Valve assembly and method for producing a valve assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve arrangement (1) which can be supplied with a liquid under high pressure, in particular from a high-pressure cleaner or a pump, and which can be operated optionally in a conveying or bypass mode, and to a method for producing such a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement has a check valve (3) and a bypass valve (7). According to the proposal, the check valve and the bypass valve are arranged coaxially. According to a further aspect, the housing (2) of the valve arrangement has a channel (8) extending along a longitudinal axis, in which channel the check valve and the bypass valve are arranged. According to a further aspect, the check valve is arranged such that it can move in the housing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing a valve arrangement according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] The proposed valve arrangement is particularly suitable for use as a so-called circulation valve or unloader valve in or with a high-pressure cleaner.

[0003] High-pressure cleaners are typically used for cleaning purposes. A liquid, especially water, is pressurized by a high-pressure pump and typically dispensed via a connected dispensing device such as a valve gun and / or nozzle.

[0004] The present invention therefore particularly relates to the field of high-pressure cleaners with a valve arrangement or a so-called circulation valve or unloader valve, which allows an alternative outflow or return flow of the fluid via a bypass, so that when the valve gun or nozzle is closed and the pump continues to run, the pump does not work against the closed valve gun or nozzle, or at least not at full power or maximum pressure. Preferably, the fluid can be pumped in a circuit while the pump continues to run.

[0005] EP 1 854 558 A2 shows such a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement has an inlet and an outlet, which are connected to one another by a supply line. A shut-off valve designed as a check valve is arranged in the supply line, through which the liquid flows during delivery operation and closes during bypass operation. In bypass operation, a bypass valve of the valve arrangement is open, so that the liquid can be drained away from the valve arrangement via a bypass line during bypass operation. Furthermore, the valve arrangement has a control channel via which a switching piston for opening the bypass valve is fluidically connected to the supply line or the check valve. The bypass valve is arranged perpendicular to the shut-off valve.

[0006] EP 4 086 491 A1 also shows such a valve arrangement.

[0007] The production of known valve assemblies is relatively complex due to the relatively complex design of the valve assemblies and their housings. For example, the housing must be machined on several sides, and a control channel or connecting channel for the bypass valve must be drilled. Extreme precision is particularly required when drilling the typically quite narrow control channel / connecting channel, as otherwise malfunctions and / or blockages can easily occur. Furthermore, the housing can only be manufactured by hot pressing, which severely limits the freedom in selecting the housing material.

[0008] Furthermore, the control channel / connecting channel can easily become blocked during operation of the valve arrangements

[0009] The present invention is based on the object of providing a solution in which the aforementioned disadvantages are overcome.

[0010] In particular, the present invention is based on the object of providing a solution which enables a simpler, more cost-effective, less error-prone, faster and / or more efficient production of a generic valve arrangement and / or which enables greater freedom in the selection of the housing material and / or which enables a less error-prone and / or low-maintenance operation of the valve arrangement.

[0011] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a valve arrangement according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 15. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] A valve arrangement according to the invention can be supplied with a liquid under high pressure, in particular from a high-pressure cleaner or a pump, and can be operated optionally in a conveying mode or a bypass mode.

[0013] The valve arrangement comprises a housing with an inlet for supplying the liquid to the valve arrangement, a main outlet for discharging the liquid from the valve arrangement in conveying operation and a secondary outlet for discharging the liquid from the valve arrangement in bypass operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve arrangement has a check valve arranged between the inlet and the main outlet, in particular designed as a check valve, through which the liquid flows during conveying operation and is closed during bypass operation.

[0015] In addition, the valve arrangement has a bypass valve arranged between the inlet and the secondary outlet, in particular designed as a pressure relief valve, which is closed during conveying operation and through which the liquid flows during bypass operation.

[0016] According to a first aspect, the check valve and the bypass valve are arranged coaxially.

[0017] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the housing has a channel extending along a longitudinal axis in which the check valve and the bypass valve are arranged.

[0018] The coaxial arrangement of the check valve and the bypass valve, or the arrangement of the check valve and the bypass valve in a channel extending along a longitudinal axis, results in a simplified design of the valve assembly or housing. In particular, a control channel or connecting channel for controlling the bypass valve or for connecting the bypass valve or a switching piston of the bypass valve to the check valve can be dispensed with. This provides further advantages during manufacture and / or assembly of the valve assembly. For example, the housing material can be freely selected, and the housing of the valve assembly can be manufactured from a semi-finished product on a modern lathe. Furthermore, malfunctions during operation, in particular blockage of the control channel or connecting channel, or errors or problems resulting therefrom, are avoided.

[0019] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the shut-off valve is movably arranged in the housing. This enables the function of an (automatic) pressure reduction on the outlet side of the shut-off valve when switching from delivery mode to bypass mode. The pressure reduction prevents high pressures and the associated stresses on the main outlet side of the shut-off valve, i.e., typically in a valve gun and / or nozzle or other dispensing device of a high-pressure cleaner connected to the main outlet, or their hoses and / or lines. The proposed valve arrangement and its use in a high-pressure cleaner thus enable material-friendly and / or low-wear operation of the high-pressure cleaner.

[0020] The check valve and the bypass valve each have, in particular, a valve element, wherein the valve elements of the check valve and the bypass valve are arranged coaxially to one another and / or are movable. This enables, in particular, the aforementioned simplified construction of the housing of the valve arrangement, thereby achieving corresponding advantages.

[0021] The valve arrangement preferably has a switching device for opening the bypass valve. The switching device is preferably designed in several parts. The multi-part design of the switching device facilitates simplified manufacture and / or assembly.

[0022] In particular, the switching device is arranged and / or movable coaxially with the shut-off valve and / or within the channel. This enables a space-saving design and a simple housing construction, in particular, eliminating the need for a control channel for the bypass valve. This, in turn, achieves corresponding advantages, as already explained.

