Valve device and method

Abstract

Valve device (1) comprising a pilot chamber (2), a pilot valve (3) for discharged compressed air from the pilot chamber (2), and a diaphragm (4) serving as the main valve element, which can be selectively moved by pressurizing the pilot chamber (2) into either an open diaphragm position, in which the diaphragm (4) opens a compressed air path (11) from a compressed air supply area (7) to a compressed air discharge area (8), or a closed diaphragm position, in which the diaphragm (4) blocks the compressed air path (11), wherein the diaphragm (4) has a diaphragm opening (15) through which, at least in the open diaphragm position, compressed air can be introduced from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) in order to provide the compressed air supply to the pilot chamber (2) in a closed state of the pilot valve (3), through which the diaphragm (4) is moved into the closed membrane position,further comprising a blocking element (18) which, in the closed diaphragm position, partially or completely blocks the diaphragm opening (15) and thus, in the closed diaphragm position, throttles or prevents a flow of compressed air from the compressed air supply area (7) through the diaphragm opening (15) into the pilot chamber (2), wherein the blocking element (18) has a blocking section 19 inserted into the diaphragm opening (15), the blocking section being oriented with its longitudinal axis in a deflection direction in which the diaphragm opening (15) is deflected when the diaphragm (4) is moved from the closed diaphragm position to the open diaphragm position, wherein the blocking section (19) has an outer circumference that tapers in the deflection direction, and wherein the blocking section (19) has a first longitudinal section (21) and a second longitudinal section (22) that adjoins the first longitudinal section (21) in the deflection direction.wherein the outer circumference of the first longitudinal section (21) is larger than the outer circumference of the second longitudinal section (22), wherein in the closed diaphragm position the first longitudinal section (21) is located in the diaphragm opening (15) and causes a first flow cross-section to be available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) through the diaphragm opening (15), wherein in the open diaphragm position the second longitudinal section (22) is located in the diaphragm opening (15) and causes a second flow cross-section to be available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) through the diaphragm opening (15), wherein the second flow cross-section is larger than the first flow cross-section.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve device comprising a pilot chamber, a pilot valve for discharging compressed air from the pilot chamber and a diaphragm serving as the main valve element, which can be selectively moved by applying compressed air to the pilot chamber into an open diaphragm position, in which the diaphragm releases a compressed air path from a compressed air supply area to a compressed air discharge area, or a closed diaphragm position, in which the diaphragm blocks the compressed air path.

[0002] WO 2020 / 054 000 A1 relates to a pressure fluid dispensing device with a valve chamber that communicates with a dispensing channel, and supply channels for supplying pressure fluid, and a pilot chamber into which the pressure fluid is admitted from the supply channels.

[0003] DE 10 2011 050 617 A1 relates to a valve with a valve seat that can be closed via a diaphragm and a pilot valve which, for actuating the diaphragm, controls a pressure relief opening via a closing element movable in a pilot housing, wherein the pilot housing is sealed via a pilot diaphragm.

[0004] DE 11 2018 004 511 T5 relates to a pressure fluid discharge control device with a diaphragm valve.

[0005] When an opening / closing actuator is engaged, a pilot chamber opening / closing valve opens a pilot chamber. This increases the pressure in a valve chamber above that in the pilot chamber, causing the diaphragm valve to lift off a valve seat. Pressurized fluid, previously collected in a holding chamber, then flows through the valve chamber into an outlet passage and is discharged from the outlet port.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide an efficient way to move the membrane into the closed membrane position.

[0007] The problem is solved by a valve device according to claim 1. The diaphragm of the valve device has a diaphragm opening through which, at least in the open diaphragm position, compressed air can be introduced from the compressed air supply area into the pilot chamber in order to provide compressed air to the pilot chamber when the pilot valve is closed, thereby moving the diaphragm into the closed diaphragm position. The valve device comprises a blocking element which, in the closed diaphragm position, partially or completely blocks the diaphragm opening and thus, in the closed diaphragm position, throttles or prevents the flow of compressed air from the compressed air supply area through the diaphragm opening into the pilot chamber, wherein the blocking element has a blocking section inserted into the diaphragm opening, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned in a deflection direction.into which the diaphragm opening is deflected when the diaphragm is moved from the closed diaphragm position to the open diaphragm position, wherein the blocking section has an outer circumference that tapers in the direction of deflection, wherein the blocking section has a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section that adjoins the first longitudinal section in the direction of deflection, wherein the outer circumference of the first longitudinal section is larger than the outer circumference of the second longitudinal section, wherein in the closed diaphragm position the first longitudinal section is located in the diaphragm opening and causes a first flow cross-section to be available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area into the pilot chamber through the diaphragm opening, wherein in the open diaphragm position the second longitudinal section is located in the diaphragm opening and causesthat a second flow cross-section is available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area into the pilot chamber through the diaphragm opening, wherein the second flow cross-section is larger than the first flow cross-section.

