Trigger device and pneumatic amplifier

Abstract

The invention relates to a triggering device for a pneumatic amplifier comprising a first piston (20) and a second piston (20'), a first stop pin (41), a second stop pin (41'), a trigger valve element (42), and a first pilot control port (43) associated with the first stop pin (41), as well as a second pilot control port (44) associated with the second stop pin (41'), wherein the first stop pin (41) can be assigned to a first piston (20) of the pneumatic amplifier and wherein the second stop pin (41') can be assigned to a second piston (20') of the pneumatic amplifier such that the first stop pin (41) is alternately actuated by the first piston (20) and the second stop pin (41') is actuated by the second piston (20').wherein the first pilot control port (43) and the second pilot control port (44) are each connected to gas lines of a changeover valve (30) in order to drive a release valve element (42) in cooperation with the first stop pin (41) and the second stop pin (41').

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a triggering device for a pneumatic amplifier and a pneumatic amplifier.

[0002] A pneumatic amplifier generates a continuously increasing pneumatic pressure primarily through the reciprocating movement of two coupled pistons until the desired output pressure is reached. The reciprocating movement of the two pistons is typically controlled by the switching function of a switching valve in the pneumatic amplifier, which releases the gas into the boost chamber located between the two pistons and increases the output pressure. The speed of the reciprocating movement of the two pistons, in turn, influences the switching function of the switching valve. In concrete terms, this is evident in the fact that as the output pressure approaches the desired output pressure, the piston movement becomes very slow, almost leading to an equilibrium state.The pilot pressure used to cause the switching of the switching valve changes slightly, which easily causes the switching valve core of the switching valve to stop at an intermediate position between the two switching positions or to be only partially switched (ie, the gas outlet is partially blocked by the switching valve member), thus incomplete switching, resulting in malfunction and blockage of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0003] Against this background, the present invention provides a trigger device for a pneumatic booster and a pneumatic booster, wherein the trigger device is used in the pneumatic booster and the incomplete switching of the switching valve of the pneumatic booster can be avoided to prevent blockage of the booster and ensure its continuous normal operation.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention provides the following technical solutions: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a triggering device for a pneumatic amplifier having a first piston and a second piston is proposed, wherein the triggering device comprises a first stop pin, a second stop pin, a trigger valve member, and a first pilot control port associated with the first stop pin, as well as a second pilot control port associated with the second stop pin. The first stop pin can be associated with a first piston of the pneumatic amplifier, and the second stop pin can be associated with a second piston of the pneumatic amplifier, such that the first stop pin is actuated alternately by the first piston and the second stop pin is actuated alternately by the second piston. The first pilot control port and the second pilot control port are each connected to gas lines of a changeover valve.to drive the trigger valve member in cooperation with the first stop pin and the second stop pin and thus switch the changeover valve of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0005] Preferably, the first pilot control port is connected to a first gas outlet of the switching valve via a first gas line and the second pilot control port is connected to a second gas outlet of the switching valve via a second gas line.

[0006] Optionally, the trigger device is a one-piece bidirectional trigger valve, wherein the first stop pin and the second stop pin are arranged at opposite ends of the trigger valve member. Preferably, the first stop pin is arranged opposite the first piston of the pneumatic amplifier, and the second stop pin is arranged opposite the second piston of the pneumatic amplifier. Furthermore, the first stop pin and the second stop pin are provided to move the trigger valve member either in the direction of movement of the first piston or in the direction of movement of the second piston when they come into contact with the first piston or with the second piston.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pneumatic booster is provided comprising a cylinder, a first piston, and a second piston, the first piston and the second piston being connected by a piston rod. Further, a switching valve, a first pilot gas line connected to the switching valve, two first gas check valves, two second gas check valves, and the triggering device according to the invention are included.The pneumatic amplifier has an intermediate piece in a central region of the cylinder, wherein the first piston and the second piston are arranged in the cylinder and connected to a piston rod, and the piston rod is guided through the intermediate piece such that the first piston and the second piston are each arranged at opposite ends of the intermediate piece to divide the cylinder into a first amplifier chamber, a second amplifier chamber, a first drive chamber, and a second drive chamber. In the first switching position, the switching valve supplies the gas, in particular the compressed air, to the second drive chamber via its first gas outlet, and in the second switching position, the gas, in particular compressed air, to the first drive chamber via its second gas outlet. For this purpose, the first gas outlet is connected to the second drive chamber, and the second gas outlet is connected to the first drive chamber.The first pilot gas line passes through the triggering device to open or close the first pilot gas line by the triggering device. Two first gas check valves are arranged in the first boost chamber and the second boost chamber, respectively, to introduce input gas into the first boost chamber or the second boost chamber. Two second gas check valves are arranged in the first boost chamber and the second boost chamber, respectively, to discharge boosted gas from the first boost chamber or the second boost chamber.

