Valve assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve assembly having a plurality of functional modules connected in series from the following groups: a valve disc group, a safety valve group, and a throttle valve, the valve disc group having one or more valve discs, each having at least one electrically actuatable valve, which is connected to an electrical supply line and to a fluid supply line, wherein the throttle valve is arranged upstream of the safety valve group between the fluid connection and the fluid supply line of the valve disk group, and wherein the safety valve group has two safety valves which are designed to influence the fluid flow between the fluid connection and the fluid supply line, wherein the safety control device is designed to block an electrical control signal for the safety valve in a safety-oriented manner, the throttle valve is designed to temporarily reduce the working pressure in the fluid supply line, and the valve control device is designed to control the valve disc group and the safety valve group.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a valve assembly for providing compressed air at a compressed air consumer, with a plurality of function modules which are connected to one another in a row in a row direction. SUMMARY

[0002] It is an object of the invention to provide a valve assembly with which different safety-oriented functions can be implemented.

[0003] This object is solved by a valve assembly of the type mentioned at the outset, with a plurality of function modules which are connected to one another in a row in a row direction, from the group consisting of a valve disc group, a safety valve group, a throttle valve, wherein the valve disc group comprises one or a plurality of valve discs and wherein each valve disc has at least one electrically controllable valve which is connected to an electrical supply line which runs through the valve disc group and to a fluid supply line which runs through the valve disc group, wherein the throttle valve is arranged between a fluid connection and the fluid supply line of the valve disc group upstream of the safety valve group and is configured for temporarily reducing the operating pressure in the fluid supply line, wherein the safety valve group has a first safety valve and a second safety valve which are each configured for influencing the fluid flow between the fluid connection and the fluid supply line, wherein a safety controller which is arranged electrically between a valve controller and the safety valve group is configured for safety-oriented blocking of the electrically controllable signals for the first safety valve and the second safety valve, wherein the valve controller is configured for electrically controlling the valve disc group and the safety valve group.

[0004] Such a valve assembly is used, for example, in the field of industrial automation technology and for supplying one or a plurality of compressed air consumers with compressed air in a targeted manner and for safely venting the compressed air consumers. The compressed air consumers can be, for example, pneumatic cylinders, swing drives, brake devices or further components with which a conversion of pressure energy into movement is carried out. Depending on the embodiment of the compressed air consumers and the field of use of the compressed air consumers, there can be a need to bring the compressed air consumers quickly and reliably into a state of rest, preferably an energy-free state. This can be the case, for example, when a machine or a device in which the valve assembly and the compressed air consumers are used is brought from a normal operating state into an unsafe state. Such a change in state can occur, for example, when a user intervenes or enters a safety zone which is set up around the machine or the device during operation of the machine or the device. The safety zone can be limited, for example, by a safety fence and / or a light barrier assembly.

[0005] The transition of the compressed-air consumer set for such a case into the rest state is preferably effected by interrupting the pressure supply to the compressed-air consumer. It is particularly preferred that the transition of the compressed-air consumer into the energy-free state is provided, for which the venting of the compressed-air consumer is carried out. In order to achieve the rest state and in particular the energy-free state, the valve assembly comprises a safety controller and a safety valve group with which the interruption of the pressure supply and, if possible, additionally the venting of the compressed-air consumer can be effected.

[0006] The safety controller is configured as an electrical or electronic controller and can be electrically connected, for example, to a door contact switch of a safety fence or to a safety light barrier and serves for the actuation of the safety valve group in the event of an unintended triggering of the door contact switch or the safety light barrier. The safety controller can also be electrically connected to other safety-oriented components, such as, for example, an emergency stop switch.

[0007] The safety valve group comprises an electrically actuatable first safety valve and an electrically actuatable second safety valve, which are fluidically connected in parallel for the venting of the fluid supply line. This means that not only the desired interruption of the compressed-air supply and the venting of the fluid supply line and thus of the at least one compressed-air consumer coupled at the valve assembly can be effected with the first safety valve alone, but also with the second safety valve alone. Not only the first safety valve, but also the second safety valve is electrically connected to the safety controller. The safety controller is electrically connected in series with a valve controller, wherein the valve controller is configured for providing an electrical actuation signal for the safety valves and the task of the safety controller is to interrupt the electrical actuation signal in the event of a safety situation. The safety valves can be switched by the actuation signal of the valve controller between a second functional position, in which there is no interruption of the compressed-air supply by the safety valve group and / or no venting of the compressed-air consumer, and a first functional position, in which there is an interruption of the compressed-air supply by the safety valve group and / or a venting of the compressed-air consumer, under the condition that the safety controller does not interrupt the actuation signal. The venting of the compressed-air consumer is achieved by the parallel connection of the first safety valve and the second safety valve for the venting situation, so that in the event of a first fault situation, in which, for example, the first safety valve has a functional failure, the safety-oriented interruption of the compressed-air supply for the compressed-air consumer and / or the venting of the compressed-air consumer is still ensured. The second functional position of the safety valves, in which the compressed-air supply for the fluid supply line and the at least one compressed-air consumer coupled at the valve assembly should be ensured, preferably provides for a fluidic series connection of the two safety valves of the safety valve group.

[0008] The safety valve group is configured as a functional module of the valve assembly and is provided for an arrangement as a compact unit with further functional modules of the valve assembly, which can also be referred to as a valve island.

[0009] The safety controller can be provided as a separate component outside the series-connected functional modules and is electrically connected upstream of the safety valve group and the valve disc group via wiring, preferably via cable connections, in particular via bus connections. It is preferably provided that the safety controller is likewise configured as a functional module of the valve assembly and is arranged in the valve assembly directly adjacent to the safety valve group or spaced apart therefrom, purely by way of example.

[0010] It is preferably provided that the functional modules of the valve assembly are at least substantially configured as cuboids and can be series-connected to one another with mutually adjoining side faces along a row direction.

