Valve control head for a valve and valve

Abstract

Valve control head for a valve (10), comprising a position sensor device (36) configured to detect at least one position along a stroke range (H) of the valve (10), wherein the position sensor device (36) comprises a signal transmitter (38) and a sensor arrangement (40) with multiple magnetic field sensors (42) associated with the stroke range (H), wherein the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) are Hall sensors, wherein the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) are arranged discontinuously distributed along the stroke range (H), wherein a circuit board (54) is arranged in the valve control head (28) to which the sensor arrangement (40) with the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) is attached, and wherein the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) are arranged in a row along a sensor axis (S), and wherein the sensor axis (S) is parallel to an adjustment path of the valve (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve control head for a valve, in particular for a process valve. The invention further relates to a valve with a valve control head.

[0002] Valve control heads are known from the prior art for use in valves, particularly process valves, to, among other things, control a valve actuator, which adjusts a valve element. This allows the valve to be opened, closed, or the flow rate to be adjusted according to the valve's position. The corresponding control electronics for the valve actuator are integrated into the valve control head.

[0003] It is also known, for example, from DE 10 2015 109 473 A1, that a displacement measuring system or a position sensor device is provided in the valve control heads, by means of which the position of the valve can be detected, in particular the position of a component of the valve actuator. The position can be detected by means of evaluation electronics that evaluate corresponding sensor signals. The evaluation electronics are usually also housed in the valve control head.

[0004] Position sensor devices or displacement measuring systems known from the prior art include, for example, a discrete sensor that detects the position of the valve actuator component, particularly inductively. The sensor's position must be mechanically adjusted to the respective stroke range of the valve.

[0005] Continuous position sensor devices or displacement measuring systems are also known from the prior art, which, for example, incorporate inductive, magnetic field-based, or potentiometric sensors with multiple sensors. These continuous position sensor devices or displacement measuring systems are typically adapted to the valve's stroke range by means of automatic or manual learning functions and deliver a signal from each sensor with the same resolution across the entire measuring range, i.e., the valve's stroke range to be detected.

[0006] DE 10 2010 055 117 A1 discloses a position sensor device that is directly assigned to the working areas of a linear drive device. The position sensor device has a modular design, comprising identically designed sensor modules that can be connected in series.

[0007] From DE 20 2010 003 659 U1 a valve control head for a valve is known which includes a position sensor device with a sensor arrangement with several reed contacts.

[0008] A magnetic resistance array is shown in DE 101 14 780 A1.

[0009] DE 10 2014 006 276 A1 discloses a position sensor device with discontinuous Hall sensors for measuring a liquid level in a container.

[0010] However, a disadvantage of the valve control heads known from the prior art, in particular the position sensor devices or displacement measuring systems used, has been found to be that the manufacturing costs are relatively high in order to obtain the desired resolution, since numerous sensors have to be used to cover the entire measuring range, i.e. the stroke range of the valve to be detected.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective valve control head for a valve with which the desired resolution of position detection can be achieved.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved by a valve control head for a valve, wherein the valve control head comprises a position sensor device configured to detect at least one position along a stroke range of the valve. The position sensor device comprises a signal transmitter and a sensor arrangement with multiple magnetic field sensors, the sensor arrangement being associated with the stroke range. The multiple magnetic field sensors are Hall sensors. The multiple magnetic field sensors are arranged discontinuously distributed along the stroke range.

[0013] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to distribute the discretely designed magnetic field sensors of the sensor arrangement discontinuously along the stroke range of the valve, thus reducing the total number of magnetic field sensors used. This reduces the manufacturing costs for the valve control head. Due to the discontinuous distribution of the magnetic field sensors, different distances can occur between directly adjacent magnetic field sensors. At least one distance between two directly adjacent magnetic field sensors differs from the distances between the other magnetic field sensors, resulting in the discontinuous distribution of the magnetic field sensors along the stroke range. Therefore, it is not intended that the individual magnetic field sensors are arranged equidistantly over the entire stroke range in order to monitor it continuously with the same resolution.Rather, different resolutions along the stroke range are provided due to the discontinuous distribution of the magnetic field sensors, which is accompanied by a varying density of magnetic field sensors across the stroke range. These varying densities of the magnetic field sensors result in different resolutions for the entire sensor array across the valve's stroke range, particularly at least one area with a higher resolution or greater precision compared to the rest.

