Double valve seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a double valve seat, comprising a first obstruction element capable of sealing contact with a first valve seat, a second obstruction element capable of sealing contact with a second valve seat, a sensor object coupled to the first obstruction element, a sensor device interacting with the sensor object and consisting of a sensor and an electrical evaluation unit, a manipulator designed to interact with the sensor object interacts with the second obstruction element, and the sensor device is designed for verification of the interaction of the manipulator with the sensor object.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a double valve seat according to the preamble of claim 1 . [Background technology]

[0002] Double seat valves are used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical manufacturing systems, as well as in biotechnology, where a high degree of automation is desired and in which valves are found and integrated.

[0003] A double seat valve has two occlusion elements that can be repositioned to affect the flow of fluid through the valve. Automation includes being able to determine the position of the occlusion elements. The position is typically determined using a valve control device that is part of the double seat valve.

[0004] Position measurement has been implemented for many years. For example, DE 4035017 C1 proposes providing a valve control device with mechanical switches whose switching position is changed by the movement of a blocking element. At least one switch is assigned to each blocking element.

[0005] In the course of technological development, mechanical switching has been replaced by contactless systems, for example Hall sensors, light barriers and capacitive proximity sensors as proposed in DE 102006039493 B4.

[0006] DE 102013018564 A1 describes contactless measurement for valves with only one obstruction element. In this case, a transmitting / receiving antenna device is provided in the valve control device and interacts with a sensor object consisting of an oscillator circuit on the obstruction element. The oscillator circuit is excited by a transmitting signal and emits a resonant wave. The position of the resonant wave, which indicates the position of the obstruction element, is detected by the receiving antenna device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 030314 [Patent Document 2] German Patent No. 10111833 [Patent Document 3] DE 3241544 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem was therefore to create a simple device for contactlessly measuring the position of at least two closure elements of a valve, in particular a double valve seat.

[0009] This problem is solved by a double valve seat with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous configurations are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The double valve seat comprises a first obstruction element capable of being in sealing contact with the first valve seat, a second obstruction element capable of being in sealing contact with the second valve seat, a sensor object coupled to the first obstruction element, a sensor device interacting with the sensor object and comprising a sensor and an electronic evaluation unit, the position of the second obstruction element being measured by a manipulator designed to interact with the sensor object interacting with the second obstruction element, and the sensor device being designed for verification of the interaction of the manipulator with the sensor object.

[0011] The manipulator is designed to interact with the sensor object depending on the position of the first and / or second closure elements. For example, the first closure element can be coupled to a valve rod. The sensor object can also be coupled to the valve rod. The valve rod can be moved axially to move the first closure element between its switching positions, and thus the sensor object. For example, the second closure element can be coupled to a hollow rod, and the valve rod passes through the second closure element and the hollow rod. The manipulator can interact with the hollow rod, for example, by coupling with the hollow rod. The sensor is connected or coupled to the valve rod and the manipulator is connected or coupled to the hollow rod directly or indirectly via connecting or coupling elements, respectively. The hollow rod can be moved axially to move the second closure element between its switching positions. The (axial) movement of the closure element affects the movement of the sensor object and the manipulator, which is detected by measurements with a sensor device. The respective positions of the closure elements can be inferred from this. The first closure element can be a first valve disc. Correspondingly, the second closure element may be a second valve disc. The direction of axial movement of the first or second closure element respectively forms the stroke axis of the valve.

[0012] The proposed solution is based on the realization that determining the position of the second occlusion element does not require a sensor object connected to it, and therefore no additional sensors. Rather, it is sufficient to change the characteristics of the first sensor object with the manipulator and confirm this change via the sensor device.

[0013] In this case, the manipulator can cover the sensor object depending on the position of the first and / or second occlusion element, and the sensor device can determine the degree of coverage. For example, it is conceivable that the sensor object extends along the switching path of the first occlusion element, and the manipulator at least partially or partially covers the sensor object depending on the position of the second occlusion element. This coverage can occur on the outside and / or inside of the sensor object. It is also possible that the manipulator does not cover the sensor object at all when adjusting the first and / or second occlusion element, and / or that the manipulator completely covers the sensor object when adjusting the first and / or second occlusion element. The respective degree of coverage of the sensor object is detected through measurements by the sensor device. The position of the first and / or second occlusion element can be inferred therefrom. In particular, a suitably designed sensor device can determine the extension length of the sensor object and detect changes. This allows conclusions to be drawn, in particular about the switching position of the second occlusion element.