[0011] The valve assembly furthermore comprises a valve disc group as a functional module and a valve controller which is preferably configured as a further functional module. Alternatively, the valve controller is provided as a separate component outside the series-connected functional modules and is electrically connected between the valve controller and the safety valve group via wiring, preferably via cable connections, in particular via bus connections.

[0012] The valve disc group comprises one or more, in particular likewise configured, valve discs which each have at least one electrically controllable valve. With the electrically controllable valves, the fluid flow through a fluid channel which runs between an input connection and an output connection in the respective valve disc can be influenced. The electrically controllable valves are configured, for example, as seat valves or slide valves and are purely by way of example equipped with electromagnetic coil drives or piezoelectric drives for moving a valve element arranged in the fluid channel.

[0013] Each of the electrically controllable valves of the valve discs is connected with an electrical supply line which runs through the valve disc group. The electrical supply line also runs through the further functional modules of the valve assembly, preferably through all the functional modules of the valve assembly, and ensures an electrical connection between the valve disc group and the valve controller. It is exemplarily provided that each of the functional modules is provided at mutually opposite outer faces with a plug connector which is configured for electrical coupling with an adjacently series-connected functional module, and the plug connectors of the respective functional modules are electrically connected to one another by cable connections or printed circuits (printed circuit boards).

[0014] The valve controller is configured as an electrical or electronic controller for electrically controlling the valve discs and can be electrically connected, for example, with one or more sensors which are integral components of a machine or device associated with the valve assembly. In addition or alternatively, the valve controller can be connected with a superordinate controller. The task of the valve controller is to carry out a coordinated control of the valve discs so that a prescribed function of a compressed air load associated with the machine or device can be achieved.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the electrically actuatable valves of the valve disc set is connected with a fluid supply line via which a supply of compressed air to the respective electrically actuatable valve and / or a discharge of compressed air from the respective electrically actuatable valve can be effected. To this end, it is provided in particular that each valve disc of the valve disc set comprises one or more fluid channels oriented in the arrangement direction, which open at mutually opposite outer faces of the respective valve disc and are configured for fluid-tight coupling with fluid channels of adjacently arranged valve discs. The fluid channels form the fluid supply line and preferably also extend through the further functional modules of the valve assembly. It is provided within the respective valve disc that a connection in fluid communication exists between the fluid supply line and an input connection of the fluid channel running through the valve disc. An output connection of the valve disc typically forms a work connection at which a compressed air consumer can be coupled, directly or with an intermediate rigid or flexible fluid line, in particular a fluid hose.

[0016] It is provided exemplarily that the fluid supply line or at least individual fluid channels of the fluid supply line also run through the valve controller and / or the safety controller. It is provided in any case that the fluid supply line also extends through the safety valve set, so that a connection in fluid communication between the valve disc set and the safety valve set is ensured. Depending on the design of the safety valve set and depending on the design of the fluid supply line, it is thus possible to prevent the supply of compressed air for one or more compressed air consumers and / or to vent one or more compressed air consumers.

[0017] The compressed air feed into the valve assembly is effected at a fluid connection, wherein a throttle valve is arranged between the fluid connection and the safety valve assembly, with which a temporary reduction of the fluid pressure present at the fluid connection against the valve assembly is effected. The aim of the throttle valve is to avoid a sudden pressure rise in the valve assembly and an undesirable movement of the compressed air load possibly caused thereby during the start-up process of the valve assembly and the compressed air load connected therewith. Preferably, the throttle valve is configured to ensure a slow rise of the working pressure in the valve assembly or of the working pressure and control pressure in the valve assembly after the compressed air supply for the valve assembly is provided. Exemplarily, the metering valve is configured as a fluid parallel connection of a throttle and a pressure waage, sometimes referred to as pressure equalizing valve, wherein the pressure waage initially also assumes a blocking position after the pressure provision at the fluid connection and only time-delayedly transitions from the blocking position into the release position. The time delay can be effected, for example, by a fluid or electrical time control or by a fluid feedback of the pressure waage with a section of the supply line fluid feed via the throttle. Exemplarily, it is provided that during the start-up process the fluid flow is initially only effected through the throttle valve until the control pressure and / or the working pressure is present in the valve assembly, which is purely exemplary 50% of the control pressure and / or working pressure set for the prescribed use of the valve assembly. In correspondence therewith, the pressure waage is adjusted such that the transition between the blocking position and the release position is only effected when the above-mentioned 50% pressure level is reached in the valve assembly and this pressure level is provided to the pressure waage, for example, via a return pipe.

[0018] The advantageous development of the application is the object of the dependent claims.

[0019] It is expedient for the fluid supply line to comprise a working air channel and for the throttle valve to be configured for temporarily reducing the working pressure in the working air channel, wherein the first safety valve and the second safety valve are configured for redundantly influencing the fluid flow in the working air channel, in particular for blocking the connection in fluid communication between the fluid connection and the working air channel and for venting the working air channel. In this design of the fluid supply line and the safety valve group, a safety-oriented shut-off of the compressed air load is achieved by the safety valve group not only preventing the delivery of compressed air between the fluid connection and the working air channel but also venting the working air channel. To this end, it can be provided that the first safety valve and the second safety valve each have at least a 3 / 2-way functionality, in particular are each configured as a 3 / 2-way valve (sometimes referred to as a 2-position 3-way valve). The two safety valves are fluidically connected in the rest position in such a way that there is a connection in communication between the compressed air supply associated with the fluid connection and the working air channel, while the connection between the working air channel and the exhaust output associated with the fluid connection is interrupted. Furthermore, it is provided that the two safety valves are fluidically connected in the safety state in such a way that the compressed air supply at the fluid connection and the exhaust of the compressed air load via the fluid connection are blocked. Typically, the working pressure in the working air channel is stabilized in the range between 0 bar and 10 bar.