[0014] At least one area providing higher resolution or better precision can be assigned to a predefined position or adjustment range of the valve that is of particular interest. This ensures that this valve position can be detected with correspondingly high accuracy, whereas other, less important valve positions are monitored by the position sensor device with a correspondingly lower resolution.

[0015] For example, this allows the valve's tightness to be measured with a correspondingly higher resolution, enabling more precise control and monitoring of the valve to ensure its tightness. In other words, this effectively prevents leakage in the area of ​​the valve opening, as the exact position of the valve near its closed position is detected more precisely, allowing for more precise control and, in particular, more precise adjustments to achieve the closed position.

[0016] The magnetic field sensors could be Hall sensors.

[0017] Since the position sensor device comprises multiple sensors, it is a continuous position sensor device capable of detecting several different positions of the valve, particularly the sensor, along its stroke range. This includes, in particular, the closed and open positions of the valve—that is, the two extreme positions—but also any intermediate positions used to regulate the flow rate of a fluid being processed. In other words, the position sensor device is designed to determine the degree of valve opening.

[0018] Basically, the stroke range includes the closed position of the valve, the open position of the valve, and the adjustment range of the valve, which includes the adjustment path between the closed position and the open position.

[0019] The multiple magnetic field sensors can be arranged along a sensor axis, i.e. in a row, wherein the sensor axis is in particular parallel to an adjustment path of the valve or to a longitudinal axis of the valve.

[0020] One aspect stipulates that the sensor arrangement must have at least a first region in which magnetic field sensors are arranged at a higher density than in a main region of the sensor arrangement. This first region can be assigned to a section of the stroke range that is of particular interest for position monitoring by the position sensor device. This could be, for example, the closed position of the valve, which is to be monitored with higher resolution. This is ensured because the magnetic field sensors in the first region have a correspondingly higher density than in the main region of the sensor arrangement, which, among other things, is assigned to the adjustment range of the entire stroke range, i.e., the range between the closed and open positions.

[0021] In particular, the first area is assigned to an end section of the valve's stroke range and / or is located at a first end of the sensor assembly. The end section of the stroke range can correspond to the valve's closed position. The relative position of the first area of ​​the sensor assembly with respect to the valve control head can depend on how the valve is actuated.

[0022] Regardless of whether the valve encompassing the valve control head is a so-called NC valve or NO valve, i.e., a normally closed valve (NC - “normally closed”) or a normally open valve (NO - “normally opened”), the position sensor device ensures that a position of the valve that is of particular interest can be monitored with a correspondingly high resolution.

[0023] In principle, the first area of ​​the sensor arrangement, which has a higher resolution, can monitor the de-energized or normal position of the valve. However, it can also be intended that the energized or controlled position of the valve, in particular the energized or controlled end position of the valve, which is opposite to the de-energized or normal position, is to be monitored with a higher resolution.

[0024] This can be easily achieved by assigning the first area to the first end of the sensor arrangement, which allows the first area to be easily assigned to an end position of the valve.

[0025] In any case, an end position of the valve, for example the closed position, can be monitored with correspondingly high resolution via the first area, which has the higher density of magnetic field sensors.

[0026] Another aspect stipulates that the sensor array includes at least a second area where magnetic field sensors are arranged at a higher density than in the main area of ​​the array. Thus, there can be at least two areas where the magnetic field sensors have a higher density than in the main area of ​​the array. Therefore, at least two areas can be monitored with correspondingly higher precision.

[0027] The two areas can be assigned to the respective end positions of the valve, i.e., the closed position of the valve and the open position of the valve.

[0028] The main area of ​​the sensor array can have the lowest density of magnetic field sensors. For example, the main area is assigned to the adjustment range of the valve, in which only intermediate valve positions exist, through which the flow rate is adjusted.

[0029] In particular, the density of magnetic field sensors in the second region is lower than the density of magnetic field sensors in the first region. Therefore, the sensor arrangement has at least three regions, each with a different density of magnetic field sensors. This results in correspondingly different resolutions for position detection in the respective regions.

[0030] The first area of ​​the sensor arrangement can be the area where the resolution is highest, whereas the second area has a lower resolution than the first area, but a higher resolution than the main area.