[0008] Optionally, the release device is inserted into the intermediate piece.

[0009] Optionally, the above-mentioned pneumatic amplifier includes a compressed gas inlet connection, wherein the compressed gas inlet port is connected to the two first gas check valves, the gas inlet of the switching valve, and the first and second pilot gas lines connected to the switching valve.

[0010] Optionally, the switching valve further comprises a switching valve member, a first pilot drive module, and a second pilot drive module, wherein the switching valve member receives the driving force of the first pilot drive module and the second pilot drive module to switch the switching valve between the first switching position and the second switching position, the second pilot drive module is connected to the first pilot gas line, the first pilot drive module is connected to the second pilot gas line, the driving area of ​​the second pilot drive module for the switching valve member is larger than that of the first pilot drive module for the switching valve member.

[0011] Optionally, the above-mentioned pneumatic amplifier further comprises a compressed gas outlet connection, wherein the pressure gas outlet port is connected to the two second gas check valves to receive pressure-intensified gas from the first boost chamber or the second boost chamber.

[0012] Optionally, the above-mentioned pneumatic amplifier further comprises a pressure control valve arranged between the gas inlet of the switching valve and the compressed gas inlet connection.

[0013] Optionally, the pneumatic amplifier further comprises a pilot control valve, wherein the pilot control valve is arranged in the first pilot gas line to open or close the first pilot gas line. The two control ports of the pilot control valve are each connected to the compressed gas inlet port and the compressed gas outlet port of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0014] The technical solution according to the first aspect of the present invention has the following advantages or useful effects: The first and second stop pins of the trigger device according to the present invention control the switching of the switching valve of the pneumatic booster through the actuation of the first and second pistons. When the switching valve partially switches to the first or second switching position, gas, in particular compressed air, can be supplied to the first or second pilot control port of the trigger device by the switching valve by connecting the first pilot control port and the second pilot control port of the trigger device to the gas lines of the two switching positions of the switching valve, respectively. Even with slow movement of the first and second pistons, the supply of gas by the switching valve to the first or second pilot control port of the trigger device can assist the first and second pistons to cause the trigger device to fully switch.This successfully switches the switching valve. The trigger device prevents blockage or malfunction of the pneumatic amplifier, allowing the pneumatic amplifier to continue to operate properly. Fig. 1 shows a pneumatic circuit diagram of a first structure of a pneumatic amplifier with a triggering device. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a first state of the triggering device in the first structure of the pneumatic amplifier according to the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a second state of the triggering device in the first structure of the pneumatic amplifier according to the Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a pneumatic circuit diagram of a second structure of a pneumatic amplifier with a triggering device. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the control relationship between the trigger device, the piston and the switching valve of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0015] In general, the gas line used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention serves to directly or indirectly connect two components of the pneumatic amplifier. The gas line provided for the direct connection of the two components of the pneumatic amplifier is generally always continuous, while the gas line provided for the indirect connection of the two components of the pneumatic amplifier is to be understood as the one in which an intermediate component for controlling the opening or closing of the gas line is also arranged. For example, a pilot gas line is a gas line that serves to indirectly connect a pilot drive module of the switching valve and the compressed gas inlet connection and in which a trigger valve for opening or closing the gas line is arranged.Another pilot gas line is a gas line that serves to directly connect another pilot drive module of the changeover valve and the compressed gas inlet connection and is always open during operation of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0016] The connection of the two components in the embodiments of the present invention generally means that these two components are connected by a gas line, whereby this gas line can either always be continuous or can be switched between opening and closing by other components of the gas line.

[0017] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used in the embodiments of the present invention are used to distinguish different structures or components or positions of the same structure and do not represent any limitation on the number, order, etc. of the structures or components.

[0018] In order to solve the problem that the switching valve member of the switching valve of the pneumatic amplifier stops in an intermediate position and thus stops in an undesirable manner between the two switching positions or is only partially switched, i.e. is switched incompletely, which leads to a malfunction and blockage of the pneumatic amplifier, a pneumatic amplifier is provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As in the Fig. 1 to 4, the triggering device for the pneumatic amplifier comprises a first stop pin 41, a second stop pin 41', a trigger valve member 42, and a first pilot control connection 43 associated with the first stop pin 41, and a second pilot control connection 44 associated with the second stop pin 41'. The first stop pin 41 is associated with the first piston 20 of the pneumatic amplifier, and the second stop pin 41' is associated with the second piston 20' of the pneumatic amplifier. Alternately, the first stop pin 41 is actuated by the first piston 20, and the second stop pin 41' is actuated by the second piston 20'. The first pilot control port 43 and the second pilot control port 44 are each connected to the gas lines of the two switching positions of the switching valve 30 in order to drive the trigger valve member 42 in cooperation with the first stop pin 41 and the second stop pin 41', thereby switching the switching valve 30 of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0020] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the triggering device is located in the cylinder 10 of the pneumatic amplifier, wherein the first stop pin 41 is arranged opposite the first piston 20 and wherein the second stop pin 41' is arranged opposite the second piston 20'.