[0020] The task of the throttle valve is to limit the pressure change for the working pressure in the working air channel after the provision of compressed air at the fluid connection. To this end, the throttle valve is arranged between the fluid connection and the safety valve group and thus upstream of the safety valve group with regard to the compressed air supply of the safety valve group and the valve disc group. Exemplarily, the throttle valve has an adjustment mechanism with which a user can adjust a pressure level at which the transition from the throttled mode of operation to the non-throttled mode of operation is effected. It is particularly expedient to provide that the adjustment mechanism is designed for adjusting the spring pretension for the pressure stabilizer.

[0021] It is advantageous for the valve disc of the valve disc group to be configured as a directly controlled valve disc with an electrically actuatable main valve, wherein the main valve is fluidically connected to the working air channel and is electrically connected to the valve controller via an electrical supply line. With such an electrically actuatable main valve, which can be configured as a seat valve or a slide valve and which is equipped with an electromagnetic coil drive or a piezoelectric drive or another electrical actuator for moving a valve element arranged in a fluid channel, there is a direct relationship between the electrical control signal provided by the valve controller and the reaction of the main valve in the directly controlled valve disc. Such a main valve is also referred to as a directly controlled valve. Depending on the design of the drive system, which is provided in the main valve for the movement of the valve element, the main valve can be configured as a switching valve or a proportional valve.

[0022] It is preferably provided that the fluid supply line comprises a control air channel and that the first and second safety valves are configured for redundantly influencing the fluid flow in the control air channel, in particular for blocking the connection in fluid communication between the fluid port and the control air channel and for venting the control air channel. The control air channel is required when at least one of the valve discs is configured as a pre-control valve disc, which has an electrically actuatable pre-control valve, which is electrically connected to the valve controller via an electrical supply line and which is in fluid connection with the control air channel of the fluid supply line, wherein the pre-control valve disc has a fluidically pre-controlled main valve, which is in fluid connection with the pre-control valve and with the working air channel. Such a pre-control valve disc is of interest in particular when high working pressures and / or high working air volumes are to be switched with the valve disc and the directly controlled main valve for this purpose requires a size design which cannot be reconciled with the size requirements and / or cost requirements for the valve discs of the valve disc group. Preferably but not necessarily, a smaller air pressure is provided in the control air channel than in the working air channel. The task of the pre-control valve is to provide the control pressure present in the control air channel to the fluidically pre-controlled main valve depending on an electrical control signal of the valve controller in order to shift the main valve from a first functional position, in particular a closed position, into a second functional position, in particular an open position. The fluidically pre-controlled main valve is configured to block the connection in fluid communication between the working port of the respective valve disc and the working air channel in one of its functional positions. Furthermore, the fluidically pre-controlled main valve is configured to at least partially, preferably completely, release the connection in fluid communication between the working air channel and the working port at the latest in the course of the transition between the closed position and the open position, if the open position is reached.

[0023] Typically, the fluidically pre-controlled main valve is shifted into the closed position by means of a return spring, for example, in the event of venting of the control air channel, so that at least the blocking of the continued working air supply for the compressed air load can be achieved by venting the control air channel by means of the safety valve group alone.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, a blocking disk is arranged between the safety valve assembly and the valve disk assembly. The blocking disk is designed to block the working air passage between the safety valve assembly and the valve disk assembly, and the blocking disk has a working air connection designed to feed working air into the working air passage of the valve disk assembly. Such a blocking disk allows for an intermediate feeding of working air into the valve assembly. This intermediate feeding allows one or more compressed air consumers (connected to the valve disk assembly downstream or downstream of the blocking disk) to be supplied with a working pressure that is different from the working pressure of the valve disk assembly arranged upstream or upstream of the blocking disk. When such a blocking disk is used, the safety valve assembly influences the control air passage, without providing any influence on the working air passage extending downstream of the blocking disk.

[0025] Preferably, a blocking disk is arranged between the safety valve assembly and the valve disk assembly. The blocking disk is configured to block the control air passage between the safety valve assembly and the valve disk assembly, and the blocking disk has a control air connection configured to feed control air into the control air passage of the valve disk assembly. Such a blocking disk allows for an intermediate feeding of control air into the valve assembly. This intermediate feeding allows for a control pressure to be supplied to at least one pilot valve disk (which is included in the valve disk assembly downstream of the blocking disk) that is independent of the control pressure of the valve disk assembly upstream of the blocking disk. When such a blocking disk is used, the safety valve assembly influences the working air passage without providing any influence on the control air passage extending downstream of the blocking disk.

[0026] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second safety valves include a safety main valve electrically connected to a safety control unit and fluidically connected to a fluid connection, and the safety control unit is configured to electrically actuate the safety main valve. With such electrically actuable safety main valves (which can be configured as seat valves or slide valves and equipped with a solenoid drive, a piezoelectric drive, or another electrical actuator for moving a valve element disposed in a fluid channel), there is a direct relationship between the electrical control signal provided by the safety control unit and the response of the safety main valves of the safety valve assembly. Such safety main valves are also referred to as directly controlled safety valves. Depending on the design of the drive system provided in the safety main valves for moving the valve elements, the safety main valves can be configured as switching valves or proportional valves. Preferably, in the absence of an electrical control signal from the safety control unit, the safety main valves are held in the closed position by a prestressing device associated with the safety main valves, such as a coil spring, or are switched to the closed position when the electrical control signal is disconnected.

[0027] In the closed position, which can also be called the safe position, the safety main valve is preferably designed to interrupt the fluid-communicating connection between the working pressure supply and the working air channel at the fluid connection and / or between the control air supply and the control air channel at the fluid connection and additionally or alternatively to vent the working air channel and / or the control air channel.