[0008] The valve assembly therefore uses the compressed air whose flow is controlled by the main valve element – ​​i.e., selectively blocked or opened – to supply the pilot chamber. Accordingly, the valve assembly does not require any externally supplied pilot air to supply the pilot chamber, in particular no pilot air that is provided separately and / or in addition to the compressed air routed through the compressed air supply area. The introduction of compressed air from the compressed air supply area into the pilot chamber occurs via the diaphragm opening and can therefore be implemented with a simple design.

[0009] Advantageous further training is the subject of the sub-claims.

[0010] The invention further relates to a method for operating the valve device. The method comprises the step of, when the diaphragm is in the open diaphragm position, moving the pilot valve to the closed position and introducing compressed air from the compressed air supply area into the pilot chamber in order to provide compressed air to the pilot chamber, thereby moving the diaphragm to the closed diaphragm position.

[0011] Further exemplary details and embodiments are explained below with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a valve device with a diaphragm in a closed diaphragm position and a pilot valve in a closed state, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the valve device with the diaphragm in the closed diaphragm position and the pilot valve in an open state, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the valve device with the diaphragm in an open diaphragm position and the pilot valve in the open state, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the valve device with the diaphragm in the open diaphragm position and the pilot valve in the closed state, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the valve device with an alternatively designed blocking element, Fig. 6 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the valve device, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a system with the valve device.

[0012] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a valve device 1 comprising a pilot chamber 2, a pilot valve 3 for discharging compressed air from the pilot chamber 2 and a diaphragm 4 serving as the main valve element.

[0013] By way of example, the valve device 1 has a main valve section 5, which includes a main valve body 6, for example a main valve housing, as well as the pilot chamber 2 and the diaphragm 4. The pilot chamber 2 and the diaphragm 4 are arranged in the main valve body 6. The diaphragm 4 delimits the pilot chamber 2. The pilot valve 3 is attached to the main valve section by way of example.

[0014] The valve assembly 1 has a compressed air supply area 7 and a compressed air discharge area 8, which are arranged, in particular, in the main valve body 6. The compressed air supply area 7 is designed, in particular, as a compressed air supply channel and serves to supply compressed air, which is supplied, in particular, from outside the valve assembly 1, to the diaphragm 4. The compressed air discharge area 8 is designed, in particular, as a compressed air discharge channel and expediently serves to discharge compressed air, which is to be discharged, in particular, outside the valve assembly 1, from the diaphragm 4. The main valve section 5 expediently comprises the compressed air supply area 7 and the compressed air discharge area 8.

[0015] As an example, the valve device 1 has a supply port 9, which is designed in particular as a supply hose port and is expediently arranged on the outside of the main valve body 6. The supply port 9 provides a pneumatic connection from outside the valve device 1 to the compressed air supply area 7, in particular only to the compressed air supply area 7. Compressed air can be supplied to the compressed air supply area 7 via the supply port 9.

[0016] As an example, the valve device 1 also has a discharge port 10, which is designed in particular as a discharge hose port and is expediently arranged on the outside of the main valve body 6. The discharge port 10 provides a pneumatic connection from the compressed air discharge area to outside the valve device 1. Compressed air can be discharged from the compressed air discharge area 8 via the discharge port 10.

[0017] The valve device 1 has a compressed air path 11 (shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4), which shall also be referred to as the first compressed air path 11 or the main compressed air path. The first compressed air path 11 runs from the compressed air supply area 7, in particular the supply port 9, to the compressed air discharge area 8, in particular the discharge port 10. The first compressed air path 11 runs directly from the compressed air supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8. The first compressed air path 11 can be selectively blocked via the diaphragm 4, so that no compressed air can flow from the compressed air supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8 via the first compressed air path 11, or it can be opened so that compressed air can flow from the supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8 via the first compressed air path. The first compressed air path 11 does not pass through the pilot chamber 2 and / or not through the pilot valve 3.The valve device 1 comprises a valve seat 14, which is arranged, in particular, on the side of the diaphragm 4 facing away from the pilot chamber 2. The first compressed air path 11 runs between the diaphragm 4 and the valve seat 14 from the compressed air supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8.

