CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a continuing application, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of copending international application No. PCT/AT2004/000067, filed Mar. 4, 2004, which designated the United States; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of Austrian patent application No. A 521/2003, filed Apr. 3, 2003; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety. 


   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a device for controlling the flow of liquid or gaseous media, in particular a liquid heating or cooling medium, in a line system comprising a first channel, wherein a valve, in particular a shut-off valve, is located and at both ends of which connections are provided. 
   Inline systems for technical installations, such as, for example, heating installations, air-conditioning installations and sanitation installations, it is necessary selectively to conduct liquid or gaseous media in different flow channels in order thereby to obtain different effects or in order to meet different technical requirements. It is thus necessary, for example in a heating installation, to conduct the heating medium located in the heating system into a device wherein air which is contained in the heating medium is removed therefrom. This is because if there is no venting, air accumulates in the heating devices, for example in the lines of a floor heating system or of a wall heating system, causing a reduction in the efficiency of the heating devices or possibly resulting in malfunctions. Similarly, it is necessary, in the case of installations which contain filters, to clean the filters by flushing them with a cleaning liquid in the opposite direction to the filtering operation. Analogous flushings are also required in the case of catalytic converters. 
   In order to be able to undertake measures of this type, it is known to arrange control valves, in particular three-way directional control valves, in the line systems, the reversal of which valves can be used to bring about the required diversions. Since it may be necessary in this case to provide line systems with a multiplicity of reversing valves, a large outlay on installation or a very large outlay on costs is thus caused. In addition, breakdowns affecting the entire line system may be caused by failures of individual valves. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a valve configuration and a method of using a valve which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and which provides for a device for controlling the flow of fluid media, such as liquids or gases, and by means of which a substantially enlarged number of diversions can be undertaken in a line system in comparison with prior art control valves. 
   With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a device for controlling a flow of fluidic media, such as liquid heating or cooling media. The device comprises:
         a single first channel with two ends and a first valve, preferably a shutoff valve, connected in the first channel;   flow connections at the two ends of the first channel;   two mutually parallel, second channels extending substantially perpendicularly to the first channel;   the first channel being located at a distance from a plane formed by the two second channels;   second valves, such as shutoff valves, connecting the first channel with the two second channels; and   wherein the first valve in the first channel is disposed between the second valves leading to the two second channels.       

   In other words, the objects of the invention are achieved by assigning two further channels to the first channel, on both sides of the valve, which channels are oriented transversely to the first channel, are connected to the first channel via connecting channels and at the ends of which connections are provided, with valves, in particular shut-off valves, likewise being located in the connecting channels. 
   The two further channels, referred to as second channels, are preferably oriented at right angles to the first channel. Furthermore, at least some of the valves are preferably constructed with a respective control device. According to a preferred further feature, the valve located in the first channel is located at least approximately centrally between the two further channels. Furthermore, sensors can be arranged in the channels and are used to fulfill control functions as a function of parameters of the media flowing in the channels. The channels are preferably constructed at their ends with connecting flanges or at in each case one of their ends with an external thread and at the other end with a union nut. The parameters may be formed by the quantities or the temperatures of the media. 
   The device is preferably produced from a plastics material, in particular from glass-fiber-reinforced polyphthalimide, which is constructed with channels into which the valves, which are produced in particular from brass, from ceramic or from plastics, are inserted. 
   Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. 
   Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a device for controlling the flow of liquid or gaseous media, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. 
   The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 


   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, in an axonometric illustration; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 2A  is a plan view of a first variant embodiment of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  shows the device shown in  FIG. 1 , in section along the line IV—IV in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4A  shows a second variant embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , in section along the line IV—IV in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  shows the device shown in  FIG. 1 , in section along the line V—V in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, in an axonometric illustration; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of the device shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 9  shows the device shown in  FIG. 6 , in section along the line IX—IX in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  shows the device shown in  FIG. 6 , in section along the line X—X in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 11  shows a heating installation with the first embodiment of a device according to the invention; and 
       FIGS. 11A to 11E  show the heating installation from  FIG. 11  with two devices according to the invention which take up five different switching positions, as a result of which five different operating modes are made possible. 
