EP3289229B1 - Valve arrangement - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement for the fluidic supply of a fluid consumer, with a plurality of main valves which are fluidically communicating with respective associated fluid ports and which are adapted to influence fluid flows at the fluid ports, wherein the fluid ports are at least partially disposed on a pad of a body, and with electrically controllable pilot valves, which are designed for a fluidic control of the main valves, the base body is associated with a connection plate arranged opposite to the connection plate, which is penetrated by a fluid channel, which opens into a working port for connection of a fluid consumer, wherein between the pad and the connection plate is arranged a separately formed channel body, the at least one connection channel for a fluidically communicating connection between at least one of the fluid having connections and the working port and at least one connecting channel for a fluidic coupling of at least two fluid ports.

The DE 10 2009 023 706 A2 discloses a pneumatic positioner with a working member and a acting on this, two coupled piezopneumatische valves comprising valve unit having a signal input for a electrical control signal and a supply input connectable to a pressurized gas supply and a working output connected to the pneumatic working member and a venting outlet for the working medium. In this case, the valves each have a valve housing with a receiving cavity and a functionally specific valve insert which can be inserted in a sealing manner with a flow-through switching unit. The valve seat and the cooperating with this valve body are provided on the switching unit. In the valve housing arranged flow channels open in such a way in the associated receiving cavity, that with identical valve housing by replacing the valve insert different functional characteristics of the valve in question can be realized.

The US 3 556 144 A discloses a directional control valve having double acting poppets disposed in a valve body controlled by one or more pilot valves. The pilot valves control pilot fluid to and through a plurality of pilot fluid control channels. A control pattern for the control channels is predetermined and tuned to the pilot valve so that the control valve can perform a variety of functions.

From the DE 19537482 A1 is a hydraulic control block for hydraulic power units, in particular for the control of hydraulic systems, double-acting hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic drives or the like known. This control block comprises four valve units arranged in pairs opposite each other. In order to provide a hydraulic control block that can be manufactured inexpensively and whose circuit is easily changed, the control block is divided into a center block and two releasably secured to the center block valve blocks, each of which two valve units can receive, wherein two valve sides, each with a valve block interface for receiving a respective valve block are provided on the center block.

The DE 699 15 012 T2 discloses a multi-valve manifold block for mounting pressure-medium valves on a surface, comprising a valve interface and including longitudinal channels for at least one supply pressure medium, with communication passages for directing the pressure medium to the valve interface and thereby to different valves, and wherein the manifold block has a manifold interface on one Each valve for supply pressure means comprises a first area between the longitudinal channel and the terminal block interface and a second area between the terminal block interface and the valve interface and wherein a selectable modular housing is arranged to connect the areas or the first Lock area and continue the second area or to lock both areas.

The object of the invention is to provide a valve device in which an adaptation to different applications is easily possible.

This object is achieved for a valve device of the type mentioned with the features of claim 1. It is provided that

the base body comprises the connection plate and wherein a receiving shaft for the channel body is formed between the connection surface and the connection plate, and wherein the channel body in at least one functional position for the fluidically communicating interconnection of the main valves with the working port and a supply port formed in the connection plate and one in the connection plate trained exhaust port can be attached in the receiving shaft.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the separately formed connection plate is designed for attachment to the connection surface and comprises a receiving shaft for the channel body, wherein the channel body in at least one functional position for the fluidically communicating interconnection of the main valves with the working port and one in the Connection plate formed supply port and formed in the connection plate exhaust port in the receiving shaft can be attached.

In this case, the connection plate preferably serves as a customer-side interface for connecting the fluid consumer to the working connection and, if appropriate, for connecting further fluidic components such as, for example, a fluid source and / or an exhaust air muffler. The connection plate may optionally be formed integrally with the base body or be provided as a separate component for mounting on the base body, in particular by means of screw connections. The decisive factor is that between the connection surface of the base body and a surface of the connection plate facing the connection surface of the base body, a volume of space is provided, in which the separately formed channel body can be inserted. The task of the duct body is to provide a predeterminable fluidic connection between the fluid connections, which are formed on the connection surface of the main body. By exchanging the channel body for a differently shaped channel body, different fluidic connections between the main valves can be predetermined and thus a different behavior of the valve arrangement at the working connection can be achieved. In this case, the fluidic interconnections in the channel body comprise, on the one hand, the connection channel, which is designed for a direct or indirect fluidic connection between the respective fluid connection on the base body and the fluid channel formed in the connection plate and fluidically connected to the working connection, and the connection channel, which is for a fluidic connection is provided by at least two fluid connections and thereby enables a fluidic coupling of at least two main valves. It can be provided that a connecting channel exclusively connects two or more fluid connections with each other. Alternatively it can be provided that a connection channel is fluidly connected in addition to the connection of two fluid connections with the connection channel and / or with a supply connection or an exhaust connection.

