Valve arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve arrangement, which: - has a first valve unit (24) with a monostable first main valve (16) pre-tensioned into a first switching position, and which is provided with a first pre-control valve (18); - has a second valve unit (25) with a monostable second main valve (17) pre-tensioned into a first switching position, and which is provided with a second pre-control valve (19); - and wherein both main valves (16, 17) together with the pressure sensors (31, 38) assigned to them form a monitoring configuration, so that a display of essentially the same pressure level at both pressure sensors can be detected as an IO case, in which both main valves (16, 17) are located in the same switching position, and conversely a display of different pressure levels at the pressure sensors (31, 38) can be detected as a fault case, in which both main valves (16, 17) are located in different switching positions relative to one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve arrangement structure in which two main valves establish a dual-channel safety circuit, wherein the switching position of the main valves can be detected. Background Technology

[0002] The valve arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning is known, for example, from DE 10 2021 201 205 B3. The valve arrangement disclosed therein has first and second main valves, wherein the first main valve has a first monitoring valve section with a plurality of first monitoring connectors, and the second main valve has a second monitoring valve section with a plurality of second monitoring connectors. The main valves are switchable between a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein a first monitoring configuration is formed in the first switching position and a second monitoring configuration is formed in the second switching position. The first monitoring valve section is fluidly separated from a first working valve section, and the second monitoring valve section is fluidly separated from the second working valve section, wherein both the first and second exhaust monitoring connectors are continuously in communication with a pressure trap, and wherein the monitoring channel system includes both a first pre-control channel and a second pre-control channel.

[0003] A valve arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning is also known from EP 4 350 153 A1. The valve arrangement disclosed there also has two main valves, each configured as a monostable 5 / 2 directional valve. These two directional valves together form a safety circuit, wherein the directional valves vent the fluid path in one of two switching positions, the fluid path supplying working fluid to the fluid consumer. Furthermore, a monitoring path is provided, wherein the pressure present in the monitoring path can be determined by means of a pressure sensor and then provided for evaluating the switching configuration of the two main valves relative to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to realize a valve arrangement structure of the type mentioned at the beginning, in which the dual-channel safety circuit can be monitored in a cost-effective and easy manner using the valve arrangement structure.

[0005] The objective is achieved by a valve arrangement having the features of independent claim 1. Improvements to the invention are shown in the dependent claims.

[0006] The valve arrangement structure according to the present invention includes the following features: - A first valve unit having a monostable first main valve preloaded to a first switching position by a spring force via a spring unit, and the first valve unit having a first pre-control valve through which the first main valve can be switched to a second switching position by means of a pre-control pressure provided by a pre-control fluid opposite to the spring force, and can be fixedly held in the second switching position, wherein the first main valve has two input connectors, at least one exhaust connector and two working connectors; - A second valve unit having a monostable second main valve preloaded to a first switching position by a spring force via a spring unit, and the second valve unit having a second pre-control valve through which the second main valve can be switched to a second switching position by means of a pre-control pressure provided by a pre-control fluid opposite to the spring force, and can be fixedly held in the second switching position, wherein the second main valve has two input connectors, at least one vent connector, and two working connectors; - The two valve units are coupled to each other such that one of the working connections of the first or second main valve is connected to one of the input connections of the second or first main valve; - In the first switching position of the main valve, one of the input connectors is connected to one of the working connectors to provide working fluid at the relevant working connector, the other input connector is shut off, and the other working connector is connected to the assigned exhaust connector. - Wherein, in the second switching position of the main valve, the input connector that was cut off in the first switching position is connected to the assigned working connector that was vented in the first switching position, the input connector that was connected to the assigned working connector in the first switching position is now cut off, and the other working connector is connected to the assigned vent connector. - Wherein, one of the first working joints of the first main valve is connected to a first pressure sensor belonging to the first valve unit, and one of the second working joints of the second main valve is connected to a second pressure sensor belonging to the second valve unit, wherein the other working joint of each of the first and second working joints is assigned to the fluid path that continues to be guided; - Furthermore, these two main valves, together with the pressure sensors assigned to them, form a monitoring configuration such that a substantially identical pressure level displayed at both pressure sensors can be detected as an I / O condition, in which the two main valves are in the same switching position; conversely, a different pressure level displayed at the pressure sensors can be detected as a fault condition, in which the two main valves are in different switching positions relative to each other.