   


   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to  FIGS. 1–5  thereof, there is shown a device according to the invention which comprises a first pipe length  1  which is constructed at both of its ends with connecting flanges  11  and  12 . Located above the first pipe length  1  are two further pipe lengths  2  and  3  which are oriented at right angles to the first pipe length  1 , are connected to the first pipe length  1  and are furthermore constructed at their ends with connecting flanges  21  and  22  and  31  and  32 . Located within a first flow channel  10  formed in the first pipe length  1  is a first shut-off valve  13  to which a control device, for example an electric servomotor  14 , is assigned. The first flow channel  10  of the first pipe length  1  is connected via connecting channels to second flow channels  20  and  30  of the two further pipe lengths  2  and  3 , with further shut-off valves  23  and  33  (second valves  23 ,  33 ), to which further control devices, for example electric servomotors  24  and  34 , are assigned, being located within the connecting channels. The control devices may also be formed, for example, by thermocouples. 
   This device has six inputs and outputs A, B, C, D, E and F which are connected to one another via the channels  10 ,  20  and  30 , with the flow of a medium passing through this device being controlled by means of the shut-off valves  13 ,  23  and  33 . Sensors  15 ,  25  and  35 , by means of which control functions can be brought about, can furthermore be provided in the channels  10 ,  20  and  30 . 
   If a medium enters the channel  10  via the input A and the valve  13  is open, whereas the valves  23  and  33  are closed, it exits at the opening B. If, by contrast, the valve  13  is closed and the valve  23  is open, the medium passes via the connecting channel, wherein the valve  23  is located, into the channel  20  of the pipe length  2 , wherein case it passes to one of the openings C and D. If the valve  13  is open and, furthermore, the valve  23  is closed and the valve  33  is open, the medium flows into the channel  30  of the pipe length  3 , wherein case it passes to one of the openings E and F. It is also pointed out here that the valves  13 ,  23  and  33  may also be only partially open, as a result of which, in particular, quantity controls and temperature controls can be undertaken. 
   If the medium is introduced via the opening C, it passes either through the channel  20  to the opening D. If, by contrast, the valve  23  is open, the medium flows into the channel  10 , from which it passes to the opening A. If the valve  13  is open, the medium can flow to the opening B. If the valve  33  is also open, the medium can flow through the channel  30  to the openings E and F. 
   The direction wherein the flow takes place in each case depends on through which of the adjoining lines continued flow is possible. Furthermore, the valves may also be partially open or closed. 
   Since analogous flows are possible between all six openings A to F, this device permits flows in 15 different routes, with it also being possible for the flows in these routes to take place in opposite directions in each case. 
   It is therefore possible to use this device, although it contains only three controllable valves, in particular shut-off valves, to bring about a multiplicity of control operations. Despite the fact that this device permits a multiplicity of different flows, it has a technically simple construction, as a result of which it can be produced cost-effectively. Since it also contains only three valves, the risk of malfunctions is correspondingly low. Instead of shut-off valves, it is also possible for other valves, such as, for example, pressure-reducing valves, regulating valves, overflow valves, nonreturn check valves, pressure-equalizing valves, to be provided. The valves may be produced from metal, in particular from brass, from ceramic or from plastics. In the case of installations for air conditioning, valves produced from plastics are advantageous, since condensation of water is avoided. 
   The individual devices are connected to one another by means of the connecting flanges  11 ,  21 ,  31  and  12 ,  22 ,  32  or by means of the external thread  11 ′,  21 ′,  31 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and the union nuts  12 ′,  22 ′,  32 ′ assigned to the latter. 
     FIG. 4A  illustrates a further variant embodiment, wherein the valves  13 ′,  23 ′ and  33 ′ are inserted in an exchangeable manner into the pipe lengths  1 ,  2  and  3 . 
   The basic construction of a device of this type is illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 . A device of this type which is produced in a cost-effective manner from plastics is explained below. In this case, a housing  100  made of plastics, in particular of glass-fiber-reinforced polyphthalimide, is produced in an injection-molding process, with the channels being located within this housing  100  and the valves, which are composed in particular of brass, of plastics or of ceramic, being inserted into the housing. 
