Valve arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) with several functional modules arranged in series from the group consisting of: valve disc group (8), safety valve group (7), throttle valve (171), wherein the valve disc group (8) has one or more valve discs (101, 102) each with at least one electrically controllable valve (103, 104) connected to an electrical supply line (17) and to a fluid supply line (18), wherein the throttle valve (171) is arranged upstream of the safety valve group (7) between a fluid port (36) and the fluid supply line (18) of the valve disc group (8), wherein the safety valve group (7) has two safety valves (51, 52) designed to control a fluid flow between the fluid port (36) and the fluid supply line (18).wherein the safety control (7) is configured for the safety-oriented blocking of electrical control signals for the safety valves (51, 52), wherein the throttle valve is configured for a temporary reduction of a working pressure in the fluid supply line (18) and wherein a valve control (5) is configured for controlling the valve disc group (8) and the safety valve group (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve arrangement for supplying compressed air to compressed air consumers, comprising several functional modules arranged in a row along a direction of assembly.

[0002] DE 10 2024 111 081 A1 discloses a valve arrangement with several interconnected functional modules from the group consisting of: valve disc group, safety valve group, throttle valve, wherein the valve disc group has one or more valve discs, each with at least one electrically controllable valve connected to an electrical supply line and a fluid supply line, wherein the throttle valve is arranged upstream of the safety valve group between a fluid port and the fluid supply line of the valve disc group, wherein the safety valve group has two safety valves designed to control a fluid flow between the fluid port and the fluid supply line, and wherein the safety control is designed to block electrical control signals for the safety valves in a safety-oriented manner.wherein the throttle valve is designed for a temporary reduction of a working pressure in the fluid supply line and wherein a valve control is designed for controlling the valve disc group and the safety valve group.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a valve arrangement with which different safety-related functions can be implemented.

[0004] This problem is solved by the valve arrangement of the type mentioned above comprising several functional modules from the group consisting of: valve disc group, safety valve group, throttle valve, arranged in a series along a series direction, wherein the valve disc group comprises one or more valve discs and wherein each valve disc has at least one electrically controllable valve which is connected to an electrical supply line traversing the valve disc group and to a fluid supply line traversing the valve disc group, wherein the throttle valve is arranged upstream of the safety valve group between a fluid port and the fluid supply line of the valve disc group and is designed for a temporary reduction of a working pressure in the fluid supply line, wherein the safety valve group comprises a first safety valve and a second safety valve.which are each designed to influence a fluid flow between the fluid connection and the fluid supply line, wherein an electrically arranged safety control between a valve control and the safety valve group is designed for a safety-oriented blocking of electrical control signals for the first safety valve and the second safety valve, wherein the valve control is designed for an electrical control of the valve disc group and the safety valve group.

[0005] Such a valve arrangement is used, for example, in industrial automation technology and serves to supply one or more compressed air consumers with compressed air in a targeted manner and to safely vent them. The compressed air consumer could be, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, a rotary actuator, a braking device, or another component that converts compressed air energy into motion. Depending on the design of the compressed air consumer and its application, there may be a need to quickly and reliably bring the compressed air consumer to a standstill, preferably a de-energized state. This might be the case, for example, if a machine or system in which the valve arrangement and the compressed air consumer are used transitions from a normal operating state to an unsafe state.Such a change of state can occur, for example, if a user interferes with or enters a safety zone established around the machine or system during its operation. The safety zone may be limited, for example, by a safety fence and / or a light barrier system.

[0006] The transition of the compressed air consumer to a standby state, as provided for in such a case, is preferably achieved by interrupting the pressure supply to the compressed air consumer. It is particularly preferred that the compressed air consumer be transitioned to an energy-free state, for which purpose the compressed air consumer is vented. To achieve the standby state, and in particular the energy-free state, the valve arrangement comprises a safety control unit and a safety valve group, with which the shutdown of the pressure supply and, optionally, the venting of the compressed air consumer can be implemented.

[0007] The safety controller is designed as an electrical or electronic control unit and can, for example, be electrically connected to a door contact switch of a safety fence or to a safety light curtain. Its purpose is to activate the safety valve group in the event of an unforeseen triggering of the door contact switch or the safety light curtain. The safety controller can also be electrically connected to other safety-related components, such as an emergency stop switch.

[0008] The safety valve assembly comprises an electrically controlled first safety valve and an electrically controlled second safety valve, which are connected in parallel for venting the fluid supply line. This means that the desired blocking of the compressed air supply and venting of the fluid supply line, and thus of at least one compressed air consumer connected to the valve assembly, can be achieved using either the first or the second safety valve alone. Both the first and second safety valves are electrically connected to the safety controller.The safety controller is electrically connected in series with the valve controller. The valve controller is designed to provide electrical control signals for the safety valves, and the safety controller's function is to block these electrical control signals in the event of a safety malfunction. Provided the safety controller does not block these control signals, the control signals from the valve controller allow the safety valves to switch between a second operating position, in which the compressed air supply is not blocked and / or the compressed air consumer is not vented by the safety valve group, and a first operating position, in which the compressed air supply is blocked and / or the compressed air consumer is vented by the safety valve group.By connecting the first safety valve and the second safety valve for venting in the event of a failure in parallel, redundancy for venting the compressed air consumer is achieved. This ensures that even in the first fault scenario, where, for example, the first safety valve malfunctions, the safety-related blocking of the compressed air supply to the compressed air consumer and / or the venting of the compressed air consumer is still guaranteed. For the second operating position of the safety valves, in which a compressed air supply for the fluid supply line and the at least one compressed air consumer connected to the valve assembly is to be ensured, a fluidic series connection of the two safety valves of the safety valve group is preferably provided.