[0007] This invention enables the elimination of complex monitoring of the switching position of the main valve using proximity sensors, by employing a pressure sensor (which is a cheaper, more compact standard component). Furthermore, the pressure sensor can be more easily integrated. Additionally, high diagnostic coverage is provided because diagnostics can be performed to determine if one of the pressure sensors is damaged and always only one value is displayed.

[0008] Overall, this dual-channel safety circuit, under the combined influence of pressure sensors, can achieve safety functions in the sense of STO (Safe Torque Off), SDE (Safe Deenergization), and PUS (Prevention of unexpected Startup).

[0009] The continued fluid path can be the operating pressure passage of a valve device integrated with this valve arrangement. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the continued fluid path is allocated to the fluid consumer in such a way that the fluid consumer can be ventilated or exhausted through the fluid path.

[0010] In the context of this application, IO condition is understood as the compliant (“In Ordnung”) switching position of the main valve.

[0011] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the first switching positions of the two main valves are respectively in a normally closed (nc) position, in which the input connector assigned to the continued guiding fluid path is shut off, the continued guiding fluid path is vented through one of the working connectors, and the pressure sensor is supplied with working fluid through the other assigned working connector, and wherein, in the second switching position of the main valves, the previously shut-off input connector is connected to the working connector and working fluid is supplied to the continued guiding fluid path, and the pressure sensor is connected to the vent connector through the assigned working connector respectively.

[0012] In the improved scheme, the first fault condition is mapped in such a way that: the first pressure sensor assigned to the first main valve displays a low pressure level, such as atmospheric pressure, through its connection with the exhaust connector, because the first main valve is in the second switching position; and the second pressure sensor assigned to the second main valve displays a higher pressure level through the application of working fluid, because the second main valve is in the first switching position.

[0013] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the second fault condition is mapped in such a way that: the first pressure sensor assigned to the first main valve shows a higher pressure level because it is supplied with working fluid, since the first main valve is in the first switching position; and the second pressure sensor assigned to the second main valve shows a lower pressure level, such as atmospheric pressure, because it is connected to the exhaust port, since the second main valve is in the second switching position.

[0014] Using this type of monitoring configuration for the two main valves, it is possible for the pressure sensors to display the same value during compliant operation, especially showing a high pressure level in the normally closed basic position (where the fluid path vents to the continuing fluid path), while the two pressure sensors display lower pressure levels in the switching positions. In fault conditions, the pressure sensors display different signals.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two main valves are each configured as monostable 5 / 2 directional valves.

[0016] As an alternative, however, it is feasible to construct the two main valves as dual monostable 3 / 2 directional control valves. These dual 3 / 2 directional control valves are implemented in a suitable manner through the corresponding configuration of individual pistons, particularly piston slides, of the relevant main valves. In contrast to the monostable 5 / 2 directional control valve, the dual monostable 3 / 2 directional control valves each have two vent connections instead of a single vent connection.

[0017] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, when the first main valve is in the first switching position, the first input connector in the input connector is connected to the first working connector in the working connector, and the first working connector is connected to the first pressure sensor. The second input connector in the input connector is connected to the pressure sink via the second working connector in the working connector of the second main valve, and the second working connector in the working connector is also connected to the pressure sink. Conversely, when the first main valve is in the second switching position, the first input connector is cut off, the second input connector is connected to the second working connector, and the second working connector is connected to a continuing fluid path. The first pressure sensor is connected to the pressure sink via the first working connector.

[0018] In an improved embodiment of the present invention, when the second main valve is in the first switching position, the first input connector in the input connector is connected to the first working connector in the working connector, and the first working connector is connected to the first pressure sensor. The second input connector in the input connector is cut off, and the second working connector in the working connector is connected to the pressure trap. Conversely, when the second main valve is in the second switching position, the first input connector is cut off, and the second input connector is connected to the second working connector, and the second working connector is connected to the second input connector in the input connector of the first main valve. The second pressure sensor is connected to the pressure trap through the first working connector.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a third pressure sensor is connected in the ventilated and exhaust-enabled consumer path, between the assigned working joint of one of the main valves (especially the first main valve) and the continuing fluid path. Using a third pressure sensor at the valve's output enables even greater diagnostic coverage while simultaneously monitoring the current pressure at the valve's output.