   As is apparent from  FIGS. 6 to 10 , this device comprises a housing  100  which is constructed with a first channel  110  and with two further channels  120  and  130  constructed at right angles to the latter, with connecting plates  111 ,  112  and  121 ,  122  and  131 ,  132 , to which connecting lines can be fastened, being located at the ends of the channels  110 ,  120  and  130 . The top side of the housing  100  is sealed off by a waterproof seal  101 . Furthermore, the housing  100  is constructed with a channel  102  which is used to accommodate electric control lines inserted in a moisture-proof manner. 
   Located within the flow channel  110  is a valve  113  to which a control device, for example an electric servomotor  114 , is assigned. The flow channel  110  is connected via connecting channels to the flow channels  120  and  130 , with further valves  123  and  133  to which control devices, for example electric servomotors  124  and  134 , are assigned being located within the connecting channels. 
   This device likewise has six inputs and outputs A, B, C, D, E and F which are connected to one another via the channels  110 ,  120  and  130 , with the flow of a medium passing through this device being controlled by means of the valves  113 ,  123  and  133 . Furthermore, sensors  115 ,  125  and  135 , by means of which control functions can be brought about, can be provided in the channels  110 ,  120  and  130 . The valves may be formed by shut-off valves, pressure-reducing valves, regulating valves, overflow valves, nonreturn valves, pressure-equalizing valves or the like. 
   If a medium enters the channel  110  via the input A and the valve  113  is open, whereas the valves  123  and  133  are closed, it exits at the opening B. If, by contrast, the valve  113  is closed and the valve  123  is open, the medium passes via the connecting channel, wherein the valve  123  is located, into the channel  120 , wherein case it passes to one of the openings C and D. If the valve  113  is open and, furthermore, the valve  123  is closed and the valve  133  is open, the medium flows into the channel  130 , wherein case it passes to one of the openings E and F. 
   If the medium is introduced via the opening C, it passes either through the channel  120  to the opening D. If, by contrast, the valve  123  is open, the medium flows into the channel  110 , from which it passes to the opening A. If the valve  113  is open, the medium can flow to the opening B. If the valve  133  is also open, the medium can flow through the channel  130  to the openings E and F. 
   The direction wherein the flow takes place in each case depends on through which of the adjoining lines continued flow is possible. 
   Since analogous flows are possible between all six openings A to F, this device permits flows in 15 different routes, with it also being possible for the flows in these routes to take place in opposite directions in each case. Since, furthermore, the valves may also be partially open or closed, a multiplicity of controls in terms of quantities of the flowing medium and in terms of temperatures are possible. This device can thereby be used in a multiplicity of installations. 
   It is therefore possible to use this device, although it contains only three controllable valves, to bring about a multiplicity of control operations. Despite the fact that this device permits a multiplicity of different flows, it has a technically simple construction, as a result of which it can be produced cost-effectively. Since it also contains only three valves, the risk of malfunctions is correspondingly low. 
   In the case of known line systems, the lines are located essentially in one plane, with the connections also being located in this plane. The high functionality of the present device is obtained by the fact that, in contrast, the lines are arranged in two planes located one above the other, with lines which are located one above another intersecting and connecting channels each containing a valve being provided at the intersection points. This creates a three-dimensional line system, wherein the medium can flow from a first plane into a second plane. This gives rise to the high functionality which has been explained. 
   The number of different courses of flow can be further increased by further devices of this type being fitted, as a result of which a multiplicity of technical requirements can be met. In order to permit maximum variations, the individual pipe lengths preferably have the same diameter. 
   The use of two such devices which are connected to each other, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 , in a heating installation which is formed with a device for venting the installation is explained in more detail below. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates a heating installation which contains a heating boiler  4 , a consumer circuit  5  and a venting device  6 . Located in the flow lines  41  and  42  to the consumer circuit  5  is a pump  43  by means of which the heating medium is conveyed into the consumer circuit  5 , with it flowing back to the heating boiler  4  via the lines  44  and  45 . The venting device  6  is connected to the lines  41 ,  42  and  43 ,  44  via lines  61  and  62 . Furthermore, a pump  63  is located in the line  61 . The connection of the lines  41  and  42  to the lines  61  and  62  is brought about by means of two control devices according to the invention, the components of which are indicated by the reference numbers shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , but with the letters a and b added. These devices are assigned a control unit  7 . The openings which are not required are closed by covering plates  26   b  and  36   b.    