[0018] The valve device 1 also has a second compressed air path 12 (shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3), which leads from the compressed air supply area 7, in particular the supply port 9, via a diaphragm opening 15 through the pilot chamber 2 and through the pilot valve 3 to the compressed air discharge area 8, in particular the discharge port 10. The second compressed air path 12 can also be referred to as the auxiliary compressed air path or the control compressed air path.

[0019] The valve device 1 has, by way of example, a first internal compressed air channel 16, which runs from the pilot chamber 2 to the pilot valve 3, and a second internal compressed air channel 17, which runs from the pilot chamber 2 to the compressed air discharge area 8 and / or the discharge port 10. The compressed air path 12 runs from the pilot chamber 2 via the first internal compressed air channel 16 to the pilot valve 3 and from there via the second internal compressed air channel 17 to the compressed air discharge area 8 and / or the discharge port 10.

[0020] From the compressed air supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8, the first compressed air path 11 and the second compressed air path 12 run parallel to each other.

[0021] Preferably, the first internal compressed air channel 16 and the membrane opening 15 are the only pneumatic access points to the pilot chamber 2.

[0022] The diaphragm 4 can be selectively moved into an open diaphragm position by applying compressed air to the pilot chamber 2 (shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) or into a closed membrane position (shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) movable. In the open diaphragm position, diaphragm 4 opens the first compressed air path 11 from the compressed air supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8. In the open diaphragm position, diaphragm 4 is lifted from the valve seat 14. In the closed diaphragm position, diaphragm 4 blocks the first compressed air path 11. In the closed diaphragm position, diaphragm 4 rests on the valve seat 14.

[0023] The diaphragm 4 is exemplarily designed in a disc shape and is expediently attached to the main valve body 6 with its outer edge, in particular its entire outer edge.

[0024] By way of example, the diaphragm 4 rests on the valve seat 14 in the closed diaphragm position, in particular with a central diaphragm area. The valve seat 14 includes, by way of example, a contact contour, in particular a closed one, which represents the outlet of the compressed air supply area 7. The contact contour is, for example, circular. In the closed diaphragm position, the diaphragm 4 rests on the contact contour and thus covers the outlet of the compressed air supply area 7, thereby interrupting the first compressed air path 11 from the compressed air supply area 7 to the compressed air discharge area 8.

[0025] The diaphragm 4 has a diaphragm opening 15, which provides a pneumatic connection from the compressed air supply area 7 to the pilot chamber 2. The diaphragm opening 15 is preferably designed as a through-hole. The diaphragm opening 15 is particularly centrally located and preferably has a circular cross-section. The diaphragm opening 15 extends from the side of the diaphragm 4 facing the compressed air supply area 7 to the side of the diaphragm 4 facing the pilot chamber 2.

[0026] Compressed air can be introduced into the pilot chamber 2 via the diaphragm opening 15, at least in the open diaphragm position, from the compressed air supply area 7, in order to provide the compressed air supply to the pilot chamber 2 in a closed state of the pilot valve 3, so that the diaphragm 4 is moved into the closed diaphragm position.

[0027] The pilot valve 3 is designed as a 2 / 2-way valve and is connected, in particular, between the first internal compressed air channel 16 and the second internal compressed air channel 17. The pilot valve 3 is electrically actuated. For example, the pilot valve 3 is a solenoid valve. In an open state, compressed air can be discharged from the pilot chamber 2, in particular into the compressed air discharge area 8, in order to reduce the pressure in the pilot chamber 2 relative to the pressure in the compressed air supply area 7, so that the diaphragm 4 is moved into the open position.

