COMPONENT FOR A SHUTDOWN ORGAN

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shut-off device for limiting a flow of a process fluid, a component for a shut-off device, a control unit for a shut-off device and a method for operating a shut-off device.

[0002] It is known from the prior art that a drive unit of a shut-off device is switched off when a current threshold of the drive current is reached, in order to detect, for example, a shut-off body moving onto a valve seat.

[0003] The publications EP2843281, EP0739503, US2006169334, DE102012003230, EP2375085, US2013000753 disclose different designs of process valves.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to improve the known state of the art.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a component for a shut-off device according to claim 1.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this description, a shut-off device for limiting a flow of a process fluid is provided.The shut-off device comprises: a drive unit; a shut-off body, the variable position of which determines a flow diameter of the shut-off device that is effective for the process fluid; a drive element arranged between the drive unit and the shut-off body, which drive element introduces a drive force emanating from the drive unit at least partially into the shut-off body, wherein an elastic intermediate section of the drive element allows a change in a distance between a shut-off body-side rigid section of the drive element and a drive-side rigid section of the drive element; and a sensor unit configured to determine at least one signal that indicates the distance between the shut-off body-side rigid section of the drive element and the drive-side rigid section of the drive element.

[0007] This feedback offers advantages when operating the shut-off device. A change in force can be determined using at least one signal, and a control unit decides how the drive unit should be operated based on the change in force.

[0008] The detectable force is determined, on the one hand, by the force emanating from the drive unit and, on the other hand, by the pressure of the process fluid acting on the shut-off body. For example, a reduction in the distance between the two rigid sections indicates an increasing drive force emanating from the drive unit while simultaneously moving toward a valve seat.

[0009] If, for example, the drive unit causes the intermediate section to be compressed, this is determined by means of the at least one signal and a control of the distance or the force can compensate for the compression.

[0010] A further advantage is that the pressure of the process medium can be determined based on the distance. Consequently, the pressure of the process medium can be monitored using the shut-off device. This eliminates the need for additional measuring points for the process medium pressure.

[0011] Furthermore, the provided shut-off device offers a safety function. A pressure surge within the process fluid, such as when a shut-off device presses against a valve seat, causes the shut-off device to open briefly and close again after the pressure peak. This safety function is also advantageously available when the actuator is de-energized.

[0012] Furthermore, the feedback from the at least one signal can be used to counteract the occurrence of a pressure surge by the drive unit, thus minimizing the opening or closing of the shut-off device or valve. Thus, the shut-off device, whose drive unit counteracts the pressure surge depending on the detected pressure surge, has a pressure-stabilizing effect on the side of the valve from which the flow originates. Consequently, the shut-off device has a stabilizing effect on other system components.

[0013] But even without active countermeasures, the at least one signal makes it possible to initiate countermeasures or issue warnings. If a pressure surge occurs, it can be sent to additional shut-off devices or to a central management unit depending on the at least one signal. This allows monitoring personnel to immediately initiate countermeasures and / or open the additional shut-off device to protect the system from damage. Actuators of different shut-off devices can also communicate directly with each other. This provides additional redundancy in the event of a detected event.

[0014] Furthermore, determining the distance enables advanced monitoring. This allows a control unit to learn the normal operating conditions or to set the desired operating conditions. If a deviation from these operating conditions is detected, an alarm is triggered.

[0015] A further advantage concerns the shut-off body. The adjustment and control options now available allow for protection of the shut-off body. In particular, the diversion of the force acting on the seat from at least one signal allows the drive unit to operate in a way that protects the shut-off body. This results in further advantages regarding the choice of material for the shut-off body. For example, other materials than those previously used can be considered for the manufacture of the shut-off body.

[0016] An advantageous example is characterized in that at least one bearing element, fixed to the shut-off device, for supporting the drive element allows at least a partial introduction of a force emanating from the shut-off body into the elastic intermediate section. Advantageously, the at least one bearing element allows a force originating from the shut-off body to be introduced into the intermediate element in order to perform the distance measurement.

