards the outer surface (16).
10. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the sensor device (15) is provided with electric interface means (26), manually operated input means (32) and/or optical display means (27) which are located in the region of the outer surface (16) of the associated module connector (4) which is oriented at right angles to the direction (2) of the module row.
11. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the sensor device (15) is provided with acoustic signalling means.
12. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the module connector (4) comprises an interconnecting plate (36) which extends between two modules (3) to be connected, is perforated to form the through-opening (36) and has a plate plane (37) oriented at right angles to the direction (2) of the module row.
13. Compressed air conditioning unit according to claim 12, characterised in that the interconnecting plate (36) comprises on each of its opposing plate surfaces (52) a sealing surface extending around the termination of the through-opening (14), against which a sealing ring (57) provided on a axially oriented annular groove of the adjacent module (3) bears while forming a seal.
14. Compressed air conditioning unit according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the interconnecting plate (36) is flanked in a pressurisation direction (38) oriented at right angles to the direction (2) of the module row on each of its opposite sides by a pressurisation body (42) of the module connector (4), each of which is simultaneously in engagement with retaining sections (45) of the two adjacent modules (3), wherein the two pressurisation bodies (42, 43) are clamped together in the pressurisation direction (38) by clamping means (46) of the module connector (4), with the result that the two modules (3) are clamped to the interconnecting plate (36) placed in between, and wherein the clamping means (46) expediently comprise at least one clamping screw (47) extending in the pressurisation direction.
15. Compressed air conditioning unit according to claim 14, characterised in that the interconnecting plate (36) and one of the pressurisation bodies (42) form an in particular one-piece pressurisation unit (54).
16. Compressed air conditioning unit according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that at least one of the pressurisation bodies (42, 43) is provided with at least one sensor device (15), wherein, if the sensor device (15) is located on a pressurisation body (43) which is separate from the interconnecting plate (36), a tapping passage (14, 15) extending between the sensor device (15) and the through-opening (14) expediently runs partially in the pressurisation body (43) and partially in the interconnecting plate (36), a seal (57) being provided in the transition region between these two components (43, 37).
17. Compressed air conditioning unit according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the intermediate plate (36) is provided with at least one sensor device (15).

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