Pressure monitoring device and valve assembly equipped with it

Abstract

Pressure monitoring device (7), comprising a fluid distributor (9) penetrated by several distributor fluid channels (11) and a pressure monitoring module (15) mounted on the fluid distributor (9), the module comprising a pressure sensor device (32) which is in fluid communication with at least one distributor fluid channel (11) for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing therein, wherein the pressure monitoring module (15) comprises a switching device (33) by which the pressure sensor device (32) can be fluidically connected to different distributor fluid channels (11) for setting different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module (15), characterized in that the switching device (33) is associated with an actuating device (58) designed as part of the pressure monitoring module (15) for setting the desired pressure monitoring mode, which can be activated manually and / or electrically.

Description

The invention relates to a pressure monitoring device, having a fluid distributor through which a plurality of distributor fluid channels pass, and having a pressure monitoring module mounted on the fluid distributor, which pressure monitoring module has a pressure sensor device which is in fluid communication with at least one distributor fluid channel for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing therein, wherein the pressure monitoring module has a changeover device by means of which the pressure sensor device can alternatively be fluidically connected to different distributor fluid channels in order to set different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module.The invention further relates to a valve arrangement, having a fluid distributor through which a plurality of distributor fluid channels pass, having at least one valve module mounted on the fluid distributor and connected in a fluid-tight manner to at least a plurality of the distributor fluid channels, and having a pressure monitoring module which is likewise mounted on the fluid distributor and has a pressure sensor device which is in fluid communication with at least one of the distributor fluid channels for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing therein.A pressure monitoring device known from WO 2013 / 114 124 A1 has a plurality of valves combined in a valve arrangement, which are connected to a pressure sensor via OR valves, so that the operation of the valves can be monitored.DE 20 2005 005 906 U1 discloses a pressure monitoring device implemented in a valve arrangement, which is capable of detecting the fluid pressure prevailing in a plurality of distributor fluid channels of a fluid distributor. The known pressure monitoring device comprises a pressure monitoring module mounted on the fluid distributor and equipped with a pressure sensor to which the fluid pressure to be monitored is applied by means of two pressure monitoring stubs which are each inserted into one of the distributor fluid channels. The fluid manifold also mounts a plurality of valve modules that communicate with the manifold fluid passages and that are capable of controlling the flow of a fluidic pressurized medium. The known pressure monitoring module can also be equipped with only a single pressure tap connection if the pressure in only one of the distributor fluid channels is to be detected.DE 10 2005 055 261 A1 discloses a valve arrangement which has a valve module mounted on a fluid distributor and equipped with a pressure sensor. Electrical pressure signals generated by the pressure sensor are wirelessly transmitted to a signal receiver mounted in the fluid manifold.The invention is based on the object of taking measures which make it possible with little effort to detect the fluid pressures prevailing in different distributor fluid channels.To achieve this object, in a pressure monitoring device of the type mentioned at the beginning, it is provided that the changeover device is assigned an actuating device which is designed as a component of the pressure monitoring module and can be activated manually and / or electrically, in order to set the desired pressure monitoring mode.The object is further achieved by a valve arrangement having the features of claim 18.In this way, there is the advantageous possibility of carrying out an alternative pressure monitoring with respect to the fluid pressure prevailing in different distributor fluid channels with only a single pressure monitoring module. In particular, one and the same pressure sensor device of the pressure monitoring module can alternatively be used for pressure detection of the fluid pressure of a plurality of different distributor fluid channels. The sensor equipment of the pressure monitoring module therefore requires only little outlay and low costs. A changeover device of the pressure monitoring module makes it possible to alternately set different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module, which differ in that the pressure sensor device communicates with different distributor fluid channels. In this way, in a first pressure monitoring mode, the pressure prevailing in at least one first distributor fluid channel can be detected, while in at least one further pressure monitoring mode, the fluid pressure prevailing in at least one further distributor fluid channel can be detected. The changeover device is preferably designed such that it can be actuated at any time and therefore also when a valve arrangement equipped with the pressure monitoring device is in operation. As a result, a change of the pressure monitoring task can be carried out without the valve arrangement being operationally stopped. To set the desired pressure monitoring mode, the changeover device is assigned an actuating device which is designed as a component of the pressure monitoring module. This actuating device is either of an electrically activatable design or is additionally or alternatively designed to be manually activatable. Since the pressure monitoring module is suitable for alternative pressure detection in the case of different distributor fluid channels, the variety of pressure monitoring modules to be provided for realizing