[0023] The shut-off valve is preferably jointly movable and / or coupled with the switching device, in particular a switching piston of the switching device. This enables, in particular, the aforementioned pressure reduction, which is associated with corresponding advantages.

[0024] Preferably, the shut-off valve is arranged in the switching device and / or the switching device surrounds the shut-off valve. This saves space and contributes to a simple housing design.

[0025] The valve arrangement is preferably designed to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve facing the main outlet when switching from pumping mode to bypass mode. This occurs, in particular, automatically.

[0026] The bypass valve and the shut-off valve are preferably coupled to each other in such a way that when switching from the conveying mode to the bypass mode in a

[0027] Switching phase, the bypass valve is open and at the same time the check valve is at least partially open, so that liquid can flow, in particular through the check valve, from the side of the check valve facing the main outlet to the side of the check valve facing away from the main outlet, in particular so that the pressure on the side of the check valve facing the main outlet drops.

[0028] The pressure reduction achieves the aforementioned advantages when operating a high-pressure cleaner with the valve arrangement.

[0029] The valve arrangement preferably has an actuating element for at least partially opening the shut-off valve, in particular in order to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve facing the main outlet.

[0030] Preferably, the check valve is designed as a check valve in which a valve element of the check valve is prestressed into a closed position by a closing force, and the actuating element is designed to move the valve element into an open position counter to the closing force, in particular when switching from the conveying operation to the bypass operation.

[0031] The actuating element enables in particular the pressure reduction function of the valve arrangement.

[0032] The actuating element is preferably fixed relative to the housing. This allows for a simple valve assembly design and assembly, allowing for automatic pressure reduction when switching from pumping mode to bypass mode.

[0033] Preferably, the actuating element is arranged coaxially with the shut-off valve and / or the bypass valve and / or in the channel, and / or the actuating element is arranged between the shut-off valve and the bypass valve. This facilitates a simple design of a valve arrangement with automatic pressure reduction when switching from pumping mode to bypass mode.

[0034] It is preferred that the actuating element be arranged coaxially with the switching device and / or that the switching device be movably guided on the actuating element. Preferably, the switching device surrounds the actuating element and / or that the actuating element is arranged within the switching device. This saves space and promotes a simple design.

[0035] The housing, the switching device, and / or the actuating element is / are preferably manufactured from a semi-finished product by machining, in particular turning and / or drilling. This enables cost-effective production and / or assembly of the valve assembly. Furthermore, the materials for the housing, the switching device, and / or the actuating element can be freely selected or optimized for the respective purpose.

[0036] The housing is preferably made of stainless steel or plastic. This promotes a cost-effective, efficient, and / or less error-prone manufacturing process.

[0037] According to a further aspect, which can also be implemented independently, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a valve arrangement, in particular wherein the valve arrangement is designed as described above.

[0038] According to a first aspect of the manufacturing method, the housing of the valve arrangement is manufactured from a semi-finished product by a machining process, in particular by turning and / or drilling.

[0039] According to another aspect of the manufacturing process, which can also be implemented independently, the housing is injection-molded.

[0040] This enables cost-effective manufacturing and / or assembly of the valve assembly. Furthermore, the materials for the housing, the switching device, and / or the actuating element can be freely selected or optimized for the respective purpose.

[0041] The aforementioned aspects, features and method steps of the present invention as well as the aspects, features and method steps of the present invention resulting from the claims and the following description can in principle be implemented independently of one another, but also in any desired combination or sequence.

[0042] Further aspects, advantages, features, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a proposed valve arrangement in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows the valve arrangement in a perspective, partially sectioned view; Fig. 3 shows the valve arrangement in a section in the XZ plane from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 an exploded view of the interior of the valve assembly; Fig. 5 the valve assembly in a section in the YZ plane Fig. 2 , the valve arrangement being in conveying mode; Fig. 6 the view from Fig. 5 , wherein the valve arrangement is in a switching phase during the switching from the conveying operation to the bypass operation; Fig. 7 the view from Fig. 5 , wherein the valve arrangement, wherein the valve arrangement is in bypass operation; Fig. 8 an enlargement of Fig. 5 ; Fig. 9 an enlargement from Fig. 6 ; and Fig. 10 an enlargement of Fig. 7 .

[0043] In the figures, some of which are not to scale and are merely schematic, the same reference symbols are used for identical, identical or similar parts and components, whereby corresponding or comparable properties or advantages can be achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0044] Fig. 1 , 2 and 3 show a proposed valve arrangement 1 in different views. Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the interior of the valve assembly 1.

[0045] The valve assembly 1 can be supplied with a high-pressure fluid and can be operated either in a pumping mode or in a bypass mode. The high-pressure fluid is preferably water or another liquid cleaning agent. The fluid is preferably supplied to the valve assembly 1 by a pump or a high-pressure cleaner (neither shown).

[0046] A "high pressure" within the meaning of the present disclosure is, in particular, a pressure of more than 20 bar or more than 50 bar, in particular 80 bar or more. The valve arrangement is particularly preferably operated at a pressure of 100 bar or more and / or at most 600 bar or 500 bar.

[0047] The valve assembly 1 has a housing 2. Preferably, all components and parts of the valve assembly 1 are accommodated in the housing 2 or arranged on the housing 2. The housing 2 is preferably formed in one piece.

[0048] The valve assembly 1 or the housing 2 has an inlet 3 for supplying the fluid to the valve assembly 1, in particular from the pump or compressor of the high-pressure cleaner, and a main outlet 4 for discharging the fluid from the valve assembly 1. During delivery operation, the fluid supplied via the inlet 3 is discharged via the main outlet 4, in particular to a discharge device of the high-pressure cleaner.

