Valve module, valve assembly and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve module (1) for being arranged on a valve module carrier (2), wherein the valve module (1) is embodied disk-like, extends along a longitudinal direction (x) and is divided into a plurality of longitudinal sections which are coupled to one another along the longitudinal direction (x), wherein the valve module has a main valve section (8) with a first main valve (9) as a first longitudinal section and a pilot control section (10) with a pilot control valve (11) as a second longitudinal section coupled to the main valve section (8) along the longitudinal direction (x), the pilot control valve serving to actuate the first main valve (9), wherein the valve module (1) further has a pressure sensor section (12) with a pressure sensor (13) as a third longitudinal section coupled to the pilot control section (10) along the longitudinal direction (x), the pressure sensor serving to detect a fluid pressure of the valve module (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a valve module for being arranged on a valve module carrier, wherein the valve module is embodied disc-shaped, extends in a longitudinal direction and is divided into a plurality of longitudinal sections which are coupled to one another in the longitudinal direction, wherein the valve module has a main valve section with a first main valve as a first longitudinal section and a pilot control section with a pilot control valve for actuating the first main valve as a second longitudinal section coupled to the main valve section in the longitudinal direction. SUMMARY

[0002] The task of the invention is to increase the operating safety in a space-saving manner.

[0003] The task is solved by the valve module according to claim 1. The valve module comprises a pressure sensor section with a pressure sensor for detecting a fluid pressure of the valve module as a third longitudinal section coupled to the pilot control section in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] With the pressure sensor it can be verified in particular whether a pressure fluid output of the valve module, which can be vented via the main valve, is also actually vented. Thus, the operating safety can be increased by the pressure sensor section.

[0005] In conventional disc-shaped valve modules, a further pilot control section or a placeholder module (also called "dummy magnet") is coupled in the longitudinal direction to the pilot control section. In the valve module according to the invention, the pressure sensor section now exists instead of this second pilot control section (or placeholder module). Preferably, the valve module according to the invention does not require more installation space (in particular in the longitudinal direction) than a conventional valve module with two pilot control sections or one pilot control section and one placeholder module. Thus, the valve module according to the invention is embodied space-efficiently.

[0006] Advantageous refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one preferred design, the pressure sensor is for detecting a fluid pressure of a pressure fluid supply output of the valve module which is switched to by the first main valve. The pressure fluid supply output is for supplying pressure fluid to a further valve module located on the valve module carrier. The pressure fluid supply output can be selectively vented or aerated via the first main valve.

[0008] The invention further relates to a valve assembly comprising a valve module carrier on which a first valve module is arranged, the first valve module being of the valve module configuration as explained above, and at least one second valve module being arranged on the valve module carrier offset with respect to the first valve module along an arrangement direction oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the second valve module has a second main valve and is configured for operating the second main valve using pressure fluid supplied by the first valve module via the pressure fluid supply output.

[0009] The invention further relates to a method for operating the above-mentioned valve module or the above-mentioned valve assembly, the method comprising the steps of venting the pressure fluid supply output by means of the main valve and verifying the venting of the pressure fluid supply output by means of the pressure sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Further exemplary details and exemplary embodiments are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein:

[0011] Figure 1 a perspective view of a valve module is shown,

[0012] Figure 2 a pressure sensor module according to a first variant is shown,

[0013] Figure 3 a pressure sensor module according to a second variant is shown,

[0014] Figure 4 a fluid connection diagram of a valve module is shown,

[0015] Figure 5 a perspective view of a valve assembly is shown,

[0016] Figure 6 a fluid connection diagram of a system comprising a valve assembly is shown, and

[0017] Figure 7 a sectional view of a valve assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figure 1 A valve module 1 is shown. The valve module 1 is for being arranged on a valve module carrier 2 (exemplarily shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 ). The valve module 1 is suitably a pneumatic valve module. The pressure fluid mentioned in the following is in particular compressed air. The valve module 1 is in particular for being used in industrial automation.

[0019] The valve module 1 extends with its longitudinal axis in a longitudinal direction x, which can also be referred to as x-direction. The x-direction is a horizontal direction. A y-direction, which can also be referred to as width direction or arrangement direction, extends orthogonally to the x-direction. The y-direction is a horizontal direction. A z-direction, which can also be referred to as height direction, extends orthogonally to the x-direction and orthogonally to the y-direction. The z-direction is a vertical direction.

[0020] The valve module 1 is embodied discoidally. In particular, the valve module 1 has an elongate and / or flat basic shape. The x-extension of the valve module 1 is exemplarily many times larger, for example at least five times larger, than the y-extension of the valve module 1. Furthermore, the x-extension of the valve module 1 is many times larger, for example at least two times larger, than the z-extension of the valve module 1. The z-extension of the valve module 1 is exemplarily larger than the y-extension of the valve module 1.

[0021] The valve module 1 exemplarily has a square basic shape. The valve module 1 has a lower side 3 (oriented perpendicularly to the z-direction). The lower side 3 is a side of the valve module 1 with which the valve module 1 can be placed (or is placed) on the valve module carrier 2. The lower side 3 is in particular a side which, when the valve module 1 is placed on the valve module carrier 2, lies on the upper side of the valve module carrier 2.