[0020] In an improved embodiment of the invention, in the main valve, in the main valve whose first or second working connector is assigned to the fluid path that continues to be guided, only one of the two input connectors is continuously connected to the pressure source; conversely, in the other main valve, both input connectors are continuously connected to the pressure source.

[0021] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the two pre-control valves are configured as electrically actuated pre-control valves.

[0022] The present invention further includes a method for functional monitoring of a valve arrangement, wherein a valve arrangement is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and wherein the two main valves of the valve arrangement, together with pressure sensors assigned thereto, form a pressure monitoring configuration such that a substantially identical pressure level displayed at the two pressure sensors is detected as an I / O condition, in which the two main valves are in the same switching position; conversely, a different pressure level displayed at the pressure sensors can be detected as a fault condition, in which the two main valves are in different switching positions relative to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Figure 1 A perspective view of a valve device integrating a valve arrangement structure according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of the valve arrangement structure according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3A route diagram of a first embodiment of a valve arrangement according to the present invention is shown, wherein the basic position of the main valve of the valve arrangement under applied pressure is shown herein. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The route map shows that the two main valves are in the switching position. Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 3 The route map shows the first fault scenario. Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 3 The route map shows the second fault scenario. Figure 7 A route diagram of a second embodiment of the valve arrangement structure according to the present invention is shown. Figure 8 A route diagram of a third embodiment of the valve arrangement structure according to the present invention is shown, and Figure 9 A route diagram of a fourth embodiment of the valve arrangement structure according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 This diagram shows a valve device 11 for controlling a fluid consumer, the valve device having a plurality of valve arrangements 12 or valve units.

[0025] One of these valve arrangement structures 12 is Figure 2 The valve arrangement structure 12 shown according to the present invention can also be referred to as the exhaust valve arrangement structure 12.

[0026] The valve arrangement 12 according to the invention, shown here purely by way of example, includes a distributor base block 13, which is part of a portion of a distributor base, particularly plate-shaped, formed by a plurality of distributor base blocks arranged relative to each other in an arrangement direction 14. The distributor base block 13 is permeated by a plurality of channels 15 oriented in the arrangement direction 14, which are not discussed further here. The distributor base block 13 has a feeding position 15, which is particularly located on the upper side of the distributor base block 13. Two main valves 16 and 17, namely a first main valve 16 and a second main valve 17, are seated at the feeding position 15, respectively operable by assigned pre-control valves (i.e., a first pre-control valve 18 and a second pre-control valve 19).

[0027] Figures 3 to 6 A first embodiment of the valve arrangement structure 12 according to the invention, according to a different route diagram, is shown and will be discussed in more detail below.

[0028] As in Figures 3 to 6As shown, a total of two security lines are formed, which enable various security functions, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0029] The valve arrangement 11 can be used in conjunction with the fluid manipulation of the actuator 20. The latter is, for example, a linear drive or a rotary drive, as illustrated. In particular, there is a simple actuator 20 having an output component 21 (e.g., in the form of a piston rod arrangement) such that two drive chambers 22a, 22b are separated from each other. One of the drive chambers 22a can be subjected to a fluid pressure medium, which will also be referred to as the drive pressure medium, while a return spring 23 is arranged in the other drive chamber, which returns the output component 21 to its initial position when the pressure in the first drive chamber 22a is unloaded.

[0030] The actuator here is merely a placeholder for the operating pressure passage of the valve device 11. The valve device 11 can actuate multiple actuators in different ways and manners. As a component of the valve device 11, the valve arrangement structure 12 is not directly conceived for the actuators. However, it is feasible to directly assign the valve arrangement structure for operation according to the invention to the actuators.

[0031] The fluid consumer shown as actuator 20 is purely exemplary, and completely different fluid consumers can also be controlled using valve arrangement structure 12.