   The operation of the device according to the invention will now be explained below with reference to  FIGS. 11A to 11E : 
   In the heating mode, which is illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the valves assigned to the control devices  34   a  and  24   a  and  24   b  and  34   b  are closed, whereas the valves assigned to the control devices  14   a  and  14   b  are open. The heating medium is thereby conveyed out of the heating boiler  4  by means of the pump  43  through the line  41  and the pipe length  1   a  and passes via the line  42  into the consumer circuit  5 , wherein it flows back again into the heating boiler  4  via the line  44 , the tube  1   b  and the line  45 . 
   If, by contrast, as is illustrated in  FIG. 11B , the heating medium located in the consumer circuit  5  is to be conducted through the device  6  in order to vent it, the valves assigned to the control devices  34   a  and  14   a  are open whereas the valve assigned to the control device  24   a  is closed. Furthermore, the valve assigned to the control device  24   b  is open and the valves assigned to the control devices  14   b  and  34   b  are closed. 
   The heating medium located in the system is thereby conveyed by means of the pump  63  via the line  61  into the pipe length  3   a , from which it passes via the pipe length  1   a  and via the line  42  into the heating circuit  5 . From the heating circuit  5 , the heating medium passes via the line  44  into the pipe length  1   b . It passes from the latter into the pipe lengths  2   b  and  2   a  and back via the line  62  into the device  6 , wherein it is vented. 
   In  FIG. 11C , the valves are controlled in such a manner that the heating medium flows through the consumer circuit  5  in the opposite direction. For this purpose, the valves assigned to the control devices  34   b ,  14   b  and  24   a  are open whereas the valves assigned to the control devices  34   a ,  24   b  and  14   a  are closed. The flow thus takes place via the line  61 , the pipe length  3   a , the pipe length  3   b , the pipe length  1   b  and the line  44  into the consumer circuit  5 , with the return flow to the venting device  6  taking place via the line  42 , the pipe length  1   a  and the pipe length  2   a  and also the line  62 . 
   In an analogous manner, as is illustrated in  FIG. 11D , a flushing of the heating boiler  4  takes place in order to remove air contained therein via the line  61 , the pipe lengths  3   a  and  3   b , the pipe length  1   b  and the line  45  into the heating boiler  4  and via the line  41 , the pipe length  1   a  and the line  62  back into the venting device  6 , wherein case the valves assigned to the control devices  34   a ,  14   b  and  24   b  are closed and the valves assigned to the control devices  34   b ,  14   a  and  24   a  are open. 
   A flushing of the heating boiler  4  in the opposite direction, which is illustrated in  FIG. 1E , presupposes that the valves assigned to the control devices  34   a ,  14   b  and  24   b  are open whereas the valves assigned to the control devices  34   b ,  24   a  and  14   a  are closed. 
   It can be seen from this example that, by means of the combination of pipe lengths located one above another together with the valves located therein and in the connecting channels, a plurality of operations are possible which, in the case of known line arrangements with three-way directional control valves, would require a substantially larger number of valves. By means of further combinations of devices of this type, it is possible for a very large number of control functions to be carried out in a simple manner. In order to permit any desired combinations, all of the pipe lengths preferably have the same diameter. 
   The connecting elements may be formed by connecting plates or by threaded components, on the one hand, and union nuts, on the other hand. The control devices may be formed by thermocouples or by servomotors. In addition, a manual control of the valves may also be provided. The valves are formed by shut-off valves, pressure-reducing valves, regulating valves, overflow valves, check valves, nonreturn valves, pressure-compensating valves or the like. 
   The sensors make it possible for the valves to be controlled as a function of parameters, for example the quantities or the temperatures, of the media flowing in the pipe lengths, with the outputs of the sensors being connected to an electronic control unit.
A device controls the flow of liquid or gaseous media, especially a liquid heating or cooling medium, in a line system with a first channel that contains a valve, especially a shut-off valve, and is provided with connections on both ends thereof. Two other channels are located on said first channel, on both sides of the valve thereof, said other channels being perpendicularly oriented in relation to the first channel and having flow channels which are connected to the first channel by means of connection channels. Connections are also provided on the ends of said other channels, and valves, especially shut-off valves, are also provided in the connection channels.