[0049] Furthermore, the valve arrangement 1 or the housing 2 has a secondary outlet 5 for draining the liquid from the valve arrangement 1 in bypass operation.

[0050] The valve arrangement 1 has a check valve 6, designed in particular as a check valve, particularly preferably a ball check valve. The check valve 6 is arranged between the inlet 3 and the main outlet 4. In conveying mode, the check valve 6 is open and the fluid flows through it, and in bypass mode, the check valve 6 is closed. When the check valve 6 is open, the inlet 3 is fluidically connected to the main outlet 4, and when the check valve 6 is closed, the inlet 3 is fluidically separated from the main outlet 4.

[0051] Furthermore, the valve arrangement 1 has a bypass valve 7, which is designed in particular as a pressure relief valve. The bypass valve 7 is arranged between the inlet 3 and the

[0052] Auxiliary outlet 5 is arranged. In bypass operation, the bypass valve 7 is open and the fluid flows through it, and in conveying operation, the bypass valve 7 is closed. When the bypass valve 7 is open, the inlet 3 is fluidically connected to the auxiliary outlet 5, and when the bypass valve 7 is closed, the inlet 3 is fluidically separated from the auxiliary outlet 5.

[0053] The check valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are particularly Fig. 4 shown.

[0054] In other words, the liquid supplied via the inlet 3 of the valve arrangement 1 is discharged from the valve arrangement 1 via the main outlet 4 or the secondary outlet 5, optionally or depending on the operating mode of the valve arrangement or depending on the position of the shut-off valve 6 and the bypass valve 7.

[0055] In the following, the basic functionality of the valve arrangement 1 is explained first, before features and special features are explained in more detail.

[0056] When the valve arrangement 1 is in operation, the liquid is supplied to the valve arrangement 1 via the inlet 3.

[0057] During conveying operation, the liquid flows through the check valve 6 and leaves the valve arrangement 1 via the main outlet 4. The check valve 6 preferably acts as a check valve that is automatically opened or can be opened by the liquid flowing from the inlet 3 towards the main outlet 4. The reason for the opening of the check valve 6 is preferably a liquid pressure present at the inlet side of the check valve 6 or a pressure difference between the side of the check valve 6 facing the inlet 3 and the side of the check valve 6 facing the main outlet 4, which is generated, for example, by the withdrawal of liquid on the side facing the main outlet 4, for example when a valve gun of the high-pressure cleaner is actuated.

[0058] During pumping operation, the check valve 6 is therefore open, preferably with the check valve 6 being kept open by the pressure of the liquid.

[0059] The liquid is in particular under a high pressure of preferably 100 bar or more, in particular 150 bar or more, particularly preferably 200 bar or more, and / or 700 bar or less, in particular 600 bar or less, particularly preferably 500 bar or less.

[0060] The volume flow of the liquid is preferably 10 l / min or more, in particular 15 l / min or more, particularly preferably 20 l / min or more, and / or 100 l / min or less, preferably 75 l / min or less. Alternatively or additionally, the volume flow of the liquid is 40 l / min or less, in particular 35 l / min or less, particularly preferably 30 l / min or less.

[0061] However, the valve arrangement 1 can also be designed or constructed for operation at higher or lower pressures and / or volume flows.

[0062] During operation of the valve arrangement 1, a valve gun (not shown) or other dispensing device for dispensing the liquid is preferably connected to the main outlet 4.

[0063] The valve gun or other dispensing device is preferably manually operable so that the dispensing of the liquid by the dispensing device can be interrupted or prevented. In this case, valve arrangement 1 is used.

[0064] The valve arrangement 1 preferably prevents fluid from being (continued) pumped from the inlet 3 to the main outlet 4 or to the dispensing device connected to the main outlet 4 when the dispensing device is closed or the main outlet 4 is blocked, thus preventing unnecessary pumping of the pump against the closed dispensing device and / or excessive pressure and resulting damage. For this purpose, the valve arrangement 1 comprises the aforementioned bypass valve 7.

[0065] In bypass operation, the shut-off valve 6 is closed and the bypass valve 7 is open, whereas in conveying operation, the shut-off valve 6 is open and the bypass valve 7 is closed. Both valves 6, 7 are preferably preloaded into their closed position and held in this position when the valve assembly 1 is not in operation or no fluid flows through the valve assembly 1.

[0066] In bypass operation, the bypass valve 7 is open so that the liquid can or does pass past the bypass valve 7 or through it to the auxiliary outlet 5 and can or is discharged from the valve arrangement 1 via the auxiliary outlet 5.

[0067] In particular, the fluid discharged from the auxiliary outlet 5 during bypass operation can be fed back to a reservoir and / or the pump, which supplies the fluid to the valve assembly 1 via the inlet 3, so that the fluid is circulated during bypass operation. However, other solutions are also possible in which the fluid is discharged from the auxiliary outlet 5 elsewhere and is not fed back to the valve assembly 1.

[0068] According to the proposal, the shut-off valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are preferably arranged coaxially.

[0069] A coaxial arrangement, in particular an arrangement in which the check valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are arranged along a common axis.

[0070] The housing 2 preferably has a channel 8, which extends in particular along a longitudinal axis L of the housing 2. The channel 8 preferably penetrates the housing 2 completely.

[0071] The check valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are preferably arranged in the channel 8.

[0072] Preferably, the check valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are arranged along the longitudinal axis L.

[0073] The inlet 3, the main outlet 4, and the secondary outlet 5 are preferably each fluidically connected to the channel 8. Preferably, the channel 8 opens into the main outlet 4 and / or the main outlet 4 represents an axial end of the channel 8. The main outlet 4 and the secondary outlet 5 are preferably each arranged radially or perpendicularly to the channel 8 and / or represent branches of the channel 8. The main outlet 4 and the secondary outlet 5 preferably open into the channel 8.