It is expedient if at least one main valve and / or at least one pilot valve have a predetermined valve position. The predetermined valve position is preferably a complete open position or a full closed position for each valve. This predetermined valve position is ensured in particular by biasing means such as a compression spring, wherein the compression spring acts in particular on a valve member of the respective valve. A movement of the valve member from the predetermined valve position requires overcoming the biasing force of the biasing means. For this purpose, the respective valve may for example be assigned an electromechanical drive, in particular a magnetic drive, or a fluidic drive in the manner of a pneumatic cylinder. Accordingly, a provision of electrical or fluidic energy is required to bring the respective valve from the predetermined valve position to a second valve position or functional position, wherein in this case an energy storage takes place in the biasing means. In case of failure of the required for driving the respective valve electrical or fluid energy, the valve or the valve body of the valve returns due to the energy stored in the biasing means in the predetermined valve position. By way of example, it is provided that the pilot valves are designed as electromechanical driven valves, while the main valves are designed as fluidically actuated valves.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that in the connection plate, a further fluid channel is formed, which opens into a supply connection or in an exhaust port and that in the channel body another connection channel and / or another connection channel for a fluidic communication between at least one of the fluid connections and the supply connection or the exhaust air connection and / or for a fluidic coupling of at least two further fluid connections is formed. In this way, complex fluidic interconnections between the fluid connections and, if appropriate, between the supply connection and / or the exhaust connection are made possible, with which predeterminable modes of operation the main control valves, in particular in the event of failure of an electrical supply for the pilot valves and / or a fluid supply for the pilot valves and / or the main control valves can be defined. Since the channel body is formed separately from the base body, it can be replaced, preferably without tools, so that an adaptation of the valve arrangement to different applications is simplified. Since the mode of operation of the valve arrangement is decisively, in particular exclusively, determined by the fluidic connection of the fluid connections, the valve arrangement is suitable in particular for a safety-oriented supply to a fluid consumer, which may in particular be a pneumatic cylinder or a pneumatic pivot drive.

Accordingly, it is advantageous if a plurality of connecting channels are formed in the channel body, which are designed for a predeterminable fluidic connection of the main valves with the working port and the supply port and the exhaust port.

It is preferably provided that the, preferably four, main valves are similar, in particular identical, are formed. As a result, an advantageous variability of the valve arrangement is ensured with regard to various possibilities for the fluidic connection of the individual, in particular four, main valves. It is preferably provided that the main valves each have a similar structure and in particular fluidically controlled by diaphragm chambers Have valve body. It is advantageously provided that the diaphragm chambers of a main valve are each pressure-balanced, so that a pressure level of the fluid to be controlled by the main valve is insignificant for the function of the main valve at least within a certain, predeterminable pressure interval. By way of example, the main valves are normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) valves. It is particularly preferred that all main valves of the valve assembly are made identical.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that mutually corresponding information interfaces are arranged on the base body and on the channel body, which are designed for a data exchange between an electronic storage device in the channel body and an electronic processing device in the base body. With the aid of the information interfaces, an electrical or electronic transmission of information between the memory device in the channel body and the electronic processing device in the base body is possible. For example, information about the fluidic interconnection in the channel body can be stored in the memory device. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the memory device is designed for temporary storage of sensor values that are provided by a sensor device arranged in the channel body. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the memory device is designed for a storage of parameters that are provided by the processing device and are used for the parameterization of the sensor means arranged in the channel body. Accordingly, either a unidirectional or a bidirectional data exchange between the memory device and the processing device are provided. In this case, the information interface for a direct electrical coupling between channel body and body can be formed, alternatively, the information interface for a wireless data transmission between channel body and body, in particular by optical or inductive means, is formed.