[0017] An advantageous example is characterized in that the intermediate section comprises at least two subsections that have different spring constants. Advantageously, the different spring constants provide measuring ranges with different measurement signal resolutions. Consequently, at least one measuring range is provided that has a higher resolution of the measurement points than another measuring range.

[0018] An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor unit is configured to detect a first signal indicating a first position of the rigid section on the shut-off body side, and a second signal indicating a second position of the rigid section on the drive side. By detecting the first and second positions, the distance can be determined. Furthermore, the separate information on the respective position offers the possibility of detecting the state of the shut-off device more precisely. For example, it is possible to distinguish a region for a closed position of the shut-off body from other regions. At the same time, the two signals indicate a distance between the two rigid sections of the drive element.

[0019] An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor unit comprises: at least one sensor element running along the movement path of the rigid section on the shut-off body side and / or the movement path of the rigid section on the drive side and fixed to the shut-off element, at least one sensor element fixed to the shut-off body side, which cooperates with the at least one sensor element fixed to the shut-off element, for determining the first signal, and at least one sensor element fixed to the drive-side rigid section, which cooperates with the at least one sensor element fixed to the shut-off element, for determining the second signal.

[0020] An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor unit is configured to determine a first signal indicating a first position of the rigid section on the shut-off body side, and to determine a second signal indicating the distance between the rigid section of the drive element on the shut-off body side and the rigid section of the drive element on the drive side. By determining the first position, a position of the shut-off body is provided. The measured distance makes it possible to evaluate the force on the intermediate section.

[0021] An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor unit comprises: at least one sensor element fixed to the shut-off device and extending along the movement path of the rigid section on the shut-off body side; at least one sensor element fixed to the shut-off body side and interacting with the at least one sensor section fixed to the shut-off body; at least one sensor element fixed to the drive-side section and extending along the movement path of the rigid section on the shut-off body side and along the movement path of the rigid section on the drive-side; and at least one sensor element fixed to the shut-off body side and interacting with the at least one sensor element fixed to the drive-side section. This example enables the direct measurement of the distance between the two rigid sections.This reduces the tolerances affecting the distance measurement and thus enables a more accurate measurement of the distance.

[0022] An advantageous example is characterized in that a sensor element of the sensor unit that is fixed to the drive-side rigid section and a sensor element of the sensor unit that is fixed to the shut-off body-side rigid section interact with a sensor element of the sensor unit that is fixed to the shut-off element.

[0023] Advantageously, only one sensor element fixed to the shut-off device needs to be provided, which enables a more compact design of the sensor unit.

[0024] An advantageous example is characterized in that the sensor elements of the sensor unit use the same measuring principle to determine the at least one signal. The use of the same measuring principle across the sensor elements of the sensor unit advantageously reduces the effort required to evaluate the respective sensor signals. In particular, the evaluation electronics can be simplified. For example, identically constructed components can be used in two evaluation units. In another example, values ​​from two sensor elements are alternately measured using a single evaluation unit, which alternately queries the values ​​of the sensor elements using a switch. Overall, the complexity of the sensor unit is thus reduced.

[0025] A further aspect of this description relates to a component for a shut-off device and for limiting a flow of a process fluid, the component comprising: a drive element which introduces a drive force emanating from the drive unit at least partially into the shut-off body, wherein an elastic intermediate section of the drive element allows a change in a distance between a shut-off body-side rigid section of the drive element and a drive-side rigid section of the drive element; and a sensor unit which is configured to determine at least one signal which indicates the position of the shut-off body-side rigid section of the drive element and / or the distance between the shut-off body-side rigid section of the drive element and the drive-side rigid section of the drive element.

[0026] This component advantageously provides a retrofit option for existing shut-off devices. In particular, existing drive units with a position measuring system can be retrofitted by measuring the position of the rigid section on the shut-off device side.

[0027] Advantageously, drive units without an integrated position measuring system can also be retrofitted by measuring the distance between the two rigid sections of the drive element.

[0028] An advantageous example is characterized in that a bearing element fixed to the shut-off device for supporting the drive element allows at least a partial introduction of a force emanating from the rigid section on the shut-off body side into the intermediate section.