[0074] The check valve 6 is designed, in particular, as a check valve. The check valve 6 preferably has a movable valve element 9. In particular, the valve element 9 is movable between an open position, in which the check valve 6 is open, and a closed position, in which the check valve 6 is closed. The valve element 9 is preferably spherical. In particular, the valve element 9 is made of ceramic.

[0075] The shut-off valve 6 preferably has a closing device 10 that exerts a closing force on the valve element 9 or by which the valve element 9 is preloaded into the closed position. The closing device 10 is preferably designed as a spring, in particular a helical spring and / or compression spring.

[0076] Furthermore, the shut-off valve 6 preferably has a valve seat 11. In the closed position, the valve element 9 rests against the valve seat 11, and in the open position, the valve element 9 is lifted from the valve seat 11.

[0077] The shut-off valve 6 preferably has a valve housing 12. The valve element 9 and the closing device 10 are preferably arranged within the valve housing 12. The valve housing 12 is preferably sleeve-shaped. The valve housing 12 preferably has one or more channels 12A on its outside, through which fluid can or does flow when the shut-off valve 6 is open.

[0078] The bypass valve 7 is preferably designed as a pressure relief valve. The bypass valve 7 preferably has a movable valve element 13. In particular, the valve element 13 is movable between an open position, in which the bypass valve 7 is open, and a closed position, in which the bypass valve 7 is closed. The valve element 13 is preferably spherical. In particular, the valve element 13 is made of ceramic.

[0079] The bypass valve 7 preferably has a closing device 14, which exerts a closing force on the valve element 13 or by which the valve element 13 is preloaded into the closed position and / or against a valve seat 15. The closing device 14 preferably has a closing spring 14A, in particular a helical spring, compression spring, and / or plunger spring.

[0080] The closing force of the closing device 14, in particular closing spring 14A, is preferably adjustable, in particular by adjusting or setting the pre-compression and / or length of the closing spring 14A. This can be done, for example, via a nut 22 or the like. The position of the nut 22 can be adjustable or changed by a handle (not shown). This allows the closing force to be adapted to a desired fluid pressure, in particular a working pressure of a pump by which the valve arrangement 1 is supplied with (high-pressure) fluid, or a (desired) maximum operating pressure of the valve arrangement 1 can be set.

[0081] Furthermore, the bypass valve 7 preferably has a valve seat 15. In the closed position, the valve element 13 rests against the valve seat 15, and in the open position, the valve element 13 is lifted from the valve seat 15.

[0082] The bypass valve 7 or the closing device 14 preferably has a counter-piston 14B. The valve element 9 is preferably held in the counter-piston 14B and / or arranged therein or thereon. The counter-piston 14B is preferably designed to transmit the closing force from the closing spring 14A to the valve element 13.

[0083] The counter-piston 14B is preferably guided in a guide piece 14C and / or surrounded by it and / or arranged therein. The guide piece 14C preferably has one or more, in particular radial, holes 14D or bores through which fluid can pass and, in particular, reach the secondary outlet 5.

[0084] Furthermore, the bypass valve 7 preferably has further components not explained in detail, in particular for fastening the bypass valve 7 and / or for guiding and / or fixing components, in particular the closing device 14, and / or for transmitting the closing force from the closing spring 14A to the valve element 13.

[0085] The bypass valve 7 or the closing device 14 is preferably designed at least partially and / or substantially as described in EP 4 086 491 A1.

[0086] The valve elements 9, 13 of the shut-off valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are preferably arranged and / or movable coaxially with one another. In particular, the valve elements 9, 13 are arranged and / or movable along the longitudinal axis L.

[0087] A coaxial arrangement of the check valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 or the valve elements 9, 13 is in particular an arrangement coaxial to a direction of movement or axis of movement of the valve elements 9, 13 and / or coaxial to the longitudinal axis L.

[0088] The valve arrangement 1 preferably has a switching device 16 for opening the bypass valve 7. The switching device 16 is preferably designed to open the bypass valve 7, in particular automatically, when switching from the conveying mode to the bypass mode, in particular by the switching device 16 pressing against the valve element 13 and thus lifting the valve element 13 from the valve seat 15 or opening the bypass valve 7.

[0089] The switching device 16 is preferably arranged in the channel 8 and / or coaxially to the longitudinal axis L. The switching device 16 is preferably movable, in particular in the channel 8 and / or relative to the housing 2. In particular, the switching device 16 is movable along the longitudinal axis L.

[0090] The switching device 16 is preferably fluidically connected to the side of the shut-off valve 6 facing the main outlet 4, so that a pressure applied to the side of the shut-off valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 or acting on the shut-off valve also acts (directly) on the switching device 16. This makes it possible, in particular, to dispense with a separate connecting channel or control channel for controlling the bypass valve 7.

[0091] Closing a dispensing device connected to the main outlet 4 preferably causes the shut-off valve 6 to close (automatically) due to the pressure conditions changed by the closing of the dispensing device. At the same time, due to the pressure conditions changed by the closing of the dispensing device, a pressure or force is preferably exerted on the switching device 16, in particular the switching piston 17 explained below, which triggers a movement of the switching device 16, in particular in the direction of the bypass valve 7 or valve element 13, so that the valve element 13 is lifted from the valve seat 15 and the bypass valve 7 is opened.

[0092] In particular, if a fluid outlet at or downstream of the main outlet 4 is interrupted, for example because a connected valve gun or other dispensing device is closed, a pressure increase or pressure peak or pressure pulse occurs on the main outlet side. This preferably causes the shut-off valve 6 to close and the bypass valve 7 to open.

[0093] The switching device 16 is preferably arranged and / or movable coaxially to the shut-off valve 6 and / or the bypass valve 7.