different pressure monitoring tasks is reduced.Advantageous further developments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims.In a possible embodiment of the pressure monitoring device, the pressure sensor device is in fluid communication with only a single distributor fluid channel in at least one pressure monitoring mode set by the switching device.In an expedient configuration of the pressure monitoring device, the pressure sensor device is connected to only a single distributor fluid channel in each available pressure monitoring mode. In the case of a valve arrangement, there is in particular the possibility here of alternatively detecting a supply pressure supplying the additionally present valve modules and a further fluid pressure leading to a connected external device.In a likewise advantageous embodiment of the pressure monitoring device, the pressure sensor device is simultaneously in fluid communication with two distributor fluid channels in at least one pressure monitoring mode. This is particularly suitable for detecting the fluid pressure in two distributor fluid channels which are used as exhaust air channels.The switching device can be designed such that it can be operated in only a single switching mode or alternatively in a plurality of switching modes. In each switching mode, the switching means enables setting of different pressure monitoring modes. Preferably, the switching device can switch between exactly two pressure monitoring modes in at least one and preferably in each switching mode available to it. However, a design can also be implemented in which more than two pressure monitoring modes can be set in at least one changeover operating mode, in particular exactly three pressure monitoring modes. The greater the number of available pressure monitoring modes, the more variable the pressure monitoring capabilities available.In a particularly cost-effective embodiment of the pressure monitoring device according to the invention, only a single changeover mode is available for the changeover device. In order to increase the number of available pressure monitoring modes, it is advantageous if the pressure monitoring device is designed such that the switching device can be operated in a plurality of different switching modes, wherein in each of these plurality of switching modes, alternatively at least two different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module can be set by means of the switching device. The pressure monitoring device is in this case equipped with a selection device with which the desired changeover mode can be set. The selection device is preferably designed such that it can be used to specify exactly two switching modes of operation of the switching device.The selection device is expediently a direct component of the pressure monitoring module.For the selective fluidic connection of the pressure sensor device to the at least one distributor fluid channel to be monitored with regard to the fluid pressure prevailing therein, the changeover device is expediently equipped with a valve member which can be positioned in different switching positions. Different switching positions of the valve member define different pressure monitoring modes. When switching between two pressure monitoring modes, the valve member executes a switching motion, which is preferably a linear switching motion. Expediently, the valve member is designed as a piston-like valve slide.If the changeover device can be operated in a plurality of changeover modes, the valve member can be positioned in two mutually opposite first and second end position switching positions by corresponding changeover movements in each of these plurality of changeover modes, each of these two end position switching positions defining a pressure monitoring mode. In at least one of the two predeterminable end position switching positions, the plurality of switching modes differ. For example, the valve member can be positioned in two different switching modes in the same first end position switching position in each case, but in two second end position switching positions which differ from one another.With a corresponding configuration of the changeover device, the valve member can also be positioned in at least one and preferably exactly one intermediate switching position lying between the two end position switching positions. This is preferably a middle position.In connection with a changeover device which has a movable valve member, the selection device expediently comprises a selection member which performs a stroke limiting function with respect to the changeover movement of the valve member. The selection element can be positioned in different selection positions in which it specifies different switching modes of operation of the switching device by specifying different first and / or second end position switching positions of the valve element.The selector element is expediently an element arranged in axial extension of the valve element. It is preferably manually operable. A configuration as a rotary member has proven particularly expedient, which changes its axial position when it is rotated.The switching device is expediently of a monostable construction. In this connection, the valve member is prestressed by spring means into one of its two end position switching positions. Alternatively, however, a multistable embodiment of the changeover device is also possible, in which each switching position of the valve member is a stable switching position.For advantageous constructive implementation of the selective pressure monitoring function, a monitoring fluid channel system is expediently formed in the pressure monitoring module, in which the changeover device is integrated. The monitoring fluid channel system has a plurality of pressure signal input channels which independently of one another connect the changeover device to at least one of the valve carrier fluid channels, with the result that the fluid pressure prevailing in the connected valve carrier fluid channel is present therein. A pressure signal output channel likewise belonging to the monitoring fluid channel system connects the changeover device to the pressure sensor device. Depending on