[0031] According to another aspect, the second area is assigned to an end section of the valve's stroke range, specifically opposite to the first area. Alternatively or additionally, the second area is located at a second end of the sensor arrangement, specifically opposite to the first area. Thus, the first and second areas allow the two extreme positions of the valve to be monitored with a higher resolution than the rest of the stroke range, thereby enabling the corresponding end positions of the valve to be monitored with higher resolution. In particular, one end position of the valve is monitored with greater precision than another end position.

[0032] For example, the end position corresponding to the valve's closed position is monitored with higher precision to better detect valve leaks. The first area of ​​the sensor array is then assigned to the valve's closed position, while the second area is assigned to the valve's open position. The main area of ​​the sensor array is then assigned to the valve's adjustment range.

[0033] The sensor arrangement thus ensures that there is a higher resolution for the valve position “CLOSED”, i.e. the closed position, and a lower resolution for the valve position “OPEN”, i.e. the open position.

[0034] Basically, the first end of the sensor arrangement faces the valve drive, whereas the second end of the sensor arrangement faces away from the valve drive.

[0035] Depending on the position of the valve seat on the fitting, the first area is assigned to either the first end or the second end of the sensor assembly. Similarly, the second area is assigned to either the second end or the first end of the sensor assembly.

[0036] Another aspect involves the sensor assembly having a sensor assembly carrier that holds the multiple magnetic field sensors. The sensor assembly itself is designed separately and detachably attached to the sensor assembly carrier. The sensor assembly carrier ensures that the multiple magnetic field sensors, and in particular the different sections of the sensor assembly, are positioned relative to each other in a defined manner, allowing the entire sensor assembly to be quickly and easily positioned as desired within the valve control head. The sensor assembly carrier may include fastening means by which the sensor assembly can be positioned and secured within the valve control head. Because the sensor assembly is detachably attached within the valve control head, it can be mounted in different positions or orientations.

[0037] For example, it is possible to rotate the sensor arrangement by 180° with respect to an axis that runs perpendicular to the sensor axis, thereby also rotating the relative orientation of the areas with the different densities of magnetic field sensors by 180°.

[0038] The valve control head can therefore be used in a simple way for valves that operate differently, whose valve drive, for example, has a reverse direction of action.

[0039] Furthermore, the sensor assembly carrier ensures that the magnetic field sensors can be adjusted or moved axially along the sensor axis with respect to the stroke range, in order to take into account, for example, wear-related or manufacturing-related tolerances when adjusting the valve.

[0040] In principle, the design is modular, as the sensor assembly can be attached at a desired position and orientation within the valve control head. This ensures that the valve control head can be used for different valves. Therefore, the same valve control head can be used for valves with different operating characteristics.

[0041] According to another aspect, the position sensor device comprises a control and / or evaluation unit, which is at least connected to the sensor assembly via signal transmission, and / or a circuit board. The circuit board can include the control and / or evaluation unit. In other words, the control and / or evaluation unit can be integrated onto the circuit board.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the control and / or evaluation unit can be (at least partially) located outside the valve control head. For example, the evaluation unit is located outside the valve control head, while the control unit is housed within the valve control head.

[0043] In principle, a connection to a valve actuator of the valve can be provided via the circuit board, so that the control and / or evaluation unit can control the valve actuator accordingly.

[0044] Furthermore, the circuit board can be designed to hold the sensor assembly. This means that the sensor assembly's mounting bracket is attached to the circuit board. Signal transmission can then take place between the sensor assembly, particularly the individual magnetic field sensors, and the circuit board, so that the signals detected by the magnetic field sensors are forwarded via the circuit board to the control and / or evaluation unit to determine the valve's position. The magnetic field sensors can also be controlled via the circuit board.

[0045] The control and / or evaluation unit allows, in particular, adjustment to the stroke range of the valve via automatic or manual learning functions.

[0046] Furthermore, the valve control head can have a valve control head housing that partially defines a receiving space in which at least the sensor arrangement, in particular the position sensor device, is housed. The sensor arrangement or the entire position sensor device is thus protectively enclosed within the valve control head, so that the magnetic field sensors are protected from external influences.

[0047] The valve control head can be mounted on the valve actuator, whereby the control and / or evaluation unit is designed separately from the valve actuator. In particular, the valve actuator is arranged between the control and / or evaluation unit, which is housed in the valve control head casing, and a fluid compartment of the valve.