[0022] The valve module 1 further comprises an upper side 4, which is oriented opposite the lower side 3. The upper side 4 is thus a side which, when the valve module 1 is placed on the valve module carrier 2, faces away from the valve module carrier 2. The upper side 4 is oriented perpendicularly to the z-direction. The valve module 1 further has longitudinal sides 5, which are oriented perpendicularly to the y-direction (and opposite one another). The valve module 1 further has a front end side 6, which is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the x-direction, and a rear end side 7, which is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the x-direction. The front end side 6 and the rear end side 7 are oriented opposite one another.

[0023] The valve module 1 is divided into a plurality of longitudinal sections which are coupled to one another in the longitudinal direction x. A first longitudinal section of the valve module 1 is a main valve section 8, which comprises a first main valve 9 (exemplarily shown in Figure 4 、 6 and 7). A second longitudinal section of the valve module 1 is a pilot control section 10, which is coupled to the main valve section 8 in the longitudinal direction x. The pilot control section 10 comprises a pilot control valve 11 (exemplarily shown in Figure 4 、 6 and 7) for actuating the first main valve 9. A third longitudinal section of the valve module 1 is a pressure sensor section 12, which is coupled to the pilot control section 10 in the longitudinal direction x. The pressure sensor section 12 comprises a pressure sensor 13, which is configured for detecting a fluid pressure of the valve module 1.

[0024] The longitudinal sections of the valve module 1, i.e. the main valve section 8, the pilot control section 10 and the pressure sensor section 12, have a square basic shape, respectively, and are in particular in longitudinal direction x next to each other, in particular without overlapping each other in longitudinal direction x. The main valve section 8 exemplarily provides the front end side 6 of the valve module 1. The pressure sensor section 12 exemplarily provides the rear end side 7 of the valve module 1. The main valve section 8 and the pilot control section 10 are next to each other with respective end sides oriented perpendicular to the x direction. The pilot control section 10 and the pressure sensor section 12 are next to each other with respective end sides oriented perpendicular to the x direction.

[0025] The x extension of the main valve section 8 is suitably larger than the x extension of the pilot control section 10 and / or larger than the x extension of the pressure sensor section 12. Exemplarily, the x extension of the main valve section 8 is at least three times as large as the x extension of the pilot control section 10 and / or at least three times as large as the x extension of the pressure sensor section 12. The x extension of the pressure sensor section is suitably between 80% and 120% of the x extension of the pilot control section 10.

[0026] The valve module 1 suitably comprises at least one fixing unit 14 for fixing the valve module 1 at the valve module carrier 2. Exemplarily, there are two fixing units 14, which are suitably arranged at the main valve section 8. Exemplarily, each fixing unit 14 is embodied as a screw.

[0027] The valve module 1 further comprises an electrical coupling 15, with which the valve module 1 can be electrically coupled at the valve module carrier 2. The electrical coupling 15 can also be referred to as a pilot control coupling. Exemplarily, the electrical coupling 15 is arranged at the pilot control section 10, in particular at its lower side. The electrical coupling 15 suitably comprises one or more plug-in contacts. The electrical coupling 15 is in particular for receiving an electrical control signal with which the pilot control valve 11 is operated. Via the electrical coupling 15 an electrical contact is suitably established with an electrical interconnection, in particular an electrical circuit board 54, of the valve module carrier 2. Via the electrical interconnection a serial communication is suitably realized. The control signal is for example a switching information, in particular a switching specification. The control signal is in particular a digital signal (suitably a digital serial signal) or an analog signal.

[0028] Preferably, the pressure sensor section 12 is embodied as a pressure sensor module which is connected to the pilot control section 10 in the longitudinal direction x. The pressure sensor section 12 is suitably embodied in a disk shape. In particular, the pressure sensor section 12 has a square basic shape. The z- extension of the pressure sensor section 12 is preferably greater than the x-extension of the pressure sensor section and greater than the y-extension of the pressure sensor section. The pressure sensor section 12 can suitably be detached from the pilot control section 10.

[0029] Furthermore suitably, the main valve section 8 is embodied as a (in particular disk-shaped) main valve module and / or the pilot control section 10 is embodied as a (in particular disk-shaped) pilot control module. The pressure sensor module, the pilot control module and the main valve module are sub-modules of the valve module 1 and together form the valve module 1. Suitably, the valve module 1 consists only of the pressure sensor module, the pilot control module and the main valve module.

[0030] Figure 2 The pressure sensor section 12 (embodied as a pressure sensor module) is shown in a state detached from the pilot control section 10.

[0031] The pressure sensor section 12 comprises a coupling side 18 oriented perpendicular to the x-direction, with which the pressure sensor section 12 is to be coupled or is coupled with the pilot control section 10. The pressure sensor section 12 comprises a fluid interface 19, with which the pressure sensor section 12 is to be fluidically connected or is fluidically connected with the pilot control section 10. The fluid interface 19 is arranged at the coupling side 18, exemplarily in the upper half of the coupling side 18. The fluid interface 19 has a fluid opening 20 which is exemplarily surrounded by a seal 21.

[0032] The pressure sensor section 12 further comprises at least one fixing section 53 for fixing the pressure sensor section 12 at the pilot control section 10. There are preferably two fixing sections 53, suitably at the coupling side 18. Each fixing section 53 is suitably embodied as a hole for receiving a screw.