[0021] In a structure in which the first pilot control port 43 and the second pilot control port 44 are respectively connected to the gas lines of the two switching positions of the switching valve 30, it is provided such that the first pilot control port 43 is connected to the first gas outlet 31 of the switching valve 30 and that the second pilot control port 44 is connected to the second gas outlet 32 ​​of the switching valve 30.

[0022] The first gas outlet 31 of the switching valve 30 is assigned to the first switching position of the switching valve 30 such that gas can flow through the first gas outlet 31 when the switching valve 30 is in the first switching position. Furthermore, the second gas outlet 32 ​​of the switching valve 30 is assigned to the second switching position of the switching valve 30 such that, when the switching valve 30 is in the second switching position, gas can flow through the second gas outlet 32.

[0023] More precisely, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the above-mentioned triggering device is, purely by way of example, a one-piece bidirectional trigger valve in which the first stop pin 41 and the second stop pin 41' are each arranged at opposite ends of the trigger valve member 42. Here, the first stop pin 41 is arranged opposite the first piston 20 and the second stop pin 41' is arranged opposite the second piston 20'. The first stop pin 41 and the second stop pin 41' are provided to move the trigger valve member 42 either in the direction of movement of the first piston 20 or in the direction of movement of the second piston 20' when they are contacted by the first piston 20 or the second piston 20', respectively. It is provided here that the first stop pin 41 can be moved by the first piston 20 and that the second stop pin 41' can be moved by the second piston 20'.

[0024] As in Fig. 2, the second piston 20' moves in the direction D1, hits the second stop pin 41' and moves the trigger valve member 42 in the direction D1, so that the bidirectional trigger valve is in the position shown in Fig. 3. The one-piece bidirectional trigger valve allows the trigger device 40 to be compactly arranged in the cylinder 10 to ensure a compact structure of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0025] The first stop pin 41 and the second stop pin 41' of the trigger device 40 provided in the above-mentioned embodiments control the switching of the switching valve 30 of the pneumatic booster through the alternating actuation of the first and second pistons of the pneumatic booster. When the switching valve is partially switched to the first or second switching position, gas can be supplied to the first or second pilot control port of the trigger device through the switching valve by connecting the first pilot control port and the second pilot control port of the trigger device to the gas lines of the two switching positions of the switching valve, respectively.Even when the first and second pistons move slowly, supplying gas through the switching valve to the first or second pilot control port of the trigger device can assist the first and second pistons to fully switch the trigger device. This successfully switches the switching valve. The trigger device prevents blockage or malfunction of the pneumatic booster, allowing the pneumatic booster to operate properly continuously.

[0026] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the pneumatic amplifier comprises a cylinder 10, a first piston 20, and a second piston 20', which are connected by a piston rod. Furthermore, the pneumatic amplifier comprises a switching valve 30, a first pilot gas line 50 connected to the switching valve 30, two first gas check valves 70, two second gas check valves 80, and the triggering device 40 according to the above-mentioned embodiment, wherein an intermediate piece 15 is arranged in the central region of the cylinder 10. Purely by way of example, the first piston 20 and the second piston 20' are arranged in the cylinder 10, and the piston rod is guided through the intermediate piece 15, wherein the first piston 20 and the second piston 20' are each arranged opposite each other at opposite ends of the intermediate piece 15.This divides the cylinder 10 into a first boost chamber 11, a second boost chamber 12, a first drive chamber 13, and a second drive chamber 14. In the first boost position, the switching valve 30 supplies the gas to the second working chamber 14 via its first gas outlet 31, and in the second boost position, it supplies the gas to the first drive chamber 13 via its second gas outlet 32. The first pilot gas line 50 extends through the triggering device 40, so that the first pilot gas line 50 can be opened or closed by the triggering device 40. Furthermore, two first gas check valves 70 are arranged in the first boost chamber 11 and the second boost chamber 12 to introduce inlet gas into the first boost chamber 11 or the second boost chamber 12.Two second gas check valves 80 are arranged in the first boost chamber 11 and the second boost chamber 12 to discharge the boosted gas from the first boost chamber 11 or the second boost chamber 12.

[0027] The first piston 20 and the second piston 20' are arranged in the cylinder 10, which means that the first piston 20 and the second piston 20' rest against the inner wall of the cylinder 10 and, together with the inner wall of the cylinder 10, form a sealing structure to achieve gas separation between the first boost chamber 11 and the first drive chamber 13, as well as between the second boost chamber 12 and the second drive chamber 14. This prevents the penetration of gas from the first boost chamber 11 into the first drive chamber 13 or from the second boost chamber 12 into the second drive chamber 14, ensuring the proper operation of the pneumatic booster.