[0029] A further aspect of this description relates to a control unit for a shut-off device, wherein the control unit comprises at least one processor and at least one memory with computer program code, wherein the computer program code is configured to cause the control unit, with the at least one processor and the at least one memory, to receive a signal indicating the distance between a rigid section of a drive element on the shut-off body side and a rigid section of the drive element on the drive side; to determine a desired position for a drive unit of the shut-off device depending on the at least one signal; and to operate the drive unit depending on the determined desired position.

[0030] An advantageous example is characterized in that the control unit determines an actual value of a force acting on an elastic intermediate section of the drive element arranged between the rigid sections of the drive element, as a function of the at least one signal and as a function of at least one parameter or a characteristic curve of the elastic intermediate section.

[0031] The distance allows the pressure of the process medium to be determined as the actual force value. Consequently, the pressure of the process medium can be monitored using the shut-off device. This eliminates the need for additional measuring points for the pressure of the process medium.

[0032] An advantageous example is characterized in that the control unit compares a target value for a force which is to act on the elastic intermediate section of the drive element with the actual value and determines the target position depending on the comparison.

[0033] A further aspect of this description relates to a method for operating a shut-off device, the method comprising: receiving a signal indicating the distance between a rigid section of a drive element on the shut-off body side and a rigid section of the drive element on the drive side; determining a desired position for a drive unit of the shut-off device as a function of the at least one signal; and operating the drive unit as a function of the determined desired position.

[0034] Further features and advantages of the invention can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the features even in different embodiments. The drawing shows: Figure 1 shows a shut-off device in schematic form; Figure 2 shows a component of a shut-off device in schematic form; Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 each show a shut-off device in schematic form; Figures 7, 8, 10 and 11 each show a sensor unit in schematic form; Figure 12 shows a schematic block diagram; Figure 13 shows a schematic distance-force diagram; Figure 14 shows an intermediate section of a drive element in schematic form; Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of a control unit; Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of a communication network.

[0035] Figure 1shows a schematic of a shut-off device 2 designed to limit the flow of a process fluid. A drive element 8 is arranged between a drive unit 4 and a shut-off body 6. A drive position predetermined by the drive unit 4 is transmitted to the shut-off body 6 via the drive element 8. The shut-off device 2 comprises, for example, a valve, a butterfly valve, or a shut-off cock.

[0036] The drive element 8 comprises a drive-side rigid section 10, a shut-off body-side rigid section 12, and an elastic intermediate section 14 arranged between the rigid sections 10 and 12. The elastic intermediate section 14 allows a variable spacing of the rigid sections 10 and 12 from one another. The distance between the rigid sections 10 and 12 can be changed along a force path between the drive unit 4 and the shut-off body 6 by compressing or stretching the intermediate section 14. The drive-side rigid section 10 is movable and, in one example, rigidly connected to a movable shaft of the drive unit 4. The shut-off body-side section 12 is rigidly connected to the shut-off body.

[0037] The drive unit 4 comprises, for example, an electric motor whose driven trapezoidal thread spindle acts on the rigid section 10 or whose trapezoidal thread spindle represents the rigid section 10. In another example, the drive unit 4 comprises a pneumatic drive in the form of a drive piston mounted within a cylinder.

[0038] A sensor unit 16 is configured to determine the distance between the rigid sections 10 and 12. The determined distance corresponds to the deflection of the elastic intermediate section 14. Using a known spring constant of the intermediate section 14, a force acting on the elastic intermediate section 14 is determined by simply multiplying the spring constant and the deflection of the elastic intermediate section.

[0039] A component 20 of the shut-off device 2 comprises at least the drive element 8 and the sensor unit 16.

[0040] In one example, the sensor unit 16 determines a signal S1, which indicates or represents the position of the rigid section 12. Furthermore, the sensor unit 16 determines a signal S2, which indicates the position of the rigid section 10. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 16 determines a signal S3, which indicates the distance between the two rigid sections 10 and 12 or indicates a force acting on the intermediate section 14.