[0033] The pressure sensor section 12 comprises an electrical interface 16 for providing fluid pressure information detected with the pressure sensor 13 and / or for receiving control signals for actuating the pilot control valve 11.

[0034] Preferably, the electrical interface 16 comprises a first electrical coupling 17 arranged at the underside (oriented perpendicular to the z-direction) of the pressure sensor section 12. The first electrical coupling 17 exemplarily comprises one or more plug-in contacts. The first electrical coupling 17 is especially for providing fluid pressure information and / or for receiving control signals. Via the electrical coupling 17, an electrical contact is suitably established with an electrical interconnection of the valve module carrier 2, especially with a circuit board 54. Via the first electrical coupling 17, especially a serial communication is realized.

[0035] Figure 3 A pressure sensor section 12A is shown, which is a possible extension of the pressure sensor section 12. In case of the pressure sensor section 12A, the electrical interface 16 comprises a second electrical coupling 22 (especially in addition or alternatively to the first electrical coupling 17). The second electrical coupling 22 is exemplarily arranged at the upper side (oriented perpendicular to the z-direction) of the pressure sensor section 12A. The second electrical coupling 22 suitably comprises one or more plug-in contacts. Preferably, the second electrical coupling 22 is embodied as a plug-in coupling for a cable, especially an M8 plug-in connection. Via the second electrical coupling 22, a separate connection of the pressure sensor section 12A to a controller is suitably possible. Especially, a separate communication path to the pressure sensor section 12A can be provided by means of the second electrical coupling 22, especially in addition to an already existing communication path to the pilot control section 10. Suitably, a first communication path extends via the circuit board 54 of the valve module carrier 2 to the pilot control section 10, especially to the electrical coupling 15. The first communication path especially extends inside the valve module carrier 2. Further, a second communication path especially extends to the pressure sensor section 12A, especially to the second electrical coupling 22, via a cable and / or outside the valve module carrier 2.

[0036] Figure 4 An exemplary fluid connection diagram of the valve module 1 is shown.

[0037] Exemplarily, the pressure sensor 13 is for detecting a fluid pressure of a pressure fluid output 23 of the valve module 1 switched to by the first main valve 9. The pressure sensor 13 is in fluid connection with the pressure fluid output 23.

[0038] Suitably, the pressure fluid output 23 is a pressure fluid supply output 24 for supplying pressure fluid to further valve modules 25 located on the valve module carrier 2 (see Figure 5 and 6 ). The pressure fluid supply output 24 can be selectively charged or discharged via the first main valve 9.

[0039] Exemplarily, the valve module 1 comprises a pressure fluid supply input 26, which is for example coupled to an external pressure fluid source 61 (seeFigure 6 ), in particular at the compressed air source. The first main valve 9 is configured for selectively assuming a first main valve position or a second main valve position. The main valve 9 comprises a main valve valve element 50. The term "main valve position" refers to a position of the main valve valve element 50.

[0040] In the first main valve position, the first main valve 9 interrupts a fluid connection between the pressure fluid supply input 26 and the pressure fluid supply output 24. Exemplarily, the valve module 1 further comprises an exhaust output 27. The exhaust output 27 is suitably in fluid connection with a pressure fluid sink 60, for example with an environment of the valve module 1, in particular with the atmosphere. In the first main valve position, the first main valve 9 suitably provides a fluid connection between the exhaust output 27 and the pressure fluid supply output 24 in order to exhaust the pressure fluid supply output 24 via the exhaust output 27.

[0041] Exemplarily, the exhaust output 27 is in fluid connection with a muffler 68, in particular a screwed-in muffler. The pressure fluid is output via the muffler 68 into the pressure fluid sink 60. The muffler 68 is for example shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 . The muffler 68 is exemplarily arranged at the front side 43 of the valve module carrier 2. The muffler 68 is in particular arranged below the pressure fluid supply coupling 48. The muffler 68 is for example implemented cylindrically.

[0042] In the second main valve position, the main valve 9 provides a fluid connection between the pressure fluid supply input 26 and the pressure fluid supply output 24; the pressure fluid supply output 24 is exhausted.

[0043] The main valve 9 is suitably comprising a first spring element 28. The first main valve 9 is in particular implemented as a single-acting valve. Suitably, the first main valve 9 is a monostable valve. Preferably, the main valve 9 is brought into one of the two main valve positions mentioned above by means of the spring element 28, exemplarily into the first main valve position, and into the other main valve position by means of fluidic actuation of the pilot control valve 11, exemplarily into the second main valve position. Purely exemplarily, the first main valve 9 is a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0044] Exemplarily, the first main valve 9 comprises a first main valve coupling 29 which is in fluid connection with the pressure fluid supply input 26 via a first valve module fluid channel 30. In the first main valve position, the main valve 9 closes the first main valve coupling 29. In the second main valve position, the main valve 9 connects the first main valve coupling 29 with a second main valve coupling 31 which is in fluid connection with the pressure fluid supply output 24 via a second main valve fluid channel 32.

[0045] According to another design, the main valve coupling 29 is exemplarily coupled to a pressure fluid supply 59, e.g. via a working fluid passage 66 and / or a working fluid supply coupling 67.

[0046] The first main valve 9 further comprises a third main valve coupling 33 fluidly connected to the exhaust output 27. In the first position, the first main valve 9 fluidly connects the third main valve coupling 33 with the second main valve coupling 31. In the second position, the first main valve 9 closes the third main valve coupling 33.