[0028] Preferably, the valve device 1 further comprises a blocking element 18 which, in the closed diaphragm position, partially blocks the diaphragm opening 15 (e.g., in the embodiment according to Fig. 1) or entirely (e.g. in the design according to Fig. 5) blocks and thus, in the closed diaphragm position, throttles or prevents the flow of compressed air from the compressed air supply area 7 through the diaphragm opening 15 into the pilot chamber 2. By way of example, the blocking element 18 has a blocking section 19 inserted into the diaphragm opening 15. The blocking section 19 is, by way of example, conical, and in particular cylindrical. Preferably, the blocking section 19 is designed as a pin. The blocking section 19 is oriented with its longitudinal axis in a deflection direction in which the diaphragm opening 15 – by way of example, the central part of the diaphragm 4 – is deflected when the diaphragm 4 is moved from the closed diaphragm position to the open diaphragm position.The blocking element 18, in particular the blocking section 19, extends (at least in the closed diaphragm position) from outside the pilot chamber 2, in particular from the compressed air supply area 7, through the diaphragm opening 15 into the pilot chamber 2. The blocking element 18, in particular the blocking section 19, has a free end that projects into the pilot chamber 2.

[0029] Preferably, the blocking element 18 blocks the membrane opening 15 less strongly in the open membrane position than in the closed membrane position. By way of example, the blocking section 19 has an outer circumference that tapers in the direction of deflection. In particular, the blocking section 19 has a first longitudinal section 21 and a second longitudinal section 22, which adjoins the first longitudinal section 21 in the direction of deflection (and / or longitudinal direction of the blocking section 19). By way of example, the second longitudinal section 22 terminates at the free end of the blocking section 19. The outer circumference of the first longitudinal section 21 is larger than the outer circumference of the second longitudinal section 22.

[0030] In the closed diaphragm position, the first longitudinal section 21 is located in the diaphragm opening 15 and causes a first flow cross-section to be available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area 7 into the pilot chamber 2 through the diaphragm opening 15, which is formed in particular by a gap, for example an annular gap, between the outer circumference of the first longitudinal section 21 and the inner circumference of the diaphragm opening 15.

[0031] In the open diaphragm position, the second longitudinal section 22 is located in the diaphragm opening 15 and provides a second flow cross-section for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area 7 into the pilot chamber 2 through the diaphragm opening 15. This second flow cross-section is formed, in particular, by a gap, for example an annular gap, between the outer circumference of the second longitudinal section 22 and the inner circumference of the diaphragm opening 15. The second flow cross-section is, for example, larger than the first flow cross-section.

[0032] The locking element 18, in particular the locking section 19, is preferably fixedly connected to the main valve housing and / or the valve seat 14. The locking element 18, in particular the locking section 19, is preferably arranged in a stationary position relative to the main valve housing and / or the valve seat 14. The locking element 18 and / or the locking section 19 can be part of the main valve housing.

[0033] Preferably, the valve device 1 comprises the valve seat 14, against which the diaphragm 4 rests in the closed position to block the first compressed air path 11. In the closed position, the valve seat 14 defines a first effective surface 23 of the diaphragm 4, upon which the pressure prevailing in the compressed air supply area 7 acts, thereby providing an opening force 24 that forces the diaphragm 4 into the open position. By way of example, the first effective surface 23 is the surface area of ​​the diaphragm 4 facing the compressed air supply area 7, which is located within the contact contour of the valve seat 14. The valve seat 14 comprises a contact section 25, which is in particular annular or hollow cylindrical. The contact section 25 provides the contact contour on which the diaphragm 4 rests in the closed position. The contact contour is by way of example annular.By way of example, the contact section 25, in particular the contact contour, extends around the blocking section 19. In particular, the contact section 25 is arranged coaxially with the blocking section 19, in particular with its longitudinal axis. The membrane opening 15 is located, by way of example, in the first effective surface 23.

[0034] The diaphragm also has a second effective surface 26, upon which the pressure prevailing in the pilot chamber 2 acts, thereby providing a closing force 27 that forces the diaphragm 4 into the closed position. The second effective surface 26 faces the pilot chamber 2. The diaphragm opening 15 is located, for example, in the second effective surface 26. The second effective surface 26 is (especially when the pilot valve 3 is closed) larger than the first effective surface 23, so that when the pilot valve 3 is closed, the closing force 27 is greater than the opening force 24 and thus holds the diaphragm 4 in the closed position.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 5 shows the valve device 1 with an alternatively designed blocking element 18a (compared to the blocking element 18 described above). The blocking element 18a is designed such that it completely closes the diaphragm opening 15 in the closed diaphragm position, so that no compressed air flows from the compressed air supply area 7 into the pilot chamber 2 through the diaphragm opening 15 in the closed diaphragm position. By way of example, the blocking element 18a has a blocking section 19a, which is designed in a pin-like form and whose end section closes the diaphragm opening 15.