[0009] The safety valve group is designed as a functional module of the valve arrangement and is intended for being arranged with other functional modules of the valve arrangement to form a compact unit, which can also be referred to as a valve manifold.

[0010] The safety controller can be provided as a separate component outside the array of functional modules and be electrically connected to the safety valve group and the valve disc group via wiring, preferably via cable connections, and in particular via a bus connection. Preferably, the safety controller is also designed as a functional module of the valve arrangement and, purely by way of example, is arranged either directly adjacent to the safety valve group or at a distance from the safety valve group within the valve arrangement.

[0011] Preferably, the functional modules of the valve arrangement are designed to be at least essentially cuboid in shape and can be arranged one after the other with adjacent side surfaces along a mounting direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve assembly comprises, as a functional module, a valve disc group and a valve control unit, preferably designed as a further functional module. Alternatively, the valve control unit can be provided as a separate component outside the series of functional modules and be electrically connected between the valve control unit and the safety valve group via wiring, preferably via cable connections, in particular via a bus connection.

[0013] The valve disc assembly comprises one or more, in particular identically designed, valve discs, each of which has at least one electrically actuated valve. The electrically actuated valve can control the flow of fluid through a fluid channel running within the respective valve disc between an inlet port and an outlet port. For example, the electrically actuated valve is designed as a poppet valve or spool valve and is equipped, purely by way of example, with a solenoid actuator or a piezoelectric actuator for moving a valve element arranged in the fluid channel.

[0014] Each of the electrically controlled valves of the valve discs is connected to an electrical supply line that extends through the valve disc assembly. The electrical supply line also extends through other functional modules of the valve assembly, preferably through all functional modules of the valve assembly, and ensures an electrical connection between the valve disc assembly and the valve control. By way of example, it is provided that each of the functional modules is equipped on opposite outer surfaces with a connector designed for electrical coupling with an adjacent functional module, and that the connectors of the respective functional modules are electrically interconnected by a cable connection or a printed circuit board.

[0015] The valve control unit is designed as an electrical or electronic control for the electrical actuation of the valve discs and can, for example, be electrically connected to one or more sensors that are part of the machine or system to which the valve assembly is assigned. Additionally or alternatively, the valve control unit can be connected to a higher-level control system. The task of the valve control unit is to coordinate the actuation of the valve discs to enable the intended function of compressed air consumers assigned to the machine or system.

[0016] Furthermore, each of the electrically controlled valves in the valve disc assembly is connected to a fluid supply line through which compressed air can be supplied to and / or discharged from the respective electrically controlled valve. For this purpose, it is specifically provided that each valve disc in the valve disc assembly comprises one or more fluid channels oriented along the direction of the assembly, which open onto opposite outer surfaces of the respective valve disc and are designed for a fluid-tight connection with an adjacent valve disc. These fluid channels form the fluid supply line and preferably also extend through other functional modules of the valve assembly.Within each valve disc, a fluidic connection is provided between the fluid supply line and the inlet port of the fluid channel that passes through the valve disc. The outlet port of the valve disc typically forms the working port, to which the compressed air consumer can be connected directly or via a rigid or flexible fluid line, in particular a fluid hose.

[0017] For example, it is envisaged that the fluid supply line, or at least individual fluid channels of the fluid supply line, also passes through the valve control and / or the safety control. In any case, it is intended that the fluid supply line also extends through the safety valve assembly, thus ensuring a fluidically communicating connection between the valve disc assembly and the safety valve assembly. Depending on the design of the safety valve assembly and the design of the fluid supply line, the compressed air supply to the compressed air consumer(s) can therefore be blocked and / or vented for the compressed air consumer(s).

[0018] Compressed air is supplied to the valve assembly via a fluid port. A throttle valve is located between the fluid port and the safety valve assembly. This throttle valve temporarily reduces the fluid pressure present at the fluid port for the valve assembly. The purpose of the throttle valve is to prevent a sudden pressure increase in the valve assembly and any resulting undesirable movements of the compressed air consumers during startup. Preferably, the throttle valve is designed to ensure a gradual increase in the operating pressure, or in both the operating and control pressures, within the valve assembly after a compressed air supply has been established.As an example, the metering valve is designed as a fluidic parallel circuit consisting of a throttle and a pressure compensator. After pressure is applied at the fluid connection, the pressure compensator initially remains in a closed position and only transitions from the closed to the open position after a time delay. This time delay can be achieved, for example, by a fluidic or electrical timing control or by fluidic feedback between the pressure compensator and a section of a supply line that is fluidically supplied via the throttle. As an example, during a start-up process, the fluid initially flows exclusively through the throttle until a control pressure and / or a working pressure is present in the valve assembly. This operating pressure is, for example, 50 percent of the control pressure and / or working pressure intended for the intended use of the valve assembly.Accordingly, the pressure balance is set such that a switch between the blocked position and the released position only takes place when the aforementioned 50 percent pressure level is reached in the valve arrangement and this pressure level is made available to the pressure balance, for example via a return line.

[0019] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0020] It is advantageous if the fluid supply line includes a working air duct and if the throttle valve is designed for a temporary reduction of the working pressure in the working air duct, wherein the first and second safety valves are designed for redundant control of the fluid flow in the working air duct, in particular for blocking a fluidically communicating connection between the fluid connection and the working air duct, as well as for venting the working air duct. With this configuration of the fluid supply line and the safety valve assembly, the safety-related shutdown of the compressed air consumer is achieved by the safety valve assembly both blocking the compressed air supply between the fluid connection and the working air duct and venting the working air duct.For this purpose, it must be provided that the first safety valve and the second safety valve each have at least 3 / 2-way functionality, and in particular are designed as at least 3 / 2-way valves. In the rest position, the two safety valves are fluidically interconnected such that a communicating connection exists between a compressed air supply associated with the fluid connection and the working air channel, while a connection between the working air channel and a vent outlet associated with the fluid connection is interrupted. Furthermore, it is provided that in the safety state, the two safety valves are fluidically interconnected such that a blockage of the compressed air supply at the fluid connection and venting of the compressed air consumer via the fluid connection are ensured. Typically, the working pressure in the working air channel is in a range between 0 bar and 10 bar.