[0048] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a valve with a valve actuator and a valve control head of the aforementioned type. The signal transmitter of the position sensor device is coupled to a valve tappet of the valve actuator, which is movably arranged along the stroke range and is associated at its end with a valve element. The valve element interacts with a valve seat of the valve to close or open the valve or to adjust the flow rate of the valve. The signal transmitter can be arranged at the end of the valve tappet or at least associated with the corresponding end that is opposite the valve element. This means that the position sensor device is provided at an end opposite the valve element with respect to the valve actuator. The valve control head is associated with an end of the valve actuator that is opposite the fluid area of ​​the valve.

[0049] In principle, the valve control head can be for a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) valve, and can feature different valve seat configurations. This is because the position sensor unit can be used flexibly with various valve types, particularly due to its modular design, as explained above.

[0050] The position sensor device can be easily adapted to the respective valve type, i.e., NO valve or NC valve or different valve seat arrangements, by rotating and / or moving the sensor arrangement within the valve control head.

[0051] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show: - Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a valve according to the invention in a first embodiment, - Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a valve according to the invention in a second embodiment, - Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a valve according to the invention in a third embodiment, - Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a valve according to the invention in a fourth embodiment, and - Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a position sensor device used in a valve control head according to the invention.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a valve 10 that can control the flow of a fluid through a line 12. In the embodiment shown, the valve 10 is a so-called NC valve, i.e., a valve that is normally closed (NC - "normally closed").

[0053] The valve 10 has a housing 14 in which a valve actuator 16 is arranged, which is why the housing 14 can also be referred to as the actuator housing.

[0054] The valve 10 shown is a pneumatically actuated process valve. Alternatively, a hydraulically, electrically, or otherwise actuated valve can also be provided. The valve actuator 16 is then designed accordingly as a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrically actuated valve actuator.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve actuator 16 comprises a valve tappet 18, which is cylindrical. The valve tappet 18 is adjustably arranged within the housing 14 to ensure different positions of the valve 10.

[0056] For this purpose, a valve element 22 is provided at a first end 20 of the valve plunger 18, which interacts with a valve seat 24 of a fitting 26 of the valve 10 to open the valve 10, to close the valve 10, or to adjust the flow rate of the fluid through the line 12. The valve seat 24 is located on the side of the fitting 26 facing the valve actuator 16. The valve seat 24 is, for example, located on a pipe section of the line 12.

[0057] In principle, the valve 10 therefore has a fluid area 27 which includes, among other things, the valve element 22 and the valve seat 24.

[0058] The valve tappet 18 extends from its first end 20 through the housing 14 into a valve control head 28, which is designed separately from the valve drive 16, in particular the housing 14.

[0059] The valve control head 28 has a valve control head housing 30, which is detachably coupled to the housing 14 to form a common outer housing 31 of the valve 10. The valve control head housing 30 defines a receiving space 32 on the outside.

[0060] The valve tappet 18 therefore protrudes with its second end 34, which is opposite to the first end 20, into the receiving space 32 of the valve control head housing 30.

[0061] Furthermore, a position sensor device 36 is incorporated in the valve control head 28, which is configured to detect the position of the valve 10 along a stroke range H of the valve 10. In particular, the position of the valve tappet 18 is detected via the position sensor device 36 in order to infer the position of the valve element 22 arranged at the first end 20 of the valve tappet 18.

[0062] For this purpose, the position sensor device 36 has a signal transmitter 38 which is assigned to the second end 34 of the valve tappet 18, so that the signal transmitter 38 moves within the receiving space 32 when the valve 10 is adjusted via the valve actuator 16.

[0063] The signal transmitter 38 can be arranged directly at the second end 34 of the valve tappet 18, in particular, it can be attached there. Alternatively, the signal transmitter 38 can be coupled to the second end 34 of the valve tappet 18 via a coupling element, i.e., indirectly.

[0064] The signal transmitter 38 interacts with a sensor arrangement 40 of the position sensor device 36, which comprises several magnetic field sensors 42 that are arranged discontinuously along the stroke range H, as shown in the figure. Fig. 1 becomes clear.

[0065] The multiple magnetic field sensors 42 are each discretely designed, so that several individual magnetic field sensors 42 are provided that are spaced apart from each other.

[0066] The sensor arrangement 40 also includes a sensor carrier 44, which is designed, for example, in the form of a rail. The sensor carrier 44 supports the multiple magnetic field sensors 42, which are arranged discontinuously along the stroke range H, resulting in different areas of the sensor arrangement 40.