the respective present switching position of the valve member and the pressure monitoring mode thus set, the pressure signal output channel is in fluid communication with one or more of the pressure signal input channels, so that the pressure sensor device is acted upon by the fluid pressure prevailing in the currently connected valve carrier fluid channel.The fluid distributor expediently contains an electrical signal transmission line connected to the pressure monitoring module. The signal transmission line enables the transmission of electrical pressure signals of the pressure sensor device to an electronic control device, which can be an internal component of the pressure monitoring device and / or of the valve arrangement, but which can also be an external device. The electronic control device is in particular capable of inducing subsequent actions which are adapted thereto depending on the pressure signals obtained, in particular for diagnostic purposes. If the pressure monitoring device is designed for an electrically actuated specification of the pressure monitoring mode, the signal transmission line is preferably also used to transmit the electrical actuation signals causing the switching of the switching device from an electronic control device to the pressure monitoring module.On the fluid distributor of the pressure monitoring device, one or more valve modules are expediently mounted in addition to the pressure monitoring module, which valve modules likewise communicate with the valve carrier fluid channels. These valve modules are preferably electrically operated multiway valves. The valve modules are designed to fluidically control connected consumers, for example fluid-operated drives, for their actuation.The pressure monitoring device and / or the valve arrangement are designed in particular for operation with compressed air as fluidic pressure medium. In principle, however, operation is also possible with any other type of pressure fluid.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In these show: FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention, into which a pressure monitoring device according to the invention, which is likewise preferably designed, is integrated, FIG. 2 shows the arrangement from FIG. 1 in a state of the pressure monitoring module lifted from the fluid distributor, FIG. 3 shows a detail of the arrangement from FIG. 1, in which a longitudinal section of the fluid distributor can be seen in cross section, and a pressure monitoring module mounted on the fluid distributor, FIG. 4 shows the arrangement from FIG. 3 in a side view with the viewing direction according to arrow IV from FIG. 3, wherein a first switchover operating mode ("1-2") of an internal switchover device is set by means of a selection element of a selection device, FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section along section line V-V of FIG. 4, wherein a first pressure monitoring mode is set, FIG. 6 shows the arrangement from FIG. 5, wherein, however, a different pressure monitoring mode is set in comparison with FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a side view of the arrangement from FIG. 3 viewed in the direction of arrow IV from FIG. 3, wherein a second switchover operating mode ("1-3 / 5") of the switchover device, which is different from that of FIG. 4, is set by the selection element, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section along the section line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7, wherein a first pressure monitoring mode is set; and FIG. 9 shows the arrangement from FIG. 8, but a different pressure monitoring mode is set in comparison with FIG. 8.In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a valve arrangement 6 equipped with a pressure monitoring device 7. FIGS. 3 to 9 show the component of the valve arrangement 6 defining the pressure monitoring device 7 in clear individual representations.The pressure monitoring device 7 can alternatively also be formed and used independently of a valve arrangement 6. The integration into a valve arrangement which, apart from the pressure monitoring device 7, also has, inter alia, at least one valve module 8 serving for fluid control, as is the case with the valve arrangement 6, is, however, regarded as particularly advantageous.The pressure monitoring device 7 has a fluid distributor 9 in the interior of which a plurality of fluid channels extend, which for better differentiation are designated as distributor fluid channels 11. The fluid distributor 9 has a longitudinal axis 13, wherein at least some of the distributor fluid channels 11 run in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 13. The latter are also referred to below as distributor longitudinal channels 11 a.The fluid distributor 9 is a rigid body, which is made in particular of metal. It is preferably composed of a plurality of fluid distributor modules 9 aarranged one next to the other with sealing in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 13 and connected to one another. In FIGS. 3 to 9, such a fluid distributor module 9a can be seen. Each distributor fluid channel 11 designed as a longitudinal distributor channel 11 ais composed of a plurality of fluid channel sections, which pass through the respective fluid distributor module 9 aand communicate with one another in the joining region of the fluid distributor modules 9 a.The fluid distributor 9 can alternatively also be formed in one piece and in this case in particular in the form of a plate or strip.Some of the distributor fluid channels 11 expediently run transversely to the longitudinal axis 13 and are also referred to below as distributor transverse channels 11 b. They are individual channels that do not communicate with each other. Each fluid distributor module 9 apreferably has at least one and preferably a plurality of such transverse distributor ducts 11 b, in the exemplary embodiment in each case two pieces.The fluid distributor 9 belonging to the pressure monitoring device 7 has a placement surface 14, on which a pressure monitoring module 15 separate from the fluid distributor 9 is mounted. The pressure monitoring module 15 is fastened, in particular in a detachable manner, to