[0021] The function of the throttle valve is to limit pressure changes in the working air channel after compressed air is supplied to the fluid connection. For this purpose, the throttle valve is located between the fluid connection and the safety valve assembly, and thus upstream of the safety valve assembly with respect to the compressed air supply to the safety valve assembly and the valve disc assembly. By way of example, the throttle valve has an adjustment mechanism with which a user can set a pressure level at which a switch from throttled to unthrottled operation occurs. It is particularly preferred that the adjustment mechanism is configured for setting a spring preload for the pressure balance.

[0022] It is advantageous if one valve disc of the valve disc group is designed as a direct-control valve disc with an electrically actuated main valve, wherein the main valve is fluidically connected to the working air channel and electrically connected to the valve control via the electrical supply line. With such an electrically actuated main valve, which can be designed as a poppet valve or a spool valve and which is equipped with a solenoid actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, or another electrical actuator for moving a valve element arranged in the fluid channel, there is a direct correlation between an electrical control signal provided by the valve control and a response of the main valve in the direct-control valve disc. Such a main valve is also referred to as a directly actuated valve.Depending on the design of the drive system provided in the main valve for the movement of the valve element, the main valve can be designed as a switching valve or as a proportional valve.

[0023] Preferably, the fluid supply line includes a pilot air channel, and the first and second safety valves are designed for redundant control of a fluid flow in the pilot air channel, in particular for blocking a fluidically communicating connection between the fluid port and the pilot air channel, as well as for venting the pilot air channel. A pilot air channel is required if at least one of the valve discs is designed as a pilot valve disc, which has an electrically actuated pilot valve that is electrically connected to the valve control via the electrical supply line and fluidically connected to the pilot air channel of the fluid supply line. The pilot valve disc has a fluidically piloted main valve that is fluidically connected to the pilot valve and to the working air channel.Such a pilot valve disc is particularly interesting when a high operating pressure and / or a high working air volume is to be switched with this valve disc, and a directly controlled main valve would require dimensions that are incompatible with the size and / or cost requirements of a valve disc from the valve disc group. Preferably, but not necessarily, a lower air pressure is provided in the pilot air channel than in the working air channel. The task of the pilot valve is to supply the pilot pressure present in the pilot air channel to the fluidically piloted main valve, depending on an electrical control signal from the valve control, in order to transfer it from a first operating position, in particular a closed position, to a second operating position, in particular an open position.The fluidically piloted main valve is designed to block a fluidically communicating connection between the working air channel and the working port of the respective valve disc in one of its operating positions. Furthermore, the fluidically piloted main valve is designed to at least partially, preferably completely, release the fluidically communicating connection between the working air channel and the working port during the switchover between the closed and open positions, at the latest upon reaching the open position.

[0024] Typically, the fluidically piloted main valve is designed to be moved into the closed position when the control air channel is vented, for example by a return spring, so that the venting of the control air channel alone, using the safety valve group, is sufficient to at least block any further working air supply to the compressed air consumer.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, a locking disc is arranged between the safety valve assembly and the valve disc assembly. This locking disc is designed to block the working air channel between the safety valve assembly and the valve disc assembly and has a working air connection for supplying working air into the working air channel of the valve disc assembly. Such a locking disc enables the intermediate supply of working air to the valve assembly. This intermediate supply makes it possible to supply one or more compressed air consumers connected to the valve disc assembly located downstream of the locking disc with a working pressure that differs from the working pressure of a valve disc assembly located upstream of the locking disc.When using such a locking disc, the safety valve group influences the control air channel, while no influence of the safety valve group on the working air channel running downstream of the locking disc is provided.

[0026] Preferably, a locking disc is arranged between the safety valve assembly and the valve disc assembly. This locking disc is designed to block the control air channel between the safety valve assembly and the valve disc assembly and has a control air connection for supplying control air into the control air channel of the valve disc assembly. Such a locking disc enables intermediate injection of control air into the valve assembly. This intermediate injection allows at least one pilot valve disc, located in the valve disc assembly downstream of the locking disc, to be supplied with a control pressure that is independent of the control pressure for a valve disc assembly located upstream of the locking disc.When using such a locking disc, the safety valve group influences the working air channel, while no influence of the safety valve group on the control air channel running downstream of the locking disc is provided.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first safety valve and / or the second safety valve comprises a safety main valve that is electrically connected to the safety controller and fluidically connected to the fluid connection, and that the safety controller is configured for electrical actuation of the safety main valve. With such an electrically actuated safety main valve, which can be configured as a poppet valve or a spool valve and is equipped with a solenoid actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, or another electrical actuator for moving a valve element arranged in the fluid channel, there is a direct correlation between an electrical control signal provided by the safety controller and a response of the safety main valve of the safety valve group. Such a safety main valve is also referred to as a directly actuated safety valve.Depending on the design of the drive system provided in the safety main valve for moving the valve element, the safety main valve can be configured as a switching valve or as a proportional valve. Preferably, the safety main valve remains in the closed position in the absence of an electrical control signal from the safety controller by means of a preloading device associated with the safety main valve, for example, a helical spring, or is moved into the closed position when the electrical control signal is switched off.