In a first embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the base body comprises the connection plate and when a receiving shaft for the channel body is formed between the connection surface and the connection plate, wherein the channel body in at least one functional position for the fluidically communicating interconnection of the main valves with the working port and Supply connection and the exhaust port in the receiving shaft can be attached. In this embodiment, the base body is preferably provided to insert the channel body parallel to the pad of the body in the receiving shaft and set in a predetermined functional position between the pad and the connection plate. In this way, a particularly easy to be carried out assembly of the channel body can be realized on the base body. It is particularly preferably provided that the channel body and the receiving shaft are adapted to each other so that a precisely predetermined functional position of the channel body relative to the main body must be maintained for a function of the valve assembly to prevent malfunction of the valve assembly with incorrectly mounted channel body.

In a second embodiment of the invention it is provided that the separately formed connection plate is designed for attachment to the connection surface and comprises a receiving shaft for the channel body, wherein the channel body in at least a functional position for the fluidically communicating interconnection of the main valves with the working port and the supply port and the exhaust port in the receiving shaft can be attached. In this alternative embodiment of the valve arrangement, the channel body is accommodated at least almost completely in a recess in the connection plate and is fixed together with the connection plate on the base body. In this way, a particularly simple design of the channel body and the connection surface, in particular with regard to the fluidic seal between the channel body and the connection surface and the connection plate can be realized. Preferably, the connection plate has a connected to the recess for receiving the channel body exhaust port, which is closed with inserted channel body and ensures in the absence of the channel body that no provision of pressurized fluid takes place at the working port to thereby avoid malfunction of the valve assembly.

It is advantageous if the connection channel and / or the connecting channel at least one pneumatic component from the group: pressure control valve, throttle valve, switching valve, is assigned. With such a pneumatic component, the control behavior of the valve arrangement can be influenced actively or passively. Active influencing of the control behavior can be achieved, in particular, by means of at least one electrically or fluidically, preferably pneumatically controlled, switching valve which is assigned to the connection channel or the connection channel and can influence a free fluidic cross section of the respective channel, in particular between an open position and a closed position , A passive influence on the control behavior of the valve assembly, for example be made with an electrically or manually adjustable pressure control valve or throttle valve by controlling fluid flows between the fluid ports to a predetermined pressure level or throttled to a predetermined volume flow.

It is preferably provided that at least one sensor means from the group: pressure sensor, flow sensor, temperature sensor is associated with the connection channel and / or the connection channel. With the aid of such a sensor means, which outputs an electrical sensor signal dependent on a measured physical quantity in analog or digital form, statements are possible as to how the valve arrangement and / or the fluid consumer connected to the valve arrangement are currently behaving or in the near future behave in order to effect any changes for the provision of pressurized fluid to the fluid consumer, in particular by suitable control of one or more of the main valves.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the working port on the connection plate is associated with a valve plate which comprises at least one control valve which is designed to influence a fluid flow between a fluid source and a fluid consumer, wherein a fluidic control port of the control valve in fluidic communicating Connection with the working port is and wherein the valve plate at least one sensor means from the group: pressure sensor, flow sensor, temperature sensor, position sensor, assigned, wherein the sensor means is electrically connected to the connection plate or is received in the connection plate. With such a valve plate, for example, the limited flowability the valve assembly can be increased in order to control fluid consumers with a high fluid consumption can. In the valve plate at least one control valve is arranged, which is designed for example for the correspondingly high flow and which is operated by means of the valve arrangement, in particular via the working port, fluidly pilot operated. For monitoring the position of this control valve of the valve plate is associated with at least one sensor means by means of which a functional position of the control valve can be determined directly or indirectly, in order to draw conclusions about the function of the driven fluid consumer and / or the function of the control valve. Preferably, the sensor means is included in a control loop, which is designed for the control of the valve assembly. As a result, a short reaction time for the regulation of the valve arrangement and the control valve coupled thereto can be realized. The sensor means may be arranged in the valve plate, in this case, a sensor signal of the sensor means is provided via a suitable sensor interface to the connection plate and can be forwarded from there, for example, to a processing device in the main body. Alternatively, the sensor means is arranged in the connection plate and in the valve plate only a sensor channel for fluidic coupling of the working channel is formed with the sensor means.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention it is provided that the work connection to the connection plate, a valve plate is arranged, which comprises at least one control valve, which is designed to influence a fluid flow between the working port and a fluid consumer, wherein an electrical control terminal of the control valve is connected to a control interface and wherein the control valve has a, preferably normally closed, preferred position. The object of this control valve is to ensure a reliable shutdown of the fluid supply to the fluid consumer, which is particularly in terms of safety-related applications for the valve assembly of interest. The control valve is an electrically actuated valve, in particular a solenoid valve, which is located without provision of electrical energy in a preferred position, in particular in a closed position. The electrical supply of this control valve is preferably carried out directly by a safety-related control, which is optionally also designed for controlling the valve arrangement and / or for determining a functional position of the driven fluid consumer. Alternatively it can be provided that the control valve is located as a vent valve without providing electrical energy in an open position and thus ensures venting of the fluid consumer in case of failure of the control for the valve assembly and / or the control valve. This ensures a high level of safety for the valve assembly due to the dual-channel redundant venting of the fluid consumer.