[0047] The pilot control valve 11 is used to operate the first main valve 9, in particular to place the first main valve 9 in the second main valve position. The pilot control valve 11 exemplarily comprises a second spring element 34. The pilot control valve 11 can suitably be placed in two different pilot control valve positions - a first pilot control valve position, in which the pilot control valve 11 does not operate the first main valve 9, and a second pilot control valve position, in which the pilot control valve 11 fluidly operates the first main valve 9. The pilot control valve 11 comprises a pilot control valve valve member 57. The term "pilot control valve position" refers to the position of the pilot control valve valve member 57.

[0048] Exemplarily, the pilot control valve 11 is configured as a solenoid valve and occupies one of the two pilot control valve positions, in particular the second pilot control valve position, by magnetic operation. By operation by the second spring element 34, the pilot control valve 11 suitably occupies the first pilot control valve position.

[0049] The first main valve 9 has a pressure chamber 58, which, by being charged, the main valve 9 can be placed in the second main valve position. In the first pilot control valve position, the pressure chamber 58 is vented, e.g. into the pressure fluid sink 60, via the pilot control valve 11. Further, in the second pilot control valve position, the pressure chamber 58 is vented, e.g. from the pressure fluid supply input 26, via the pilot control valve 11.

[0050] The pilot control valve 11 comprises a first pilot control valve coupling 35 fluidly connected to a pressure fluid source 61, e.g. via the pressure supply input 26, and / or a pressure fluid supply 59 (see Figure 6 ). In the first pilot control valve position, the pilot control valve 11 suitably closes the first pilot control valve coupling 35. In the second pilot control valve position, the pilot control valve 11 suitably fluidly connects the first pilot control valve coupling 35 with a second pilot control valve coupling 36. The second pilot control valve coupling 36 is fluidly connected to the pressure chamber 58 of the first main valve 9. The pilot control valve 11 further comprises a third pilot control valve coupling 37, which is fluidly connected to the pressure fluid sink 60 (see Figure 4 , 6) and / or (according to another design) is fluidly connected with the exhaust gas output 27. The third pilot control valve coupling 37 is preferably fluidly connected with the pressure fluid sink 60 directly, i.e. in particular not via a silencer, like the silencer 68 or the face silencer 69. For example, a direct exhaust to the atmosphere takes place via the third pilot control valve coupling 37. In the first pilot control valve position, the pilot control valve 11 fluidly connects the third pilot control valve coupling 37 with the second pilot control valve coupling 36. In the second pilot control valve position, the pilot control valve 11 suitably closes the third pilot control valve coupling 37.

[0051] The pressure sensor 13 is fluidly connected with the pressure fluid supply output 24. Exemplarily, the pressure sensor 13 is fluidly coupled to the second valve module fluid passage 32. Suitably, the valve module 1 is configured to verify whether the pressure fluid supply output 24 is exhausted by means of the pressure sensor 13.

[0052] Figure 5 A valve arrangement 38 is shown, which comprises the valve module carrier 2 and the valve module 1. The valve module 1 shall in the following also be referred to as first valve module 1. The first valve module 1 is arranged on the valve module carrier 2. The valve arrangement 38 further comprises at least one further valve module 25. Exemplarily, the valve module arrangement 38 comprises a plurality of further valve modules 25. Each further valve module 25 shall in the following also be referred to as second valve module 25. The entirety of the second valve modules 25 shall also be referred to as valve module assembly 42. The following explanations relating to the second valve module 25 suitably apply to a plurality or all of the second valve modules 25.

[0053] The valve module carrier 2 is oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the y-direction. The valve module carrier 2 has an upper side, which is oriented perpendicular to the z-direction. The first valve module 1 and the second valve module 25 are arranged on the upper side. In particular, the valve module carrier 2 has a plurality of equipment fields on its upper side, which are equipped with the first valve module 1 and the second valve module 25.

[0054] Exemplarily, the valve module carrier 2 comprises a control section 40. The control section 40 is suitably used for providing electrical control signals to the first valve module 1 and / or the second valve module 25, in particular via electrical interconnections of the valve module carrier 2, preferably a circuit board 54. The control section 40 is suitably also used for receiving fluid pressure information and / or authentication information from the pressure sensor 13. Exemplarily, the control section 40 has a square basic shape. The control section 40 further comprises a communication interface 41, which is in particular used for communication with a superior controller. Suitably, the communication interface 41 is used for receiving control instructions on the basis of which the control section 40 provides electrical control signals for actuating the first valve module 1 and / or the second valve module 25. Furthermore, the communication interface 41 is suitably used for transmitting fluid pressure information and / or authentication information, in particular to a superior controller. The communication interface 41 is for example embodied as a field bus connection. Exemplarily, the control section 40 further comprises a voltage supply connection 71.

[0055] The valve module carrier 2 suitably comprises a carrier section 39, on the upper side of which the first valve module 1 and the second valve module 25 are arranged. The carrier section 39 is suitably coupled to the control section 40 in the y direction. The carrier section 39 is suitably embodied plate-like and can in particular also be referred to as a coupling plate. The first valve module 1 and the further valve module 25 are arranged side by side on the carrier section 39 in the y direction. In particular, the second valve module 25 is arranged on the valve module carrier 2 offset to the first valve module 1 in the arrangement direction y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x. The first valve module 1 and the second valve module 25 form one row extending in the y direction. The first valve module 1 is suitably arranged in a first position in this row. Each subsequent second valve module 25 in this row is suitably arranged directly next to the preceding valve module in this row in the y direction.