[0036] By way of example, the blocking element 18a, particularly on the side of the compressed air supply area 7, completely covers the diaphragm opening 15 in the closed diaphragm position and thereby closes the diaphragm opening 15. By way of example, the blocking element 18a, in particular the blocking section 19a, has a first longitudinal section 21a which has a larger diameter than the diaphragm opening 15 and on which the diaphragm 4 rests in the closed diaphragm position, so that the first longitudinal section 21a closes the diaphragm opening 15. The first longitudinal section 21a is, by way of example, cylindrical. The diaphragm 4 rests on the end face, in particular the circular area of ​​intersection, of the first longitudinal section 21a.

[0037] By way of example, the blocking element 18a further comprises a second longitudinal section 22a, which has a smaller diameter than the first longitudinal section 21a and is arranged in the membrane opening 15 in the closed membrane position. The second longitudinal section 22a adjoins the first longitudinal section 21a in the longitudinal direction of the blocking element 18a. The second longitudinal section 22a is arranged on the end face of the first longitudinal section 21a.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary implementation of valve device 1. The following explanation refers to the one in the Fig. Reference is made to the 6 drawn, orthogonally oriented directions “x-direction” and “y-direction”. The x-direction corresponds, for example, to the deflection direction of the membrane opening 15 and / or the longitudinal direction of the blocking section 19, 19a. The y-direction runs, for example, parallel to the (largest in area) upper surface of the membrane 4 (especially in the closed membrane position).

[0039] The main valve body 6 comprises a base section 30, which may be manufactured in one piece. A first base section bore 31 is provided in the base section 30, extending, for example, in the y-direction. The first base section bore 31 is, for example, a through bore, extending, in particular, from the underside to the top side of the base section 30. The compressed air supply area 7 is formed, in particular at least partially, by the first base section bore 31. An insertion section 41 is inserted, in particular, from below, into the first base section bore 31. The locking element 18 (or the locking element 18a) is arranged on the upper end section 42 of the insertion section 41, which is inserted into the base section bore 31. The upper end section 42 has an end section bore extending in the y-direction, into which the blocking element 18 (or the blocking element 18a) is inserted.The upper end section 42 has a smaller diameter than the first base section bore 31, so that an annular gap exists between the outer circumference of the upper end section 42 and the inner circumference of the base section bore 31, which forms the compressed air supply area 7, in particular at least partially.

[0040] The base section 30 also has a second base section bore 32, which extends in the x-direction. The second base section bore 32 extends into the first base section bore 31. The second base section bore 32, together with the first base section bore 31, forms the compressed air supply area 7. The second base section bore 32 opens onto a first side of the base section 30. The supply connection 9, which is designed in a cylindrical form and / or as a supply hose connection, is inserted into the second base section bore 32, in particular by screwing it in.

[0041] Furthermore, a third base section bore 33 is provided in the base section 30, extending in the x-direction. The third base section bore 33 forms the compressed air discharge area 8, in particular at least partially. The third base section bore 33 does not extend into the first base section bore 31. The third base section bore 33 opens onto a second side of the base section 30. The second side is oriented opposite to the first side of the base section 30. The discharge connection 10, which is designed in a cylindrical form and / or as a discharge hose connection, is inserted into the third base section bore 33, in particular by screwing it in.

[0042] The valve seat 14 is located on the upper surface of the base section 30. The valve seat 14 is shown to be an exemplary part of the base section 30. The diaphragm 4 is arranged on the upper surface of the base section 30, specifically on the valve seat 14. The outer edge of the diaphragm 4 is attached to the upper surface of the base section 30.

[0043] An extension section 43 is placed on the top of the base section 30, covering in particular the entire top of the base section 30. A recess 44 is provided on the underside of the extension section 43 facing the top of the base section 30; this recess forms the pilot chamber 2.

[0044] The attachment section 43 has an attachment bore 45, which is shown as a through bore and extends from the top of the attachment section 43 to the recess 44. The attachment bore 45 forms the first internal compressed air channel 16.

[0045] The pilot valve 3 is mounted on the top of the attachment section 43. For example, the pilot valve 3 is screwed to the attachment section 43 by means of one or more screws 46. The pilot valve 3 has an electrical connection 47 via which it can be electrically controlled. A conventional pilot valve, in particular a conventional solenoid valve, such as the Festo MHJ9 solenoid valve, can be used as the pilot valve 3.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a system 50 comprising the valve device 1, a first pneumatic unit 51 upstream of the valve device 1, in particular a compressed air source, a second pneumatic unit 52 downstream of the valve device 1, in particular a compressed air sink, and a control 56.