Figur 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Steuereinheit, die eine Ventilanordnung mit zwei Vorsteuerventilen, vier Hauptventilen, einem Kanalkörper und einer Anschlussplatte umfasst, die in einem Steuergehäuse aufgenommen sind, wobei der Anschlussplatte eine Ventilplatte zugeordnet ist,

Figur 2

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Steuereinheit gemäß der Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Ventilplatte,

Figur 4

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Ventilplatte,

Figur 5

eine schematische Schaltbilddarstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Ventilanordnung,

Figur 6

eine schematische Schaltbilddarstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Ventilanordnung, und

Figur 7

eine schematische Schaltbilddarstellung für die erste Ausführungsform der Ventilplatte.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing. Hereby shows:

FIG. 1

a schematic plan view of a control unit comprising a valve arrangement with two pilot valves, four main valves, a channel body and a connection plate, which in a control housing are received, wherein the connection plate is associated with a valve plate,

FIG. 2

an exploded view of the control unit according to the FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

a first embodiment of a valve plate,

FIG. 4

a second embodiment of a valve plate,

FIG. 5

1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a valve arrangement;

FIG. 6

a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a valve assembly, and

FIG. 7

a schematic diagram representation of the first embodiment of the valve plate.

One in the Figures 1 and 2 shown control unit 1 is provided for a fluid supply to a fluid consumer, not shown, which may be, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a pneumatic rotary actuator. The control unit 1 can be designed for an autonomous mode of operation without external control signals and / or for a connection to a higher-level control (not shown) designed to provide control signals, which may in particular be a programmable logic controller (PLC). The control unit 1 comprises an electronic control unit 2, which may be formed by way of example in the form of a printed circuit board or printed circuit with electronic and electrical components such as a microprocessor fitted thereon. The control electronics 2 is for processing formed by control commands, which are provided either by a running on the control electronics 2 control program or by a higher-level control and which are implemented by a valve assembly 3 in fluid streams at a working port 4.

For reasons of simplification are in the FIGS. 1 to 3 the fluid channels required between the fluidic components described in more detail below not shown. A detailed representation of the fluidic interconnection of these fluidic components can be found in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5.

The control electronics 2 is in electrical communication with two pilot valves 5, 6, which may be exemplified by solenoid valves, preferably by 2/2-way valves, in particular as shown by 3/2-way valves, act. The pilot valves 5, 6 are acted upon by the control electronics 2 with electrical energy to provide fluid flows to main valves 7 to 10. Preferably, the control electronics 2 and the pilot valves 5, 6 for a control via an analog current interface, preferably with a maximum current of 20 mA, in particular a fraction thereof, trained and thus meet the frequently encountered in process technology requirements for "low-power "terminal units of. The main valves 7 to 10 are fluidically controllable valves, for example, fluidically piloted 3/2-way valves. It is preferably provided that the main valves 7 to 10 are designed as diaphragm-controlled, pressure-balanced valves, whereby an advantageous switching behavior for the main valves 7 to 10 can be effected. Between the pilot valves 5, 6 and the main valves 7 to 10, an adapter plate 11 is arranged, which is penetrated by not shown recesses to a fluidly communicating connection between the output terminals also not shown, the pilot valves 5, 6 and in the representations of Figures 1 and 2 To ensure invisible input connections of the main valves 7 to 10. By way of example, the adapter plate 11 may also be designed for a sealing effect between the pilot valves 5, 6 and the main valves 7 to 10.

By way of example, it is provided that both the pilot valves 5, 6 and the main control valves 7 to 10 are each cuboid-shaped and sealingly abut each other and thus in this embodiment of the valve assembly also form the base body 14.