[0028] For example, the gas introduced into the first drive chamber 13 moves the first piston 20 adjacent to the first drive chamber 13 in the direction of the first boost chamber 11, while the second drive chamber 14 is connected to the environment by a gas line connected to the switching valve 30, whereby the pressure in the second drive chamber 14 decreases and the second piston 20' adjacent to the second drive chamber 14 is moved in the direction of the second drive chamber 14 (ie away from the first boost chamber 11).

[0029] When gas is introduced into the second drive chamber 14, the second piston 20' adjacent to the second drive chamber 14 is moved in the direction of the second boost chamber 12, while the first drive chamber 13 is connected to the environment by a gas line connected to the switching valve 30: Here, the pressure in the first drive chamber 13 decreases and the first piston 20 adjacent to the first drive chamber 13 is moved in the direction of the first drive chamber 13 (ie away from the second boost chamber 12).

[0030] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the supply of gas through the first gas outlet 31 generally means that the switching valve 30 opens a gas path between the gas inlet 33 and the first gas outlet 31, with gas being directed through the first gas outlet 31 to one port of the associated triggering device 40 (i.e., to the first pilot control port 43 of the triggering device 40) and to the second drive chamber 14. Accordingly, the switching valve 30 forms a gas path between its vent port connected to the atmosphere and the second gas outlet 32, and through the second gas outlet 32, the other port of the associated triggering device 40 (i.e., the second pilot control port 44 of the triggering device 40) and the first drive chamber 13 are connected to the atmosphere.

[0031] The supply of gas through the second gas outlet 32 ​​generally means that the switching valve 30 opens a gas path between its gas inlet 33 and the second gas outlet 32, wherein gas is conducted through the second gas outlet 32 ​​to the other port of the associated triggering device 40 (i.e., to the second pilot control port 44 of the triggering device 40) and to the first drive chamber 13. Accordingly, the switching valve 30 opens a gas path between its vent port connected to the atmosphere and the first gas outlet 31, and through the first gas outlet 31, the port of the associated triggering device 40 (i.e., the first pilot control port 43 of the triggering device 40) and the second drive chamber 14 are connected to the atmosphere.

[0032] The first stop pin 41 after impact of the corresponding first piston 20 or the second stop pin 41' after impact of the corresponding second piston 20' transmits a driving force to the trigger valve member 42 in order to move the trigger valve member 42. As shown in Fig. 2, the right second stop pin 41' is moved by the second piston 20' in the direction D1, which causes the trigger valve member 42 to be subjected to a driving force in the direction D1 and to the position shown in Fig. 3 shown state is switched.

[0033] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the first pilot control port 43 of the triggering device 40 is located on the same side as the first drive chamber 13 (i.e., the first pilot control port 43 and the first drive chamber 13 are assigned to the same piston and the same boost chamber). The second pilot control port 44 of the triggering device 40 is located on the same side as the second drive chamber 14 (i.e., the second pilot control port 44 and the second drive chamber 14 are assigned to the same piston and the same boost chamber). The first pilot control port 43 and the second pilot control port 44 are thus each assigned to different pistons and different boost chambers. This means that the second drive chamber 14 and the second pilot control port 44 are assigned to the same piston (i.e., the second piston 20'), while the first drive chamber 13 and the first pilot control port 43 are assigned to a different piston (i.e., the first piston 20).

[0034] In addition, the position change of the triggering device 40 takes place before the position change of the switching valve 30 in order to ensure that a position change of the switching valve 30 is effected by first opening or closing the first pilot gas line 50 by the triggering device 40.

[0035] In the following, the Fig. 1 to 3, the precise method by which the changeover valve 30 performs a complete position change when approaching a balanced state of amplification is specified. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, gas is supplied through the first gas outlet 31 of the switching valve 30 into the second drive chamber 14 and to the first pilot control port 43, respectively, to ensure that the second stop pin 41', which is associated with the second piston 20' of the second drive chamber 14, is in the position shown in Fig. 2. This allows the second piston 20' to move towards the second stop pin 41' on the right side of the triggering device by driving the gas in the second drive chamber 14 and to move the second stop pin 41' on the right side of the triggering device. Since the first drive chamber 13 is connected to the atmosphere via the second gas outlet 32, even when the pneumatic amplifier is in a nearly balanced state, a pressure difference can exist between the second drive chamber 14 and the first drive chamber 13, which ensures that the right second piston 20' is moved by the second drive chamber 14 towards the second stop pin 41' on the right side of the triggering device.Furthermore, the surface area with which the (right) second stop pin 41' is driven by the second drive chamber 14 is significantly larger than the area with which the first pilot control port 43 acts on the triggering device 40, so that even when the pneumatic amplifier is in a nearly balanced state, the (right) second piston 20' can overcome the force acting on the triggering device 40 by the first pilot control port 43 at a low drive force, ensuring that the second stop pin 41' and the trigger valve member 42 can be driven. The second stop pin 41' on the right side of the triggering device 40 moves the trigger valve member 42 to the left. This ensures that the triggering device 40 can be partially or even completely switched.

