Hydraulic valve assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydraulic valve assembly (10) having a connection block (12) and at least one valve section (14.1...14. n) hydraulically connected ot the connection block (12), wherein the hydraulic valve assembly (10) has a main electronics receiving device (16) with a main electronics module (18) arranged therein, and wherein the valve section (14.1...14.n) has a valve section electronics receiving device (20.1...20.n) with a valve section electronics module (22.1...22.n) arranged therein.

Description

[0001] Hydraulic valve assembly

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydraulic valve assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a hydraulic valve assembly comprising a connection block and at least one valve section hydraulically connected to the connection block.

[0003] Such hydraulic valve banks are known from the prior art, for example from EP 2 063 159 A1. There, several valve sections are sandwiched together in series and controlled via a common bus system, with each valve section having valve electronics integrated into the housing. The valve electronics can communicate with a higher-level controller that is not part of the valve bank via the bus system. For this purpose, a contact pin is inserted into the bus system cable via a cover to create a signal connection.

[0004] Such hydraulic valve assemblies are used to control hydraulic consumers in mobile hydraulic applications. Examples include agricultural and forestry machinery, such as tractors or harvesters. They can then control, among other things, outriggers, a mast, or mobile hydraulic systems connected to the machine, such as front loaders, balers, loading wagons, augers, or cable winches.

[0005] The disadvantage of the known solution is that, firstly, the valve electronics are located within the valve section housing, making maintenance or replacement very difficult. Furthermore, replacement usually requires the use of a new cable, which is then penetrated by the contact pin during reassembly. This also requires opening the hydraulic circuit, which can lead to unwanted dirt ingress. Furthermore, the valve electronics are designed in such a way that all relevant functions for the entire valve control system are contained within the electronics. This results in relatively expensive valve electronics per valve section.

[0006] In addition, the known hydraulic valve groups can only be used to a limited extent if a hydraulic section or the valve electronics fails.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a hydraulic valve assembly with onboard electronics which is significantly more practical, whose availability is increased and which is constructed more cost-effectively.

[0008] The object is achieved with a hydraulic valve assembly according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims. The hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention has a connection block. A main electronics module is arranged in a main block electronics receptacle of the hydraulic valve assembly. Furthermore, the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention has at least one valve section. The valve section is hydraulically connected to the connection block in a known manner, so that, for example, hydraulic consumers connected to the valve section can be pressurized via the connection block and the valve section or, for example, can also be relieved to the tank. The valve section has a valve section electronics module. A valve section electronics module is arranged in the valve section electronics receptacle.

[0009] This demonstrates a simple hydraulic valve assembly design. The main electronics module and the valve section electronics module are located in their respective mounts, making them easily accessible and replaceable. This results in a cost-effective and simple hydraulic valve assembly design. Furthermore, replacement can be carried out quickly and easily, resulting in minimal downtime and downtime.

[0010] Preferably, the connection block has the main electronics receptacle in the form of a connection block electronics receptacle, wherein the main electronics module is a connection block electronics module. However, it is also conceivable, for example, that an end plate of the hydraulic valve assembly has the main electronics receptacle with the main electronics module arranged therein.

[0011] It is advantageous if the main electronics module is detachably arranged in the main electronics receptacle. In particular, it is advantageous if the main electronics module can be secured in the main electronics receptacle via a positive or non-positive connection, for example via a clip connection, locking lugs, or a rail connection. It is advantageous if the main electronics module has a contact interface that establishes a connection for signal, data, and voltage transmission with the main electronics receptacle when the main electronics module is accommodated in the main electronics receptacle. This can be a plug connection; however, it is also conceivable that the contact interface is designed at least partially for wireless signal, data, and voltage transmission, for example via an NFC interface.It is advantageous if the main electronics receptacle is located in a freely accessible area of ​​the hydraulic valve assembly, particularly in an area facing the environment. In other words, it is advantageous if the main electronics module can be connected directly to the hydraulic valve assembly without additional mounting or connection points.