At one of the pilot valves 5, 6 opposite surface 12, the main valves 7 to 10 each have a plurality of valve ports 15, which are designed to provide more detailed below fluid flows through the respective main valves 7 to 10 and thus form the fluid ports of the body 14.

Opposite to the surface 12 of the main valves 7 to 10, a channel body 16 is arranged, which is preferably cuboidal and is provided for a sealing engagement with the surface 12. The channel body 16 has at least one, in the Figures 1 and 2 unrecognizable, but in the FIGS. 4 and 5 closer port and connecting channel shown. The channel body 16 is provided on both the main valves 7 to 10 facing surface and on the main valves 7 to 10 facing away from surface 17 with mouth openings 18, each are bounded by an annular seal 19, wherein the connecting channel opens into at least one of the mouth openings 18. The channel body 16 is provided by way of example for inclusion in a connection plate 20, which in turn is in principle basically cuboid-shaped and has one in the FIG. 2 has not visible recess, which is adapted to the geometry of the channel body 16 such that the channel body 16 can be accommodated at least almost completely flush in the terminal plate 20.

As an example, in addition to the working connection 4, a supply connection 21, an exhaust connection 22 and a reserve connection 23 are provided on the connection plate 20, wherein the backup connection 23 can also be designed as a second working connection as a function of the fluidic connection in the duct body 16. In this case, the supply connection 21 is provided for a fluidic coupling with a fluid source, not shown, and thus for the fluidic supply of the control unit 1. The exhaust port 22 may in particular be connected to a muffler, not shown, in order to dissipate exhaust air from the control unit 1 as quietly as possible.

The connection plate 20 is provided for a planar contact with a housing 24 of the control unit 1 and can be fixed to the housing 24 with fixing means, not shown, in particular with screws. When determining the connection plate 20 on the housing 24, the seals 19 on the channel body 16 and further, not shown sealing means between the pilot valves 5, 6 and the main valves 7 to 10, the adapter plate 11 and the channel body 16 are compressed and thus ensure a fluidic seal with each other , so that when applying a supply pressure at Supply connection 21 no significant fluid losses in the control unit 1 occur. It is preferably provided that the connection plate 20 is penetrated by fluid channels 44, which respectively ensure fluidic connections between the working connections 4 formed on both sides on the connection plate 20, supply connections 21, exhaust connections 22 and reserve connections 23.

The in the FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrated alternative embodiments of valve plates 25, 45 can be selectively coupled to the connection plate 20 and are provided with similar fluid connections as the connection plate 20, ie with a working port 4, a supply port 21, an exhaust port 22 and a reserve port 23. For the valve plate 45 is in the FIG. 7 a fluidic connection described in more detail below. The valve plates 25, 45 serve to expand the functional scope of the control unit 1, wherein the valve plate 25 is formed to achieve a predetermined safety level and in particular to the realization of predetermined safety functions such as fail-safe or fail-free for the control unit 1 equipped therewith, while the valve plate 45 is designed for a high fluid flow rate.

Other, not shown, valve plates can also be attached to the connection plate 20, it is exemplarily provided that the respective valve plate is screwed sealingly to the connection plate 20.

From the representation of FIG. 5 It can be seen how an exemplary fluidic connection of the pilot valves 5, 6 may be provided with the main valves 7 to 10 and the channel body 16 in the control unit 1. in the schematic presentation of the Figures 5 . 6 and 7 Connections between fluid channels, in particular hoses connecting channels, symbolized by circular points. Fluidic interfaces on outer surfaces are symbolized by squares. Work connections are symbolized with horizontal rectangles. Electrical interfaces are symbolized by standing rectangles.

By way of example, it is provided that the pilot valves 5, 6 are designed as electrically actuated solenoid valves, each having an electrical interface 28, 29 with the in the FIG. 5 not shown control electronics are connected. Accordingly, by providing a suitable control signal at the interface 28 or 29, a switching function of the respective controlled pilot valve 5, 6 can be effected. By way of example, the pilot valves 5, 6 are each designed as 3/2-way valves, wherein both pilot valves 5, 6 are each biased mechanically in a preferred position with a particular designed as a helical spring spring means 30. In this preferred position of the pilot valves 5, 6, a fluidic connection between control terminals 32 of the example fluidly controllable main valves 7 to 10 and a vent port 31 of the respective pilot valve 5, 6 is provided, so that also biased by spring means 33 in each case in a preferred position main valves 7 to 10 remain in this preferred position. It is further provided that the main valve 7 can be controlled by providing a fluid flow from the pilot valve 5, while the main valve 8 can be controlled by providing a fluid flow from the pilot valve 6.