the fluid distributor 9 by fastening means 16, for example fastening screws. On an underside, the pressure monitoring module 15 has a mounting surface 17 with which it is placed in front of the placement surface 14. Between the placement surface 14 and the mounting surface 17 a seal 18 is expediently arranged, which is embodied in a plate-shaped manner, for example.The surface section of the placement surface 14 of the fluid distributor 9 occupied by the pressure monitoring module 15 is referred to below as the monitoring module placement location 14 b.A branch channel leads from each longitudinal distributor channel 11 aof the distributor fluid channels 11 and opens out to the placement surface 14 at the monitoring module placement location 14 bin such a way that its mouth is opposite the mounting surface 17 of the pressure monitoring module 15. At least one distributor transverse channel 11 band preferably a plurality of distributor transverse channels 11 bof the distributor fluid channels 11 also each open out with one end at the monitoring module mounting location 14 bto the mounting surface 14. The associated channel openings are visible at 19.In the pressure monitoring module 15 there is a fluid channel system, which for better differentiation is referred to as monitoring fluid channel system 22. This monitoring fluid channel system 22 opens out multiple times via channel openings 23 on the mounting surface 17. Channel openings 19, 23 of the distributor fluid channels 11 and of the monitoring fluid channel system 22 are situated opposite one another in pairs through the seal 18, so that corresponding fluid connections are present between the individual distributor fluid channels 11 and the monitoring fluid channel system 22.As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve modules 8 are likewise mounted on the placement surface 14. Expediently, the pressure monitoring module 15 and the valve modules 8 are mounted on the placement surface 14 in succession in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 13. FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 each show an unequipped surface section of the placement surface 14 which forms a valve placement location 14 a, on which a valve module 8 is mounted in the ready-to-use state of the valve arrangement 6. The valve mounting location 14 aadpropriately connects directly to the monitoring module mounting location 14 bin the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 13.The distributor fluid channels 11 open out to the valve placement locations 14 avia channel openings 24 that can be seen in FIG. 3, so that they likewise communicate with the valve module 8 mounted there. Each distributor longitudinal channel 11 aends not only to the monitoring module placement location 14 bbut also to each valve placement location 14 a. In addition, at least one individual distributor transverse channel 11 bdisrupts out to each valve placement location 14 a.Each valve module 8 is able to connect or disconnect the distributor fluid channels 11 which emerge from the valve mounting location 14 aaccounted by it in a predefined pattern in order to control the fluid flow of a fluidic pressure medium, in particular compressed air.The distributor transverse channels 11 b, which open out at the valve placement locations 14 a, are preferably designed as working channels, which open out via connection openings 26 to an outer connection surface 25 of the fluid distributor 9, which is separate with respect to the placement surface 14. A consumer to be activated, for example a fluid-actuated drive, can be connected to these connection openings 26 via fluid lines, not illustrated. Each valve module 8 is capable of causing fluid supply and fluid discharge with respect to the connected consumer through the associated distributor cross channels 11 bfunctioning as working channels.The valve modules 8 can expediently be actuated electrically. They contain in their interior a valve member in a manner known per se, which can be positioned in different switching positions by means of an electrically activatable drive device 27 of the valve module 8. The selected switching position specifies the fluid flow in the working channelsThe valve modules 8 are in particular electropneumatically pilot-controlled multiway valves. The valve member belongs to a main valve of the multiway valve. The drive device 27 is preferably designed as an electromagnetic pilot valve device, by means of which the main valve can be actuated fluidically.Their electrical actuation signals are received by the valve modules 8 or their drive devices 27 from an electronic control device 30 via an internal electrical signal transmission line 28 which passes through the fluid distributor 9 in the axial direction of its longitudinal axis 13. The signal transmission line 28 extends in a receiving channel 28 aof the fluid distributor 9.The electronic control device 30 is preferably a component of the pressure monitoring device 7 and / or of the valve arrangement 6. However, it can also be designed as an external component.Depending on the task to be fulfilled, the valve arrangement 6 can comprise only a single valve module 8 or also a plurality of valve modules 8.Among the distributor fluid channels 11 designed as distributor longitudinal channels 11a there are a supply channel 1 and two relief channels 3, 5. The relief channels 3, 5 communicate with a pressure sink, in particular with the atmosphere. During operation with compressed air, the relief ducts 3, 5 each represent an exhaust-air duct or venting duct.At least one further distributor fluid channel 11 designed as a longitudinal distributor channel 11 apreferably defines a pilot control channel 12, via which each drive device 27 of the valve modules 8, designed as a pilot control valve device, is supplied from an external pressure source with a pilot pressure medium required for actuating the associated main valve. Alternatively, the pilot pressure medium can also be branched off in the interior of the valve module 8 from a valve channel communicating with the supply channel of the fluid distributor 9. In this case, the use of a separate pilot control channel 12 is superfluous.By way of example, two