[0028] It is particularly preferred that the first safety valve and the second safety valve are designed differently in terms of technology, for example with regard to the respective drive system and / or valve element and / or fluid guidance in the safety valve housing, in order to thereby achieve a redundant diversity of use. The use of safety valves thus configured is provided in particular in cases in which only the control air channel and / or the working air channel of a downstream post-positioned valve disc group is to be influenced with the safety valve.

[0029] In an alternative design of the safety valve group, the first safety valve and / or the second safety valve is provided with a safety pre-control valve which is electrically connected to the safety controller and fluidically connected to the fluid connection and with a safety main valve which is fluidically connected to the safety pre-control valve and fluidically connected to the fluid connection, wherein the safety controller is designed for electrically actuating the safety pre-control valve and wherein the safety pre-control valve is designed for fluidically actuating the safety main valve.

[0030] Such a design of two safety valves is of interest in particular in cases in which the working pressure for a downstream post-positioned valve disc group is to be switched with the safety valve and for this purpose the directly controlled safety main valve requires a size design which cannot be reconciled with the size requirements and / or cost requirements for the safety valve group. The task of the safety pre-control valve is to provide the control pressure present in the control air channel to the fluidically pre-controlled main valve depending on the electrical control signal of the safety controller in order to shift this main valve from a first functional position, in particular a closed position, into a second functional position, in particular an open position. The fluidically pre-controlled safety main valve is preferably designed to interrupt the fluid-communicating connection between the working pressure supply and the working air channel at the fluid connection and / or between the control air supply and the control air channel at the fluid connection in the closed position, which can also be called the safe position, and additionally or alternatively to vent the working air channel and / or the control air channel.

[0031] It is particularly preferred that the first safety valve and the second safety valve are designed differently in terms of technology, for example with regard to the respective drive system and / or valve element and / or fluid guidance in the safety valve housing, in order to thereby achieve a redundant diversity of use.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the application, the throttle valve is provided with an input connection for connection to a fluid connection and a control air output connection for connection to the control air input of the safety valve group. It is preferably provided here that a direct fluid connection exists only between the input connection and the control air output connection, which is provided for the control air supply to the safety valve group, so that the compressed air provided at the input connection is provided without throttling only to the control air output connection. It is also provided, if possible, that the control air is also provided without throttling to the valve disc group. Alternatively, it can be provided that the control air supply to the safety valves is carried out via a separate connection at the throttle valve, so that the working pressure can be less than the minimum required control pressure or greater than the maximum permissible control pressure of the safety valves.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment of the application, the first safety valve and / or the second safety valve is equipped with a position sensor, which is configured to detect the valve position and which is electrically connected to the safety controller. With the position sensor, the position of the valve element of the respective safety valve can be detected, in order to provide the safety controller with the possibility of monitoring the switching performance of the respective safety valve in the case of a safety-oriented actuation. Exemplarily, the position sensor is configured to detect that the valve element is arranged in the closed position and to provide a predetermined first sensor signal for this case, and to provide a predetermined second sensor signal, which differs from the first sensor signal, if the valve element is not located in the closed position. From the sensor signal, the safety controller is placed in a position in which it can check that the valve element is positioned in the blocking position. Alternatively, it can be provided that the position sensor is configured to monitor the position of the valve element at least along a portion of the movement path for the valve element. Here, the safety controller can carry out an analysis of the functional state of the respective safety valve, in particular from the movement performance of the valve element. Preferably, the safety controller is configured in such a way that it takes measures in the event of a deviation between the expected sensor signal of the position sensor and the actual sensor signal of the position sensor, with which measures one or more compressed air consumers connected to the valve assembly are stopped or rendered energyless. In addition, the safety controller can take further measures, which can be implemented, for example, in such a way that the machine or device equipped with the valve assembly is brought to a standstill again only after release by an authorized operator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Advantageous embodiments of the application are represented in the drawings. Therein:

[0035] Figure 1 A strictly schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a valve assembly is shown, which comprises a feed plate, a valve controller, a throttle valve, a safety controller, a safety valve group and a valve disc group, which are connected to one another in series,

[0036] Figure 2a strict schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a valve assembly is shown, in which an intermediate feed is provided between the safety valve group and the valve disc group,

[0037] Figure 3 a strict schematic fluid connection diagram of a first embodiment of a connection for a valve controller, a safety controller, a throttle valve, a safety valve group and a valve disc group as well as associated compressed air loads is shown, in which for the valve disc group a shut-off of working air and control air by the safety valve group is provided, and

[0038] Figure 4 a strict schematic fluid connection diagram of a second embodiment of a connection for a valve controller, a safety controller, a safety valve group, a throttle valve and a valve disc group as well as associated compressed air loads is shown, in which a shut-off of working air and an intermediate feed of control air by the safety valve group is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The valve assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured for providing compressed air at non- presented compressed air loads, such as for example pneumatic cylinders, swing drives, brake devices, and is provided for use in an industrial environment, for example at a non- shown machine or in a non- shown apparatus. The fluid connection of the valve assembly 1 is shown in Figure 3 , in the following the connection is described in more detail.

[0040] The valve assembly 1 presented in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of function modules 3 which are simplified to likewise formed cuboids in the drawn illustration and are concatenated with one another along an arrangement direction 2. In the valve assembly 1 according to Figure 1 , the function modules 3 comprise a feed plate 4, a valve controller 5, a throttle valve 171, also referred to as soft start valve, a safety controller 6, a safety valve group 7 and a valve disc group 8. If possible, the function modules 3, which are presented in Figures 1 to 3 as separate components, are also at least partially configured in a common housing or as mutually combinable modules.

[0041] The feed plate 4 is purely exemplarily equipped with a working air connection 10 and an exhaust connection 12. The working air connection 10 can for example be connected with a non- presented compressed air source which is configured with respect to a maximum pressure to be provided and with respect to a maximum volume flow to be provided, supplies a plurality of compressed air loads which can be connected with the valve assembly 1. Purely exemplarily, the control air for the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8 is branched directly from the working air.