The main valves 7 to 10 each have fluid ports 34, which are in sealing, fluidically communicating connection with fluid ports 35 in the channel body 16. The task of the duct body 16 is to provide fluid streams provided to the main valves 7 to 10 and released from the main valves 7 to 10 in a suitable manner to the working connection 4 and the exhaust connection 22 and optionally to the reserve connection 23. In this case, the fluidic function of the control unit 1 is determined by the assignment of the provided in the channel body 16 connection channel 36 and provided in the channel body 16 connecting channels 37. As already described above, the channel body 16 can be exchanged, so that different fluidic functions can be specified for the control unit 1, as described below in connection with FIGS Figures 5 and 6 will be described in more detail.

By way of example, the channel body 16 is designed in such a way and the preferred position of the main valve 7 is selected so that a supply pressure applied to the supply connection 21 is provided by means of the main valve 7 via the connection channel 37 at the working connection 4 without a fluidic control of the main valve 7. Furthermore, the preferred position of the main valve 8 is selected so that a fluidic connection between the working port 4 and the exhaust port 22 is interrupted without a fluidic control of the main valve 8. Thus, without a fluidic control of the main valves 7, 8, a fluid flow from the supply port 21 via the main valve 7 and the connection channel 36 to the working port 4 allows.

Once the main valve 7 by providing a fluid flow from the pilot valve 5 from the preferred position in a not shown switching position is ensured by the fluidic connection of the connection channel 36 and the connection channels 37 in the channel body 16 that a fluidic connection between the supply port 21 and the working port 4 is interrupted. In this case, the fluid supplied to the fluid consumer, not shown, so to speak enclosed, whereby the, for example, designed as a pneumatic cylinder, fluid consumer remains in a predetermined position and optionally provide a predetermined force and the fluid consumer undergoes a change of state.

In a subsequent step can be provided to bring the main valve 8 by providing a fluid flow from the pilot valve 6 from the preferred position to a switching position, not shown, in which a fluidically communicating connection between the working port 4 and the exhaust port 22 is made, so that the Fluid consumers supplied fluid can flow through the exhaust port 22.

By way of example, a branch 39 in the channel body 16 is provided by a supply channel 40, which connects the supply connection 21 to the associated fluid connection 34 of the main valve 7. The branch 39 is fluidically connected to a pressure regulating valve 41, which is designed to reduce the fluid pressure applied to the supply connection 21 and accordingly provides a reduced supply pressure at an associated fluid connection 34, 35. The supply pressure reduced by the pressure regulating valve 41 is provided via a fluid line 42 to the two pilot valves 5, 6 and can be from the two pilot valves 5, 6 are forwarded as control pressure to the respective main valves 7 to 10.

Exemplary is the in FIG. 5 shown channel body 16 provided for a fail-safe function in which in the event of failure of the electrical supply to the control electronics 2 and / or the pneumatic supply enters a defined state for the fluidically coupled to the control unit 1, not shown fluid consumers. In case of failure of the electrical supply for the control electronics 2 take the two pilot valves 5, 6 in FIG. 5 shown preferred position, whereby an optionally present Steuerfluidbeaufschlagung the associated main valves 7 to 10 is omitted and the main valves 7 to 10 also take their preferred position. In this case, the in FIG. 5 illustrated fluidic control of the fluid consumer, not shown, which is supplied with the provided at the supply port 21 supply pressure via the main valve 7.

At the in FIG. 6 illustrated second embodiment of the channel body 66 are the basic body 14 forming pilot valves 5, 6 and main valves 7 to 10 fluidly connected in the same manner as in the illustration according to the FIG. 5 , Accordingly, at the respective associated fluid ports 34, the same fluidic conditions as in the FIG. 5 in front. Deviating from this is in the FIG. 6 In addition, a processing device 67 is provided in the base body 14, which is electrically connected to pressure sensors 69, 70, 71 via connection means 68, which are only shown schematically. The connection means 68 may be, for example, electrical lines, not shown, which are the main body 14 and, after passing a not shown electrical interface, in particular a plug connection, also pass through the channel body 66 and connected to the respective pressure sensor and 69, 70, 71. By way of example, it is provided that the pressure sensors 69, 70, 71 each comprise a memory device (not shown) for storing measured values and / or parameters. Additionally or alternatively, the channel body may be provided with a memory device, not shown, which is formed, for example, for storing identification data of the channel plate 66. By way of example, this memory device can be designed as an RFID module (radio frequency identification device) for wireless information transmission to a correspondingly configured processing device in the main body 14. Further, a data interface 72 is provided on the base body 14, which allows a data exchange between the processing device 67 and the control electronics 2.