[0032] Fluid manipulation of actuator 20 is handled, for example, by a control valve device (not shown). The control valve device may have at least one control valve output (not shown) connected to a drive chamber 22a to which fluid can be applied, provided that a valve arrangement structure 12 according to the invention is intermediately connected to it.

[0033] For example in Figure 3 As shown, the valve arrangement 12 has a first valve unit 24, which includes a monostable first main valve 16 preloaded to a first switching position by a spring unit 25. The first valve unit 24 further has a first pre-control valve 18, through which the first main valve 16 can be switched to a second switching position by means of a pre-control pressure provided by a pre-control fluid (especially compressed air), opposite to the spring force, and can be fixedly held in the second switching position.

[0034] The first embodiment of the valve arrangement structure 12 is described based on the main valves 16 and 17, which are respectively configured as 5 / 2 directional valves.

[0035] Therefore, the first main valve 16 includes two input connectors 26 and 27, an exhaust connector 28, and two working connectors 29 and 30.

[0036] Furthermore, the first pressure sensor 31 belongs to the first valve unit 24. In the illustrated example, the second working connector 30 of the first main valve 16 is connected via a fluid path 32 to a first drive chamber 22a capable of applying fluid, which is a fluid path that continues to be guided in the form of an actuator 20. The first working connector 29 of the first main valve 16 is connected to the first pressure sensor 31. The vent connector 28 of the first main valve 16 is connected to a pressure sink, wherein, suitably, the pressure sink is atmospheric, and a silencer can be connected here if necessary before the working fluid flows out into the atmosphere.

[0037] The second main valve 17 is also constructed as a 5 / 2 directional control valve. Therefore, the second main valve 17 has two inlet connectors 33 and 34, an exhaust connector 35, and two working connectors 36 and 37. Furthermore, the second pressure sensor 38 belongs to the second valve unit 25. The second working connector 37 of the second main valve 17 is connected to the second inlet connector 27 of the first main valve 16. The first working connector 36 of the second main valve 17 is connected to the second pressure sensor 38. The exhaust connector 35 of the second main valve 17 is connected to a pressure trap (e.g., the atmosphere). If necessary, a silencer can be connected here before the working fluid flows out to the atmosphere.

[0038] The two main valves 16 and 17, together with the pressure sensors 31 and 38 assigned to them, can form a monitoring configuration, particularly a pressure monitoring configuration, such that a substantially identical pressure level displayed at the two pressure sensors can be detected as an I / O condition, in which the two main valves 16 and 17 are in the same switching position; conversely, different pressure levels displayed at the pressure sensors 31 and 38 can be detected as a fault condition, in which the two main valves 16 and 17 are in different switching positions relative to each other.

[0039] Based on an example of the first embodiment of the valve arrangement structure 12, different monitoring configurations can be described as follows.

[0040] The initial point is Figure 4 The switching position shown is the second switching position of the two main valves 16 and 17.

[0041] In this monitoring configuration, the two main valves 16 and 17 are switched to the second switching position. In the second switching position, the pre-control pressure medium supplied by the pressure source 39 is supplied to the two pre-control valves 18 and 19, and the two pre-control valves 18 and 19, which are preferably electrically operable, are activated. Thus, the pre-control pressure switches the two main valves to the second switching position simultaneously, opposite to the spring force of the corresponding spring unit 50.

[0042] In the second switching position, the working fluid (especially compressed air) also originating from pressure source 39 is supplied to both the first main valve 16 and the second main valve 17 via the corresponding fluid path. Here, the working fluid is present not only at the first input connector 26 of the first main valve 16 but also at the second input connector 27 of the first main valve 16, and additionally at the first input connector 33 and the second input connector 34 of the second main valve 17.

[0043] With the selected configuration of main valves 16 and 17, the first input connector 26 of the first main valve and the first input connector 33 of the second main valve are shut off. However, working fluid can reach the corresponding second working connectors 30 and 37 through the corresponding second input connectors 27 and 34, thereby making working fluid available at the output end of the first main valve 16 (i.e., at the second working connector 30 of the first main valve 16). The working fluid can reach the first drive chamber 22a of the actuator 20 through the fluid path 32, causing the output member or output component 21 of the actuator 20 to extend.