[0012] It can be inserted into or removed from the main electronics receptacle without any disassembly steps. This facilitates replacement of the main electronics module if necessary.

[0013] It is advantageous if the valve section electronics module is detachably arranged in the valve section electronics receptacle. In particular, it is advantageous if the valve section electronics module can be secured in the valve section electronics receptacle via a positive or non-positive connection, for example via a clip connection, locking lugs, or a rail connection. It is advantageous if the valve section electronics receptacle is arranged in a freely accessible area of ​​the valve section module, in particular in an area facing the environment. In other words, it is advantageous if the valve section module can be inserted into or removed from the valve section electronics receptacle directly and without additional assembly or disassembly steps. This facilitates replacement of the valve section module if necessary.

[0014] It is advantageous if the valve section electronics module has a contact interface that establishes a connection for signal, data, and voltage transmission with the valve section electronics receptacle when the valve section electronics module is accommodated in the valve section electronics receptacle. This can be a plug connection. It is also conceivable, of course, that the contact interface is at least partially designed for wireless signal, data, and voltage transmission, for example, via an NFC interface. This allows both the main electronics module and the valve section electronics module to be easily replaced, for example, in the event of a fault.

[0015] The main electronics module and the valve section electronics module are expediently separate, with the main electronics module having a main control unit. In this context, it is expedient for the valve section electronics module to have a secondary control unit. This allows computationally intensive tasks, including those of the individual valve sections, to be performed by the main control unit, such as control, regulation, device monitoring, and predictive maintenance tasks. Less computationally intensive tasks can be handled by the secondary control unit. It is also conceivable, of course, for all control processes and tasks to be handled by the main control unit. This results in a somewhat more expensive main electronics module, but at the same time a significantly less expensive valve section electronics module.It is advantageous if the main control unit has a main CPU and the secondary control unit has a secondary CPU with significantly reduced computing power.

[0016] It is advantageous if the hydraulic valve group has an electrical backbone, with the main electronics module and the valve section electronics module being connected to one another via the electrical backbone. The electrical backbone represents the physical interface between the connection block and the valve section. The control and regulation signals are transmitted via this. Furthermore, the electronic backbone also serves to supply power to the valve section. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the main electronics module has a backbone communication unit. For connection to a higher-level unit, it is advantageous if the main electronics module has an external communication unit for connection to a bus system, in particular for connection to a fieldbus system. Depending on the design of the external communication unit, various fieldbus systems can be connected, for example CAN, Ethernet, FlexRay, LIN or IO-Link.

[0017] It is advantageous if the external communication unit has an interface for wireless communication and / or data transmission. This interface can be, for example, a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a 5G interface, or an NFC interface. Targeted information can be transmitted to or received from a mobile or wirelessly connected device via the interface.

[0018] The valve section electronics module expediently has a motion control unit. The motion control unit can be a solenoid control unit. The solenoid control unit is designed to apply a current and a voltage to a magnet, for example a proportional magnet, of the valve section using digital values ​​calculated by the main electronics module and via the backbone communication unit, resulting in a controlled hydraulic volume flow at the hydraulic consumer. The digital values ​​are calculated, in particular, via the main control unit. The motion control unit can alternatively be a motor control unit. The motor control unit is designed to control an electromotive or electromechanical drive such that a desired movement is initiated and a controlled hydraulic volume flow at the hydraulic consumer occurs.

[0019] For this purpose, an electric motor is regularly energized in such a way that a defined rotary movement of a shaft occurs, which is translated via a gear into a defined linear movement of an output element.