[0028] In the closed position, which can also be referred to as the safety position, the main safety valve is preferably designed to block a fluidically communicating connection between the working pressure supply at the fluid connection and the working air duct and / or between the control air supply at the fluid connection and the control air duct, and additionally or alternatively to vent the working air duct and / or the control air duct.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that the first safety valve and the second safety valve are designed differently in technical terms, for example with regard to the respective drive system and / or the valve element and / or the fluid flow in the safety valve housing, in order to achieve diverse redundancy. The use of safety valves designed in this way is particularly appropriate when the safety valves are intended solely to influence the control air channel and / or the working air channel of a downstream valve assembly.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the safety valve group, it is provided that the first safety valve and / or the second safety valve has a safety pilot valve electrically connected to the safety control and fluidically connected to the fluid connection, and a safety main valve fluidically connected to the safety pilot valve and fluidically connected to the fluid connection, wherein the safety control is designed for electrical actuation of the safety pilot valve and wherein the safety pilot valve is designed for fluidic actuation of the safety main valve.

[0031] Such a design of the two safety valves is particularly advantageous when the safety valves are intended to switch the operating pressure for the downstream valve assembly, and a directly controlled main safety valve would require dimensions that are incompatible with the size and / or cost requirements of the safety valve assembly. The function of the safety pilot valve is to supply the control pressure present in the control air channel to the fluidically piloted main valve, based on an electrical control signal from the safety controller, in order to move it from a first operating position, in particular a closed position, to a second operating position, in particular an open position.The fluidically piloted safety main valve is preferably designed to block, in the closed position which can also be referred to as the safety position, a fluidically communicating connection between the working pressure supply at the fluid connection and the working air duct and / or between the control air supply at the fluid connection and the control air duct, and additionally or alternatively to vent the working air duct and / or the control air duct.

[0032] It is particularly preferred that the first safety valve and the second safety valve are designed differently in technical terms, for example with regard to the respective drive system and / or the valve element and / or the fluid guidance in the safety valve housing, in order to achieve diverse redundancy.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, the throttle valve has an inlet port for connection to the fluid port and a control air outlet for connection to a control air inlet of the safety valve assembly. Preferably, a direct fluidic connection exists only between the inlet port and the control air outlet, which is provided for supplying control air to the safety valve assembly, so that the compressed air supplied at the inlet port is provided to the control air outlet without any throttling. Optionally, the control air can also be provided to the valve assembly without any throttling. Alternatively, the control air supply to the safety valves can be provided via a separate port on the throttle valve, so that the operating pressure can be lower than the minimum required control pressure or higher than the maximum required control pressure.Permissible control pressure of the safety valve.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first safety valve and / or the second safety valve is equipped with a position sensor designed to detect the valve position and electrically connected to the safety controller. The position sensor detects the position of the valve element of the respective safety valve, thus enabling the safety controller to monitor the switching behavior of the respective safety valve during safety-related activation. By way of example, the position sensor is configured to detect when the valve element is in the closed position and to provide a predefined first sensor signal in this case. If the valve element is not in the closed position, the position sensor provides a predefined second sensor signal that differs from the first sensor signal.Based on these sensor signals, the safety controller is able to verify the positioning of the valve element in the closed position. Alternatively, the position sensor can be configured to monitor the position of the valve element at least along part of its movement path. In this case, the safety controller can analyze the operating state of the respective safety valve, particularly based on the movement behavior of the valve element. Preferably, the safety controller is configured such that, in the event of a deviation between an expected sensor signal from the position sensor and an actual sensor signal from the position sensor, it takes measures to shut down or de-energize the compressed air consumer(s) connected to the valve assembly.Furthermore, the safety control system can take additional measures, such as allowing the machine or system equipped with the valve arrangement to be restarted only after approval by authorized operating personnel.

[0035] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. Here, the drawing shows: Fig. 1 a strictly schematic representation of a first embodiment of a valve arrangement comprising a feed plate, a valve control, a throttle valve, a safety control, a safety valve group and a valve disc group, Fig. 2 a strictly schematic representation of a second embodiment of a valve arrangement in which an intermediate feed is provided between the safety valve group and the valve disc group, Fig. 3 a strictly schematic fluid circuit diagram of a first embodiment for a connection of a valve control, a safety control, a throttle valve, a safety valve group and a valve disc group as well as associated compressed air consumers, wherein a shut-off of working air and control air by the safety valve group is provided for the valve disc group, and Fig. 4 a strictly schematic fluid circuit diagram of a second embodiment for a connection of a valve control, a safety control, a safety valve group of a throttle valve and a valve disc group as well as associated compressed air consumers, wherein a shutdown of working air by the safety valve group and an intermediate supply of control air are provided.

[0036] One in the Fig. The valve arrangement 1 shown is designed to supply compressed air to compressed air consumers not shown, such as pneumatic cylinders, rotary actuators, and braking devices, and is intended for use in an industrial environment, for example, on a machine or in a system not shown. The fluidic connection of the valve arrangement 1 is shown in the Fig. 3 shown, which is described in more detail below.

[0037] The one in Fig. The valve arrangement 1 shown comprises several functional modules 3, simplified in the graphic representation as identically shaped cuboids and arranged in a row along a direction 2. In the valve arrangement 1 according to the Fig. 1. The functional modules 3 comprise a feed plate 4, a valve control 5, a throttle valve 171 (also referred to as a soft-start valve), a safety control 6, a safety valve group 7, and a valve disc group 8. Optionally, it is provided that the functional modules 3, which are located in the Fig. 1 to 3 are each represented as separate components, or are at least partially designed in common housings or as combinable modules.

[0038] The feed plate 4 is equipped, purely by way of example, with a working air connection 10 and a vent connection 12. The working air connection 10 can, for example, be connected to a compressed air source (not shown) which is designed, with regard to a maximum pressure and a maximum volume flow rate, to supply several compressed air consumers that can be connected to the valve arrangement 1. For the sake of example, it is shown that the control air for the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8 is taken directly from the working air supply.