[0044] An important aspect (though not absolutely necessary) is the inclusion of a third pressure sensor 40 in fluid path 32. Under the monitoring configuration described in "Switching Positions," the important factors are, of course, the pressure signals, or pressure levels, from the corresponding pressure sensors 31, 38, and 40.

[0045] As exemplarily in Figure 4 As shown, in the switching position of the two main valves 16 and 17, the first pressure sensor 31 is connected to the vent connector 28 of the first main valve 27 via the second input connector, and thus to the pressure trap. This indicates a low pressure level, such as a signal characteristic of atmospheric pressure. The same applies to the second pressure sensor 38 at the second main valve 17. The second pressure sensor 38 is also connected to the vent connector 35 of the second main valve 17 via the second working connector 36, and thus to the pressure trap, so that the second pressure sensor 38 also indicates a low pressure level, such as a pressure signal characteristic of atmospheric pressure.

[0046] Importantly, the switching positions described here are for an I / O condition, not a fault condition, but rather describe the correct operating positions of the two main valves 16 and 17, characterized by the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 38 displaying the same pressure level, i.e., outputting a pressure signal corresponding to atmospheric pressure, for example. A third pressure sensor 40 is used to monitor whether working fluid actually reaches the first drive chamber 22a of the actuator 20 where fluid is applied. In this case, the third pressure sensor 40 displays a higher pressure level than the two other pressure sensors 31 and 38, for example, a pressure signal characteristic of the operating pressure.

[0047] If no working fluid is required for actuator 20, then there is a way to vent the first drive chamber 22a from which the applied fluid is applied and to discharge the two main valves 16, 17 from... Figure 4 The requirement shown is for the switching position to be reset to the basic position (i.e., reset to the first switching position). In this case, the electrically operated pre-control valves 18 and 19 are de-energized, thereby causing the two main valves 16 and 17 to return to the first switching position by the spring force of the spring unit 15. This type of IO case (i.e., the first switching position of the main valves 16 and 17 in the basic position under applied pressure) is exemplified in... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. In this case, as already mentioned, the first drive chamber 22a of the actuator, to which the applied fluid is applied, is vented through the fluid path 32, the second working connector 30 of the first main valve 16, and the vent connector 28 connected thereto to the first main valve 16. The connection path between the first main valve 16 and the second main valve 17, between the second input connector 27 of the first main valve 16 and the second working connector 37 of the second main valve 17, is also connected to the pressure trap through the vent connector 35 of the second main valve 17. The two second input connectors 27 and 34 at the first and second main valves 16 and 17 are closed.

[0048] However, working fluid is present at the corresponding first input connectors 26 and 33 of the first and second main valves 16 and 17, respectively, and this working fluid is present at the assigned pressure sensors (i.e., the first and second pressure sensors 31 and 38) via corresponding first working connectors 29 and 36. In this case, the two pressure sensors 31 and 38 show a high pressure level, for example, outputting a pressure signal assigned to the operating pressure. Conversely, a low pressure level is shown at the third pressure sensor 40 because the fluid path 32 is connected to the pressure sink.

[0049] Therefore, in these situations, it can be inferred from the first monitoring configuration (in which the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 38 respectively display low pressure levels) that the two main valves 16 and 17 are correctly positioned in their respective second switching positions. Crucially, the first and second pressure sensors 31 and 38 each display the same, in this case, low pressure level.

[0050] for Figure 3 The second monitoring configuration exemplified in the example can infer that the two main valves 16 and 17 are in the first switching position, i.e., have been correctly switched, by the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 38 displaying the same, in this case, higher, pressure level.

[0051] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fault conditions are displayed separately, and these fault conditions can only be determined by displaying the pressure levels of the first and second pressure sensors 31 and 38. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform position switching queries on the corresponding valve components of the first and second main valves 16 and 17, for example, by using Hall sensors, magnetic, inductive, or capacitive sensors; the faults can be inferred simply by displaying the pressure levels.