[0042] The exhaust connection 12 can realize a discharge of compressed air from the valve assembly and can for example be provided with a non- presented silencer.

[0043] Starting from the feed plate 4, the working air channel 18, the control air channel 19 and the exhaust air channel 20 extend along the arrangement direction 2 through all functional modules 3 arranged downstream of the feed plate 4, which form the fluid supply line 17. It is provided here that the working air channel 18, the control air channel 19 and the exhaust air channel 20, in addition to the feed plate 4, each run through each of the functional modules 3 between mutually opposite sides 21, 22 of the respective functional modules 3 (in the illustration depicted at the last valve disc of the valve disc group 8) and exit at the sides 21, 22. The arrangement of the working air channel 18, the control air channel 19 and the exhaust air channel 20 is visible at the right side 22 of the valve disc group 8. In the actual application of the valve assembly 1, the working air channel 18, the control air channel 19 and the exhaust air channel 20 are closed fluid-tightly by a not represented closure plate which is concatenated thereto downstream of the valve disc group 8. Figure 1

[0044] In the valve assembly 1 according to Figure 1 the valve controller 5 is concatenated here purely exemplarily adjacent to the feed plate 4, which has a microprocessor on a not more closely represented printed circuit and the electrical and electronic peripheral components necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. Here, the microprocessor is used for receiving and for processing electrical control signals (which are provided at a control input 13 of the valve controller 6 by a not represented superior controller, for example a memory programmable controller) and for outputting electrical control signals at the valve disc group 8. The valve controller 5 can be configured, for example, for processing a computer program stored in the microprocessor with which actions of a compressed air consumer which can be connected with the valve assembly 1 necessary for the functioning of a machine or a device are influenced. It is provided exemplarily that the valve controller 5 has, in addition to the control input 13, an electrical supply input 14 with which electrical energy can be fed into the valve assembly 1 for operating the functional modules 3 arranged downstream of the valve controller 5. Starting from the valve controller 5, the electrical supply line 17 extends through the functional modules 3 arranged downstream of the valve controller 5. The electrical supply line 17 comprises electrical supply lines (which are connected with the electrical supply input 14) and signal lines for the signal transmission between the valve controller 5 and the valve disc group 8, which are not represented more closely. For the signal transmission it can be provided that a plurality of electrical lines (multipole) and / or an internal bus system is arranged, which can be guided via a small number of electrical lines.

[0045] Each of the functional modules 3 is run through by the electrical supply line 17 between mutually opposite sides 21, 22, which exit at the sides 21, 22, respectively. The arrangement of the electrical supply line 17 is recognizable at the right side 22 of the valve disc group 8, which is provided there with a contact plug. In the actual application, the contact plug is protected by a not represented closure plate.​

[0046] A throttle valve 171 is connected in series to the valve controller 5, which fluidically feeds into the fluid supply line 18, as this is presented in more detail in Figure 3 . The throttle valve 171 is designed to fluidically connect in series a throttle member 172 and a pressure stabilizer 173 and is configured for temporally limiting throttling of the air delivery at the fluid supply line 18, as is explained in more detail in the following in connection with the description of Figure 3 It can also be derived that the throttle valve 171 purely exemplarily comprises the fluidically connected in series throttle member 172 and the pressure stabilizer 173 and is configured for temporally limiting throttling of the air delivery at the fluid supply line 18, as is explained in more detail in the following in connection with the description of Figure 3 .

[0047] According to the illustration of Figure 1 , the safety controller 6 is connected in series to the throttle valve 171, which has a microprocessor on a printed circuit not presented in more detail and the electrical and electronic peripheral components necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. Here, the microprocessor is used for receiving and for processing electrical sensor signals, which can be provided at the sensor inputs 25, 26, 27, for example, by the safety sensors 99 or by the position sensors 78, 79, as this is presented in more detail in Figure 3 and 4 . It is exemplarily provided that the position sensors 78, as components of the safety valve group 7, are connected via the sensor lines 55, 56 with the sensor inputs 26, 27 of the safety controller 6 with the sensor outputs 28, 29 of the position sensors 78, 79 as starting point.

[0048] The safety controller 6 is derart beschaffen (sometimes referred to as being in such a state), that the sensor signals provided at the sensor inputs 25, 26, 27 can be processed in a safety-oriented manner. For this, for example, the processing of the sensor signals can take place in different computer program modules, which are preferably programmed differently. Alternatively, it can be provided that the sensor signals are processed in a plurality of, in particular differently constructed and programmed, microprocessors. The processing results resulting from the processing of the sensor signals are compared with one another. It can be exemplarily provided that, if the processing results are not within a pre-set tolerance interval, a triggering of a safety function by the safety controller 6 takes place. Furthermore, if the processing results are within a pre-set tolerance interval, however, for example, exceed or fall below a pre-set threshold value, a triggering of a safety function by the safety controller can take place. The communication between the safety controller 6 and the safety valves 51, 52 of the safety valve group 7 connected downstream is preferably taking place via separate electrical lines in the electrical supply line 17. Alternatively, the communication between the safety controller 6 and the safety valve group 7 can also be carried out via safety-oriented data packets of the internal bus communication of the valve assembly 1.

[0049] The safety valves 51, 52 contained in the safety valve group 7 are described in more detail in connection with Figure 3 and4 The same applies in the same manner to the valve disc group 8.

[0050] A second embodiment form 81 of the valve assembly, as it is presented in Figure 2 , differs from the first embodiment form 1 of the valve assembly according to Figure 1 only in that the throttle valve 171 has associated a control air connection 174 via which all fluid pre-control valves of the valve assembly 81 can be supplied with control air purely exemplarily. The control air supply is thus separate and completely independent of the switching position of the throttle valve 171. Additionally, a non-presented blocking disc can be arranged between the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8. The blocking disc is configured to block the control air passage 20 within the fluid supply line 18 between the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8. In order that control air can be provided to the valve disc group 8 arranged downstream of the blocking disc, the blocking disc has a further non-presented control air connection which is connected in fluid communication with the fluid supply line 18 within the valve disc group 8. Such a blocking disc is of particular interest when the pre-control valves of the valve disc group 8 should be operated at different control pressures, in particular at a lower control pressure than the pre-control valves of the safety valve group 7.