[0036] Furthermore, in a relatively extreme situation where the triggering device 40 is partially switched, the Fig. 1 is opened after this partial switching of the triggering device 40. Since the effective area of ​​the second pilot drive module 35 on the valve member of the switching valve 30 is larger than that of the first pilot drive module 34 on the valve member of the switching valve 30, the valve member of the switching valve 30 moves from the first switching position toward the second switching position (or from the second switching position toward the first switching position). Even if the driving force of the second pilot drive module 35 on the valve member of the switching valve 30 is relatively low, it can be ensured that the valve member of the switching valve 30 at least partially switches to the second switching position, whereby the second gas outlet 32 ​​is at least partially connected to the gas inlet 33 of the switching valve 30 and, at the same time, the first gas outlet 31 is partially connected to the outlet.As a result, pressure-increased gas is supplied to the second pilot control port 44 and the first drive chamber 13 through the second gas outlet 32, respectively, while pressure-increased gas is discharged from the first pilot control port 43 and the second drive chamber 14 through the first gas outlet 31. At this time, the pressure at the second pilot control port 44 increases while the pressure at the first pilot control port 43 decreases, thereby moving the trigger valve member 42 further to the left to achieve complete switching of the trigger device 40 (i.e., the trigger device 40 is switched to the position shown in FIG. Fig. 3 shown state).

[0037] After the complete switching of the trigger device 40, the drive force exerted by the second pilot drive module 35 on the switching valve 30 exceeds the drive force exerted by the first pilot drive module 34 on the switching valve 30, thereby ensuring a complete switching of the switching valve 30 and avoiding an incomplete switching of the switching valve 30.

[0038] The one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The pneumatic booster shown in Figure 4 can control the opening or closing of the first pilot gas line connected to the switching valve by the piston striking the triggering device, thereby changing the position of the valve member of the switching valve. When the switching valve partially changes to the first switching position or the second switching position, gas continues to be supplied to the triggering device through the switching valve, so that even with slow piston movement, the gas supply from the switching valve to the triggering device assists the piston in causing the triggering device to switch. This enables successful switching of the switching valve 30 and ensures rapid switching of the switching valve 30, preventing blockage and malfunction of the pneumatic booster and ensuring the continuous and proper operation of the pneumatic booster.

[0039] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the trigger device 40 in the pneumatic amplifier is embedded in the intermediate piece 15 to facilitate subsequent actuation of the trigger device 40.

[0040] The triggering device in the pneumatic amplifier comprises, purely as an example, a Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown one-piece bidirectional valve. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the triggering device 40 comprises a triggering device gas outlet 45 connected to the environment, a triggering device gas inlet 46 connected to the compressed gas inlet connection 60 and a triggering device gas outlet 47 connected to the first pilot gas line 50. In the state according to Fig. 2, the trigger device 40 connects the trigger device gas outlet 45 to the trigger device gas outlet 47, so that the first pilot gas line 50 of the second pilot drive module 35 is connected to the environment. In the state according to Fig. 3, the trigger device 40 connects the trigger device gas inlet 46 to the trigger device gas outlet 47 such that the first pilot gas line 50 is connected to the compressed gas inlet port 60 to drive the second pilot drive module 35.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that in addition to the Fig. 1 shown arrangement of the triggering device 40, in which the first pilot control connection 43 and the second pilot control connection 44, the first stop pin 41 and the second stop pin 41' are arranged on the front side, in which in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, it is also possible for the first pilot control terminal 43 and the second pilot control terminal 44 to be arranged at the bottom of the triggering device 40. Additionally, the first pilot control terminal 43 and the second pilot control terminal 44 can also be arranged at the top of the triggering device 40 as needed. In other words, the first pilot control terminal 43 and the second pilot control terminal 44 can be positioned arbitrarily in the triggering device 40, and the embodiment of the present invention does not limit the positions of the first pilot control terminal 43 and the second pilot control terminal 44.

[0042] Furthermore, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the pneumatic amplifier described above may further comprise a compressed gas inlet port 60, wherein the compressed gas inlet port 60 is connected to two first gas check valves 70, the gas inlet 33 of the switching valve 30, and the first pilot gas line 50 and the second pilot gas line 50', respectively. The first pilot gas line 50 and the second pilot gas line 50' are connected to the switching valve 30. This serves to supply gas to be amplified to the pneumatic amplifier, wherein the gas supplied into the boost chamber 11 is pressure-amplified by the reciprocating movement of the piston 20, and the pressure-amplified gas can then be discharged.