[0047] The first pneumatic unit 51 is connected to the supply port 9 via a first hose 53. The first pneumatic unit 51 outputs compressed air, which is supplied to the valve device 1 via the first hose 53.

[0048] The second pneumatic unit 52 is connected to the discharge port 10 via a second hose 54. The second pneumatic unit 52 receives the compressed air that is discharged from the valve device 1 into the second hose 54. The compressed air received by the pneumatic unit 52 via the second hose 54 originally comes from the first pneumatic unit 51.

[0049] The valve device 1 is pneumatically connected between the first pneumatic unit 51 and the second pneumatic unit 52. In the closed diaphragm position, the valve device 1 interrupts the pneumatic connection between the first pneumatic unit 51 and the second pneumatic unit 52. In the open diaphragm position, the valve device 1 releases the pneumatic connection between the first pneumatic unit 51 and the second pneumatic unit 52.

[0050] The valve device 1 is electrically connected to the control unit 56 via a control line 55. The control unit 56 electrically actuates the pilot valve 3 to selectively move the diaphragm 4 into either the open or closed position.

[0051] Preferably, only the compressed air supplied via the first hose 53 is used to move the diaphragm 4 into the open and closed positions. Thus, only the compressed air whose flow is to be controlled via the diaphragm 4 is used for actuating the diaphragm 4. The compressed air used for actuating the diaphragm 4 is expediently supplied entirely to the second pneumatic unit 52 via the second hose 54. Preferably, therefore, no compressed air is lost during the actuating of the diaphragm 4.

[0052] The following section will describe in more detail a method for operating the valve device 1 and / or the system 50.

[0053] For example, the valve device 1 is initially located in the Fig. Figure 1 shows the first steady state, which is also referred to as the closed state. In this first steady state, the pilot valve 3 is closed, so that no compressed air from the pilot chamber 2 can enter the compressed air discharge area 8 via the pilot valve 3. The control unit 56 actuates the pilot valve 3 so that it is closed. Furthermore, in this first state, the diaphragm 4 is in the closed position. In particular, the closing force 27 is greater than the opening force 24, so that the diaphragm 4 is pressed against the valve seat 14 by the pressure prevailing in the pilot chamber 2. In this first steady state, the first compressed air path 11 and the second compressed air path 12 are each blocked.

[0054] The control unit 56 now electrically actuates the pilot valve 3 in such a way that the pilot valve 3 is set to an open state, allowing compressed air from the pilot chamber 2 to flow into the compressed air discharge area 8 via the pilot valve 3. The valve assembly 1 is thereby moved into the position described in the Fig. The first transition state shown in Figure 2 is entered. The diaphragm 4 initially remains in the closed position. Due to the open pilot valve 3, compressed air is discharged from the pilot chamber 2 via the pilot valve 3. For example, the pressure in the second pneumatic unit 52, in the second hose 54, and / or in the compressed air discharge area 8 is lower than in the pilot chamber 2, causing compressed air to flow out of the pilot chamber 2 when the pilot valve 3 opens. The discharge of compressed air from the pilot chamber 2 via the pilot valve 3 reduces the pressure in the pilot chamber 2 relative to the pressure in the compressed air supply area 7, thus moving the diaphragm 4 into the open position.In particular, the pressure in the pilot chamber 2 is reduced to such an extent that the opening force 24 is greater than the closing force 27, thereby moving the diaphragm 4 into the open diaphragm position. In the first transition state, the first compressed air path 11 is initially blocked and then established, and the second compressed air path 12 is established.

[0055] If the valve device 1 is designed such that the diaphragm opening 15 is not completely closed in the closed diaphragm position, then the first internal compressed air channel 16, the pilot valve 3, and / or the second internal compressed air channel 17 are advantageously designed such that the compressed air from the pilot chamber 2 is discharged via the pilot valve 3 faster than compressed air flows into the pilot chamber 2 via the diaphragm opening 15, so that pressure flows in the pilot chamber 2. For example, the flow cross-section of the pilot valve 3, the first internal compressed air channel 16, and / or the second internal compressed air channel 17 is larger than the first pressure flow cross-section of the diaphragm opening in the closed diaphragm position.