[0094] The switching device 16 is preferably constructed in multiple parts, in particular in two parts. In other words, the switching device 16 preferably comprises several, in particular exactly two, separate components. The multi-part design of the switching device 16 facilitates the manufacture and / or assembly of the valve arrangement 1. However, it is also possible in principle to construct the switching device 16 in one piece.

[0095] The switching device 16 preferably has a switching piston 17. Furthermore, the switching device 16 preferably has a tappet 18. The tappet 18 is preferably arranged between the switching piston 17 and the bypass valve 7. The tappet 18 is therefore preferably a spacer and / or designed to transmit a force from the switching piston 17 to the bypass valve 7, in particular its valve element 13, and / or vice versa.

[0096] The switching device 16, the switching piston 17 and the tappet 18 are also particularly Fig. 4 shown.

[0097] The switching piston 17 and / or the tappet 18 are preferably movable, in particular into the channel 8 and / or relative to the housing 2. The switching piston 17 and the tappet 18 are preferably moved together or synchronously during operation of the valve arrangement 1.

[0098] In particular, the valve arrangement 1 is designed such that, upon switching from delivery mode to bypass mode or upon closing a connected valve gun or other dispensing device, a differential pressure applied to or arising at the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17 sets the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17 in motion. The movement of the switching piston 17 preferably causes a movement of the plunger 18, in particular synchronous with the switching piston 17. The movement of the plunger 18, in turn, preferably results in the opening of the bypass valve 7 or the lifting of the valve element 13 from the valve seat 15 of the bypass valve 7.

[0099] The check valve 6 is preferably movably arranged in the housing 2 or the channel 8. In particular, the check valve 6 or the valve housing 12 is movable and / or coupled jointly or synchronously with the switching device 16, particularly preferably the switching piston 17. The check valve 6 is preferably fixed to / in the switching device 16, in particular the switching piston 17.

[0100] Most preferably, the shut-off valve 6, in particular the valve housing 12, the closing device 10, and / or the valve element 9, is arranged and / or secured in the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17. The switching device 16, in particular the switching piston 17, preferably surrounds the shut-off valve 6, in particular the valve housing 12, the closing device 10, and / or the valve element 9, in particular in the radial direction or radially to the longitudinal axis L.

[0101] The switching piston 17 is preferably designed in the form of a sleeve, in particular with the shut-off valve 6 being received or arranged in the sleeve.

[0102] Preferably, the switching device 16, in particular the switching piston 17, has or forms the valve seat 11 of the shut-off valve 6.

[0103] In this sense, the shut-off valve 6 is preferably integrated into the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17.

[0104] The valve arrangement 1 is preferably designed to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 when switching from the conveying mode to the bypass mode, in particular when a dispensing device connected to the valve arrangement 1 on the main outlet side is closed. This pressure reduction occurs, in particular, automatically.

[0105] The valve arrangement 1 is preferably designed to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 by 40% or more, in particular 60% or more, particularly preferably approximately 80%. The valve arrangement is particularly preferably designed to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 from up to approximately 500 bar to up to approximately 100 bar.

[0106] The pressure reduction occurs in particular in that the bypass valve 7 and the check valve 6 are opened simultaneously for a short period of time or during a switching phase when switching from delivery mode to bypass mode, so that fluid can flow from the side of the check valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 to the side of the check valve 6 facing away from the main outlet 4, in particular via the check valve 6. The bypass valve 7 and the check valve 6 are preferably coupled to one another for this purpose. As a result of the fluid flowing via the check valve 6 to the side of the check valve 6 facing away from the main outlet when switching from delivery mode to bypass mode, the pressure on the side of the check valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 is preferably reduced.

[0107] A switching phase within the meaning of the present disclosure is in particular a phase or a period of time when switching from conveying operation to bypass operation, in which the valve arrangement 1 is neither in conveying operation nor in bypass operation. In the switching phase, therefore, the shut-off valve 6 is neither (permanently) open and the bypass valve 7 (permanently) closed at the same time, nor is the shut-off valve 6 (permanently) closed and the bypass valve 7 (permanently) open at the same time. Instead, the shut-off valve 6 and the bypass valve 7 are open simultaneously for at least part of the switching phase. Preferably, however, at the beginning of the switching phase, the shut-off valve 6 is initially closed before being opened again, which will be explained in more detail below. In contrast to bypass operation, at the beginning of the switching phase, while the shut-off valve 6 is initially still closed, the valve arrangement 1 is preferably not in a stable orstationary state, but rather parts of the valve arrangement 1, in particular the switching device 16, the shut-off valve 6 and / or the valve element 13 of the bypass valve 7, are in motion, so that the shut-off valve 6 is (automatically) reopened by these movements. At the end of the switching phase, the shut-off valve 6 is preferably (automatically) closed again, so that the valve arrangement 1 switches to bypass operation.

[0108] The switching phase is preferably, and in particular in contrast to the conveying operation and the bypass operation, not a stable or stationary operating state of the valve arrangement 1, but only a short period of time or a short phase which is automatically ended or after which the valve arrangement 1 automatically switches to the bypass operation.

[0109] The valve arrangement 1 preferably has an actuating element 19. The actuating element 19 is designed in particular to open the check valve 6 or to lift the valve element 9 from the valve seat 11, in particular against the closing force of the closing device 10. The actuating element 19 is preferably designed to at least partially open the check valve 6 when switching from the conveying mode to the bypass mode or during the switching phase, in particular so that fluid can flow via the check valve 6 from the side facing the main outlet 4 to the side of the check valve 6 facing away from the main outlet 4. The actuating element 19 is preferably arranged on the side of the valve element 9 facing away from the closing device 10.