[0043] In addition, the control of the switching position of the switching valve 30 is made possible by connecting the compressed gas inlet port 60 to the first and second pilot gas lines 50, 50' connected to the switching valve 30, and controlling the opening or closing of the gas line between the compressed gas inlet port 60 and the second pilot gas line 50'.

[0044] Furthermore, the switching valve 30, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, may also include a switching valve member (not shown), a first pilot drive module 34, and a second pilot drive module 35, wherein the switching valve member is used to receive the drive of the first pilot drive module 34 and the second pilot drive module 35 for switching the switching valve 30 between the first switching position and the second switching position. The second pilot drive module 35 is connected to the first pilot gas line 50, and the first pilot drive module 34 is connected to the second pilot gas line 50'. The drive area of ​​the second pilot drive module 35 for the switching valve member is larger than the drive area of ​​the first pilot drive module 34 for the switching valve member. This causes the drive force of the second pilot drive module 35 for the switching valve member to be greater than the drive force of the first pilot drive module 34 for the switching valve member.Furthermore, the second pilot gas line 50' and the compressed gas inlet port 60 are connected by the trigger device 40 to further ensure that the switching valve 30 can be completely switched and incomplete switching can be avoided.

[0045] Furthermore, the pneumatic amplifier described above can be used as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, further comprise a compressed gas outlet port 90, wherein the compressed gas outlet port 90 is connected to two second gas check valves 80 to receive the pressure-intensified gas from the first boost chamber 11 or the second boost chamber 12.

[0046] In addition, the pneumatic amplifier described above, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, further comprise a pressure regulating valve 100 arranged between the gas inlet 33 of the switching valve 30 and the compressed gas input port 60. This pressure regulating valve 100 serves to influence the gas introduced into the first boost chamber 11 (or the second boost chamber 12), as well as the first drive chamber 13 (or the second drive chamber 14), and the first pilot control port 43 (or the second pilot control port 44) through the pressure regulating valve 100 to regulate the input gas pressure and, by regulating the input gas pressure, to achieve the goal of regulating the output gas pressure.

[0047] In addition, the pneumatic amplifier described above, as in Fig. 4, further comprise a pilot control valve 110, wherein the pilot control valve 110 is arranged in the first pilot gas line 50 to open or close the first pilot gas line 50. The two control ports of the pilot control valve 110 are each connected to the compressed gas inlet port 60 and the compressed gas outlet port 90 of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0048] The two pilot ports of the pilot control valve 110 are each connected to the compressed gas inlet port 60 and the compressed gas outlet port 90, whereby the second pilot gas line 50' is closed by the pilot control valve 110 when the gas pressure at the compressed gas outlet port 90 reaches the target gas pressure. The second pilot gas line 50' is automatically opened by the pilot control valve 110 when the gas pressure at the compressed gas outlet port 90 falls below the target gas pressure, so that the pneumatic amplifier can be automatically stopped and restarted.

[0049] In addition, by closing the second pilot gas line 50' through the pilot control valve 110, the pneumatic amplifier can be reset to the initial state to ensure that the pneumatic amplifier can be automatically stopped and restarted in the cycle and achieve full automation of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0050] In the following, the Fig. The structure of the pneumatic amplifier shown in Figure 4 explains in detail the operation of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0051] In particular with regard to the Fig. 4, the triggering device 40 of the pneumatic amplifier is in the state according to Fig. 2 and the changeover valve 30 in the Fig. 4 shown switching position (For example, the first switching position of the switching valve 30 is the position in which the Fig. The switching valve 30 shown in Figure 4 (connecting the gas inlet 33 and the first gas outlet 31) is considered the initial state of the pneumatic booster. The trigger device 40 closes the first pilot gas line 50, and the compressed gas inlet port 60 supplies the input gas to the second pilot gas line 50' connected to the first pilot drive module 34 to maintain the switching valve 30 in the first switching position. At the same time, the compressed gas inlet port 60 supplies the input gas through the first gas check valve 70 into the booster chamber 11 on both sides of the intermediate piece 15.

[0052] Furthermore, the compressed gas inlet port 60 will adjust the pressure of the inlet gas through the pressure regulator 100, and the inlet gas is divided into three parts before this pressure adjustment. One of the three parts is supplied directly to the compressed gas outlet port 90 to ensure that the pressure at the compressed gas outlet port 90 increases quickly. Another part of the inlet gas is supplied to the second drive chamber 14 and the first pilot control port 43 via the switching valve 30 located in the first switching position, so that the second stop pin 41' on the right side of the trigger device 40 according to Fig. 4 in extended position according to Fig. 2. When the gas in the second drive chamber 14 pushes the corresponding second piston 20' in direction D1 according to Fig. 2 and the piston hits the right second stop pin 41', the compressed gas inlet connection 60 and the first pilot gas line 50 are connected to one another after the partial or complete switching of the triggering device 40. Since the effective area of ​​the second pilot drive module 35 on the valve member of the switching valve 30 is larger than that of the first pilot drive module 34 on the valve member of the switching valve 30, the switching valve 30 can be partially or completely moved into the second switching position by the second pilot drive module 35, even with a low air flow in the first pilot gas line 50.