[0020] It is advantageous if the main electronics module has a voltage connection and a voltage regulator, wherein a supply voltage can preferably be applied to the valve section electronics module via the electrical backbone. The voltage regulator conditions the input voltage provided via the voltage connection to such an extent that it is appropriately stabilized, constant, and secured as a supply voltage for the internal electronic components of the main electronics module and the valve section electronics module, so that no further conditioning of the supply voltage for the internal components is necessary. Secondly, the input voltage is prepared by the voltage regulator to such an extent that the stability and the current and voltage limits of the electrical energy sufficiently meet the requirements of the magnet control unit for actuating the at least one magnet.Furthermore, the voltage regulator offers protection against overvoltage, reverse polarity, and load dump for all provided supply voltages for all downstream users, such as the internal components of the main electronics module and the valve section electronics module. The valve section preferably has a movable hydraulic closing element, in particular a spool. The closing element is moved in a generally known manner between at least two positions, for example, to supply hydraulic consumers with the desired pressure or quantity or to enable pressure relief to the tank. Therefore, the valve section expediently has at least one working connection for connecting a hydraulic consumer.

[0021] It is advantageous here if a signal-controlled movement of the closing element relieves the pressure on the working connection. It is particularly advantageous if a signal via the bus system initiates the signal-controlled movement. In this context, it is conceivable for the working connection to be equipped with a quick-action coupling. If a hydraulic consumer is to be connected to the working connection via the quick-action coupling, electronically initiated relief is possible. It is not necessary to provide a hand lever or the like for manual relief. Without relieving the pressure on the working connection, it may be impossible to connect a hydraulic consumer via the quick-action coupling, for example due to temperature-related volume increases in the hydraulic fluid.

[0022] It is advantageous if the valve section electronics module includes a sensor module. Depending on the variant, the sensor module is designed to read discrete, internal, or external sensors. The sensor module is also designed to additionally read sensors with bus interfaces. The sensors could be, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, position sensors, etc. The recorded physical values ​​(temperature, pressure, acceleration, etc.) can be used directly in the auxiliary control unit or in the valve section electronics module for control optimization, or made available to the main control unit or main electronics module for computationally intensive tasks (e.g., air conditioning control algorithms, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, etc.).

[0023] Preferably, the valve section is a first valve section, and the valve section electronics module is a first valve section electronics module. The hydraulic valve assembly preferably has at least one second valve section with a second valve section electronics module, wherein the connection block is hydraulically connected to the first valve section and the second valve section. This makes it possible to use different valve section electronics modules for the first and second valve sections. Thus, it may not be necessary to provide a position sensor in the second valve section electronics module if, for example, only supports are controlled via this module.

[0024] In this context, it is advantageous if the main electronics module is connected to the first valve section electronics module via the electrical backbone. The second valve section electronics module preferably has a feedthrough for the electronic backbone. The second valve section electronics module is preferably connected to the first valve section electronics module away from the electrical backbone, so that certain regulation, monitoring, or control tasks for the second valve section are assumed by the first valve section electronics module. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the first valve section electronics module has a secondary control unit and the second valve section electronics module does not have a secondary control unit. This results in a particularly inexpensive and simply constructed second valve section electronics module.

[0025] It is advantageous if the first valve section has at least one first actuating unit and if the second valve section has at least one second actuating unit, wherein the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit are connected to a motion control unit of the first valve section electronics module. Thus, a movement of the closing member of the first valve section and the closing member of the second valve section can be enabled via a single motion control unit. This reduces the cost of valve section electronics modules.

[0026] The first actuating unit can be a first magnet or a first electromechanical drive. The second actuating unit can be a second magnet or a second electromechanical drive. Depending on the design, the valve sections can be actuated electromagnetically, electromechanically, or electromotively.

[0027] Preferably, the first valve section electronics module has a backbone communication unit. The electrical backbone represents the physical interface between the connection block and the valve section. The control and regulation signals are transmitted via this. Furthermore, the electronic backbone also serves to supply power to the valve section. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if the first valve section electronics module has a backbone communication unit.