[0052] Figure 5 An example shows the first failure scenario, where, from Figure 4 Starting from the switching position shown, the second main valve 17 has correctly returned to the first switching position, while the first main valve 16 remains in its switching position. This malfunction may occur, for example, when the valve slide of the first main valve becomes stuck.

[0053] In this case, the second main valve 17 is configured as described above regarding the basic position, that is, a high pressure level is displayed at the second pressure sensor 38.

[0054] The first main valve 16 is configured as described above in conjunction with the switching position, wherein a low pressure level is displayed at the first pressure sensor 31.

[0055] Therefore, based solely on the fact that the two pressure sensors 31 and 38 display different pressure levels, it is possible to infer that there is a fault, or more precisely, to infer which one it is: in this case, the fault is located on the first main valve 16, which has not properly returned to the basic position.

[0056] It should be noted that, despite this, venting will still occur in the first drive chamber 22a to which fluid is applied, because there is a dual-channel safety line here, in which venting can occur through the second main valve 17 even if the first main valve 16 is "stuck".

[0057] Figure 6 The second fault condition is shown, in which the first main valve 16 has correctly returned to the first switching position, while the second main valve 17 remains in its switching position (i.e., the second switching position), for example, it is also stuck.

[0058] In this configuration, the first main valve, when switched correctly, is configured as described above in conjunction with the “basic position”, thereby displaying a high pressure level at the first pressure sensor 31.

[0059] The second main valve 17 remains in the configuration described in the combined switching position, thereby displaying a lower pressure level at the second pressure sensor 38.

[0060] Here, the different pressure levels displayed at the two pressure sensors 31 and 38 are also a sign of a fault, which can be identified without a doubt due to the low pressure level at the second main valve.

[0061] The monitoring by the third pressure sensor 40 allows for higher diagnostic coverage. On the one hand, it can detect whether fluid has actually reached the drive chamber 22a that can apply fluid, or whether the first drive chamber 22a has been properly vented, in which case a low pressure level will naturally be displayed at the third pressure sensor 40.

[0062] Furthermore, it allows for the detection of malfunctions in the first and second pressure sensors 31, 38, such as in cases where the pressure sensors are damaged and consistently provide only one value. If, for example, the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 display different pressure levels, and the third pressure sensor detects a high pressure level (i.e., working fluid is flowing into the first drive chamber 22a), this serves as a sign that the pressure sensor displaying the higher pressure level is faulty and provides only one value when switching from the basic position to the switching position.

[0063] Figure 7 A second embodiment of the valve arrangement 12 according to the invention is shown in only one roadmap. The difference between the second embodiment of the valve arrangement 12 according to the invention and the first embodiment of the valve arrangement 12 previously described is that the main valves 16 are arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the configuration from the first embodiment.

[0064] If correct Figure 3 and Figure 7The comparison shows that in the first switching positions of the two main valves 16 and 17, the corresponding first input connectors 26 and 33 are shut off; conversely, working fluid is present at the two pressure sensors 31 and 38 via the second input connectors 27 and 34 and the second working connectors 30 and 37. The monitoring configuration in the sense of displaying the pressure levels at the two pressure sensors 31 and 38 corresponds to the monitoring configuration previously described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 8 A third embodiment of the valve arrangement 12 according to the invention is shown. Unlike the previously described embodiments, different types of main valves 16 and 17 are used here. Instead of the 5 / 2 directional valves in the two embodiments described above, dual 3 / 2 directional valves are used on the pistons here, wherein the dual implementation of the 3 / 2 directional valves is simplified in the route diagram.

[0066] Figure 8 This demonstrates a normally open variant of a safety circuit that utilizes dual-channel directional control valves, each with two separate 3 / 2 directional control valves.

[0067] Therefore, the first main valve 16 has two inlet ports 41 and 42, two vent ports 43 and 44, and two working ports 45 and 46. The second main valve 17 therefore has first and second inlet ports 47 and 48, two vent ports 49 and 51, and two working ports 52 and 53. Figure 8 In the shown basic positions, the two first input connectors 41, 47 of the first and second main valves 16, 17 are closed, while the working fluid can reach the second working connectors 46, 53 through the second input connectors 42, 48, and from there exist pressure sensors 31, 38. The fluid path 32 between the first working connector 45 of the first main valve 16 and the first drive chamber to which the applied fluid is applied is vented through the connection between the first working connector of the first main valve and the first vent connector 43 of the first main valve 16. A connection path also exists between the first working connector 52 of the second main valve and the first input connector 41 of the first main valve 16. The corresponding second vent connectors 44, 51 are blind in the shown first switching positions of the respective valves.