[0053] Furthermore, when the pneumatic amplifier is in a nearly balanced state and the pilot drive module 35 partially switches the switching valve 30, the trigger device 40 can be further switched due to the existing pressure difference between the first drive chamber 13 and the second drive chamber 14, in order to move the switching valve 30 further toward the second switching position. After the switching valve 30 is partially switched to the second switching position, the gas line section between the gas inlet 33 of the switching valve 30 and the second gas outlet 32 ​​is opened, while the gas line section between the gas inlet 33 of the switching valve 30 and the first gas outlet 31 is closed.Even after a partial switching of the switching valve 30 to the second switching position, gas can be supplied to the second pilot control port 44, and the triggering device 40 can be driven by the interaction of the second pilot control port 44 and the second drive chamber 14. Even in relatively extreme situations in which the piston is temporarily in an equilibrium state due to the gas supplied from the second gas outlet 32 ​​to the first drive chamber 13, the piston is moved out of this temporary equilibrium state by the driving action of the gas supplied to the second drive chamber 14 on the triggering device 40.This can ensure that the triggering device 40 performs a complete switching and that the driving force of the second pilot drive module 35 for the valve member of the switching valve 30 is further increased for switching the switching valve 30 and incomplete switching is avoided.

[0054] In summary, as in Fig. 5, it is possible in the embodiment of the present invention that the cooperation of the gas supply through the switching valve in a pneumatic amplifier to the triggering device and the stops of the piston on the stop pins of the triggering device enables a switching of the triggering device, which can also cause the switching of the switching valve, wherein the switching of the switching valve sets the piston in a back and forth movement.

[0055] In addition, for the Fig. 4, gas which is pressure-amplified in the first boosting chamber 11 by the reciprocating movement of the first piston 20 or in the second boosting chamber 12 by the reciprocating movement of the second piston 20' is discharged through the second gas check valve 80 to the compressed gas outlet port 90.

[0056] In addition, for the Fig. 4, the pilot control valve 110 arranged in the first pilot gas line 50 can automatically control the opening or closing of the pilot control valve 110 based on the pressure at the compressed gas output port 90. That is, when the pressure at the compressed gas output port 90 reaches the target gas pressure, the pilot control valve 110 is controlled such that the first pilot gas line 50 is closed to stop the second pilot drive module 35. Furthermore, the switching valve 30 can be switched to the first switching position by the first pilot drive module 34, that is, after stopping, the pneumatic amplifier can also return to the initial state, in particular to the first switching position.When the pressure at the compressed gas outlet port 90 falls below the target gas pressure, the pilot control valve 110 is controlled to open the first pilot gas line 50 so that the pneumatic amplifier can automatically restart operation to ensure that the pneumatic amplifier can not only return to the initial state after stopping even during a cycle between stopping and working, but also perform automatic position switching so that the pneumatic amplifier can continuously operate.

[0057] Furthermore, the switching of the switching valve 30 from the second switching position to the first switching position is similar to the switching from the first switching position to the second switching position described above and is therefore not explained further here.

[0058] Furthermore, for the Fig. 1 and Fig.4, a silencer may be provided at the connected outlet of the switching valve 30, the trigger device 40 and the pilot control valve 110 opening into the atmosphere to dampen noise of the pneumatic amplifier.

[0059] Furthermore, it is worth noting that in the pneumatic booster according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the first piston 20, the second piston 20', the first boost chamber 11, the second boost chamber 12, the first drive chamber 13, and the second drive chamber 14 on the two sides of the intermediate piece 15 may have different dimensions. The dimensions according to the present embodiment of the invention for the first piston 20, the second piston 20', the first boost chamber 11, the second boost chamber 12, the first drive chamber 13, and the second drive chamber 14 are not to be considered limiting.

[0060] Furthermore, the positions of the first boost chamber 11, the second boost chamber 12, the first drive chamber 13, and the second drive chamber 14 can be specified as needed. The specifications according to the present embodiment of the invention for the first boost chamber 11, the second boost chamber 12, the first drive chamber 13, and the second drive chamber 14 are not to be considered limiting.