[0051] The schematic fluid connection diagram shown in Figure 3 illustrates the fluid and electrical connection of the valve controller 5, the safety controller 6, the throttle valve 171, the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8. In addition, two compressed air consumers 30, 31, which are purely exemplarily configured as pneumatic cylinders, are connected to the valve discs 9 of the valve disc group 8, respectively.

[0052] As can be gathered from the illustration of Figure 3 , the valve controller 5 is purely exemplarily in electrical connection with a superior controller 32, which can be for example a non-presented machine controller of a production machine in which the valve assembly 1 is integrated. The superior controller 32 provides electrical signals as well as electrical energy to the valve controller 5. It is exemplarily provided that the electrical signals of the superior controller 32 are provided at the control input 13 shown in Figure 1 , while the electrical energy is provided at the supply input 14 of the valve controller 5 shown in Figure 1 .

[0053] The valve controller 5 is configured for processing the electrical signals of the superior controller 32 and for providing electrical control signals to the valve discs 101, 102 of the valve disc group 8, which are purely exemplarily configured as pre-control valves. For this purpose the valve discs 101, 102 are in electrical connection with the valve controller 5 via control lines 33, 34.

[0054] It is additionally provided that the electrical energy provided at the supply input 14 of the valve controller 5 according to Figure 1 is supplied to the valve discs 101, 102 of the valve disc group 8 via the control lines 33, 34.Figure 3 The supply line 35 shown in Fig. 1 is also provided to the safety controller 6. The supply line 35 comprises a communication line, not represented, via which a data exchange between the safety controller 6 and the valve controller 5 can be performed. In particular, the safety controller 6 can be supplied via the supply line 35 with information as to which switching state the valve discs 101, 102 should assume on the basis of the control signals of the valve controller 5, so that the control signals can be released accordingly to the safety valves 51, 52 next.

[0055] The safety controller 6 is electrically connected via a first safety control line 53 with the first safety valve 51. Furthermore, the safety controller 6 is connected via a second safety control line 54 with the second safety valve 52. Furthermore, a first sensor line 55 extends between a safety sensor 99, which is constructed purely by way of example as a door contact sensor of the safety fence 100, which is only shown schematically, arranged around the two compressed air consumers 30, 31, and the safety controller 6. A second sensor line 56 extends between a position sensor 78 associated with the first safety valve 51. A third sensor line 57 extends between a position sensor 79 associated with the second safety valve 52.

[0056] The two safety valves 51, 52 are each constructed by way of example as an electro-pneumatic pre-controlled 5 / 2-way valve, which is held in a first functional position by a spring device 58, 59, as is shown in Fig. 1. Figure 3 In the case of a supply of an electrical control signal by the safety controller 6 via the safety control line 53 or 54, the respective safety valve 51, 52 can be brought from the first functional position according to Fig. 1 into a second functional position, not shown. Here, the electrical control signal causes the actuation of a pre-control valve 60 or 61, only shown schematically, which is constructed by way of example as a magnetic valve. Control air is thereby supplied to an associated main valve 62, 63, as a result of which the respective main valve 62, 63 can be brought from the first functional position into the second functional position. Figure 3

[0057] In the case of a cut-off of the electrical control signal by the safety controller 6, the supply of control air to the associated main valve 62, 63 by the pre-control valve 60, 61 is interrupted. Preferably, the pre-control valve 60, 61 is constructed such that, in addition to the interruption of the supply of control air, it additionally causes a pressure reduction in a respective control air section, not represented in more detail, of the associated main valve 62, 63, so that the associated main valve 62, 63 is brought by the action of the spring device 58 or 59 from the second functional position, not represented, into the first functional position according to Fig. 1. Figure 3 ​the first functional position. Upon reaching the first functional position, the respective position sensor 78, 79 provides a sensor signal via the sensor line 55 or 56 to the safety controller 6, so that the safety controller obtains information about whether and when the respective main valve 62 or 63 has returned into the first functional position, respectively.

[0058] Since the first functional position is the safety functional position for the safety valve group 7, the safety controller 6 is configured to output a fault message if, after the electrical control signals for both pre-control valves 60, 61 are switched off, the two position sensors 78, 79 do not indicate that the respective main valve 62, 63 has returned into the first functional position within a preset time period. The fault message may, for example, result in the prohibition of a renewed actuation of both safety valves 51, 52. In addition, the fault message can be indicated visually or acoustically by the safety controller 6 or transmitted to the superior controller 32 via the communication with the valve controller 5 in order to execute appropriate measures there, with which the elimination of the fault can be introduced.

[0059] As can be gathered from the illustration of Figure 3 The two safety valves 51 and 52 are connected via the supply line 36 with a throttle valve 171, which itself is connected with the compressed air source 37 in the case of an intermediate connection of an on-off valve (sometimes referred to as a switch valve) 176. It is provided exemplarily that the complete pressure supply for the valve assembly 1 and the compressed air consumers 30, 31 coupled at the valve assembly 1 is realized by the compressed air source 37 and no separate control air supply is provided.

[0060] Within the safety valve group 7, the supply line 36 runs to the first input connection 66 of the first safety valve 51. The second input connection 67 of the first safety valve 51 is in connection with the second input connection 72 of the second safety valve 52 via the exhaust line 38, which is provided with a first air outlet 39 and a second air outlet 40. Furthermore, the first output connection 68 and the third output connection 70 of the first safety valve 51 are associated with unmarked blocking channels, respectively. The second output connection 69 of the first safety valve 51 is in connection with the first input connection 71 of the second safety valve 52 via the connection line 41. The first output connection 73 and the third output connection 75 are associated with unmarked blocking channels, respectively. The second output connection 74 of the second safety valve 52 is connected with the supply line 42, which runs to the first switching valve 103 of the first valve disc 101 and to the second switching valve 104 of the second valve disc 102.