[0041] Figure 2 shows in schematic form a component 20 for a shut-off device, as it is used, for example, in the Figure 1 The dashed lines, for example, indicate the Figure 1 known features and / or are optional. Component 20 comprises the drive element 8 and the sensor unit 16.

[0042] In a first example, the sensor unit 16 determines the signal S1 and thus the position of the rigid section 12 on the shut-off body side. In this example, a drive unit 4 comprises its own sensor element 22 for determining the signal S2 and thus for determining the position of the rigid section 10. Using the signals S1 and S2, a distance can be determined according to the signal S3.

[0043] In a further example, the sensor unit 16 determines the signal S2 and thus the position of the drive-side rigid section 10. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 16 determines the signal S3, which represents the distance between the rigid sections 10 and 12 or a force acting on the intermediate section 14.

[0044] Figure 3shows a schematic example of the shut-off device 2. The drive 4 generates a linear movement of the drive-side rigid section 10 of the drive element 8. The rigid section 10 transmits the force at least partially via the elastic intermediate section 14 and the rigid section 12 into the shut-off body 6. A bearing element 24 is arranged stationary relative to the shut-off device 2 and is a linear bearing which allows movement of the rigid section 12 of the drive element 8. The bearing element 24 thus enables easy linear sliding of the rigid section 12 relative to the shut-off device 2. A force emanating from the shut-off body 6 is largely transmitted by means of the bearing element 24 into the rigid section 12 and thus into the elastic intermediate section 14.

[0045] A valve body 26 comprises a schematically illustrated valve seat 28, against which the shut-off body 6 presses to close the shut-off device 2. When the shut-off body 6 is pressed against the valve seat, the valve seat 28 separates two chambers 27 and 29 that can be filled with process fluid. A connection 31 of the valve body 26 leads into the chamber 27. A connection 33 leads into the chamber 29. When the shut-off device 2 is open, the shut-off body 6 is spaced away from the valve seat 28, creating an effective flow diameter for the process fluid flowing between the connections 31 and 33. The shut-off body 6 thus limits the effective flow diameter for the process fluid. Of course, other embodiments of the valve body 26 and the shut-off body 6 are also conceivable. For example, the shut-off device 2 closes when the shut-off body 6 moves in the direction of the drive unit 2.In another example, the valve body 26 includes at least three ports and at least two valve seats oriented opposite to each other.

[0046] The sensor unit 16 is constructed in two parts. A sensor element 30, which is fixed relative to the shut-off device 2, interacts with a sensor element 32, which is fixed relative to the rigid section 12 on the shut-off body side. Another sensor element 34, which is fixed relative to the shut-off body 2, interacts with a sensor element 36, which is fixed relative to the drive-side rigid section 10. The signal S1 represents the position of the sensor element 32 and thus the position of the rigid section 12 on the shut-off body side. The signal S2 represents the position of the sensor element 36 and thus the position of the drive-side rigid section 10.

[0047] A control unit 40 determines a target position 42 based on the received signals S1 and S2 and operates the drive unit 4 using the target position 42 as a control variable. The drive unit 4 applies a force to the rigid section 10 based on the received target position 42. As an alternative to the target position 42, a target drive torque can also be transmitted to the drive unit 4.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a schematic example of the shut-off device 2. In contrast to the seat valve from the Figure 3 is in Figure 4A butterfly valve is shown. Within a fluid channel 44 carrying the process fluid, the shut-off body 6 is rotatably arranged in the form of a flap and, in a closed position, separates the two chambers 27 and 29 from each other. The drive element 8 is not moved linearly, but rather rotationally. The elastic intermediate section 14 allows the distance between the rigid sections 10 and 12 to be varied along a circular path.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a schematic example of the shut-off device 2. In contrast to Figure 3 shows a different design of the sensor unit 16. Despite the different representation, the valve body 26 corresponds to the described design of Figure 3 . The signal S1 represents the position of the sensor element 32 relative to the sensor element 30 and thus the position of the rigid section 12 on the shut-off body side.