[0039] The vent connection 12 allows compressed air to be discharged from the valve assembly and can, for example, be fitted with a silencer (not shown).

[0040] Starting from the feed plate 4, a working air duct 18, a control air duct 19, and a vent duct 20 extend along the alignment direction 2 through each of the functional modules 3 arranged downstream of the feed plate 4, forming a fluid supply line 17. It is provided that, with the exception of the feed plate 4, the working air duct 18, the control air duct 19, and the vent duct 20 of each of the functional modules 3 are located between opposing side surfaces 21, 22 of the respective functional module 3 (in the illustration of the Fig. The air passes through the last valve disc of the valve disc group 8 (shown at point 1) and opens onto these side surfaces 21 and 22. The arrangement of the working air channel 18, the control air channel 19, and the vent channel 20 can be seen on the right side surface 22 of the valve disc group 8. In practical use of the valve arrangement 1, the working air channel 18, the control air channel 19, and the vent channel 20 are sealed fluid-tight by a cover plate (not shown) which is attached downstream of the valve disc group 8.

[0041] Adjacent to the feed plate 4, the valve arrangement 1 is as follows: Fig. Figure 1 shows, purely as an example, a valve control 5, which comprises a microprocessor and the necessary electrical and electronic peripheral components for the operation of the microprocessor, mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown in detail). The microprocessor serves to receive and process electrical control signals provided at a control input 13 of the valve control 6 by a higher-level control unit (not shown), for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and to output electrical control signals to the valve assembly 8. The valve control 5 can, for example, be configured to execute a computer program stored in the microprocessor, which influences the actions of the compressed air consumers that can be connected to the valve assembly 1, as required for a function of the machine or device.By way of example, the valve control 5 is provided with an electrical supply input 14 in addition to the control input 13. This input allows electrical energy to be supplied to the valve assembly 1 for the operation of the function modules 3 located downstream of the valve control 5. An electrical supply line 17 extends from the valve control 5 through the function modules 3 located downstream of the valve control 5. The electrical supply line 17 comprises electrical supply lines (not shown) connected to the supply input 14, as well as signal lines for signal transmission between the valve control 5 and the valve disc assembly 8. This signal transmission can be achieved using a multi-line electrical system and / or an internal bus system that requires only a few electrical lines.

[0042] Each of the functional modules 3 is penetrated between the opposing side surfaces 21, 22 by the electrical supply line 17, which terminates at the respective side surfaces 21, 22. The arrangement of the electrical supply line 17 can be seen on the right side surface 22 of the valve disc group 8, where it is equipped with a contact connector. In practical use, this contact connector is protected by the end plate (not shown).

[0043] Adjacent to the valve control 5 is a throttle valve 171, which is fluidically integrated into the fluid supply line 18, as shown in the Fig. 3 is shown in more detail. From the Fig. It can also be seen from Figure 3 that the throttle valve 171, purely by way of example, comprises a fluidic parallel connection of a throttle 172 and a pressure balance 173 and is designed for a time-limited throttling of the air supply to the fluid supply line 18, as described below in connection with the description of the Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail.

[0044] The throttle valve 171 is connected to the illustration of the Fig. Figure 1 shows, purely as an example, a safety controller 6, which comprises a microprocessor and the necessary electrical and electronic peripheral components for the operation of the microprocessor on a printed circuit board (not shown in detail). The microprocessor serves to receive and process electrical sensor signals, which can be provided at sensor inputs 25, 26, 27, for example, by a safety sensor 99 or by position sensors 78, 79, as described in the Fig. Figures 4 to 6 are shown in more detail. For example, it is provided that the position sensors 78, as part of the safety valve group 7, are connected via sensor lines 55, 56 from sensor outputs 28, 29 of the position sensors 78, 79 to the sensor inputs 26, 27 of the safety controller 6.

[0045] The safety controller 6 is designed such that sensor signals provided at sensor inputs 25, 26, and 27 can be processed in a safety-related manner. For this purpose, the sensor signals can be processed, for example, in different computer program modules, which are preferably programmed differently. Alternatively, the sensor signals can be processed in several microprocessors, particularly those with different designs and programming. The processing results from the sensor signals are compared. For example, the safety controller 6 can trigger a safety function if the processing results are not within a predefined tolerance interval.Furthermore, a safety function can be triggered by the safety controller if the processing results are within the specified tolerance interval, but a specified threshold value is exceeded or fallen below. Communication between the safety controller 6 and the safety valves 51, 52 of the downstream safety valve group 7 preferably takes place via separate electrical lines in the electrical supply line 17. Alternatively, communication between the safety controller 6 and the safety valve group 7 can also be carried out via safety-related data packets of an internal bus communication of the valve arrangement 1.

[0046] The safety valves 51 and 52 contained in safety valve group 7 are described below in connection with the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 explained in more detail. The same applies to the valve disc group 8.

[0047] The second embodiment of a valve arrangement 81, as described in the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 differs from the first embodiment of the valve arrangement 1 according to the Fig. 1. This is achieved simply by the fact that a pilot air connection 174 is assigned to the throttle valve 171, through which, by way of example, all fluidically piloted valves of the valve arrangement 81 can be supplied with pilot air. The pilot air supply is thus separate and completely independent of the switching position of the throttle valve 171. Additionally, a locking disc (not shown) can be arranged between the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8. The locking disc is designed to block the pilot air channel 20 within the fluid supply line 18 between the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8. To enable the supply of pilot air to the valve disc group 8 located downstream of the locking disc, the locking disc has a further pilot air connection (not shown) which is fluidically connected to the fluid supply line 18 within the valve disc group 8.The use of such a locking disc is of particular interest when pilot valves of the valve disc group 8 are to be operated with a different, in particular a lower, control pressure than pilot valves of the safety valve group 7.