[0067] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a first region 46 of the sensor arrangement 40 is formed in which the magnetic field sensors 42 are arranged with a higher density than in a main region 48 of the sensor arrangement 40.

[0068] The higher density of the magnetic field sensors 42 means that the distance between adjacent magnetic field sensors 42 in the first area 46 is smaller than the distance between adjacent magnetic field sensors 42 in the main area 48, as shown from Fig. 1 becomes clear.

[0069] Due to the higher density of the magnetic field sensors 42 in the first area 46, a correspondingly higher resolution of the sensor arrangement 40 in the first area 46 results, which allows the position of the valve 10 or the valve tappet 18 in the associated section of the stroke range H to be detected more accurately.

[0070] The first area 46 of the sensor arrangement 40 is assigned to a first (axial) end 50 of the sensor arrangement 40, which in turn is assigned to the position of the valve tappet 18 in the closed position of the valve 10.

[0071] This ensures that the closed position of the valve 10 can be detected with higher precision compared to the open position of the valve 10, which is assigned to the second (axial) end 52 of the sensor arrangement 40, as well as the various intermediate positions. The open position of the valve 10 and the various intermediate positions are assigned to the main area 48 of the sensor arrangement 40, which has a lower density of magnetic field sensors 42.

[0072] The magnetic field sensors 42 can be arranged equidistant from each other in the respective areas, i.e., the first area 46 and the main area 48, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 is shown.

[0073] This means that the multiple magnetic field sensors 42 assigned to the first area 46 each have the same distance from each other, which is, however, less than the distance between the magnetic field sensors 42 assigned to the main area 48.

[0074] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. 1 shows that the magnetic field sensors 42 are each arranged along a sensor axis S, which is why there is a series of magnetic field sensors 42.

[0075] The sensor axis S is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the valve 10, along which the valve tappet 18 is adjusted. The (circular) cylindrical valve tappet 18 therefore has an axis A that coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the valve 10.

[0076] The signal transmitter 38 can have a longitudinal axis G which also coincides with the axis A or the longitudinal axis L.

[0077] For example, the signal transmitter 38 is designed as a coil, so that the longitudinal axis L is a coil axis. The coil can be exposed to an electromagnetic field, which is modulated differently depending on the position of the signal transmitter 38. This modulation is detected by the sensor arrangement 40, in particular by the magnetic field sensors 42. The electromagnetic field can be generated by the magnetic field sensors 42, as will be explained below.

[0078] Alternatively, the signal transmitter 38 can be a (permanent) magnet whose magnetic field is detected by the sensor arrangement 40, in particular the magnetic field sensors 42.

[0079] Out of Fig. Figure 1 also makes it clear that the magnetic field sensors 42 are spaced apart by a distance R from the longitudinal axis L.

[0080] Therefore, the magnetic field sensors 42 are arranged parallel to the adjustment path, i.e. the different positions, of the signal transmitter 38, so that a distance R of the sensor axis S to the longitudinal axis G of the signal transmitter 38 is always the same.

[0081] The distance R can be a radial distance, provided that the housing 14 and / or the valve control head housing 30 have a (substantially) circular cross-section.

[0082] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. 1 shows that a circuit board 54 is provided within the valve control head housing 30, i.e. in the valve control head 28, to which the sensor arrangement 40 is attached.

[0083] In particular, the sensor assembly 40 is detachably attached to the circuit board 54 via its sensor assembly carrier 44. The circuit board 54 also extends with its longitudinal side along the longitudinal axis L of the valve 10, i.e., parallel to the sensor axis S, the longitudinal axis G of the signal transmitter 38, and the axis A of the valve tappet 18.

[0084] Simultaneously, a signal connection is established between the magnetic field sensors 42 and a control and / or evaluation unit 56 via the circuit board 54, so that the sensor signals emanating from the magnetic field sensors 42 can be forwarded to the control and / or evaluation unit 56 for evaluation.

[0085] The control and / or evaluation unit 56 is also configured to control the valve actuator 16, so that the valve element 22 is adjusted accordingly via the valve tappet 18 by controlling the valve tappet 18.

[0086] For this purpose, the housing 14, i.e. the drive housing, can include a control signal interface on the side facing the valve control head 28, with which the circuit board 54 or a plug-in component connected to the circuit board 54 is coupled to ensure the control of the valve drive 16.