[0050] In contrast to Figure 3The sensor unit 16 is equipped with a sensor element 50, which is arranged fixedly relative to the drive-side rigid element 10. Another sensor element 52 is arranged fixedly relative to the shut-off-side rigid element 12 and interacts with the sensor element 50. The signal S3 thus represents the position of the sensor element 52 relative to the sensor element 50 and thus the distance between the rigid sections 10 and 12.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a schematic example of the shut-off device 2. In contrast to Figure 3 shows a different design of the sensor unit 16. Despite the different representation, the valve body 26 corresponds to the described design of Figure 3 .

[0052] The signal S1 represents the position of the sensor element 32 in relation to the sensor element 30 and thus the position of the shut-off body-side rigid section 12. The signal S2 represents the position of a sensor element 54 of a sensor unit 53 in relation to a sensor element 56 of the sensor unit 53 that is arranged fixedly to the drive unit 4 and thus the position of the drive-side rigid section 10. The component 20 thus provides the signal S1, which is used to determine the distance between the rigid sections 10 and 12.

[0053] Figure 7shows a schematic example of a part of the sensor unit 16. Sensor elements 30 and 32 are shown as examples, but this can of course also be applied to all of the aforementioned pairs of sensor elements. Furthermore, the rigid section 12 on the shut-off body side is shown as an example. The measuring principle can of course also be applied to the rigid section 10 on the drive side.

[0054] The sensor element 30 comprises two fixed electrically conductive tracks 70 and 72, which extend along a movement path 74 of the rigid section 12 and which have a measurable resistance per unit length. The sensor element 32 is designed as a sliding contact, which electrically connects the two electrically conductive tracks 70 and 72. If the sensor element 32 is moved along the tracks 70 and 72, an electrical resistance changes, which can be measured by a measuring unit 76 and transmitted as signal S1 to the control unit (not shown).

[0055] Figure 8shows a schematic example of a part of the sensor unit 16. Sensor elements 30 and 32 are shown as examples, but this can of course also be applied to all of the aforementioned pairs of sensor elements. Furthermore, the rigid section 12 on the shut-off body side is shown as an example. The measuring principle can of course also be applied to the rigid section 10 on the drive side.

[0056] The sensor element 30 is formed by a light sensor 80, which is fixed relative to the shut-off device and arranged along the movement path 74 of the rigid element 12, and a light source 82, which is fixed relative to the shut-off device. The sensor element 32 is fixed relative to the rigid section 12 and moves along its movement path 74. The light originating from the light source 82 is redirected to the light sensor 80 via the sensor element 32, which is designed as a mirror. The light sensor 80 determines the signal S1 depending on the position at which the light, redirected by the sensor element 32, which is designed as a mirror, hits the light sensor 80.

[0057] Figure 9 shows a schematic example of the shut-off device 2. In contrast to Figure 3 shows a different design of the sensor unit 16. Despite the different representation, the valve body 26 corresponds to the described design of Figure 3 .

[0058] The sensor unit 16 comprises a sensor element 90 fixed to the shut-off body 2. A sensor element 92 fixed to the drive-side rigid section 10 of the drive element 8 and a sensor element 94 fixed to the shut-off body-side rigid section 12 interact with the common sensor element 90.

[0059] Figure 10 shows in schematic form an example of the sensor unit 16 from Figure 9 . The sensor element 90 comprises two electrically conductive tracks 102 and 104 arranged along the movement path of the drive element 8 and fixed to the shut-off device 2. The tracks 102 and 104 are, for example, like the tracks 70 and 72 of Figure 7constructed. The sensor element 94 is a sliding contact and short-circuits the two tracks 102 and 104. A measuring unit 106 determines the signal S1, which represents the position of the rigid section 12 via the measured resistance. The sensor element 92 is a sliding contact and short-circuits the two tracks 102, 104. A measuring unit 108 determines the signal S2, which represents the position of the rigid section 10 via the measured resistance.