[0068] The monitoring configuration that can be set using the two main valves 16 and 17, which are respectively constructed as dual 3 / 2 directional valves, corresponds to the monitoring configuration described previously. In any case, in the basic position shown, there is a high pressure level not only at the first pressure sensor 31 but also at the second pressure sensor 38, while the third pressure sensor 40 detects a low pressure level because the second drive chamber 22a is vented.

[0069] Figure 9Finally, a fourth embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention is shown. This embodiment is also achieved by main valves 16 and 17, which are each configured as a double 3 / 2 directional valve.

[0070] Contrary to the third embodiment described above, a normally closed variant of the main valves 16 and 17 is implemented here. That is, in the basic position shown, the previously described first vent connector is constructed as the first input connector 41 on the first main valve 16. Here, the previously described first input connector becomes the first vent connector, the second input connector becomes the second vent connector, and the second vent connector becomes the second input connector. This configuration is implemented not only on the first main valve but also on the second main valve. Furthermore, the monitoring configuration thus achievable is consistent with the previously described monitoring configuration.

Claims

1. Valve arrangement structure, wherein the valve arrangement structure is as follows: - It has a first valve unit (24) having a monostable first main valve (16) preloaded to a first switching position by a spring force via a spring unit (50), and the first valve unit having a first pre-control valve (18) through which the first main valve (16) can be switched to a second switching position opposite to the spring force by means of a pre-control pressure provided by a pre-control fluid, and can be fixedly held in the second switching position, wherein, The first main valve has two input connectors (26, 27; 41, 42), at least one vent connector (28; 43, 44), and two first working connectors (29, 30; 45, 46). - It has a second valve unit (25) having a monostable second main valve (17) preloaded to a first switching position by a spring force via a spring unit (50), and the second valve unit having a second pre-control valve (19) through which the second main valve (17) can be switched to a second switching position opposite to the spring force by means of a pre-control pressure provided by a pre-control fluid, and can be fixedly held in the second switching position, wherein the second main valve (17) has two input connectors (33, 34; 47, 48), at least one vent connector (35; 49, 51) and two working connectors (36, 37; 52, 53); - The two valve units (24, 25) are coupled to each other such that one of the working connectors (37; 42) of the first main valve or the second main valve (16, 17) is connected to one of the input connectors (27; 41) of the second main valve or the first main valve (16, 17); - In the first switching position of the main valves (16, 17), one of the input connectors (26; 27; 42) is connected to one of the working connectors (29; 30; 46) to provide working fluid at the corresponding working connector (29; 30; 46), the other input connector (26; 27; 41) is closed, and the other working connector (29; 30, 45) is connected to the assigned vent connector (28; 43); - In the second switching position of the main valve (16, 17), the input connectors (26; 27; 41) that were cut off in the first switching position are connected to the assigned working connectors (29; 30, 45) that were used for venting in the first switching position. The input connector (26; 27; 42) that was connected to the assigned working connector (29; 30; 46) in the first switching position is now cut off, and another working connector (29; 30; 46) is connected to the assigned vent connector (28; 43). - Wherein, one of the working joints (29, 30) of the first main valve (16) is connected to the first pressure sensor (31) belonging to the first valve unit (24), and one of the working joints (36, 37) of the second main valve (17) is connected to the second pressure sensor (38) belonging to the second valve unit (25), wherein the other working joint of the first working joint and the second working joint (36, 37) is assigned to the fluid path that continues to be guided; - Furthermore, the two main valves (16, 17) together with the pressure sensors (31, 38) assigned to them form a monitoring configuration such that the presence of substantially the same pressure level at the two pressure sensors (31, 38) can be detected as an I / O condition, in which the two main valves (16, 17) are in the same switching position; conversely, the presence of different pressure levels at the pressure sensors (31, 38) can be detected as a fault condition, in which the two main valves (16, 17) are in different switching positions relative to each other.