[0061] The supply line 42 branches off in each case in the first valve disc 101 as control air supply to the pre-control valves 105, 106 and in the second valve disc 102 as working air supply to the main valves 107, 108. Here, the supply line 42 is connected to the second input connection 112, 117 of the first or second switching valve 103, 104, respectively.

[0062] In the case of the two switching valves 103, 104, the first input connection 111, 116 and the third input connection 113, 118 are connected to the unlabelled exhaust output. The first output connection 114 of the first switching valve 103 is connected to the first working connection 43 of the first compressed air consumer 30. The second output connection 115 of the first switching valve 103 is connected to the second working connection 44 of the first compressed air consumer 30. The first output connection 119 of the second switching valve 104 is connected to the first working connection 45 of the second compressed air consumer 31. The second output connection 120 of the second switching valve 104 is connected to the second working connection 46 of the second compressed air consumer 31.

[0063] The fluid-parallel connection of the throttle 172 and the pressure stabiliser 173 in the throttle valve 171 is designed in such a way that a gentle pressure build-up is ensured for the valve assembly 1. For the following description it is assumed that the on-off valve 176 is initially in the blocking position according to Figure 3 In the case of a switch from the blocking position to the unlabelled release position of the on-off valve 176, compressed air can be delivered from the compressed air source 37 to the throttle valve 171 and from there into the valve assembly 1.

[0064] Purely by way of example, the pre-control valves 60, 61 of the safety valves 51, 52 are connected via the control air line 177 directly to the fluid connection 178 of the throttle valve 171. By this means the pre-control valves 60, 61 can be directly loaded with the full pressure of the compressed air source 37 independently of the pressure-limiting function of the throttle valve 171. By this means it is achieved that the switch of the safety valves 51, 52 from the first functional position (blocking position) to the second functional position (release position) can already take place directly after the switch of the on-off valve 176 from the blocking position to the release position if the corresponding control signal of the safety controller 6 is present.

[0065] Once the switch of the safety valves 51, 52 into the second functional position has been effected, the compressed air provided by the throttle 172 is delivered to the supply line 42 and can thus be used as control air and as working air for both valve discs 101 and 102.

[0066] By the pressure build-up occurring here in the supply line 42, the pressure regulator 173, which is connected in fluid communication with the supply line 42 via the return line 175, can be brought from the blocking position according to Figure 3 into the unrendered release position, whereby the full pressure of the compressed air source 37 is provided at the valve assembly 1.

[0067] Thus, by the action of the throttle 171, at least as far as possible, an undesired hard switching process for the valve assembly 1 and an undesired hard movement process for the compressed air load 30 coupled at the valve assembly are avoided in the start-up process for the valve assembly 1.

[0068] The functional manner (Funktionsweise, sometimes referred to as working principle) of the valve assembly 1 according to Figure 3 described above can be described as follows: In order that a compressed air supply for the first compressed air load 30 and / or for the second compressed air load 31 can be implemented, for example, the superordinate controller 32 provides a control signal therefor at the valve controller 5. The valve controller 5 provides an electrical control signal at the safety controller 6 via the supply line 35.

[0069] The safety controller 6 then checks whether a condition can exist which prevents the two safety valves 51, 52 from being brought from the first functional position into the second functional position. Such a condition is provided, for example, when the safety sensor 99 at the safety fence 100 provides a signal (from which it follows that the safety gate in the safety fence 100 is open, as this is purely exemplary in the illustration according to Figure 3 . Another condition is provided when at least one of the two position sensors 78, 79 of the safety valves 51, 52 provides a signal (from which it follows that at least one of the safety valves 51, 52 has not returned into the first functional position) at the safety controller.

[0070] If one of the above-mentioned conditions does not exist, the safety controller 6 can carry out an electrical control of the pre-control valves 60, 61 of the safety valves 51, 52, whereby the two safety valves 51, 52 are brought from the first functional position according to Figure 3 into the unrendered second functional position. In the second functional position, provision is made via the first input connection 66 and the second output connection 69 of the first safety valve 51 and via the first input connection 71 and the second output connection 74 that compressed air is provided by the compressed air source 37 via the supply line 42 at the first switching valve 103 of the first valve disc 101 and at the second switching valve 104 of the second valve disc 102. These two switching valves 103 and 104 can be switched immediately by the valve controller 5 depending on the requirements of the respective compressed air load 30, 31.

[0071] If during the normal operation of the valve assembly 1 a safety-oriented sensor signal is to be provided at the safety controller 6, which is the case in the event of a fault in the valve assembly 1 or in the event of a fault in the compressed air supply 37, then the safety controller 6 executes an emergency shutdown of the valve assembly 1 and of the compressed air consumers 30, 31 connected thereto. To this end, the control signals provided by the safety controller 6 for the two pre-control valves 60, 61 of the safety valves 51, 52 are changed, in particular switched off, such that no control air continues to be delivered to the respective main valves 62, 63. It is thereby intended to switch the safety valves 51, 52 from the second functional position into the first functional position. Figure 3

[0072] In the event that both safety valves 51, 52 actually occupy the first functional position according to Figure 3 , venting of the supply line 42 takes place, in which, for both switching valves 103, 104 of the valve discs 101 and 102, not only working air but also control air is vented.

