Manifold and method of making same

摘要

A manifold assembly and method of making the same is disclosed. The manifold assembly is preferably made of a polymer. A mold is used to make the manifold portion of the manifold assembly such that small diameter passageways and valve seats are formed enabling use of small solenoids. Since pressure is applied to small diameter plunger seals (valves) driven by solenoid plungers, small solenoids may be used because the force on the solenoid plungers is correspondingly low. The manifold assembly is comprised of a manifold portion and a plug portion. The manifold portion, as disclosed, has an inlet port for the supply of air pressure. An inlet housing in which an inlet solenoid is housed, a supply port for supplying air to or exhausting air from a reservoir, and an exhaust housing in which an exhaust solenoid is housed are connected to a chamber. The chamber which interconnects the housings and supply port is enclosed by the plug portion which is ultrasonically welded to the manifold portion.