[0056] The reduced pressure in the pilot chamber 2 moves diaphragm 4 into the open position and holds it in this open position. This state is in the Fig. Figure 3 shows this state and may also be referred to as the second steady state or the open state. In the second steady state, the first compressed air path 11 and the second compressed air path 12 are established, so that the compressed air flows from the supply port 9, in particular of the first pneumatic unit 51, to the discharge port 10, in particular of the second pneumatic unit 52, through the valve device 1 on the two mutually parallel compressed air paths 11, 12.

[0057] The control unit 56 now electrically actuates the pilot valve 3 in such a way that the pilot valve 3 is closed, so that no compressed air from the pilot chamber 2 can enter the compressed air discharge area 8 via the pilot valve 3. The valve assembly 1 is then moved into the position described in the Fig. The second transition state shown in Figure 4 is entered. The diaphragm 4 initially remains in the open position. Thus, when the diaphragm is in the open position, the pilot valve is moved to the closed position. Furthermore, compressed air is introduced from the compressed air supply area 7 into the pilot chamber 2, for example, through the diaphragm opening 15, to provide compressed air to the pilot chamber 2, causing the diaphragm 4 to move to the closed position. Because the second cross-sectional area of ​​the diaphragm opening 15 is effective in the open position, the compressed air can flow more quickly into the pilot chamber 2, enabling rapid switching of the valve assembly. In the second transition state, the first compressed air path 11 is initially enabled and then closed, and the second compressed air path 12 is closed.

[0058] In the second transition state, the closing force 27 (provided by the compressed air in the pilot chamber 2) causes the diaphragm to move into the closed position. For example, the diaphragm 4 is designed and / or installed in the main valve housing such that, in the open position, the second effective area 26 is larger than the first effective area 23, so that the closing force 27 is preferably greater than the opening force 24. Other forces can act on the diaphragm 4, contributing to its movement into the closed position in the second transition state. For example, the diaphragm 4 may be elastically deformed in the open position and not or less elastically deformed in the closed position, so that the diaphragm 4 is forced into the closed position due to its elasticity. Furthermore, for example,A lower pressure (relative to the pressure in the pilot chamber 2) in the compressed air discharge area 8 and / or the compressed air flow along the first compressed air path 11 at the diaphragm 4 contribute to the diaphragm 4 being placed in the closed diaphragm state.

[0059] The valve device 1 can be used, in particular, to provide a fast-acting, pilot-operated 2 / 2-diaphragm valve. Compressed air flows through the diaphragm opening 15, which is preferably designed as a hole, past the locking section 19 (exemplified as a pin) into the pilot chamber 2 above the diaphragm 4. The resulting pressure force – the closing force 27 – forces the diaphragm into the closed position. The locking section 19 is preferably part of the housing, in particular the main valve housing. When the pilot valve 3 opens, the pressure above the diaphragm 4 – i.e., in the pilot chamber 2 – drops, and the diaphragm 4 moves into the open position.

[0060] The membrane 4 is in particular a single elastomer part and conveniently replaces a complex booster used in conventional valve devices.

[0061] Preferably, the valve device 1 is a valve with internal pilot air: The valve device 1 requires only a single pressure supply. In particular, two separate pressure supplies for the main valve and the pilot air are not necessary and preferably not present. Preferably, the valve device 1 has no further compressed air connections in addition to the supply port 9 and the discharge port 10. Thus, the valve device 1 preferably has only two compressed air connections. The valve device 1 is overall a 2 / 2-way valve.

[0062] Preferably, the valve device 1 is a valve without a separate pilot air outlet. In particular, the pilot valve 3 is not used to vent the pilot chamber 2, but instead to vent it. The exhaust air from the pilot valve 3 is introduced into the outlet of the main valve – namely, the compressed air discharge area 8 and / or the discharge port 10. This eliminates the need for a separate external vent for the pilot air. The valve device 1 is, in particular, a valve without its own air consumption.

[0063] During the Fig.In the variant shown in Figure 5, a defined gap between the cylindrically shaped area of ​​the pin-shaped blocking section 19a and the hole-shaped membrane opening 15 is not strictly necessary. Preferably, the diameters overlap. Preferably, the overlap does not deform the membrane 4 in such a way as to impair the sealing function at the sealing seat.