[0056] Suitably, the first valve module 1 and the second valve module 25 together form a square valve module block. The first valve module 1 and the further valve module 25 are arranged directly side by side. Preferably, the first valve module 1 and the further valve module 25 are arranged aligned with one another in the x direction. Preferably, the first valve module 1 and the second valve module 25 each have the same x extension. The x extension of the first valve module 1 and the further valve module 25 is suitably at least 70% of the x extension of the carrier section 39.

[0057] The second valve module 25 is suitably configured disc-like and has its longitudinal axis oriented in the x direction. The second valve module 25 suitably comprises a main valve section 45 (hereinafter also referred to as "second main valve section") with a main valve 56 (hereinafter also referred to as "second main valve") respectively. The main valve 56 is suitably configured as a 5 / 2-way valve.

[0058] Furthermore, the valve modules 25 comprise a pilot control section 46 (also referred to as "second pilot control section" in the following), respectively, with a pilot control valve 62 (also referred to as "second pilot control valve" in the following) for operating the respective second main valve 56. The pilot control valve 62 is configured as an electromagnetic valve, for example.

[0059] The second valve modules 25 suitably further comprise a placeholder module 47, respectively, which preferably has no fluidic and / or electric function. The second valve modules 25 are suitably implemented as single-acting. In particular, the second valve modules 25 are implemented as monostable.

[0060] In the second valve modules 25, the main valve sections 45, the pilot control sections 46 and the placeholder modules 47 are suitably implemented as longitudinal sections which are coupled to one another in the x-direction. Thus, in each second valve module 25, the pilot control section 46 is coupled to the main valve section 45 in the x-direction, while the placeholder module 47 is coupled to the pilot control section 46 in the x-direction.

[0061] According to another (not shown) alternative design, a plurality of or all second valve modules 25 have, instead of the placeholder module 47, a further pilot control section which is coupled to the pilot control section 46 in the x-direction.

[0062] The second main valve sections 45 suitably have the same x-extension as the first main valve sections 8. Exemplarily, the second main valve sections 45 are implemented identically to the first main valve sections 8 in all outer dimensions, in particular in their outer shape. The second main valve sections 45 preferably occupy the same x-area as the first main valve sections.

[0063] The second pilot control sections 46 preferably have the same x-extension as the first pilot control sections 10. Exemplarily, the second pilot control sections 46 are implemented identically to the first pilot control sections 10 in all outer dimensions, in particular in their outer shape. Preferably, the second pilot control sections 46 are identical to the first pilot control sections 10. Preferably, the second pilot control sections 46 occupy the same x-area as the first pilot control sections 10.

[0064] The placeholder modules 47 suitably have the same x-extension as the pressure sensor sections 12. Exemplarily, the placeholder modules 47 are implemented identically to the pressure sensor sections 12 in terms of their outer dimensions. The placeholder modules 47 preferably occupy the same x-area as the pressure sensor sections 12.

[0065] If a further pilot control section is present instead of the placeholder module 47, the further pilot control section is suitably of the same x extension as the pressure sensor section 12 or 12A. Exemplarily, the further pilot control section is implemented identically to the pressure sensor section 12 or 12A in one, multiple or all of its outer dimensions. In the pressure sensor section 12, for example all outer dimensions - i.e. the outer dimensions in the x direction, the y direction and the z direction - are identical to the respective outer dimensions of the further pilot control section. In the pressure sensor section 12A, for example the outer dimensions in the x direction and / or the y direction are identical to the respective outer dimensions of the further pilot control section. In the pressure sensor section 12A, for example the outer dimension in the z direction without the second electrical connection 22 is identical to the outer dimension in the z direction of the further pilot control section. The further pilot control section preferably occupies the same x area as the pressure sensor section 12 or 12A.

[0066] The equipment field of the valve module carrier 2 provides sufficient space in the longitudinal direction x for a second valve module 25 with a main valve section 45, a pilot control section 46 coupled to the main valve section 45 in the longitudinal direction x and a placeholder module 47 (or a further pilot control section) coupled to the pilot control section 46 in the longitudinal direction x. The pressure sensor section 12 of the first valve module 1 occupies the mounting space provided for the placeholder module 47 or the further pilot control section in the longitudinal direction x.

[0067] The valve module carrier 2, in particular the carrier section 39, further comprises a front side 43 oriented perpendicular to the upper side. The front side 43 is suitably oriented perpendicular to the x direction. The front side 43 is in particular a longitudinal side of the valve module carrier 2. At the front side 43, a plurality of fluid line couplings 44 are arranged. The fluid line couplings 44 are exemplarily arranged in two vertically offset rows from each other. The fluid line couplings 44 are suitably implemented columnarly, wherein the column axes are respectively oriented parallel to the x direction. The fluid line couplings 44 are in particular hose couplings at which fluid line hoses can be respectively coupled.

[0068] Exemplarily, the first valve module 1 is used for supplying pressure fluid to the further valve module 25. The first valve module 1 can thus also be referred to as a supply valve module, while the second valve module 25 can also be referred to as a load valve module.