[0060] Figure 11 shows in schematic form an example of the sensor unit 16 from Figure 9The sensor element 90 is formed from a light sensor 110 and a light source 112, wherein both the light sensor 110 and the light source 112 are arranged stationary relative to the shut-off device. The sensor element 94 is designed as a semipermeable mirror and reflects a first portion of the light emanating from the light source 112 and incident on the light sensor 110. A further portion of the incident light is transmitted by the sensor element 94 and forwarded toward the sensor element 92, which is designed as a mirror. The light incident on the sensor element 92 is reflected toward the light sensor 110. The light sensor 110 thus receives two light points, which represent the position of the two rigid sections 10 and 12 and are output as corresponding signals S1 and S2.

[0061] Figure 12shows a schematic block diagram of the control unit 40 for operating the shut-off device 2. The sensor unit 16 determines the signals S1 and S2, which represent the positions of the two rigid sections surrounding the elastic intermediate section. Depending on the signals S1 and S2, a block 1202 determines a distance D between the two rigid sections of the drive element. A block 1204 determines an actual value F of the force acting on the intermediate section depending on the distance D with the aid of the spring constant or a spring characteristic of the elastic intermediate section. The actual value F is output by the control unit 40.

[0062] A block 1206 determines an action A to be performed by the shut-off device 2, which includes, for example:

[0063] Opening or adjusting the effective flow resistance of the shut-off device for the process fluid. A block 1208 determines a setpoint value Fset depending on the applied action A. A control difference d results at a point 1210 depending on the actual value F and the setpoint value Fset for the force acting on the intermediate section. A controller 1212 determines the setpoint position 42 depending on the control difference d. The control unit 40 operates the drive unit 4 depending on the determined setpoint position 42.

[0064] A block 1214 determines, depending on the signal S1, that the shut-off body is not located in the area of ​​a seat. Depending on the distance D or depending on the actual value F, the block 1214 determines that a pressure acting on the shut-off body exceeds a threshold value. If the pressure acting on the shut-off body is exceeded and the shut-off body is not located in the area of ​​the valve seat, it can be concluded that there is an obstruction in the valve body. Accordingly, an alarm 1216 is issued and / or a signal 1218 is determined, which causes an increase in the target value M for the force applied by the drive unit 4 in order to eliminate the obstruction.

[0065] Figure 13shows, as an example, a distance-force diagram 1300 in which two different characteristic curves 1302 and 1304 are shown for the elastic intermediate section. In the area shown, characteristic curve 1304 exhibits a linear relationship. Characteristic curve 1302, on the other hand, has a greater gradient in area D1 than in area D2. Consequently, a higher resolution or measurement accuracy of the force can be achieved in area D2.

[0066] Figure 14 shows a schematic example of the structure of the elastic intermediate section 14. The intermediate section 14 comprises two elements 1402 and 1404 arranged one behind the other in the direction of force, which elements have different spring constants. By means of such a structure of the elastic intermediate section 14, different measurement accuracies can be achieved in different force ranges. As an example, reference is made to the characteristic curve 1302 from Figure 13 referred to.

[0067] Figure 15shows a schematic structure of the control unit 40. This comprises at least one processor 1502 and a memory 1504. A computer program code 1506 is stored on the memory 1504, which is configured to carry out the method steps disclosed in this description with the at least one processor 1502 and the at least one memory 1504.

[0068] In Figure 16A communication network 1600 is shown, which consists of at least two control units 40a and 40b. The two control units 40a and 40b each comprise the at least one processor 1502a, 1502b and the at least one memory 1504a, 1504b. Furthermore, the two control units 40a and 40b each comprise a network interface 1602a and 1602b and are connected to each other via a transmission medium 1604. The control units 40a and 40b transmit, for example, the actual value F of the determined force on the respective elastic intermediate section and / or the alarm 1216 from Figure 12 .

Claims

1. A component (20) for a shut-off device (2) and for limiting a flow of a process fluid, wherein the component (20) comprises: a movable drive element (8) which introduces a driving force from a drive unit (4) at least partially into a shut-off body (6), wherein an elastic intermediate portion of the movable drive element (8) allows a change in a distance between a shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) of the movable drive element (8) and a drive-side rigid portion (10) of the movable drive element (8); and a sensor unit (16) which is designed to determine at least one signal which indicates the position of the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) of the movable drive element (8) and / or the distance between the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) of the movable drive element (8) and the drive-side rigid portion (10) of the movable drive element (8).