2. The valve arrangement structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switching positions of the two main valves (16, 17) are respectively normally closed (nc) positions in which the input connectors (27, 34) assigned to the continued fluid path (32) are closed, the continued fluid path (32) is vented through one of the working connectors, and the pressure sensors (31, 38) are supplied with working fluid through the other assigned working connectors (30, 37), and wherein, in the second switching position of the main valves (16, 17), the previously closed input connectors (27, 34) are connected to the working connectors (30, 37) and supplied with working fluid for the continued fluid path (32), and the pressure sensors (31, 38) are respectively connected to the vent connectors (28, 35) through the assigned working connectors.

3. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first fault condition is mapped in such a way that the first pressure sensor (31) assigned to the first main valve (16) shows a low pressure level, such as atmospheric pressure, through its connection with the exhaust connector (28) because the first main valve (16) is in the second switching position, and the second pressure sensor (38) assigned to the second main valve (17) shows a higher pressure level through the application of working fluid because the second main valve (17) is in the first switching position.

4. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second fault condition is mapped in such a way that the first pressure sensor (31) assigned to the first main valve (16) shows a higher pressure level because it is applying working fluid, since the first main valve (16) is in the first switching position, and the second pressure sensor (38) assigned to the second main valve (17) shows a lower pressure level, such as atmospheric pressure, because it is connected to the exhaust connector (35), since the second main valve (17) is in the second switching position.

5. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The two main valves (16 and 17) are each constructed as monostable 5 / 2 directional valves.

6. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The two main valves (16 and 17) are each constructed as dual monostable 3 / 2 directional valves.

7. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the first main valve (16) is in the first switching position, the first input connector (26) in the input connector is connected to the first working connector (29) in the working connector, and the first working connector (29) is connected to the first pressure sensor (31). The second input connector (27) in the input connector is connected to the pressure sink through the second working connector (30) in the working connector of the second main valve (17), and the second working connector (30) in the working connector is also connected to the pressure sink. Conversely, when the first main valve (16) is in the second switching position, the first input connector (26) is closed, the second input connector (27) is connected to the second working connector (30), and the second working connector is connected to the fluid path (32) that continues to be guided, and the first pressure sensor (31) is connected to the pressure sink through the first working connector (31).

8. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the second main valve (17) is in the first switching position, the first input connector (33) in the input connector is connected to the first working connector (36) in the working connector, and the first working connector (33) is connected to the second pressure sensor (38). The second input connector (34) in the input connector is closed, and the second working connector (37) in the working connector is connected to the pressure trap. Conversely, when the second main valve (17) is in the second switching position, the first input connector (33) is closed, and the second input connector (34) is connected to the second working connector (37). The second working connector is connected to the second input connector (27) in the input connector of the first main valve (16), and the second pressure sensor (38) is connected to the pressure trap through the first working connector (36).

9. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A third pressure sensor (40) is connected in the ventilable and exhaust-enabled consumer path between the assigned working joint (30) of one of the main valves (16, 17), particularly the first main valve (16), and the fluid path (32) that continues to be guided.

10. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the main valve (16, 17), in the main valve whose first or second working connector (36, 37) is assigned to the fluid path (32) that continues to be guided, only one of the two input connectors (36, 37) is continuously connected to the pressure source (39), and in the other main valve (16, 17), both input connectors are continuously connected to the pressure source (39).

11. The valve arrangement structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The two pre-control valves (18, 19) are configured as electrically actuated pre-control valves (18, 19).

12. A method for functional monitoring of a valve arrangement structure (12), characterized in that, A valve arrangement structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is constructed, wherein the two main valves (16, 17) of the valve arrangement structure (12), together with the pressure sensors (31, 38) assigned to them, are configured in such a way that substantially equal pressure levels are detected at the two pressure sensors (31, 38) as an IO condition, in which the two main valves (16, 17) are in the same switching position; conversely, different pressure levels are detected at the pressure sensors (31, 38) as a fault condition, in which the two main valves (16, 17) are in different switching positions relative to each other.

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