[0048] The one in Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic fluid circuit diagram of the first embodiment of the valve arrangement 1, showing the fluidic and electrical interconnection of the valve control 5, the safety control 6, the throttle valve 171, the safety valve group 7 and the valve disc group 8.

[0049] Furthermore, two compressed air consumers 30, 31, designed purely as pneumatic cylinders, are each connected to a valve disc 9 of the valve disc group 8.

[0050] As the depiction of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, the valve control 5 is, purely by way of example, electrically connected to a higher-level control unit 32, which could, for instance, be a machine control unit of a production machine (not shown) in which the valve arrangement 1 is integrated. The higher-level control unit 32 already provides electrical signals and electrical energy to the valve control unit 5. For example, it is provided that the electrical signals from the higher-level control unit 32 are connected to the valve assembly shown in the Fig. The control input 13 shown in section 1 is provided, while the electrical energy is supplied to the input shown in the Fig. The supply input 14 shown in the valve control 5 is provided.

[0051] The valve control unit 5 is designed to process the electrical signals from the higher-level control unit 32 and to provide electrical control signals to the valve discs 101, 102 of the valve disc group 8, which are designed purely as pilot valve discs. For this purpose, the valve discs 101, 102 are electrically connected to the valve control unit 5 via control lines 33, 34.

[0052] Furthermore, it is provided that the supply inlet 14 of the valve control 5 is connected according to the Fig. 1 electrical energy provided via a in the Fig. The supply line 35 shown in Figure 3 is also supplied to the safety controller 6. The supply line 35 includes a communication line (not shown) through which data exchange between the safety controller 6 and the valve controller 5 can take place. In particular, the safety controller 6 can be supplied via the supply line 35 with information about the switching state that the valve discs 101, 102 should assume based on control signals from the valve controller 5, in order to then enable the corresponding release of control signals to the safety valves 51, 52.

[0053] The safety controller 6 is electrically connected to the first safety valve 51 via a first safety control line 53. Furthermore, the safety controller 6 is connected to the second safety valve 52 via a second safety control line 54. A first sensor line 55 extends between the safety sensor 99, which is shown purely as an example of a door contact sensor for a safety fence 100 (shown only schematically) arranged around the two compressed air consumers 30, 31, and the safety controller 6. A second sensor line 56 extends between a position sensor 78, which is assigned to the first safety valve 51, and a third sensor line 57, which extends between a position sensor 79, which is assigned to the second safety valve 52.

[0054] The two safety valves 51, 52 are each designed as electro-pneumatically piloted 5 / 2-way valves, each held in a first operating position by a spring device 58, 59, as described in the Fig. Figure 3 shows that when an electrical control signal is provided by the safety controller 6 via the safety control line 53 or 54, the respective safety valve 51, 52 can be opened from the first operating position according to the Fig. 3. The valve is transferred to a second operating position (not shown). In this position, the electrical control signal actuates a pilot valve 60 or 61, shown only schematically and exemplified as a solenoid valve. This supplies control air to an associated main valve 62, 63, allowing the respective main valve 62, 63 to be transferred from the first operating position to the second operating position.

[0055] When the electrical control signal is switched off by the safety controller 6, the supply of control air through the pilot valves 60, 61 to the associated main valves 62, 63 is interrupted. Preferably, the pilot valves 60, 61 are designed such that, in addition to interrupting the supply of control air, they also cause a pressure reduction in the respective control air section (not shown) of the associated main valve 62, 63, so that the associated main valve 62, 63, by action of the spring device 58 or 59, moves from the second operating position (not shown) to the first operating position according to the Fig. 3 is transferred. Upon reaching the first functional position, the respective position sensor 78, 79 provides a sensor signal to the safety controller 6 via the sensor line 55 or 56, so that it receives information about whether and when the respective main valve 62 or 63 has returned to the first functional position.

[0056] Since the first operating position is the safe operating position for the safety valve group 7, the safety controller 6 is designed to issue a fault message if, after the electrical control signals for the two pilot valves 60, 61 have been switched off, the two position sensors 78, 79 do not indicate the return of the respective main valves 62, 63 to the first operating position within a predetermined time period. This fault message can, for example, prevent the two safety valves 51, 52 from being actuated again. Additionally, this fault message can be displayed visually or audibly by the safety controller 6 or forwarded via communication with the valve controller 5 to the higher-level controller 32, so that appropriate measures can be taken there to rectify the fault.

[0057] As the depiction of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, the two safety valves 51 and 52 are connected via a supply line 36 to the throttle valve 171, which in turn is connected to a compressed air source 37 via an intermediate switching valve 176. For example, it is provided that the compressed air source 37 supplies the entire pressure for the valve arrangement 1 and the connected compressed air consumers 30, 31, and no separate pilot air supply is provided.

[0058] Within the safety valve group 7, the supply line 36 runs to a first inlet port 66 of the first safety valve 51. A second inlet port 67 of the first safety valve 51 is connected via a vent line 38, which is equipped with a first air outlet 39 and a second air outlet 40, to a second inlet port 72 of the second safety valve 52. Furthermore, an unlabeled shut-off channel is assigned to a first outlet port 68 and a third outlet port 70 of the first safety valve 51. A second outlet port 69 of the first safety valve 51 is connected via a connecting line 41 to a first inlet port 71 of the second safety valve 52. Unlabeled shut-off channels are assigned to a first outlet port 73 and a third outlet port 75.A second output port 74 of the second safety valve 52 is connected to a supply line 42 which extends to a first switching valve 103 of the first valve disc 101 and to a second switching valve 104 of the second valve disc 102.