distributor transverse channels 11 bend out on the placement surface 14 to the monitoring module placement location 14 b, which for better differentiation are also referred to below as continuation channels 2, 4. Each further guide channel 2, 4 opens out in a comparable manner to the distributor transverse channels 11 bfunctioning as working channels with a connection opening 29 to an outer connection surface 25 of the fluid distributor 9, so that it is possible to establish a fluid connection to at least one external fluidic device, not illustrated in the drawing, via a further fluid line.In the illustrated embodiment, only the one transfer channel 2 is used for such fluid transfer purposes. It is also referred to below as first further guide channel 2. The other further guide channel 4 is inactive and is expediently tightly closed by means of a plug 31 inserted into the associated connection opening 29.The pressure monitoring module 15 internally has a pressure sensor device 32 which is designed to detect fluid pressures. For example, it is a piezoelectric or piezoresistive pressure sensor device 32. the pressure sensor device 32 is preferably an absolute pressure sensor device or a relative pressure sensor device. In a preferred, particularly cost-effective embodiment, the pressure sensor device 32 contains only a single pressure sensor. This applies to the illustrated embodiment.The pressure sensor device 32 is connected to the monitoring fluid channel system 22 in the interior of the pressure monitoring module 15. In this way, the pressure sensor device 32 can be in fluid communication with one or more of the distributor fluid channels 11 which open out via a channel opening 19 to the monitoring module mounting location 14 bfor detecting the fluid pressure prevailing therein.The pressure monitoring module 15 is equipped with a changeover device 33 integrated into the monitoring fluid channel system 22, by means of which the pressure sensor device 32 can alternatively be connected to different distributor fluid channels 11 in order to set different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module 15. As a result, a selective pressure monitoring of some or all of the distributor fluid channels 11 following one another in time is possible by means of only a single pressure sensor device 32.In the various adjustable pressure monitoring modes, a pressure detection of the fluid pressure prevailing in different distributor fluid channels 11 takes place. Thus, in a first pressure monitoring mode, the pressure detection of the fluid pressure of a different distributor fluid channel 11 takes place than in each further adjustable pressure monitoring mode.In each set pressure monitoring mode, at least one of the distributor fluid channels 11 is fluidically connected to the pressure sensor device 32 by the monitoring fluid channel system 22, such that the pressure sensor device 32 is acted upon by the fluid pressure which prevails in the distributor fluid channel 11 connected thereto. Depending on the configuration of the changeover device 33, at least one pressure monitoring mode can be characterized in that the pressure sensor device 32 is in fluid communication with only a single distributor fluid channel 11. A configuration of the changeover device 33 is likewise possible in such a way that the pressure sensor device 32 is simultaneously in fluid communication with two distributor fluid channels 11 in at least one pressure monitoring mode.The pressure monitoring device 7 is preferably designed such that its switchover device 33 can be operated in a plurality of different switchover modes. In this connection, the pressure monitoring device 7 is equipped with a selection device 34, by means of which the desired changeover mode can be preset as required. The pressure monitoring device 7 of the exemplary embodiment has corresponding equipment.In FIGS. 4 to 6, the switching device 33 is illustrated in the state of a first switching mode. FIGS. 7 to 9 show the switching device 33 in the state of a second switching mode which differs from the first switching mode. In each switching mode, a plurality of pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module 15 can be set alternately by the switching device 33, wherein according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment exactly two different pressure monitoring modes can be set per switching mode.In an unillustrated embodiment, the switching means 33 has only a single non-variable switching mode. In this very cost-effective embodiment, the selection device 34 which is present by way of example is then also dispensed with.In its preferred embodiment, the changeover device 33 is designed in the manner of a switching valve suitable for fluid control. This applies to the illustrated embodiment. The switching device 33 accordingly comprises a valve housing 35 and a valve member 36 arranged in the interior of the valve housing 35 The valve member 36 can be positioned in different switching positions, which each define a pressure monitoring mode, while performing first and second switching movements 37 a, 37 b, which are oriented opposite to one another.The switchover movements 37 a, 37 bare preferably linear movements. The valve member 36 is in particular designed as a piston slide and is accommodated in a valve chamber 38 of the valve housing 35 in a linearly displaceable manner.The valve member 36 defines in the valve chamber 38 a plurality of axially successively arranged valve chamber portions 38a by cooperation with annular sealing members 42 arranged on the valve housing 35. The sealing elements 42 can alternatively also be arranged on the valve member 36. The monitoring fluid channel system 22 has a plurality of pressure signal input channels 43, which each open on the one hand into one of the valve chamber sections 38 aand on the other hand are connected to one of the distributor fluid channels 11 via one of the channel openings 23.In addition, the monitoring fluid channel system 22 contains a pressure signal output channel 44, which is connected on the one hand to the pressure sensor device 32 and on the other hand opens into at least one such valve chamber section 38 awhich is not directly connected