By way of example, the pressure sensor 69 is assigned to the supply connection 21, the pressure sensor 70 is assigned to the working connection 4 by way of example, and the pressure sensor 71 is assigned to the reserve connection 23 by way of example. By integrating the pressure sensors 69, 70, 71 in the channel body 66, a monitoring of the function of the main valves 7 to 10 and the upstream pilot valves 5 and 6 are made, whereby the thus equipped control unit 1 can optionally meet a given level of safety within a predetermined safety standard ,

In addition or as an alternative to the channel body 66, the control unit 1 can additionally be equipped with the valve plate 25 in a planar arrangement to achieve a given safety level within a predefinable safety standard can be attached to the surface 43 of the connection plate 20 and the surface facing one of the connection plate 20 in the representation of FIG. 3 has not visible fluid connections, which correspond to the fluid ports 4, 21, 22, 23 of the connection plate 20. On a side facing away from the terminal plate 20 surface 26 of the valve plate 25 are also the working port 4, the supply port 21, the exhaust port 22 and the backup port 23 is provided. Further, on a side surface of the valve plate 25, a control port 27 is formed. An electrical activation of a switching valve, not shown, provided in the valve plate 25 is provided via the control connection 27, with the aid of which a release or blocking of a fluidically communicating connection between the working connection 4 on the connection plate 20 and the working connection 4 on the valve plate 25 can be undertaken , It can be provided that a wide-spread at the control terminal 27 control signal is provided by a safety-related control, not shown.

Alternatively, at the in FIG. 4 shown valve plate 45 as shown in the FIG. 7 an exemplary designed as a 3/3-way valve switching valve 46 is provided, which is fluidly looped between the formed on opposite surfaces 47, 48 of the valve plate 45 fluid connections, in particular the working port 4, the supply port 21 and the exhaust port 22. The switching valve 46 is designed for large fluid volume flows and can be controlled by means of the control unit 1. By way of example, it is provided that a first connection 49 of the switching valve 46 is fluidically connected to a fluid line 50 extending between the working connections 4. A second port 51 of the switching valve 46 is with a fluid line 52 extending between the exhaust ports 22, connected. A third port 53 of the switching valve 46 is fluidly connected via a fluid line 54 to the working ports 4. In a partial branch 55 of the fluid channel 54, a, preferably adjustable trained, inductor 56 is inserted, wherein the partial branch 55 is guided to a control port 57 of the fluidically actuable switching valve 46. Accordingly, a control of the switching valve 46 can be effected both by a fluid flow from the control unit 1 via the working port 4 and by a fluid flow from the supply port 21 via the switching valve 46 and the partial branch 55. In this way, in particular a self-holding switching position for the switching valve 46 is ensured when supplying the connected to the working port 4, fluid consumer, not shown. In a third switching position, all ports 49, 51, 53 are blocked, so that no fluid flow through the switching valve 46 is possible. By way of example, the fluid line 54 is associated with a pressure sensor 58, which is connected via an electrical connection means 59 not shown in more detail to the in FIG. 6 shown processing device 67 is connected, in which the pressure signal of the pressure sensor 58 is processed. Alternatively it can be provided in a variant, not shown, that the pressure sensor is mounted directly on the processing device and is connected via a likewise not shown sensor line fluidly communicating with the fluid line.