[0028] The second valve section preferably has a movable hydraulic closing element, in particular a spool. The second valve section electronics module preferably has a second position sensor for monitoring the position of the closing element. The second position sensor is preferably connected to the secondary control unit of the first valve section electronics module. The signal conditioning and processing of the second position sensor is not computationally intensive, so it can be performed via the secondary control unit of the first valve section electronics module. Thus, no secondary control unit is required for the second valve section electronics module, which reduces overall costs.

[0029] Although only two valve section electronic modules were described above, it is also within the scope of this disclosure that the hydraulic valve assembly has three or more valve sections. The valve section electronic modules of the individual valve sections can be configured differently as required, for example, with or without a secondary control unit, with or without a position sensor, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the valve sections are constructed identically, except for the respective valve section electronics modules. For example, by changing the valve section electronics module, the function of each valve section can be easily adapted. It is particularly advantageous if the valve section's working connections are equipped with quick-release couplings. This allows basic hydraulic functionality to be maintained even in remote locations if a valve section fails.

[0031] Furthermore, the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention also allows the valve section electronics modules to be replaced during use during a short interruption. It is only necessary to keep the corresponding valve section electronics modules available, for example, in the tractor cab. In this context, it is also conceivable that the parameters of a newly connected valve section electronics module could be configured via the main electronics module or the main control unit and / or the secondary control unit of another valve section electronics module. This can significantly minimize downtime overall.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These schematically show:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a first perspective view of an inventive

[0034] hydraulic valve assembly;

[0035] Fig. 2 a second perspective view of the inventive

[0036] hydraulic valve assembly;

[0037] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention;

[0038] Fig. 4 is a first side view of the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 5 is a section along the line AA shown in Fig. 4;

[0040] Fig. 6 is a second side view of the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention;

[0041] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a main electronic module or a

[0042] valve section electronics module;

[0043] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a first variant of the inventive

[0044] Hydraulic valve assembly; Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a second variant of the inventive

[0045] hydraulic valve assembly;

[0046] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a third variant of the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention; and

[0047] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a fourth variant of the hydraulic valve assembly according to the invention; and.

[0048] Figs. 1 to 6 show various views of a hydraulic valve bank 10 according to the invention. The hydraulic valve bank 10 shown here has a connection block 12 and six valve sections 14.1 to 14.6. The hydraulic valve bank 10 is constructed in a sandwich design, with the hydraulic supply to the individual valve sections 14.1 to 14.6 being provided via the connection block 12. Thus, the usual hydraulic elements not shown or described in detail are arranged in and on the connection block 12, such as a supply regulator, a pressure, tank, and LS connection. In addition, there are corresponding hydraulic supply lines 34 between the connection block 12 and the individual valve sections 14.1 to 14.n; see also Figs. 8 to 11.

[0049] The hydraulic valve assembly 10 further comprises a main electronics receptacle 16 with a main electronics module 18 arranged therein. More precisely, the connection block 12 comprises the main electronics receptacle in the form of a connection block electronics receptacle 16. The main electronics module in the form of a connection block electronics module 18 is detachably arranged in the connection block electronics receptacle 16, for example via corresponding locking elements 32 on a connecting plug 30. See also Fig. 7. Each of the valve sections 14.1 to 14.6 has a valve section electronics receptacle 20.1 to 20.6. In each valve section electronics receptacle 20.1 to 20.6, a valve section electronics module 22.1 to 22.6 is detachably arranged, for example via corresponding locking elements 32 on a connecting plug 30. See also Fig. 7. Although the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.6 are visually identical and can in principle be accommodated in any of the valve section electronics receptacles 20.1 to 20.6 via the connecting plug 30, the individual valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.6 can differ in their functionality due to different internal electronic components and designs, as explained in more detail below. The connecting plug 30 is designed here, for example, in the manner of a USB plug. Each valve section 14.1 to 14.6 has two working ports 24.5a, 24.5b, 24.6a and 24.6b equipped with quick-release couplings for connecting hydraulic consumers. The working ports 24.5a, 24.5b, 24.6a and 24.6b are provided with covers.