to one of the pressure signal input channels 43. By way of example, the pressure signal output channel 44 communicates simultaneously with a plurality of valve chamber sections 38 a, although in a variant embodiment it can also be connected to only a single valve chamber section 38 a.In a first switching position of the valve member 36 that is evident from FIGS. 5 and 8 and defines a first pressure monitoring mode, which is a first end position switching position predefined by cooperation of the valve member 36 with a first stop surface 45 fixed to the housing, the pressure signal output channel 44 communicates with at least one of the distributor fluid channels 11.In this way, the fluid pressures of different distributor fluid channels 11 are communicated to the pressure sensor device 32 in the two switching positions of the valve member 36. Thus, depending on the selected switching position of the valve member 36, the fluid pressures of different distributor fluid channels 11 can be detected by means of one and the same pressure sensor device 32. Each switching position of the valve member 36 defines one of a plurality of possible pressure monitoring modes.In the illustrated embodiment, the first end position switching position of the valve member 36 is the same in both switching modes of the switching device 33. It is defined in particular in that the valve member 36 is supported with its one, first axial end section on the first stop surface 45, the relative position of which with respect to the valve housing 35 is invariable. The first stop surface 45 is formed in particular by a closing wall axially closing off the valve chamber 38.The second stop surface 46 is likewise fixed with respect to the valve housing 35, but is located on a selection member 48 of the selection device 34. the selection member 48 is arranged on the valve housing 35 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the switchover movements 37 a, 37 b, which thus also applies to the second stop surface 46. The axial displacement movement of the selector member 48 is indicated at 49 by a double arrow. The second stop surface 46 lies in the stroke path of the valve member 36 and faces the valve member 36. In particular, it is arranged on an end face of the selection member 48 facing the valve member 36, which end face extends in the valve chamber 38 in an axial extension of the valve member 36.Within the framework of the adjustment movement 49, the selection member 48 and thus also the second stop surface 46 can be positioned selectively in a first selection position lying closer to the facing first stop surface 45 or in a second selection position further away from the first stop surface 45. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the selection member 48 is in the first selection position, while in FIGS. 8 and 9 it is positioned in the second selection position.The selection element 48 fulfils a stroke limiting function with respect to the valve element 36 for presetting the second end position switching position. When the valve member 36 moves out of the first end position switching position while performing the first switchover movement 37 a, it is stopped in the second end position switching position by striking the second stop surface 46. This second end position switching position is different in the first selection position of the selection element 48 than in the second selection position.Thus, the selection device 34 of the exemplary embodiment enables the setting of two changeover modes in which the first end position switching positions of the valve member 36 are identical and in which the second end position switching positions differ from one another.The selection member 48 is preferably designed as a rotary member, which applies to the exemplary embodiment. The rotational functionality is in particular such that a rotating actuating movement 52 indicated by a double arrow results in the linear adjusting movement 49. This can be realized particularly easily by the selection member 48 being in threaded engagement 53 with the valve housing 35, comparable to a screw screwed into an internal thread.The selection member 48 can be actuated manually, for example. It has an actuating head 54 which is located outside the valve housing 35 and can be gripped by the fingers of a hand in order to produce the actuating movement 52.The selection device 34 is expediently equipped with indexing means 55, by means of which the possible selection positions are predefined in a form-fitting manner. The indexing means 55 are designed in particular as releasable latching means. For example, they contain a latching element 55 aarranged spring-loaded on the valve housing 35 and which can alternatively engage in latching recesses 55 bof the selection element 48 spaced apart angularly and axially from one another when the selection element 48 is rotated.The selection device 34 can additionally or alternatively also be designed for remote electrical and / or fluid-operated actuation.Cooperating components of a display device 56 arranged on the selection member 48, in particular on the actuating head 54, and on the valve housing 35 allow a visual check of the currently set selection position at all times.In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pressure signal output channel 44 and thus the pressure sensor device 32 are connected to the first transfer channel 2 of the distributor fluid channels 11 in a first pressure monitoring mode predefined by the first end position switching position of the valve member 36. This applies to both switching modes of the switching device 33 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8.In the second pressure monitoring mode predefined by the second end position switching position of the valve member 36, the pressure signal output channel 44 is connected to the supply channel 1 of the distributor fluid channels 11 in the first switching mode of the switching device 33, while in the second switching mode there is a simultaneous connection of the pressure signal output channel 44 to the two relief channels 3, 5 of the distributor fluid channels 11. These two stages are evident from Figures 6 and 9.In the exemplary embodiment, the display