Claims (11)

1. Valve arrangement for a fluidic supply of a fluid load, comprising several main valves (7, 8, 9, 10) which are connected, with fluidic communication, to respectively assigned fluid ports (15, 34) and which are designed for influencing fluid flows at the fluid ports (15, 34), wherein the fluid ports (15, 34) are located at least partly on a connection face (12) of a base body (14), and comprising electrically controllable pilot valves (5, 6) which are designed for fluidic control of the main valves (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein the base body (14) is assigned a connection plate (20) lying opposite the connection face (12) and through which runs a fluid passage (44) which leads into an operating port (4) for the connection of a fluid load, wherein, between the connection face (12) and the connection plate (20) there is provided a separate passage body (16, 66) which has at least one connection passage (36) for a fluidically communicating link between at least one of the fluid ports (15, 34) and the operating port (4), and at least one connecting conduit (37) for a fluidic coupling of at least two fluid ports (15, 34), wherein the base body (14) includes the connection plate and wherein a locating shaft for the passage body is formed between the connection face and the connection plate (20), wherein the passage body may be attached in at least one functional position for the fluidically communicating interconnection of the main valves (7, 8, 9, 10) with the operating port and with a supply port (21) formed in the connection plate (20) and with an air outlet port formed in the connection plate (20) in the locating shaft.
2. Valve arrangement for a fluidic supply of a fluid load, with several main valves (7, 8, 9, 10) which are connected, with fluidic communication, to respectively assigned fluid ports (15, 34) and which are designed for influencing fluid flows at the fluid ports (15, 34), wherein the fluid ports (15, 34) are located at least partly on a connection face (12) of a base body (14), and with electrically controllable pilot valves (5, 6) which are designed for fluidic control of the main valves (7, 8, 9, 10), wherein the base body (14) is assigned a connection plate (20) lying opposite the connection face (12) and through which runs a fluid passage (44) which leads into an operating port (4) for the connection of a fluid load wherein, between the connection face (12) and the connection plate (20) there is provided a separate passage body (16, 66) which has at least one connection passage (36) for a fluidically communicating link between at least one of the fluid ports (15, 34) and the operating port (4), and at least one connecting conduit (37) for a fluidic coupling of at least two fluid ports (15, 34), wherein the separately formed connection plate (20) is designed for attachment to the connection face (12) and includes a locating shaft for the passage body (16; 66), wherein the passage body (16; 66) may be attached in at least one functional position for the fluidically communicating interconnection of the main valves (7, 8, 9, 10) with the operating port (4) and with a supply port (21) formed in the connection plate (20) and with an air outlet port formed in the connection plate (20) in the locating shaft.
3. Valve arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one main valve (7, 8, 9, 10) and/or at least one pilot valve (5, 6) have or has a preset preferred position.
4. Valve arrangement according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that, in the connection plate (20), a further fluid passage (44) is formed which opens out into the supply port (21) or the air outlet port (22), and that in the passage body (16; 66) there is formed a further connection passage (36) and/or a further connecting conduit (37) for a fluidically communicating connection between at least one of the fluid ports (15, 34) and the supply port (21) or the air outlet port (22) and/or for a fluidic coupling of at least two further fluid ports.
5. Valve arrangement according to claim 4, characterised in that there are formed in the passage body (16; 66) several connecting conduits (37), which are designed for presettable fluidic interconnection of the main valves (7, 8, 9, 10) with the operating port (4) and the supply port (21) and the air outlet port (22).
6. Valve arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main valves (7, 8, 9, 10), preferably four, are similarly designed.
7. Valve arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that information interfaces corresponding to one another are located on the base body (14) and on the passage body (16; 66), and are designed for data interchange between an electronic memory device in the passage body (16; 66) and an electronic processing device (67) in the base body (14).
8. Valve arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection passage (36) and/or the connecting conduit (37) is or are assigned at least one pneumatic component from the group: pressure-control valve (41), restrictor valve, control valve.
9. Valve arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection passage (36) and/or the connecting conduit (37) are or is assigned at least one sensor means from the group: pressure sensor (69, 70, 71), flow sensor, temperature sensor.
10. Valve arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating port (4) on the connection plate (20) is assigned a valve plate (45) including at least one control valve (46), which is designed to influence a fluid flow between a fluid source and a fluid load, wherein a fluidic control connection (57) of the control valve (46) is in fluidically communicating connection with the operating port (4) and wherein the valve plate (45) is assigned at least one sensor means from the group: pressure sensor (58), flow sensor, temperature sensor, position sensor, wherein the sensor means are electrically connected to the connection plate (20) or are accommodated in the connection plate.
11. Valve arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the operating port is assigned on the connection plate (20) a valve plate (25) which includes at least one control valve, which is designed to influence a fluid flow between the operating port and a fluid load, wherein an electrical control connection of the control valve is connected to a control interface (28) and wherein the control valve has a preferred position, preferably normally closed.

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