[0110] In other words, the actuating element 19 preferably represents a counter-tappet for opening the shut-off valve 6 or lifting the valve element 9 from the valve seat 11.

[0111] The check valve 6 is particularly partially open when the valve element 9 is lifted from the valve seat 11, but the distance between the valve element 9 and the valve seat 11 is smaller than when the check valve 6 is fully open or in conveying operation.

[0112] In particular, the actuating element 19 is designed to move the valve element 9 into an open position against the closing force of the closing device 10. The check valve 6 can thus be opened by the actuating element 19, in particular even when the fluid pressure acting on the check valve 6 or the valve element 9 is too low to open the check valve 6, which is particularly the case after a dispensing device connected to the main outlet 4 is closed or when switching from delivery mode to bypass mode. When the check valve 6 is opened with the actuating element 19, the valve element 9 is preferably lifted less far from the valve seat 11 than when the check valve 6 is opened in delivery mode due to the applied fluid pressure. The actuating element 19 therefore preferably only partially opens the check valve 6. However, this is not mandatory.

[0113] Preferably, the actuating element 19 is a separate component from the shut-off valve 6.

[0114] The actuating element 19 is preferably fixed relative to the housing 2 and / or channel 8. In other words, the actuating element 19 is preferably not movable relative to the housing 2 and / or channel 8.

[0115] The actuating element 19 is preferably arranged and / or fixed in the channel 8 and / or coaxially to the longitudinal axis L.

[0116] To open the check valve 6 by the actuating element 19 and / or in the switching phase, the check valve 6 and / or its valve element 9 is preferably moved in the direction of the actuating element 19, in particular automatically and / or due to a fluid pressure acting on the check valve 6 or its valve housing 12 (at least indirectly via the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17). As a result of this movement of the check valve 6 or valve element 9, the valve element 9 initially comes into contact, in particular at the front, with the actuating element 19. Subsequently, by further movement of the valve housing 12 in the direction of the (fixed) actuating element 19, the valve element 9 is preferably lifted off the valve seat 11, so that the check valve 6 is opened.

[0117] The actuating element 19 is preferably fixed relative to the housing 2 and / or channel 8 by means of a fixing device 20. The fixing device 20 preferably represents a part of the actuating element 19.

[0118] Preferably, the fixing device 20 is designed in the form of a rod or bolt and / or the fixing device 20 passes through the actuating element 19, in particular through an opening or bore provided for this purpose in the actuating element 19.

[0119] The fixing device 20 is preferably arranged transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the channel 8 and is preferably fixed in the housing 2, for example, screwed in or secured by means of a press fit. However, other solutions are also possible.

[0120] For inserting the fixing device 20 into the valve assembly 1 or the housing 2, a bore 20A may be provided, particularly perpendicular or radial to the channel 8, which may be closed or closable, particularly by means of a blind plug or other closure device 20B. This enables simple assembly with a simple design.

[0121] The fixing device 20 is preferably designed as a separate component from the actuating element 19. However, the fixing device 20 can also be formed integrally with the actuating element 19.

[0122] In particular, the actuating element 19 is arranged coaxially with the shut-off valve 6 and / or the bypass valve 7 and / or their valve elements 9, 13. Furthermore, the actuating element 19 is preferably arranged between the shut-off valve 6 and the bypass valve 7.

[0123] The actuating element 19 is preferably arranged coaxially to the switching device 16.

[0124] The switching device 16, in particular the switching piston 17 and / or the plunger 18, is / are preferably movably guided on the actuating element 19 and / or the fixing device 20. In particular, the switching device 16 surrounds the actuating element 19 and / or the actuating element 19 is arranged in the switching device 16.

[0125] In particular, the switching device 16, the switching piston 17 and / or the tappet 18 is / are at least partially sleeve-shaped, wherein the actuating element 19 is arranged or received in the sleeve thus formed at least in one operating state of the valve arrangement 1.

[0126] The plunger 18 preferably has recesses 21, in particular elongated holes, through which the fixing device 20 of the actuating element 19 passes. In particular, the plunger 18 is thereby guided on the actuating element 19 and / or the fixing device 20. The recesses 21 are in particular in Fig. 4 recognizable.

[0127] The functioning of the pressure reduction and / or the actuating element 19 is explained below in particular with reference to the Figures 5 to 10 explained. The Figures 5, 6 and 7 show different operating states of the valve arrangement 1. The Figures 8, 9 and 10 show enlargements of the Figures 5, 6 and 7 in which in particular the shut-off valve 6 and the actuating element 19 or their positions and / or positions are clearly visible.

[0128] In Fig. 5 and 8The valve assembly 1 is shown in pumping mode. The check valve 6 is open, particularly due to the prevailing fluid pressure. The fluid enters channel 8 via inlet 3, flows through the check valve 6, and exits the valve assembly via the main outlet 4. The bypass valve 7 is closed.

[0129] In Fig. 6 and 9the valve arrangement 1 is shown in a switching phase when switching from conveying operation to bypass operation. The switching takes place in particular automatically and / or due to the closing of a dispensing device (not shown in the figures) connected to the main outlet 4. When the dispensing device closes, the pressure conditions in the valve arrangement 1 change so that the fluid pressure acting on the shut-off valve 6 is no longer sufficient to open it or keep it open. The shut-off valve 6 thus closes. Furthermore, the change in the pressure conditions causes the bypass valve 7 to open, in particular by the switching device 16 being pressed against the bypass valve 7 or valve element 13, in particular due to the fluid pressure acting on the side of the switching device facing the main outlet 4. The switching device 16 thereby moves in the direction of the bypass valve 7 and opens it.The liquid entering the valve arrangement 1 through the inlet 3 is then discharged from the valve arrangement 1 via the secondary outlet 5.