[0087] It may also be provided that the control and / or evaluation unit 56 controls at least some of the magnetic field sensors 42 to generate an electromagnetic field which interacts with the signal transmitter 38, wherein the signal transmitter 38 modulates the generated electromagnetic field, which in turn is detected by the magnetic field sensors 42.

[0088] Depending on the position of the signal transmitter 38, which is coupled to the valve tappet 18, a correspondingly different modulation of the electromagnetic field results, which is detected by the sensor arrangement 40, so that the position of the valve element 22 can be determined.

[0089] In principle, the detachable fastening of the sensor assembly 40 to the circuit board 54 allows the sensor assembly 40 to be linearly moved or adjusted along the sensor axis S, if necessary, as will be explained below.

[0090] Due to the first area 46 of the sensor arrangement 40, in the embodiment shown, the Fig. 1 In particular, it is possible that the closing position of the valve 10 can be monitored with higher precision, since the position sensor device 36 has a higher density of magnetic field sensors 42 in the correspondingly assigned area.

[0091] As a result, the control and / or evaluation unit 56 can precisely control the valve actuator 16 to achieve the desired closed position of the valve 10. This effectively prevents unwanted leakage of the valve 10.

[0092] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a valve 10 according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the valve seat 24 is provided on the side of the fitting 26 facing away from the valve actuator 16.

[0093] This results in a different position of the signal transmitter 38 in the corresponding closed position, which in Fig. 2 also shows how a comparison of the positions of the signal generator 38 in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 clarifies.

[0094] Nevertheless, it is possible to monitor the closed position with a correspondingly high resolution, since the sensor arrangement 40 is rotated by 180° with respect to a transverse axis Q that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the valve 10.

[0095] This ensures that the first area 46, which has the higher density of the magnetic field sensors 42, is assigned to the closed position of the valve 10, so that the closed position of the valve 10 can be detected with a correspondingly greater precision or higher resolution.

[0096] In particular, it is therefore possible that the same valve control head 28, and especially the same sensor assembly 40, can be used, regardless of on which side of the fitting 26 the valve seat 24 is located. As already explained, the sensor assembly 40 is detached from the circuit board 54, rotated by 180° and reattached to the circuit board 54, so that the closed position of the valve 10 can still be monitored with the highest resolution.

[0097] The first area 46 is thus assigned to the second (axial) end 52 of the sensor arrangement 40.

[0098] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the valve 10, which is essentially the embodiment according to Fig. 1 corresponds to the fact that the valve seat 24 is located on the same side of the fitting.

[0099] However, valve 10 is a so-called NO valve, i.e., a valve that is normally open (NO - "normally opened"). This normal position of valve 10 is in Fig. 3 also shown.

[0100] The valve seat 24 is thus located on the side of the fitting 26 facing the valve actuator 16 and is open in the normal state.

[0101] The sensor arrangement 40 is analogous to that in Fig. 1 first embodiment shown, so that the closed position of the valve 10 can be monitored with a higher resolution.

[0102] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the valve 10, which differs from the one shown in Fig. The embodiment shown in 1 differs in that the sensor arrangement 40 has been adjusted by an adjustment path T along the sensor axis S. This is evident from a comparison of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 clearly. The valve seat 24 is thus located on the side of the fitting 26 facing the valve actuator 16 and is closed in the normal state.

[0103] To adjust the sensor arrangement 40 by the adjustment path T, the sensor arrangement carrier 44 can be detached from the circuit board 54 and adjusted linearly along the sensor axis S and attached at the desired position.

[0104] Therefore, manufacturing or wear-related tolerances of the valve actuator 16 can be taken into account accordingly.

[0105] The sensor arrangement 40 can also be adjusted to a different arrangement of the signal transmitter 38, as is the case here. For example, the signal transmitter 38 is coupled to the valve tappet 18 via an additional coupling element, so that the signal transmitter 38 has a changed axial position.

[0106] This changed axial position of the signal transmitter 38 can be taken into account by adjusting the sensor arrangement 40 along the sensor axis S accordingly.

[0107] In principle, this allows the position of the valve tappet 18 to be optimally detected, since the magnetic field sensors 42 are arranged along the sensor axis S offset by the adjustment path T relative to the circuit board 54.