[0069] In particular, each second valve module 25 is configured for operating its second main valve 56 using pressure fluid supplied by the first valve module 1. Suitably, each of the second valve modules 25 is configured to load the second main valve 56 via its second pilot control valve 62 with pressure fluid supplied by the first valve module 1 in order to cause a switching of the second main valve 56. The pressure fluid supplied by the first valve module 1 can also be referred to as control auxiliary air.

[0070] Each of the second valve modules 25 is suitably associated with at least one of the fluid line connections 44. Preferably, each of the second valve modules 25 is associated with two fluid line connections 44, which are suitably arranged within the same y-zone as the respective second valve module 25. Each of the second valve modules 25 is suitably configured to selectively charge or discharge the associated at least one fluid line connection 44 by switching the second main valve 56.

[0071] The fluid line connections 44 associated with the second valve modules 25 can also be referred to as working connections 63 and are suitably used to pressurize external fluid units 64, e.g. fluid actuators, in particular drive cylinders, with pressure fluid.

[0072] The pressure fluid supply output 24 of the first valve module 1 is used to supply pressure fluid to the second valve modules 25 located on the valve module carrier 2. The pressure fluid supply output 24 can be selectively charged or discharged via the first main valve 9.

[0073] In a preferred design, the first valve module 1 is a safety module and is configured to discharge the pressure fluid supply output 24 by means of the first main valve 9 in response to a safety command, e.g. in response to an emergency stop command, to ensure that the second main valves 56 of the second valve modules 2 are not charged and / or actuated. The valve assembly 38 is suitably configured to verify that the pressure fluid supply output 24 is discharged by means of the pressure sensor 13, suitably in response to the safety command and / or the discharge of the pressure fluid supply output 24. Exemplarily, the valve assembly 38 checks by means of the pressure sensor 13 whether the fluid pressure of the pressure fluid supply output 24 is below a predetermined threshold, in particular in order to verify that the pressure fluid supply output 24 is discharged.

[0074] Exemplarily, one of the fluid line connections 44 is implemented as a pressure fluid supply connection 48 via which the first valve module 1 and / or the second valve modules 25 are supplied with pressure fluid. Exemplarily, the fluid line connection 44 arranged within the same y-zone as the first valve module 1 is implemented as a pressure fluid supply connection 48. In particular, the pressure fluid supply connection 48 is in fluid connection with the pressure fluid supply input 26, such that pressure fluid can be provided to the pressure fluid supply input 26 via the pressure fluid supply connection 48.

[0075] Figure 6A fluid connection diagram of a fluid system is shown, which fluid system comprises the valve assembly 38, a pressure fluid source 61 and a plurality of external fluid units 64 (e.g. pneumatic drive cylinders). The fluid system suitably further comprises a pressure fluid supply 59 and / or a pressure fluid sink 60.

[0076] The pressure fluid is supplied from the pressure fluid source 61 to the first main valve 9 via a pressure fluid supply coupling 48. In the second main valve position, the main valve 9 provides the pressure fluid at the pressure fluid supply output 24. The pressure fluid is supplied to the second valve modules 25 via supply channels 51 running in the carrier section 39, which second valve modules are coupled at the supply channels 51, respectively. The supply channels 51 are suitably pilot control channels. In particular, the supply channels 51 provide control pilot air to the second valve modules 25. The pressure fluid supply coupling 48 can also be referred to as a control pilot air supply coupling.

[0077] The following explanations relating to the second valve modules 25 suitably apply to a plurality, in particular all, of the second valve modules 25: By means of a second pilot control valve 62, the second valve modules 25 selectively connect the pressure chamber 65 of the second main valve 56 (hereinafter referred to as "second pressure chamber") to the supply channels 51 (in order to charge the second pressure chamber 65 and actuate the second main valve 56) or to the pressure fluid sink 60 (in order to vent the second pressure chamber 65, so that the second main valve 56 is not actuated). The second pressure chamber 65 is suitably vented to the pressure fluid sink 60, e.g. to the atmosphere, via a face muffler 69 (see Figure 5 ). The face muffler 69 is exemplarily arranged alongside the valve module 1 in the arrangement direction y. Exemplarily, the face muffler 69 is arranged in the same y region as the working fluid supply coupling 67. The second main valve 56 is fluidically connected to the external fluid units 64 via a working coupling 63. Depending on whether the second main valve 56 is actuated (by the second pilot control valve 62) or not, the second main valve 56 selectively connects the working coupling 63 to the pressure fluid sink 60 (in particular in the state in which the second main valve 56 is not actuated) or to the pressure fluid supply 59 (in particular in the state in which the second main valve 56 is actuated). The pressure fluid supply 59 is e.g. the pressure fluid source 61 or, alternatively, another pressure fluid source.

[0078] Figure 7 An x-z-section through the first valve module 1 and the valve module carrier 2 is shown.