2. The component (20) according to claim 1, wherein a bearing element, attached to the shut-off device (2), for supporting the drive element (8) allows at least a partial introduction of a force from the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) into the intermediate portion (14) .

3. A shut-off device (2) for limiting a flow of a process fluid, wherein the shut-off device (2) comprises: the component (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2; the drive unit (4); the shut-off body (6), the variable position of which determines a flow diameter of the shut-off device (2) effective for the process fluid; the movable drive element (8) arranged between the drive unit (4) and the shut-off body (6); and the sensor unit (16).

4. The shut-off device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate portion (14) comprises at least two sub-portions which have different spring constants from one another.

5. The shut-off device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the sensor unit (16) is designed to determine a first signal which indicates a first position of the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12), and determine a second signal which indicates a second position of the drive-side rigid portion (10).

6. The shut-off device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor unit (16) comprises: at least one sensor element (30; 34) which extends along the movement path of the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) and / or to the movement path of the drive-side rigid portion (10) and is attached to the shut-off device (2), at least one sensor element (32), which cooperates with the at least one sensor element (30; 34) attached to the shut-off device (2) and is attached to the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12), for determining the first signal, and at least one sensor element, which cooperates with the at least one sensor element (30; 34) attached to the shut-off device (2) and is attached to the drive-side rigid portion, for determining the second signal.

7. The shut-off device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the sensor unit is designed to determine a first signal which indicates a first position of the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12), and determine a second signal which indicates the distance between the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) of the drive element (8) and the drive-side rigid portion (10) of the drive element (8).

8. The shut-off device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the sensor unit comprises: at least one sensor element (30) which is attached to the shut-off device (2) and extends along the movement path of the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12), at least one sensor element (32) which is attached to the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) and cooperates with the at least one sensor portion (30) attached to the shut-off body (6), at least one sensor element (50) which is attached to the drive-side rigid portion (10) and extends along the movement path of the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) and along the movement path of the drive-side rigid portion (10), and at least one sensor element (52) which is attached to the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) and cooperates with the at least one sensor element (50) attached to the drive-side rigid portion (10).

9. The shut-off device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein a sensor element of the sensor unit (16) attached to the drive-side rigid portion (10) and a sensor element of the sensor unit (16) attached to the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) cooperate with a sensor element of the sensor unit (16) attached to the shut-off device (2).

10. The shut-off device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein sensor elements of the sensor unit (16) use the same measuring principle to determine the at least one signal.

11. The shut-off device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 10 comprising a control unit (40), wherein the control unit (40) comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having computer program code, wherein the computer program code is configured such that it causes, using the at least one processor and the at least one memory, the control unit (40) to receive at least one signal which indicates the distance between the shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) of the movable drive element (8) and the drive-side rigid portion (10) of the movable drive element (8) ; determine a target position for the drive unit (4) of the shut-off device (2) on the basis of the at least one signal; and operate the drive unit (4) on the basis of the determined target position.

12. The shut-off device (2) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (40) determines an actual value of a force acting on the elastic intermediate portion (14) of the drive element (8) arranged between the rigid portions (10, 12) of the drive element (8) on the basis of the at least one signal and on the basis of at least one parameter or a characteristic curve of the elastic intermediate portion (14).

13. The shut-off device (2) according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (40) compares a target value for a force which is intended to act on the elastic intermediate portion (14) of the drive element (8) with the actual value, and determines the target position on the basis of the comparison.

14. A method for operating a shut-off device comprising a shut-off device (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the method comprises: receiving at least one signal which indicates the distance between a shut-off body-side rigid portion (12) of a movable drive element (8) and a drive-side rigid portion (10) of the movable drive element (8); determining a target position for a drive unit (4) of the shut-off device (2) on the basis of the at least one signal; and operating the drive unit (4) on the basis of the determined target position.