[0059] The supply line 42 branches off in both the first valve disc 101 and the second valve disc 102, providing control air to a pilot valve 105, 106 and working air to a main valve 107, 108. The supply line 42 is connected to a second inlet port 112, 117 of the first switching valve 103 and the second switching valve 104, respectively.

[0060] In both switching valves 103 and 104, the first inlet port 111, 116 and the third inlet port 113, 118 are each connected to unlabeled vent outlets. The first outlet port 114 of the first switching valve 103 is connected to a first working port 43 of the first compressed air consumer 30. The second outlet port 115 of the first sound-insulating valve 103 is connected to a second working port 44 of the first compressed air consumer 30. The first outlet port 119 of the second switching valve 104 is connected to a first working port 45 of the second compressed air consumer 31. The second outlet port 120 of the second switching valve 104 is connected to a second working port 46 of the second compressed air consumer 31.

[0061] The fluidic parallel connection of the throttle 172 and the pressure balance 173 implemented in the throttle valve 171 is designed to ensure a smooth pressure build-up for the valve arrangement 1. For the following description, it is assumed that the switching valve 176 is initially in the closed position according to the Fig. 3 is located in a position where no compressed air flows from the compressed air source 37 into the valve arrangement 1. When the switching valve 176 is switched from the closed position to a release position (not shown), compressed air can be supplied from the compressed air source 37 to the throttle valve 171 and from there into the valve arrangement 1.

[0062] By way of example, the pilot valves 60, 61 of the safety valves 51, 52 are directly connected to a fluid port 178 of the throttle valve 171 via a pilot air line 177. This allows the pilot valves 60, 61 to be directly supplied with the full pressure of the compressed air source 37, independent of the pressure limiting function of the throttle valve 171. Thus, immediately after the switching point of the activation valve 176 from the closed position to the enabling position, the safety valves 51 and 52 can switch from their first functional position (closed position) to their second functional position (enabling position), provided that corresponding control signals are present from the safety controller 6.

[0063] As soon as the safety valves 51, 52 have been switched to the second operating position, the compressed air supplied via the throttle 172 is forwarded to the supply line 42 and can thus be used as control air and as working air for the two valve discs 101 and 102.

[0064] The pressure build-up occurring in the supply line 42 causes the pressure balance 173, which is fluidically connected to the supply line 42 via the return line 175, to move from a blocked position according to the Fig. 3 can be transferred to a release position not shown, whereby the full pressure of the compressed air source 37 will be made available to the valve arrangement 1.

[0065] The action of the throttle valve 171 thus largely avoids undesirably harsh switching operations for the valve arrangement 1 and undesirably harsh movement operations for the connected compressed air consumers 30 during a start-up process.

[0066] A function of the valve arrangement 1 according to the illustration of the Fig. 3. After the start-up procedure described above has been carried out, the process can be described as follows: in order to enable a compressed air supply for the first compressed air consumer 30 and / or for the second compressed air consumer 31, it is provided, for example, that the higher-level control unit 32 provides control signals to the valve control unit 5. The valve control unit 5 provides an electrical control signal to the safety control unit 6 via the supply line 35.

[0067] The safety controller 6 then checks whether any conditions exist that would prevent the two safety valves 51, 52 from moving from their first operating position to their second operating position. For example, such a condition would exist if the safety sensor 99 on the safety fence 100 sends a signal to the safety controller 6 indicating that the safety door in the safety fence 100 is open, as shown in the illustration of the Fig. Figure 3 shows. A further requirement would be met if at least one of the two position sensors 78, 79 of the safety valves 51, 52 provides a signal to the safety controller indicating that at least one of the safety valves 51, 52 has not returned to the first operating position.

[0068] If none of the aforementioned conditions are met, the safety controller 6 can electrically actuate the pilot valves 60, 61 of the safety valves 51, 52, so that both safety valves 51, 52 open from their first operating position according to the Fig. 3 is converted into a second operating position (not shown). In this second operating position, compressed air is supplied from the compressed air source 37 via the supply line 42 to the first switching valve 103 of the first valve disc 101 and to the second switching valve 104 of the second valve disc 102 via the first inlet port 66 and the second outlet port 69 of the first safety valve 51, as well as via the first inlet port 71 and the second outlet port 74. These two switching valves 103 and 104 can then be switched by the valve control 5 depending on the requirements of the respective compressed air consumer 30, 31.

[0069] Should a safety-related sensor signal be provided to the safety controller 6 during this regular operation of the valve arrangement 1, which in the embodiment of the Fig. Since the safety control unit 6 can only be triggered by the safety sensor 99, but in a practical application may also be triggered by other sensors or emergency stop switches, the safety control unit 6 performs an emergency shutdown for the valve arrangement 1 and the associated compressed air consumers 30, 31. For this purpose, the control signals provided by the safety control unit 6 for the two pilot valves 60, 61 of the safety valves 51, 52 are modified, in particular switched off, so that no further supply of control air to the respective main valves 62, 63 is present. This is intended to switch the safety valves 51, 52 from the second operating position to the first operating position.

[0070] In the event that both safety valves 51, 52 are indeed in the first operating position according to the Fig. When position 3 is taken, the supply line 42 is vented, whereby both the working air and the control air for the two switching valves 103, 104 of the valve discs 101 and 102 are vented.

[0071] If the first safety valve 51 should remain in the second operating position (not shown) due to a malfunction, which is to be considered the first fault case, the switching of the second safety valve 52 from the second operating position (not shown) to the first operating position will nevertheless be carried out in accordance with the Fig. 3. The venting of the two valve discs 101 and 102 is ensured. Here, the compressed air from the supply line 42 flows via the second outlet port 74 of the second safety valve 52 to the two air outlets 39 and 40. Furthermore, the fluidic communication between the compressed air source 37 and the two valve discs 101 and 102 is also blocked by the second safety valve 52.