[0130] Since the check valve 6 is fixedly arranged in the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17, the check valve 6 is preferably also moved by the movement of the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17 in the direction of the bypass valve 7. As a result of this movement, the valve element 9 first comes into contact, in particular at the front, with the actuating element 19 and is then lifted from the valve seat 11 by the actuating element 19, which is fixed relative to the housing 2, particularly since the actuating element 19 is fixed relative to the housing 2 or channel 8, and the switching device 16 and thus the valve housing 12 are moved further in the direction of the actuating element 19 and / or bypass valve 7. Thus, the movement of the check valve 6 moves it, in particular, against the actuating element 19 and at least partially opens it by the actuating element 19, in particular against the closing force of the closing device 10.

[0131] The shut-off valve 6, in particular its valve housing 12, and the switching device 16, in particular the switching piston 17, are preferably moved jointly or synchronously when switching from the conveying mode to the bypass mode or during the switching phase. Furthermore, the switching piston 17 and the plunger 18 are preferably moved jointly or synchronously when switching from the conveying mode to the bypass mode or during the switching phase.

[0132] Overall, when switching from conveying operation to bypass operation or in the switching phase, a joint or synchronous movement of the switching piston 17, the tappet 18 and the shut-off valve 6 or valve housing 12 preferably takes place.

[0133] Preferably, the shut-off valve 6 is initially closed in the switching phase or when switching from the conveying operation to the bypass before it is moved in the direction of the actuating element 19 and is at least partially opened again by the actuating element 19.

[0134] Fluid now flows through the open check valve 6 from the side of the check valve 6 facing the main outlet 4 to the side of the check valve 6 facing away from the main outlet 4, in particular through the check valve 6. The fluid is discharged via the secondary outlet 5. The outflow of the fluid via the check valve 6 causes a reduction in pressure on the side of the check valve 6 facing the main outlet 4.

[0135] This reduction in pressure also reduces the pressure acting on the switching device 16 or the switching piston 17. This has the particular consequence that the switching device 16 and thus the shut-off valve 6, in particular its valve housing 12, move a short distance towards the main outlet 4 again after a short time, once the pressure has dropped sufficiently. As a result, the shut-off valve 6, in particular its valve element 9, as well as the switching piston 17 and thus the valve seat 11, are moved away from the actuating element 19, so that the shut-off valve 6 closes again due to the closing force of the closing device 10. The bypass valve 7, however, remains open and the valve arrangement 1 is then in bypass mode.

[0136] The switching phase preferably lasts a few tenths of a second, especially less than one second.

[0137] In Fig. 7 and 10The valve arrangement 1 is shown in bypass operation. The shut-off valve 6 is closed, and the bypass valve 7 is open, particularly due to the closed shut-off valve 6 and the fluid pressure acting on the switching device 16 and / or the bypass valve 7. The fluid enters the channel 8 via the inlet 3, flows through the bypass valve 7, and exits the valve arrangement via the secondary outlet 5.

[0138] Preferably, the bypass operation is (only) exited or switched back to the delivery operation when a discharge device connected to the main outlet 4 is opened. In this case, the pressure conditions change, in particular due to a change in the pressure at the shut-off valve 6 or the pressure difference prevailing at the shut-off valve 6, so that the shut-off valve 6 opens (automatically) and the bypass valve 7 closes (automatically).

[0139] The described pressure reduction function is merely optional. The valve assembly 1 can also be implemented without a pressure reduction function, in particular without the actuating element 19.

[0140] The valve assembly 1 can have a detection device 23 for detecting an operating state of the valve assembly 1. The detection device 23 is preferably an electronic button or switch or comprises one. The detection device 23 is preferably arranged on the bypass valve 7 and / or designed to detect a position of the bypass valve 7.

[0141] The valve arrangement 1 preferably has a securing device 24, in particular a securing ring. The securing device 24 is preferably designed to secure the switching device 16 and / or the shut-off valve 6 against falling out of the valve arrangement 1 or the housing 2 or the channel 8. The securing device 24 is preferably arranged in the channel 8, in particular between the main outlet 3 and the switching device 16 and / or the shut-off valve 6.

[0142] The housing 2 can be made of stainless steel or plastic. In principle, the housing 2 can also be made of another material, such as brass. However, it has been shown that a housing 2 made of plastic or stainless steel is particularly pressure-resistant and, in particular, allows the valve assembly 1 to be operated at pressures exceeding 300 bar, in particular up to 500 bar or more.

[0143] Preferably, the housing 2, the switching device 16, in particular the switching device 17 and / or the plunger 18, and / or the actuating element 19 is / are manufactured or can be manufactured from a semi-finished product by machining, in particular turning and / or drilling.

[0144] Particularly preferably, the housing 2 is made or can be made from a cylindrical semi-finished product, in particular by producing functional elements, in particular the channel 8, the inlet 3, the main outlet 4 and / or the secondary outlet 5, or by introducing them into the semi-finished product, preferably by turning and / or drilling.

[0145] The housing 2 is preferably at least substantially a cylindrical body, wherein the channel 8 is a longitudinal bore in the cylindrical body and the inlet 3 and / or secondary outlet 5 are radial bores in the cylindrical body. The channel 8 does not necessarily have a constant diameter, but preferably has different diameters in different sections, as can be seen in particular from the figures. In addition, the housing 2 can have further bores, for example for fastening the actuating element 19 or the fixing device 20 in the housing 2. Such further bores are preferably also designed as radial bores.

[0146] The outer contour of the housing 2 can preferably also deviate from a cylindrical contour by appropriate machining, as can be seen from the figures.

[0147] According to an aspect that can also be implemented independently, the present invention relates to a method for producing a valve arrangement 1, in particular designed as described herein.

[0148] According to one aspect of this method, the housing 2 of the valve arrangement 1 is produced from a semi-finished product by a machining process, in particular by turning and / or drilling.