[0050] To relieve the respective working ports 24.5a, 24.5b, 24.6a, and 24.6b, each valve section 14.1 to 14.6 has a hand lever 26.1 to 26.6. Hand levers 26.1 to 26.6 are optional, as pressure relief can also be achieved electronically, as described in more detail below.

[0051] Protected within the hydraulic valve assembly 10 runs an electrical backbone 28 in the form of a cable harness, which is shown as an example in Fig. 5.

[0052] Four different variants of a hydraulic valve assembly 10 according to the invention are explained below with reference to Figs. 8 to 11. The variants differ fundamentally only in the internal structure of the connection block electronics module 18 and the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.6.

[0053] Fig. 8 shows a first variant of the hydraulic valve assembly 10 according to the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the terminal block electronics module 18 has a main board 36 with a main control unit 38 arranged thereon. In this example, the main control unit 38 is a main CPU designed for increased computing power. Furthermore, the terminal block electronics module has a voltage regulator 40, a backbone communication unit 42, and an external communication unit 44.

[0054] The voltage regulator 40 conditions the input voltage provided via a voltage connection 46 to such an extent that it is appropriately stabilized, constant, and protected as a supply voltage for the internal electronic components of the terminal block electronics module 18 and the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.n, so that no further conditioning of the supply voltage for the internal components is necessary. Furthermore, the input voltage is conditioned by the voltage regulator 40 to such an extent that the stability and the current and voltage limits of the electrical energy sufficiently meet the requirements of the motion control units 52.1 to 52.n of the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.n for the actuation of the actuation units 52.1 to 52.n, as will be described in more detail below.Furthermore, the voltage regulator 40 provides protection against overvoltage, reverse polarity and load dump for all provided supply voltages for all downstream users, such as the internal components of the terminal block electronics module 18 and for the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22n.

[0055] Depending on whether electromagnetic, electromechanical, or electromotive actuation of the valve sections 14.1 to 14.n is intended, the motion control units 52.1 to 52.n are designed either as solenoid control units or motor control units. Accordingly, the actuation units 52.1 to 52.n are designed either as proportional solenoids or as electromechanical or electromotive drives.

[0056] The electrical backbone 28 is physically connected via the backbone communication unit 42. The digital data exchange between the main control unit 38 and the individual internal components of the valve section electronic modules 22.1 to 22.n, such as the solenoid control units, takes place via the backbone communication unit 42.

[0057] 52.1 to 52. n.

[0058] The external communication unit 44 is designed for connection to a higher-level unit and for physical connection to a bus system 48, in particular for connection to a fieldbus system. Depending on the design of the external communication unit 44, various fieldbus systems 48 can be connected, for example, CAN, Ethernet, FlexRay, LIN, or IO-Link. The control and regulation commands, which are entered by the user, for example, via a joystick or an input unit located in the tractor cab, are transmitted via the fieldbus system 48.

[0059] Furthermore, the connection block 12 has an interface for the hydraulic connections 50, in particular a pump connection and a tank connection. The pressure applied via the pump connection is distributed to the individual valve sections 14.1 to 14.n in a conventional manner via the hydraulic supply lines 34. Accordingly, returning hydraulic fluid is discharged to the tank via the hydraulic supply lines 34 and the tank connection.

[0060] In this exemplary embodiment, the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.n are all constructed identically and each have a secondary circuit board 62.1 to 62.n with a motion control unit 52.1 to 52.n and a position sensor 58.1 to 58.n. The motion control units 52.1 to 52.n are described below as solenoid control units by way of example, with the explanations correspondingly applying to a design of the motion control units 52.1 to 52.n as motor control units.