Claims

[1] Valve device (1) comprising a pilot chamber (2), a pilot valve (3) for discharged compressed air from the pilot chamber (2) and a diaphragm (4) serving as the main valve element, which can be selectively moved by pressurizing the pilot chamber (2) into either an open diaphragm position, in which the diaphragm (4) releases a compressed air path (11) from a compressed air supply area (7) to a compressed air discharge area (8), or a closed diaphragm position, in which the diaphragm (4) blocks the compressed air path (11), wherein the diaphragm (4) has a diaphragm opening (15) through which, at least in the open diaphragm position, compressed air can be introduced from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) in order to provide, in a closed state of the pilot valve (3), the compressed air supply to the pilot chamber (2), through which the Membrane (4) is moved into the closed membrane position,further comprising a blocking element (18) which, in the closed diaphragm position, partially or completely blocks the diaphragm opening (15) and thus, in the closed diaphragm position, throttles or prevents a flow of compressed air from the compressed air supply area (7) through the diaphragm opening (15) into the pilot chamber (2), wherein the blocking element (18) has a blocking section 19 inserted into the diaphragm opening (15), the blocking section being oriented with its longitudinal axis in a deflection direction in which the diaphragm opening (15) is deflected when the diaphragm (4) is moved from the closed diaphragm position to the open diaphragm position, wherein the blocking section (19) has an outer circumference that tapers in the deflection direction, and wherein the blocking section (19) has a first longitudinal section (21) and a second longitudinal section (22) that adjoins the first longitudinal section (21) in the deflection direction.wherein the outer circumference of the first longitudinal section (21) is larger than the outer circumference of the second longitudinal section (22), wherein in the closed diaphragm position the first longitudinal section (21) is located in the diaphragm opening (15) and causes a first flow cross-section to be available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) through the diaphragm opening (15), wherein in the open diaphragm position the second longitudinal section (22) is located in the diaphragm opening (15) and causes a second flow cross-section to be available for the compressed air flow from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) through the diaphragm opening (15), wherein the second flow cross-section is larger than the first flow cross-section. [2] Valve device (1) according to claim 1, wherein in an open state of the pilot valve (3) compressed air from the pilot chamber (2) can be discharged through the pilot valve (3) in order to reduce the pressure in the pilot chamber (2) relative to the pressure in the compressed air supply area (7) so that the diaphragm (4) is moved into the open diaphragm position. [3] Valve device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the pilot valve (3) in the open state discharges the compressed air from the pilot chamber (2) into the compressed air discharge area (8). [4] Valve device (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein the diaphragm (4) is disc-shaped. [5] Valve device (1) according to a preceding claim, further comprising a valve seat (14) against which the diaphragm (4) rests in the closed diaphragm position to block the compressed air path (11), wherein the valve seat (14) in the closed diaphragm position defines a first effective surface (23) of the diaphragm (4) on which the pressure prevailing in the compressed air supply area (7) acts and thereby provides an opening force (24) forcing the diaphragm (4) into the open diaphragm position, wherein the diaphragm (4) further comprises a second effective surface (26) on which the pressure prevailing in the pilot chamber (2) acts and thereby provides a closing force (27) forcing the diaphragm (4) into the closed position, and wherein the second effective surface (26) is larger than the first effective surface (23), so that when the pilot valve (3) is closed, the closing force (27) is greater than the opening force (24) and keeps the membrane (4) in the closed membrane position. [6] Valve device (1) according to a preceding claim, comprising a main valve section (5) comprising the compressed air supply area (7), the compressed air discharge area (8), the diaphragm (4) and the pilot chamber (2), wherein the pilot valve (3) is attached to the main valve section (5). [7] Valve device (1) according to a preceding claim, comprising a supply connection (9), in particular a supply hose connection, through which compressed air can be supplied to the compressed air supply area (7), and a discharge connection (10), in particular a discharge hose connection, through which compressed air can be discharged from the compressed air discharge area (8). [8] Method for operating a valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: when the diaphragm (4) is in the open diaphragm position, moving the pilot valve (3) to the closed position and introducing compressed air from the compressed air supply area (7) into the pilot chamber (2) in order to provide the compressed air supply to the pilot chamber (2), thereby moving the diaphragm (4) to the closed diaphragm position. [9] Method according to claim 8, further comprising the step: when the diaphragm (4) is in the closed diaphragm position, moving the pilot valve (3) to the open position and discharge compressed air from the pilot chamber (2) via the pilot valve (3) in order to reduce the pressure in the pilot chamber (2) relative to the pressure in the compressed air supply area (7) so that the diaphragm (4) is moved into the open diaphragm position.

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