[0149] According to one aspect of this method, the housing 2 of the valve assembly 1 is injection molded.

[0150] Furthermore, the manufacturing method may comprise further steps to produce a valve arrangement 1 having the aforementioned properties.

[0151] However, the manufacture of the housing 2 by a machining or injection molding process is not mandatory. In principle, the housing 2 can also be manufactured by another process, in particular by hot pressing.

[0152] Individual aspects, features and method steps of the present invention can be implemented independently of one another, but also in any combination or sequence. List of reference symbols:

[0153] 1Valve arrangement 2Housing 3Inlet 4Main outlet 5Secondary outlet 6Locking valve 7Bypass valve 8Channel 9Valve element of 6 10Closing device of 6 11Valve seat of 6 12Valve housing of 6 12AChannels 13Valve element of 7 14Closing device of 7 14AClosing spring 14BCounter piston 14CGuide piece 14DHoles 15Valve seat of 7 16Switching device 17Switching piston 18Tappet 19Actuating element 20Fixing device 20ABore 20BClosing device 21Recess 22Nut 23Detection device 24Safety device Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A valve arrangement (1) which can be supplied with a liquid under high pressure, in particular from a high-pressure cleaner or a pump, and which can be operated optionally in a conveying or bypass mode, wherein the valve arrangement (1) comprises a housing (2) with an inlet (3) for supplying the liquid to the valve arrangement (1), a main outlet (4) for discharging the liquid from the valve arrangement (1) in conveying mode, and a secondary outlet (5) for discharging the liquid from the valve arrangement (1) in bypass mode, with a check valve (6) arranged between the inlet (3) and the main outlet (4), in particular designed as a check valve, through which the liquid flows in conveying mode and is closed in bypass mode, with a bypass valve (7) arranged between the inlet (3) and the secondary outlet (5), in particular designed as a pressure relief valve, which is closed in conveying mode and through which the liquid flows in bypass mode,characterized by that the check valve (6) and the bypass valve (7) are arranged coaxially, and / or that the housing (2) has a channel (8) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) in which the check valve (6) and the bypass valve (7) are arranged, and / or that the check valve (6) is movably arranged in the housing (2).

2. Valve arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the check valve (6) and the bypass valve (7) each have a valve element (9, 13), wherein the valve elements (9, 13) of the check valve (6) and the bypass valve (7) are arranged coaxially to one another and / or are movable.

3. Valve arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve arrangement (1) has a particularly multi-part switching device (16) for opening the bypass valve (7), preferably wherein the switching device (16) is arranged and / or movable coaxially to the shut-off valve (6) and / or in the channel (8).

4. Valve arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the shut-off valve (6) is jointly movable and / or coupled to the switching device (16), in particular a switching piston (17) of the switching device (16).

5. Valve arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the shut-off valve (6) is arranged in the switching device (16) and / or that the switching device (16) surrounds the shut-off valve (6).

6. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve arrangement (1) is designed to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve (6) facing the main outlet (4), in particular automatically, when switching from the conveying operation to the bypass operation.

7. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe bypass valve (7) and the check valve (6) are coupled to one another in such a way that when switching from the conveying operation to the bypass operation in a switching phase, the bypass valve (7) is open and at the same time the check valve (6) is at least partially open, so that liquid can flow from the side of the check valve (6) facing the main outlet (4) to the side of the check valve (6) facing away from the main outlet (4), in particular so that the pressure on the side of the check valve (6) facing the main outlet (4) drops.

8. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe valve arrangement (1) has an actuating element for at least partially opening the shut-off valve (6), in particular in order to reduce the pressure on the side of the shut-off valve (6) facing the main outlet (4), preferably wherein the shut-off valve (6) is designed as a check valve in which a valve element (9) of the shut-off valve (6) is prestressed into a closed position by a closing force, and the actuating element (19) is designed to move the valve element (9, 13) into an open position counter to the closing force, in particular when switching from the conveying operation to the bypass operation.

9. Valve arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating element (19) is fixed relative to the housing (2).

10. Valve arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in thatthe actuating element (19) is arranged coaxially to the shut-off valve (6) and / or the bypass valve (7) and / or in the channel (8) and / or that the actuating element (19) is arranged between the shut-off valve (6) and the bypass valve (7).

11. Valve arrangement according to claim 3 and one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the actuating element (19) is arranged coaxially to the switching device (16) and / or the switching device (16) is movably guided on the actuating element (19).

12. Valve arrangement according to claim 3 and one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the switching device (16) surrounds the actuating element (19) and / or that the actuating element (19) is arranged in the switching device (16).

13. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe housing (2), the switching device (16) and / or the actuating element (19) is / are manufactured from a semi-finished product by machining, in particular turning and / or drilling.

14. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is made of stainless steel or plastic.

15. Method for producing a valve arrangement (1), in particular wherein the valve arrangement (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve arrangement (1) is pressurised with a liquid under high pressure, in particular from a high-pressure cleaner ora pump, and can be operated optionally in a conveying or bypass mode, the valve arrangement (1) having a housing (2) with an inlet (3) for supplying liquid to the valve arrangement (1), a main outlet (4) for discharging the liquid from the valve arrangement (1) in conveying mode and a secondary outlet (5) for discharging the liquid from the valve arrangement (1) in bypass mode, with a check valve (6) arranged between the inlet (3) and the main outlet (4), through which the liquid flows in conveying mode and is closed in bypass mode, with a bypass valve (7) arranged between the inlet (3) and the secondary outlet (5), which is closed in conveying mode and through which the liquid flows in bypass mode. characterized by that the housing (2) of the valve arrangement (1) is produced from a semi-finished product by a machining process, in particular by turning and / or drilling, and / or that the housing (2) is injection-molded.

Images