[0061] The individually addressable solenoid control units 52.1 to 52.n apply a current and a voltage to the solenoid arrangement 54.1 to 54.n by means of the digital values ​​calculated by the main control unit 38 and transmitted via the backbone communication unit 42, which results in a controlled hydraulic volume flow at the corresponding hydraulic working connections 24.1a, 24.1b to 24.na, 24.nb. As shown, each solenoid arrangement

[0062] 54.1 to 54.n each have two proportional magnets that move corresponding closing elements 56.1 to 56.n of the individual valve sections 14.1 to 14.n in a conventional and known manner. In this embodiment, the closing elements 56.1 to 56.n are spool valves.

[0063] The position sensors 58.1 to 58.n digitally report the position of the spool 56.1 to 56.n of the respective valve section 14.1 to 14.n via the electrical backbone 28 via the backbone communication unit 44 to the main control unit 38. Using the spool position reported back by the position sensors 58.1 to 58.n, the main control unit 38 can calculate new default values ​​for the respective solenoid control units 52.1 to 52.n and thus enable close-loop control of the hydraulic volume flow for the hydraulic consumers connected to the hydraulic working connections 24.1a, 24.1b to 24.na, 24.nb.

[0064] Furthermore, the external communication unit 44 can additionally have an interface for wireless communication, such as a Bluetooth interface or an NFC interface. This allows data to be transferred to or from a mobile device, for example.

[0065] Fig. 9 shows a second variant of a hydraulic valve assembly 10 according to the invention. The second variant differs from the first variant shown in Fig. 8 in the structure of the valve section electronic modules 22.1 to 22.n.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first valve section electronics module 22.1 and the third valve section electronics module 22.3 each have only one feedthrough 60.1 and 60.3 for the electrical backbone 28 and one position sensor 58.1 and 58.3. The second valve section electronics module

[0067] 22.2 has a secondary control unit 64.2 arranged on the secondary board 62.2, a magnetic control unit 52.2, a position sensor 58.2 and a backbone communication unit

[0068] 66.2.

[0069] The position sensors 58.1 and 58.3 of the first valve section electronics module 22.1 and the third valve section electronics module 22.3 are connected via a connection 68, which can also be part of the electrical backbone 28, to the secondary control unit 64.2 of the second valve section electronics module

[0070] 22.2. Accordingly, the magnet arrangements 54.1 and 54.3 of the first valve section

[0071] 14.1 and the third valve section 14.3 are connected to the solenoid control unit 52.2 of the second valve section electronics module 22.2 via a connection 70, which can also be part of the electrical backbone 28. The digital data exchange between the secondary control unit 64.2 and the main control unit 38 takes place via the backbone communication unit 66.2 of the second valve section electronics module 22.2. The secondary control unit 64.2 is designed for less computationally intensive tasks compared to the main control unit 38.

[0072] The position sensors 58.1 to 58.3 directly connected here report via the auxiliary control unit

[0073] 64.2 digitally reports the spool position of the respective valve section 14.1 to 14.3 via the electrical backbone 28 via the backbone communication units 42, 52.2 to the main control unit 38. Using the reported spool position, the main control unit can calculate new preset values ​​for the second valve section electronics module 22.2 and thus enable close-loop control of the hydraulic volume flow for the hydraulic consumers connected to the hydraulic working connections 24.1a, 24.1b to 24.3a, 24.3b by transferring the preset values ​​to the secondary control unit 64.2 accordingly.

[0074] Fig. 10 shows a third variant of a hydraulic valve assembly 10 according to the invention. The third variant differs from the first and second variants in that all valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.n are constructed essentially like the second valve section electronics module 22.2 in the second variant shown in Fig. 9. In addition, all valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.n also have a sensor module 72.1 to 72.n. Depending on the variant, each sensor module 72.1 to 72.n is designed to read discrete, internal, or external sensors. Each sensor module 72.1 to 72.n is also designed to additionally read sensors with BUS interfaces. The sensors could be, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, position sensors, etc. The recorded physical values ​​(temperature, pressure, acceleration, etc.) can be directly stored in the auxiliary control unit 64.1 to 64.n or in the valve section electronics module 22.1 to 22. n can be used for control optimizations, or made available to the main control unit 38 or the terminal block electronics module 18 for computationally intensive tasks (e.g., control algorithms, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, etc.).