device 56 visualizes the first switching mode by the display "1-2" and the second switching mode by the display "2-3 / 5". Here, "1" stands for the supply channel 1, "2" stands for the first further guide channel 2, and "3" and "5" stand for one of the two relief channels 3, 5, respectively.The switching device 33 expediently has a monostable functionality. For this purpose, it is prestressed by spring means 57 into one of the two end position switching positions, for example into the first end position switching position. The spring means 57 are functionally incorporated between the valve member 36 and the valve housing 35, being exemplarily effective between the valve member 36 and the selector member 48. The spring means 57 are preferably designed as compression spring means.The spring means 57 prestresses the valve member into the first end position switching position. For switching over and holding in the second end position switching position, an actuating force must be exerted on the valve member 36. This actuating force can be generated by means of an actuating device 58 of the pressure monitoring module 15.The actuating device 58 is expediently mounted axially on the valve housing 35 so that a structural unit is present.Preferably, the actuating device 58 can be actuated electrically. By way of example, it is designed as an electrically actuatable pilot valve device which has an electrically actuatable pilot valve 62, which is embodied, for example, as a solenoid valve and is indicated only schematically in the drawing and only in FIG. 5.The actuating device 58 is preferably of the same construction as the drive device 27 of the at least one valve module 8.Pilot valve 62 of actuating device 58 is connected via a pilot input channel 63 opening out on mounting surface 17 of pressure monitoring module 15 to pilot channel 12 of manifold fluid channels 11 opening out on monitoring module mounting location 14 bof fluid distributor 9, and in this way is supplied with a pilot pressure medium. A pilot output passage 64 connects the pilot valve 62 to a drive chamber 65 of the changeover device 33, which is bounded in the valve chamber 38 by a drive piston 66 associated with the valve member 36. The drive chamber 65 is also bounded by the first stop surface 45.The actuator 58 further includes a pilot relief passage 67 which connects the pilot valve 62 to the atmosphere "R".The actuating device 58 is electrically connected to the signal transmission line 28 via an electromechanical connecting device 68. Thus, the actuator 58 may be supplied with electrical actuation signals from the electronic controller 30 coupled to the signal transmission line 28 to enable or disable the pilot valve 62. The pilot valve 62 has, in particular, a 3 / 2-valve function.When pilot valve 62 is deactivated, pilot output channel 64, and consequently also drive chamber 65, is connected to pilot relief channel 67 and is therefore pressureless. This has the consequence that the valve member 36 is held in the first end position switching position by the spring means 57.If pilot valve 62 is electrically activated, it connects pilot input channel 63 to pilot output channel 64, so that drive piston 66 is charged with the pilot pressure medium exerting an actuating force, and valve member 36 moves into the second end position switching position overcoming the spring force of spring means 57. There, the valve member remains electrically activated as long as the pilot valve 62 remains electrically activated.By deactivating the pilot control valve 62, the switching back of the valve member 36 into the first end position switching position can be brought about by the spring means 57.The changeover device 33 can also be embodied in a multistable and in particular bistable manner. This has the advantage that constant power supply is not required for maintaining the respectively set pressure monitoring mode.The actuating device 58 does not necessarily require a pilot control valve 62, and it can also be designed without any further measures for direct electromagnetic or electromechanical actuation of the valve member 36.With a corresponding configuration of the pressure monitoring module 15, not only the electrical actuation signals presetting the respectively desired pressure monitoring mode can be transmitted via the signal transmission line 28, but also actuation signals for the actuation of the selection device 34 for presetting the respectively desired selection position of the selection element 48 if the selection device 34 is configured for a corresponding electrical remote actuation.Preferably, the actuating device 58 can be activated not only electrically but also manually. For this purpose, it has a manual actuating device 72, for example, the manual actuating device 72 has a manually actuatable manual actuating element 72a, which acts mechanically directly on the valve member 36 of the changeover device 33 or on the pilot valve 62.It is understood that the actuating device 58 can also be designed only for purely electrical actuation or only purely manual actuation.The signal transmission line 28 is expediently also used to transmit electrical pressure signals generated by the pressure sensor device 32 to the connected electronic control device 30. The electromechanical coupling of the pressure sensor device 32 to the signal transmission line 28 takes place via the electromechanical connection device 68.The pressure sensor device 32 contains, for example, a diaphragm which is acted upon by the fluid pressure of the selected distributor fluid channel 11, an electrical pressure signal being derived from the mechanical stress.With the aid of the electronic control device 30 connected to the pressure monitoring module 15, it is possible to preset, as required, the fluid pressure to which distributor fluid channel 11 is to be measured. This is effected by appropriate influencing of the changeover device 33.To monitor the set pressure monitoring mode, a position sensing device may be associated with the valve member 36 and communicates with the electronic controller 30.The signal transmission line 28 preferably defines a serial bus, but can also be designed to carry out a parallel signal transmission.