[0108] In Fig. Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the position sensor device 36, which, in addition to the first area 46, the main area 48, comprises a second area 58 that has a higher density of magnetic field sensors 42 compared to the main area 48. However, the density of the magnetic field sensors 42 in the second area 58 is lower than the density of the magnetic field sensors 42 in the first area 46.

[0109] The second area 58 is assigned to the second (axial) end 52 of the sensor arrangement 40, which is opposite to the first (axial) end 50 of the sensor arrangement 40.

[0110] Therefore, the two end positions of valve 10 can be detected with a higher resolution than the adjustment range H, which lies between the two end positions.

[0111] The magnetic field sensors 42 at the first (axial) end 50 of the sensor arrangement 40, i.e., those in the first region 46, are thus the closest apart, since the first region 46 has the highest density of magnetic field sensors 42. At the second (axial) end 52 of the sensor arrangement 40, i.e., in the second region 58, the magnetic field sensors 42 are also arranged close together. Between the two ends 50, 52, the magnetic field sensors 42 in the main region are a large distance apart, namely from the adjacent magnetic field sensors 42 of the first region 46 and the second region 58.

[0112] Furthermore, it is assumed that Fig. 4 shows that the sensor arrangement 40 is shifted via the sensor arrangement carrier 44 by the adjustment path T along the sensor axis S relative to the circuit board 54.

[0113] In principle, due to the discontinuously distributed magnetic field sensors 42 along the sensor axis S, which runs parallel to the adjustment path of the stroke range H, it is therefore possible to design the valve control head 28 cost-effectively, since the number of magnetic field sensors 42 is reduced. This also results in a correspondingly more cost-effective valve 10.

[0114] The desired high resolution for position determination can nevertheless be ensured in the areas of interest by means of the position sensor device 36, since a correspondingly higher density of magnetic field sensors 42 is present in these areas, which is possible due to the discontinuous distribution of the magnetic field sensors 42.

Claims

[1] Valve control head for a valve (10), with a position sensor device (36) configured to detect at least one position along a stroke range (H) of the valve (10), wherein the position sensor device (36) comprises a signal transmitter (38) and a sensor arrangement (40) with multiple magnetic field sensors (42) associated with the stroke range (H), wherein the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) are Hall sensors, wherein the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) are arranged discontinuously distributed along the stroke range (H), wherein a circuit board (54) is arranged in the valve control head (28) to which the sensor arrangement (40) with the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) is attached, and wherein the multiple magnetic field sensors (42) are arranged in a row along a sensor axis (S), and wherein the sensor axis (S) is parallel to an adjustment path of the valve (10). [2] Valve control head according to claim 1, characterized by, that the sensor arrangement (40) has at least a first region (46) in which magnetic field sensors (42) are arranged with a higher density than in a main region (48) of the sensor arrangement (40). [3] Valve control head according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first area (46) is assigned to an end section of the stroke range (H) of the valve (10) and / or that the first area (46) is provided at a first end (50) of the sensor arrangement (40). [4] Valve control head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor arrangement (40) has at least a second area (58) in which magnetic field sensors (42) are arranged with a higher density than in a main area (48) of the sensor arrangement (40). [5] Valve control head according to claim 4 as well as according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the density of the magnetic field sensors (42) in the second area (58) is lower than the density of the magnetic field sensors (42) in the first area (46). [6] Valve control head according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the second area (58) is assigned to an end section of the stroke area (H) of the valve (10), in particular opposite to the first area (46), and / or that the second area (58) is provided at a second end (52) of the sensor arrangement (40), in particular opposite to the first area (46). [7] Valve control head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor arrangement (40) has a sensor arrangement carrier (44) which carries the multiple magnetic field sensors (42), wherein the sensor arrangement (40) is formed separately and is detachably attached via the sensor arrangement carrier (44). [8] Valve control head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the position sensor device (36) comprises a control and / or evaluation unit (56) which is at least connected to the sensor arrangement (40) via signal transmission, and / or the circuit board (54). [9] Valve control head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve control head (28) has a valve control head housing (30) which partially delimits a receiving space (32) in which at least the sensor arrangement (40) is housed, in particular the position sensor device (36). [10] Valve with a valve actuator (16) and a valve control head (28) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal transmitter (38) of the position sensor device (36) is coupled to a valve tappet (18) of the valve actuator (16) which is arranged to be movable along the stroke range (H) and which is associated at its end with a valve element (22).

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