[0075] In addition, the terminal block electronics module 18 also includes a sensor module 74. The sensor module 74 is also designed to read the discrete, internal, or external sensors. The sensor module 74 is also designed to additionally read sensors with bus interfaces. The sensors could be, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, position sensors, etc. The recorded physical values ​​(temperature, pressure, acceleration, etc.) can be used directly in the main control unit 38 for control optimization or other tasks (e.g., air conditioning control algorithms, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, etc.).

[0076] Fig. 11 shows a fourth variant of a hydraulic valve assembly 10 according to the invention. The fourth variant differs from the variants shown in Figs. 8 to 10 in that the first valve section electronics module 22.1 is designed like the first valve section electronics module 22.1 of the variant shown in Fig. 10, the second valve section electronics module 22.2 is designed like the second valve section electronics module 22.2 of the variant shown in Fig. 9, the third valve section electronics module 22.3 is designed like the third valve section electronics module 22.3 in the variant shown in Fig. 9, and the fourth valve section electronics module 22.4 is designed like one of the valve section electronics modules 22.1 to 22.n of the variant shown in Fig. 8. The terminal block electronics module 18 corresponds to the terminal block electronics module 18 shown in Fig. 10.

[0077] Furthermore, in all four variants shown in Figs. 8 to 11, the hydraulic working connections 24.1a, 24.1b to 24.na, 24nb can be relieved without a hand lever. To do this, the user initiates a signal via the fieldbus system 50, e.g., on an input device. The main control unit 38 generates a control sequence, which then, via the electrical backbone 28 and the other components on the magnet assemblies 54.1 to 54.n, causes a specific movement of the spools and relieves the hydraulic working connections 24.1a, 24.1b to 24.na, 24nb to the tank.

[0078] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this disclosure do not define a desired order, but merely serve to conceptually distinguish the individual elements. Thus, for example, it is also part of this disclosure that there is a "second" element without a "first" element.

[0079] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0080] 10 Hydraulic valve assembly

[0081] 12 terminal block

[0082] 14.1 ...14.n Valve section

[0083] 16 Main electronics receptacle / terminal block electronics receptacle

[0084] 18 Main electronics module / terminal block electronics module

[0085] 20.1...20.n Valve section electronics holder

[0086] 22.1...22.n Valve section electronics module

[0087] 24.1a...24. na hydraulic working connection

[0088] 24.1 b...24. nb hydraulic working connection

[0089] 26.1...26.n Hand lever

[0090] 28 electrical backbone

[0091] 30 connecting plugs

[0092] 32 locking element

[0093] 34 hydraulic supply lines

[0094] 36 Mainboard

[0095] 38 Main control unit

[0096] 40 voltage regulators

[0097] 42 Backbone communication unit

[0098] 44 External communication unit

[0099] 46 Voltage connection

[0100] 48 bus connection

[0101] 50 hydraulic connections

[0102] 52.1...52.n motion control unit

[0103] 54.1...54.n Actuating units

[0104] 56.1...56.n locking element

[0105] 58.1...58.n Position sensor

[0106] 60.1...60.n Pass-through

[0107] 62.1...62.n sub-board

[0108] 64.1...64.n Auxiliary control unit

[0109] 66.1...66.n Backbone communication unit Connection Connection Sensor module Sensor module