[0079] A supply fluid channel 49 extends from a pressure fluid supply coupling 48 arranged at the front side 43 of the valve module carrier 2 through the carrier section 39 to the pressure fluid supply input 26. The supply fluid channel 49 exemplarily has an L-shaped course and opens at the upper side of the valve module carrier 2. The pressure fluid supply input 26 of the first valve module 1 is arranged at the lower side of the main valve section 8 of the first valve module 1 and directly above the opening of the supply fluid channel 49. As Figure 4 is schematically shown, the first valve module fluid channel 30 extends from the pressure fluid supply input 26 to the first main valve 9. As Figure 7 is shown, the first main valve 9 has a valve link 50, which is embodied in particular as a piston slide. The second valve module fluid channel 32 leads from the main valve 9 to the pressure fluid supply output 24 (see Figure 4 ).

[0080] The pressure fluid supply output 24 is fluidically coupled at a supply channel 51 of the valve module carrier 2. The supply channel 51 suitably extends in the carrier section 39, in particular below the second valve modules 25. Exemplarily, the supply channel 51 extends in the y-direction. In particular, the supply channel 51 leads to each of the second valve modules 2. Via the supply channel 51, the second valve modules 2 are supplied with pressure fluid required for actuating the second main valves 56.

[0081] Suitably, furthermore, a working fluid channel 66 extends in the carrier section 39, in particular below the second valve modules 25. The working fluid channel 66 is suitably used to fluidically connect the above-mentioned pressure fluid supply 59 with the second main valves 56. Exemplarily, the working fluid channel 66 is fluidically connected with the pressure fluid supply 59 via a working fluid supply coupling 67. The working fluid supply coupling 67 is exemplarily arranged at the front side 43 of the valve module carrier 2. The working fluid supply coupling 67 is used to provide the second main valves 56 with pressure fluid, in particular compressed air, which can be output via the working coupling 63.

[0082] Furthermore, a third valve module fluid channel 52 leads from the second valve module fluid channel 32 to the pressure sensor 13. The third valve module fluid channel 52 leads in particular from the main valve section 8 via the pilot control section 10 to the pressure sensor section 12. The third valve module fluid channel 52 is suitably permanently connected with the second valve module fluid channel 32.

[0083] As Figure 7 is shown, the pressure sensor section 12 comprises a pressure sensor circuit board 55, on which the pressure sensor 13 is suitably arranged. The pressure sensor circuit board 55 is oriented with its board plane perpendicular to the x-direction.

[0084] The valve module carrier 2 exemplarily comprises a circuit board 54. The circuit board 54 is located underneath the pilot control section 10 and the pressure sensor section 12. The circuit board 54 is oriented with its board plane perpendicular to the z-direction.

[0085] In operation, the valve assembly 38 is coupled at the pressure fluid source 61 with the pressure fluid supply coupling 48 and is operated, inter alia, as follows:

[0086] First, the first pilot control valve 11 is operated with the electrical operating signal so as to be brought into the second pilot control valve position, thereby bringing the first main valve 9 into the second main valve position, so that the pressure fluid supply output 24 and thus the supply channel 51 are fluidically connected with the pressure fluid source 61 and thus are charged.

[0087] Next, a normal operation is performed, in which the second pilot control valve 62 of the second valve module 25 is operated with the electrical operating signal so as to cause a loading of the second pressure chamber 65 of the second main valve 56 with pressure fluid supplied via the supply channel 51, thereby switching, inter alia, the second main valve 56. Suitably, the second main valve 56 is brought into a position in which working couplings 63 associated with the second valve module 25 are charged. Exemplarily, external fluid units 64 are coupled at these working couplings 63, which are operated via the charging of the working couplings 63.

[0088] Next, the first pilot control valve 11 is operated with a safety command, e.g. an emergency stop command, so as to bring the pilot control valve 11 into the first pilot control valve position, thereby bringing the first main valve 9 into the first main valve position, so that the pressure fluid supply output 24 and thus also the supply channel 51 are de-charged. In this way, the second pressure chamber 65 is de-charged, and the second main valve 56 is thus brought into a (inter alia, unoperated) position in which the working couplings 63 are suitably de-charged.

[0089] Optionally, in addition the second pilot control valve 62 is operated (e.g. by means of the safety command) such that it fluidically connects the second pressure chamber 65 with the pressure fluid sink 60.

[0090] Next, it is verified by means of the pressure sensor 13 whether the pressure fluid supply output 24 is de-charged. Suitably, fluid pressure information and / or verification information is provided which indicates the result of the verification - inter alia, whether the pressure fluid supply output 24 is indeed de-charged.

[0091] According to one possible design, the pressure sensor 13 is configured to provide fluid pressure information depending on a detected fluid pressure of the pressure fluid supply output 24. The fluid pressure information comprises, for example, the detected fluid pressure, in particular as a pressure value. The valve assembly 38 is suitably configured to compare the fluid pressure information, in particular the pressure value, with a threshold value in order to verify that the pressure fluid supply output 24 is vented. Exemplarily, the valve assembly 38 checks whether the pressure value is smaller than the threshold value. If the pressure value is smaller than the threshold value, the valve assembly 38 provides first verification information which indicates that a venting of the pressure fluid supply output 24 can be verified. If the pressure value is greater than the threshold value, the valve assembly 38 provides second verification information which indicates that a venting of the pressure fluid supply output 24 cannot be verified. The second verification information is, for example, a fault signal. Suitably, the valve assembly 38 comprises a control unit, for example a microcontroller, which performs the comparison between the pressure value and the threshold value and selectively provides the first verification information or the second verification information depending on the result of the comparison. For example, the control unit can be arranged on the circuit board 54. Further, the control unit can also be arranged in the pressure sensor section 12, in particular on the pressure sensor circuit board 55.