[0061] The above description of the embodiments is intended only to facilitate understanding of the method, structure, and essential concepts of the invention. Various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the invention, which also fall within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

[1] A triggering device for a pneumatic amplifier having a first piston (20) and a second piston (20'), with a first stop pin (41), a second stop pin (41'), a trigger valve member (42) and a first pilot control connection (43) associated with the first stop pin (41), and with a second pilot control connection (44) associated with the second stop pin (41'), wherein the first stop pin (41) can be associated with a first piston (20) of the pneumatic amplifier and wherein the second stop pin (41') can be associated with a second piston (20') of the pneumatic amplifier in such a way that the first stop pin (41) is actuated alternately by the first piston (20) and the second stop pin (41') is actuated alternately by the second piston (20'), wherein the first pilot control connection (43) and the second pilot control connection (44) are each connected to gas lines of a changeover valve (30) are connected,to drive a trigger valve member (42) in cooperation with the first stop pin (41) and the second stop pin (41') and thus switch the changeover valve (30) of the pneumatic amplifier. [2] Triggering device according to claim 1, characterized by that the first pilot control connection (43) is connected to a first gas outlet (31) of the switching valve (30) and that the second pilot control connection (44) is connected to a second gas outlet (32) of the switching valve (30). [3] Release device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that the triggering device is designed as a one-piece bidirectional triggering valve, wherein the first stop pin (41) and the second stop pin (41') are each arranged in opposite end regions of the triggering valve member (42), wherein the first stop pin (41) is arranged opposite the first piston (20) and wherein the second stop pin (41') is arranged opposite the second piston (20'), and wherein the first stop pin (41) and the second stop pin (41') are designed to move the triggering valve member (42) selectively in a direction of movement of the first piston (20) or the second piston (20') when they are respectively moved by the first piston (20) and the second piston (20'). [4] Pneumatic booster comprising a cylinder (10), a first piston (20) and a second piston (20') connected by a piston rod, a switching valve (30), a first pilot gas line (50) connected to the switching valve (30), two first gas check valves (70), two second gas check valves (80) and a triggering device (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a central region of the cylinder (10) an intermediate piece (15) is arranged between the first piston (20) and the second piston (20') and the piston rod is guided through the intermediate piece (15) so that the first piston (20) and the second piston (20') are each arranged at opposite ends of the intermediate piece (15) to divide the cylinder (10) into a first boost chamber (11), a second boost chamber (12), a first drive chamber (13) and a second drive chamber (14) to divide,wherein the switching valve (30) in the first switching position supplies gas into the second drive chamber (14) via its first gas outlet (31) and in the second switching position supplies gas into the first drive chamber (13) via its second gas outlet (32), wherein the first pilot gas line (50) extends through the triggering device (40) in order to open or close the first pilot gas line (50) by the triggering device (40), wherein the two first gas check valves (70) are respectively arranged in the first boost chamber (11) and the second boost chamber (12) in order to introduce input gas into the first boost chamber (11) or the second boost chamber (12), wherein the two second gas check valves (80) are respectively arranged in the first boost chamber (11) and the second boost chamber (12) in order to discharge pressure-increased gas from the first boost chamber (11) or the second boost chamber (12) to divert., [5] Pneumatic amplifier according to claim 4, characterized by that the triggering device (40) is inserted into the intermediate piece (15). [6] Pneumatic amplifier according to claim 4, characterized by that a compressed gas inlet connection (60) is connected to the two first gas check valves (70), the gas inlet (33) of the switching valve (30) and the first and second pilot gas lines (50, 50') which are connected to the switching valve (30). [7] Pneumatic amplifier according to claim 6, characterized byin that the switching valve (30) further comprises a switching valve member, a first pilot drive module (34) and a second pilot drive module (35), wherein the switching valve member receives the driving force of the first pilot drive module (34) and the second pilot drive module (35) in order to switch the switching valve (30) between the first switching position and the second switching position, wherein the second pilot drive module (35) is connected to the first pilot gas line (50) and the first pilot drive module (34) is connected to the second pilot gas line (50'), and wherein a driving area of the second pilot drive module (35) for the switching valve member is larger than a driving area of the first pilot drive module (34) for the switching valve member. [8] Pneumatic amplifier according to claim 4, characterized bythat a compressed gas outlet port (90) is connected to the two second gas check valves (80) to receive pressure-intensified gas from the first boost chamber (11) or the second boost chamber (12). [9] Pneumatic amplifier according to claim 6, characterized by that a pressure control valve (100) is arranged between the gas inlet (33) of the changeover valve (30) and the compressed gas inlet connection (60). [10] Pneumatic amplifier according to claim 4, characterized by that a pilot control valve (110) is provided, wherein the pilot control valve (110) is arranged in the first pilot gas line (50) in order to open or close the first pilot gas line (50), wherein a control connection of the pilot control valve (110) is connected to the compressed gas inlet connection (60) and a control connection of the pilot control valve (110) is connected to the compressed gas outlet connection (90) of the pneumatic amplifier.

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