Claims

Claims: Hydraulic valve assembly (10) with a connection block (12) and at least one valve section (14.1 ... 14.n) hydraulically connected to the connection block (12), wherein the hydraulic valve assembly (10) has a main electronics receptacle (16) with a main electronics module (18) arranged therein, and wherein the valve section (14.1 ... 14.n) has a valve section electronics receptacle (20.1 ... 20.n) with a valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) arranged therein. Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the connection block (12) has the main electronics receptacle in the form of a connection block electronics receptacle (16), and wherein the main electronics module is a connection block electronics module (18). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main electronics module (18) is detachably arranged in the main electronics receptacle (16). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section electronics module (22.1 ...22.n) is detachably arranged in the valve section electronics receptacle (20.1 ... 20.n). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main electronics module (18) and the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) are different, the main electronics module (18) comprising a main control unit (38). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) comprises a secondary control unit (64.1 ... 64.n). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic valve assembly (10) comprises an electrical backbone (28), wherein the main electronics module (18) and the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) are interconnected via the electrical backbone (28). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 7. wherein the main electronics module (18) comprises a backbone communication unit (42). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main electronics module (18) comprises an external communication unit (44) for connection to a bus system (48), in particular for connection to a fieldbus system. Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the external communication unit (44) comprises an interface for wireless communication and / or data transmission. Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) comprises a motion control unit (52.1 ... 52.n), wherein the motion control unit (52.1 ... 52.n) is preferably configured as a magnetic control unit or as a motor control unit.Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main electronics module (18) has a voltage connection and a voltage regulator (40), wherein a supply voltage can preferably be applied to the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) via the electrical backbone (28). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (14.1 ... 14.n) has a movable hydraulic closing element (56.1 ... 56.n), in particular a spool valve. Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) has a position sensor (58.1 ... 58.n) for monitoring the position of the closing element (56.1 ... 56.n). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (14.1 ...14.n) has at least one working port (24.1a...24.na, 24.1b...24.nb) for connecting a hydraulic consumer.Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 15, wherein a signal-controlled movement of the closing element (56.1 ... 56.n) relieves the working port (24.1a... 24.na, 24.1b... 24.nb). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 16, wherein a signal via the bus system (48) initiates the signal-controlled movement. A hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section electronics module (22.1 ... 22.n) comprises a sensor module (72.1 ... 72.n). A hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve section (14.1) is a first valve section and the valve section electronics module is a first valve section electronics module (22.1), and the hydraulic valve assembly (10) comprises at least one second valve section (14.2 ... 14.n) with a second valve section electronics module (22.2 ... 22.n), wherein the connection block (12) is hydraulically connected to the first valve section (22.1) and the second valve section (14.2 ... 14.n). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 19, wherein the main electronics module (18) is connected to the first valve section electronics module (22.1) via the electrical backbone (28). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 20, wherein the second valve section electronics module (22.2...22.n) has a through-line (60.1...60.n) for the electronic backbone (28). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 21, wherein the second valve section electronics module (22.2...22.n) is connected to the first valve section electronics module (22.1). Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 22, wherein the first valve section electronics module (22.1) has an auxiliary control unit (64.1...64.n) and wherein the second valve section electronics module (22.2...22.n) does not have an auxiliary control unit. Hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims 19 to 23, wherein the first valve section (14.1) has at least one first actuating unit (54.1) and wherein the second valve section (14.2...14.n) has at least one second actuating unit (54.2...54.n), wherein the first actuating unit and the second actuating unit are connected to a motion control unit (52.1...52.n) of the first valve section electronics module (22.1), wherein the first actuating unit (54.1) preferably a first magnet or a first electromechanical drive, and wherein the second actuating unit (54.2...54.n) preferably is a second magnet or a second electromechanical drive. A hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 19 to 24, wherein the first valve section electronics module (22.1) comprises a backbone communication unit (66.1 ... 66.n). A hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 19 to 25, wherein the second valve section (14.2 ... 14.n) comprises a movable hydraulic closing element (56.2 ... 56.n), in particular a spool valve, wherein the second valve section electronics module (22.2 ... 22.n) comprises a second position sensor (58.2 ... 58.n) for monitoring the position of the closing element (56.2 ... 56.n). A hydraulic valve assembly (10) according to claim 25, wherein the second position sensor (58.2 ... 58.n) is connected to the auxiliary control unit (64.1 ... 64.n) of the first valve section electronics module (22.1).