[0092] Suitably, the valve assembly 38 is configured to perform the verification of the venting, in particular the comparison between the pressure value and the threshold value, in response to the provision of the safety instruction described above. Preferably, the valve assembly 38 is configured to provide the second verification information in response to the fact that the pressure fluid supply output 24 should be vented but is not (according to the fluid pressure information) - i.e. in particular in response to the fact that the expected situation (vent- ing of the pressure fluid supply output 24) is not fulfilled.

[0093] Exemplarily, the pressure fluid supply output 24 has a pressure in the range of 3 to 8 bar or 2 to 10 bar in the charged state. The threshold value is suitably smaller than 1 bar, in particular smaller than 0.5 bar. Exemplarily, the threshold value is 200 mbar. In the vented state, the pressure fluid supply output 24 is suitably provided with a fluid pressure which is lower than 200 mbar.

[0094] According to one possible design, a device is provided which comprises the valve assembly 38. The device is configured to perform an emergency shut-off, for example of an actuator, an energy supply or a pressure fluid supply, in response to the fault signal.

[0095] Suitably, the valve assembly 38 and / or the superordinate controller are configured to perform an emergency shut-off in response to the fault signal.

Claims

1. A valve assembly (38) comprising a valve module carrier (2) on which a first valve module (1) is arranged, wherein The first valve module (1) is embodied disk-like, extends along a longitudinal direction (x) and is divided into a plurality of longitudinal sections which are coupled to one another along the longitudinal direction (x), wherein the first valve module (1) has a main valve section (8) with a first main valve (9) as a first longitudinal section and a pilot control section (10) with a pilot control valve (11) as a second longitudinal section coupled to the main valve section (8) along the longitudinal direction (x), the pilot control valve serving to actuate the first main valve (9), wherein the first valve module (1) further has a pressure sensor section (12) with a pressure sensor (13) as a third longitudinal section coupled to the pilot control section (10) along the longitudinal direction (x), the pressure sensor serving to detect a fluid pressure of the first valve module (1), wherein the main valve section (8) is embodied as a main valve module, wherein the pilot control section (10) is embodied as a pilot control module which is attached to the main valve section (8) along the longitudinal direction (x), and wherein the pressure sensor section (12) is embodied as a pressure sensor module which is attached to the pilot control section (10) along the longitudinal direction (x), wherein the pressure sensor (13) serves to detect a fluid pressure of a pressure fluid output (23) of the first valve module (1) switched to by the first main valve (9), wherein the pressure fluid output (23) is a pressure fluid supply output (24) for supplying pressure fluid to a second valve module (25) located on the valve module carrier (2) and which can be selectively charged or discharged via the first main valve (9), wherein at least one second valve module (25) is provided which is arranged on the valve module carrier (2) offset with respect to the first valve module (1) along an arrangement direction (y) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x), wherein the second valve module (25) has a second main valve (56) and is configured to actuate the second main valve (56) using pressure fluid supplied by the first valve module (1) via the pressure fluid supply output (24).

2. The valve assembly (38) of claim 1, wherein, The pressure sensor section (12) comprises an electrical interface (16) for providing information on the fluid pressure detected with the pressure sensor (13), authentication information and / or for receiving control signals in order to actuate the pilot control valve (11).

3. The valve assembly (38) of claim 2, wherein, The electrical interface (16) comprises a first electrical coupling (17) arranged at a lower side (3) of the first valve module (1) and / or a second electrical coupling (22) arranged at an upper side (4) of the first valve module (1), wherein the lower side (3) of the first valve module (1) is a side on which the first valve module (1) can be placed at the valve module carrier (2) and the upper side (4) is a side oriented opposite to the lower side (3).

4. The valve assembly (38) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first valve module (1) is a safety module and is configured to vent the pressure fluid supply output (24) by means of the first main valve (9) in response to a safety command in order to ensure that the second main valve (56) is not charged, and is further configured to verify that the pressure fluid supply output (24) is vented by means of the pressure sensor (13).

5. The valve assembly (38) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The valve module carrier (2) has a plurality of equipment sites for the first valve module (1) and the second valve module (25), wherein the equipment sites provide space for a valve module (25) with a second main valve section (45), a second pilot control section (46) coupled to the second main valve section (45) in the longitudinal direction (x), and a further pilot control section coupled to the second pilot control section (46) in the longitudinal direction (x), or for a placeholder module (47), and wherein the pressure sensor section (12) occupies the space provided for the further pilot control section or the placeholder module (47) in the longitudinal direction (x).

6. The valve assembly (38) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The valve module carrier (2) has an upper side on which the first valve module (1) and the second valve module (25) are arranged, and a front side (43) oriented perpendicular to the upper side, at which a plurality of fluid line couplings (44) are arranged, wherein one of the fluid line couplings (44) is embodied as a pressure fluid supply coupling (48) which can be fluidically connected to the pressure fluid supply output (24) via the first main valve (9).

7. The valve assembly (38) of claim 4, wherein, The safety command is an emergency stop command.

8. A method for operating a valve assembly (38) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: The pressure fluid supply output (24) is vented by means of the first main valve (9), and the venting of the pressure fluid supply output (24) is verified by means of the pressure sensor (13).

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