Claims

Pressure monitoring device (7), having a fluid distributor (9) through which a plurality of distributor fluid channels (11) pass, and having a pressure monitoring module (15) which is mounted on the fluid distributor (9) and has a pressure sensor device (32) which is in fluid communication with at least one distributor fluid channel (11) for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing therein, wherein the pressure monitoring module (15) has a changeover device (33) by means of which the pressure sensor device (32) can alternatively be fluidically connected to different distributor fluid channels (11) in order to set different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module (15), characterized in that the changeover device (33) is assigned an actuating device (58) which is designed as a component of the pressure monitoring module (15) and can be activated manually and / or electrically.Pressure monitoring device (7) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensor device (32) is in fluid communication with only a single distributor fluid channel (11) in at least one pressure monitoring mode set by the switching device (33).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure sensor device (32) is simultaneously in fluid communication with two distributor fluid channels (11) in at least one pressure monitoring mode.Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the switching device (33) can be operated in a switching operating mode in which at least two different pressure monitoring modes can be set by the switching device (33).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the switching device (33) can be operated in a switching operating mode in which exactly two different pressure monitoring modes can be set by the switching device (33).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switching device (33) can be operated in a plurality of different switching modes, wherein in each of these plurality of switching modes alternatively at least two different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module (15) can be set by means of the switching device (33), wherein the desired switching mode can be set by means of a selection device (34) of the pressure monitoring device (7).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to claim 6, characterised in that the selection device (34) is a component of the pressure monitoring module (15).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the changeover device (33) has a valve member (36) which can be positioned in different switching positions by changeover movements (37a, 37b), wherein switching positions of the valve member (36) which deviate from one another specify different pressure monitoring modes of the pressure monitoring module (15).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to claim 8 in combination with claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the valve member (36) can be positioned in two mutually opposite first and second end position switching positions by switching movements (37a, 37b) in each of the plurality of switching modes, wherein the first end position switching positions and / or second end position switching positions which can be adjusted in the plurality of switching modes differ from one another.Pressure monitoring device (7) according to claim 8 in combination with claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the valve member (36) can be operated in exactly two switching modes, wherein the valve member (36) can be positioned in each of the two switching modes by switching movements (37a, 37b) in two mutually opposite first and second end position switching positions, wherein the two switching modes coincide in the first end position switching positions which can be set by it and differ from one another in the second end position switching positions which can be set by it.Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 8 to 10 in conjunction with Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the selection device (34) has a selection member (48) which performs a stroke limiting function with respect to at least one changeover movement (37a, 37b) of the valve member (36) and can be positioned in different selection positions in which it specifies different changeover modes of operation of the changeover device (33) by specifying different first and / or second end position switching positions of the valve member (36).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the selection member (48) is a manually actuatable rotary member arranged in axial extension of the valve member (36).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the valve member (36) is prestressed by spring means (57) into one of its two end position switching positions.Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a monitoring fluid channel system (22) is formed in the pressure monitoring module (15), into which system the switching device (33) is incorporated, wherein a pressure signal output channel (44) of the monitoring fluid channel system (22) runs between the switching device (33) and the pressure sensor device (32), and wherein a plurality of pressure signal input channels (43) of the monitoring fluid channel system (22), which are each connected to at least one of the valve carrier fluid channels (11) to be monitored in terms of pressure, and which can be fluidically connected to the pressure signal output channel (44) in a selected manner by means of the switching device (33) in order to set the pressure monitoring modes, issue from the switching device (33).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that an electrical signal transmission line (28) which is connected to the pressure monitoring module (15) and is designed for transmitting electrical pressure signals from the pressure sensor device (32) to an electronic control device (30) is arranged in the fluid distributor (9).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to claim 15, characterised in that the electrical signal transmission line (28) is also designed for transmitting electrical actuation signals which preset the respective pressure monitoring mode of the pressure monitoring module (15).Pressure monitoring device (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, in addition to the pressure monitoring module (15), at least one valve module (8) which communicates with at least a plurality of the valve carrier fluid channels (11) and is designed for fluid control is mounted on the fluid distributor (9).Valve arrangement (6), having a fluid distributor (9) through which a plurality of distributor fluid channels (11) pass, having at least one valve module (8) mounted on the fluid distributor (9) and connected in a fluid-tight manner to at least a plurality of the distributor fluid channels (11), and having a pressure monitoring module (15) which is likewise mounted on the fluid distributor (9) and has a pressure sensor device (32) which is in fluid communication with at least one of the distributor fluid channels (11) for detecting the fluid pressure prevailing therein, characterized in that the pressure monitoring device (7) is designed according to one of Claims 1 to 17.

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