[0073] If the first safety valve 51 remains in the unrepresented second functional position as a result of a functional failure, which can be considered a first fault case, venting of both valve discs 101 and 102 is still ensured by switching the second safety valve 52 from the unrepresented second functional position into the first functional position according to Figure 3 . Here, compressed air flows from the supply line 42 via the second output connection 74 of the second safety valve 52 to both air outlets 39 and 40. In addition, the connection between the compressed air source 37 and both valve discs 101 and 102 is also blocked in fluidic terms by the second safety valve 52.

[0074] If the second safety valve 52 remains in the unrepresented second functional position as a result of a functional failure, which can also be considered a first fault case, venting of both valve discs 101 and 102 is still ensured by switching the first safety valve 51 from the unrepresented second functional position into the first functional position according to Figure 4 . Here, compressed air flows via the second output connection 74 of the second safety valve 102 to the first input connection 71 of the second safety valve and from there via the connection line 41 to the second output connection 69 of the first safety valve 51 in order to flow from there to the second input connection 67 of the first safety valve 51 and then out to the environment at both air outlets 39 and 40.

[0075] The fluidic connection of a second valve assembly 81 according to Figure 2 is shown in Figure 1 , which is connected to a first valve assembly 1 according to ​ ​The fluidic connection of the first valve assembly 1 differs in that the throttle 171 is used only for the working air supply of the valve assembly 81, whereas the control air supply of the pre-control valves 60, 61 is effected via a control air line 177, which is supplied from a control air source 174, which is constructed independently of the compressed air source 37 and the throttle 171. The supply of control air for the pre-control valves 105, 106 can take place, for example, via a control air intermediate feed 181.

Claims

1. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) for providing compressed air at a compressed air consumer (30, 31), with a plurality of functional modules which are arranged in series with one another in an arrangement direction (2) from the group of: a valve disc group (8), a safety valve group (7), a throttle valve (171), wherein the valve disc group (8) comprises one or a plurality of valve discs (101, 102) and wherein each valve disc (101, 102) has at least one electrically actuatable valve (103, 104) which is connected to an electrical supply line (17) which runs through the valve disc group (8) and to a fluid supply line (18) which runs through the valve disc group (8), wherein the throttle valve (171) is arranged upstream of the safety valve group (7) between a fluid connection (36) and the fluid supply line (18) of the valve disc group (8), wherein the safety valve group (7) has a first safety valve (51) and a second safety valve (52) which are each designed to influence the fluid flow between the fluid connection (36) and the fluid supply line (18), wherein a safety controller (7) which is arranged electrically between a valve controller (5) and the safety valve group (7) is designed to block the electrical actuation signals for the first safety valve (51) and the second safety valve (52) in a safety-oriented manner, wherein the throttle valve (171) is designed to temporarily reduce the operating pressure in the fluid supply line (18), and wherein the valve controller (5) is designed to electrically actuate the valve disc group (8) and the safety valve group (7).

2. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 1, characterized in that The fluid supply line (18) comprises an operating air channel (19), the throttle valve (171) is designed to temporarily reduce the operating pressure in the operating air channel (19), and the first safety valve (51) and the second safety valve (52) are designed to redundantly influence the fluid flow in the operating air channel (19), in particular to block a fluidically communicating connection between the fluid connection (36) and the operating air channel (19) and to vent the operating air channel (19).

3. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 2, characterized in that The valve discs (101, 102) of the valve disc group (8) are designed as directly controlled valve discs with an electrically actuatable main valve which is fluidically connected to the operating air channel (19) and is electrically connected to the valve controller (5) via the electrical supply line (17).

4. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The fluid supply line (18) comprises a control air channel (20), and the first safety valve (51) and the second safety valve (52) are designed to redundantly influence the fluid flow in the control air channel (20), in particular to block a fluidically communicating connection between the fluid connection (36) and the control air channel (20) and to vent the control air channel (20).

5. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 4, characterized in that The valve discs (101, 102) of the valve disc group (8) are configured as pre-control valve discs, which have an electrically actuatable pre-control valve (105, 106) that is electrically connected to the valve controller (5) via the electrical supply line (17) and that is fluidically connected to a control air channel (20) of the fluid supply line (18), and which have a fluidically pre-controlled main valve (107, 108) that is fluidically connected to the pre-control valve (105, 106) and to the working air channel (19).

6. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 5, characterized in that The throttle valve (171) is configured for temporarily reducing the control pressure in the control air channel (20).

7. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that Between the safety valve group and the valve disc group, a blocking disc is arranged, which is configured for blocking the working air channel between the safety valve group and the valve disc group and which has a working air connection that is configured for feeding working air into the working air channel of the valve disc group.

8. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that Between the safety valve group (7) and the valve disc group (8), a blocking disc (82) is arranged, which is configured for blocking the control air channel (20) between the safety valve group (7) and the valve disc group (8) and which has a control air connection (83) that is configured for feeding control air into the control air channel (20) of the valve disc group (8).

9. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first safety valve (51) and / or the second safety valve (52) has a safety main valve that is electrically connected to the safety controller (7) and fluidically connected to the fluid connection (36), and the safety controller is configured for electrically actuating the safety main valve.

10. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first safety valve (51) and / or the second safety valve (52) has a safety pre-control valve (60, 61) that is electrically connected to the safety controller (7) and fluidically connected to the fluid connection (36) and a safety main valve (62, 63) that is fluidically connected to the safety pre-control valve (60, 61) and fluidically connected to the fluid connection (36), wherein the safety controller (7) is configured for electrically actuating the safety pre-control valve (60, 61) and wherein the safety pre-control valve (60, 61) is configured for fluidically actuating the safety main valve (62, 63).

11. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to claim 9, characterized in that The throttle valve (171) has an input connection (178) for connecting to the fluid connection (36) and a control air output that is configured for connecting to a control air input of the safety valve group (7).

12. Valve assembly (1; 81; 91) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first safety valve (51) and / or the second safety valve (52) is equipped with a position sensor (78, 79) that is configured for detecting a valve position and that is electrically connected to the safety controller (7).

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