[0072] If the second safety valve 52 should remain in the second operating position (not shown) due to a malfunction, which is also considered a first fault case, the first safety valve 51 will nevertheless switch from the second operating position (not shown) to the first operating position according to the Fig. 3 ensures the venting of the two valve discs 101 and 102. Here, the compressed air flows via the second outlet port 74 of the second safety valve 102 to the first inlet port 71 of the second safety valve and from there via the connecting lines 41 to the second outlet port 69 of the first safety valve 51, in order to flow from there to the second inlet port 67 of the first safety valve 51 and then to the environment at the two air outlets 39 and 40.

[0073] In the Fig. 4 is the fluidic interconnection of the second valve arrangement 81 according to the Fig. 2 shown, which differ from the fluidic interconnection of the first valve arrangement 1 according to the Fig.1 differs in that the throttle valve 171 is used exclusively for the working air supply of the valve arrangement 81, while the control air supply of the pilot valves 60, 61 is provided via the control air line 177, which is supplied by a control air source 174 that is independent of the compressed air source 37 and the throttle valve 171. Control air for the pilot valves 105, 106 can, for example, be supplied via an intermediate control air feed 181.

Claims

[1] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) for supplying compressed air to compressed air consumers (30, 31), comprising several functional modules arranged in series along a direction of assembly (2) from the group: valve disc group (8), safety valve group (7), throttle valve (171), wherein the valve disc group (8) comprises one or more valve discs (101, 102) and wherein each valve disc (101, 102) has at least one electrically actuated valve (103, 104) which is connected to an electrical supply line (17) traversing the valve disc group (8) and to a fluid supply line (18) traversing the valve disc group (8), wherein the throttle valve (171) is arranged upstream of the safety valve group (7) between a fluid port (36) and the fluid supply line (18) of the valve disc group (8), wherein the safety valve group (7) has a first safety valve (51) and has a second safety valve (52),which are each designed to influence a fluid flow between the fluid connection (36) and the fluid supply line (18), wherein an electrical safety control (7) arranged between a valve control (5) and the safety valve group (7) is designed for a safety-oriented blocking of electrical control signals for the first safety valve (51) and the second safety valve (52), wherein the throttle valve (171) is designed for a temporary reduction of a working pressure in the fluid supply line (18), and wherein the valve control (5) is designed for an electrical control of the valve disc group (8) and the safety valve group (7). [2] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the fluid supply line (18) includes a working air duct (19), that the throttle valve (171) is designed for a temporary reduction of a working pressure in the working air duct (19), and that the first safety valve (51) and the second safety valve (52) are designed for a redundant control of a fluid flow in the working air duct (19), in particular for blocking a fluidically communicating connection between the fluid connection (36) and the working air duct (19) and for venting the working air duct (19). [3] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to claim 2, characterized by , that a valve disc (101, 102) of the valve disc group (8) is designed as a direct control valve disc with an electrically controllable main valve, wherein the main valve is fluidically connected to the working air channel (19) and electrically connected to the valve control (5) via the electrical supply line (17). [4] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the fluid supply line (18) includes a control air duct (20) and that the first safety valve (51) and the second safety valve (52) are designed for redundant control of a fluid flow in the control air duct (20), in particular for blocking a fluidically communicating connection between the fluid port (36) and the control air duct (20) and for venting the control air duct (20). [5] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to claim 4, characterized by, that a valve disc (101, 102) of the valve disc group (8) is designed as a pilot valve disc, which has an electrically controllable pilot valve (105, 106) which is electrically connected to the valve control (5) via the electrical supply line (17) and which is fluidically connected to the control air channel (20) of the fluid supply line (18), and that the pilot valve disc (101, 102) has a fluidically piloted main valve (107, 108) which is fluidically connected to the pilot valve (105, 106) and to the working air channel (19). [6] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the throttle valve (171) is designed for a temporary reduction of a control pressure in the control air channel (20). [7] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by, that a locking disc is arranged between the safety valve group and the valve disc group, which is designed to block the working air channel between the safety valve group and the valve disc group and which has a working air connection designed to supply working air into the working air channel of the valve disc group. [8] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to one of claims 4, 5 or 6, characterized by , that a locking disc (82) is arranged between the safety valve group (7) and the valve disc group (8), which is designed to block the control air channel (20) between the safety valve group (7) and the valve disc group (8) and which has a control air connection (83) designed to supply control air into the control air channel (20) of the valve disc group (8). [9] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the first safety valve (51) and / or the second safety valve (52) has a safety main valve electrically connected to the safety control (7) and fluidically connected to the fluid connection (36) and that the safety control is designed for electrical control of the safety main valve. [10] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the first safety valve (51) and / or the second safety valve (52) has a safety pilot valve (60, 61) electrically connected to the safety control (7) and fluidically connected to the fluid port (36) and a safety main valve (62, 63) fluidically connected to the safety pilot valve (60, 61) and fluidically connected to the fluid port (36), wherein the safety control (7) is configured for electrical actuation of the safety pilot valve (60, 61) and wherein the safety pilot valve (60, 61) is configured for fluidic actuation of the safety main valve (62, 63). [11] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the throttle valve (171) has an inlet port (178) for connection to the fluid port (36) and a control air outlet designed for connection to a control air inlet of the safety valve group (7). [12] Valve arrangement (1; 81; 91) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first safety valve (51) and / or the second safety valve (52) is equipped with a position sensor (78, 79) designed to detect a valve position and electrically connected to the safety control (7).

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