[0014] According to a particularly practical configuration, the sensor device is able to ascertain the interaction of the manipulator with the sensor object by means of magnetic measurements. It is conceivable to design the sensor object magnetically and to shield it. First, the sensor device can detect the presence and (axial) position of the sensor object through magnetic interaction. From this, the position of the first occlusion element can be inferred. For example, a manipulator covers the sensor object, changing the magnetic properties of the sensor object. This magnetic change is detected by the sensor device. The position of the manipulator relative to the sensor object, and therefore the position of the second occlusion element, can be inferred from this.

[0015] Other measurement methods are also possible. For example, the sensor device can verify the interaction between the manipulator and the sensor object by optical measurement methods. The sensor object has optical properties and is designed, for example, as a reflective surface area that is partially covered by the manipulator when the position of the occlusion element changes. This reduction in length can be optically confirmed by the sensor device.

[0016] The use of a manipulator eliminates the need to install a second sensor object or create a verification possibility for it. Modifying the sensor device is more cost-effective than creating an additional sensor object, additional sensors, and associated electronic evaluation units. In addition, many identical parts can be used for a series of single-seat and double-seat valves, making it possible to take advantage of scale effects during production. Due to the small number of parts required, the system is robust and reliable for application. Since the position of both obstruction elements is measured in one place, external wiring between the sensors and the electronic evaluation unit is omitted; the sensors can be mounted, for example, between the valve housing with the obstruction elements installed and the adjusting device that influences the movement of the obstruction elements.

[0017] This advantage is particularly evident when using the measurement principle of DE 102013018564 A1. The sensor object here consists of an oscillating electrical circuit. A manipulator, preferably in the form of an iron lobe, is designed to influence the magnetic flux density and is inserted into the coil of the oscillating circuit. The degree of insertion depends on the positions of the first and second blocking elements. The influence of the magnetic flux changes the characteristics of the oscillating circuit, such as its frequency. The sensor device can include a transmitter with at least one transmitter coil and a receiver with at least one receiver coil. Preferably, the receiver can have first and second receiver coils. A change in frequency emitted by the coil of the oscillating circuit results in a change in the frequency of the receiver or receiving antenna of the sensor device. The electronic evaluation unit is designed to detect this frequency shift and generate a signal based on it. For example, the windings of the two receiver coils can be arranged so that waves emitted from the sensor object, particularly the oscillating circuit, induce phase-shifted voltages in the receiver coils. By measuring the voltage induced in the receiving coil, the position of the sensor object relative to the measurement path and the receiving device can be determined. Therefore, two parameters are available to determine the position of the two obstruction elements: the position of the resonator relative to the antenna device and the frequency of the wave emitted by the resonator. This solution is cost-effective, simple in design, robust and reliable to implement. In the series consisting of single and double seat valves, the only additional configuration for the double seat is the double seat manipulator.

[0018] The sensor device with the sensor and electronic evaluation unit can be installed completely in a flange-mounted control head, into which the first obstruction element or a part of an element connected to this obstruction element protrudes and carries the sensor object. In this way, a modular system of valves with and without position measurement can be built cost-effectively. Furthermore, retrofitting is easy.

[0019] For example, a pneumatically actuated adjusting device can be provided that brings each of the blocking elements into contact with its assigned valve seat and then releases this contact again. The adjusting device can be designed to control the valve's open position, in which both blocking elements are lifted from their respective valve seats, and the valve's closed position, in which both blocking elements are in sealing contact with their respective valve seats. It can also affect the cleaning position, in which one of the blocking elements is lifted from its valve seat in each case to allow cleaning.

[0020] According to another configuration, the manipulator can be designed in the shape of a rod. For example, the manipulator can be an iron rod. The longitudinal axis of the rod is preferably aligned along the axial direction of the occlusion element or the valve rod and hollow rod, respectively. The manipulator can also have parts with different magnetic properties. This configuration allows for more flexible detection of the position of the manipulator and thus the position of the second occlusion element.

[0021] The manipulator can be coupled to the second occlusion element, particularly rigidly coupled, so that movements of the second occlusion element are directly translated into movements of the manipulator.

[0022] According to another configuration, the manipulator can be connected at its end facing the second closure element to a pin connected to the hollow rod, the pin being guided in an elongated bore of the valve rod or in an elongated bore of a carrier connected on one side to the valve rod and on the other side to the sensor object. The pin can in particular be aligned transversely to the axial direction of the hollow rod, i.e., forming a transverse pin. When the second closure element moves between its switching positions, the pin is guided in an elongated bore of the valve rod or in an elongated bore of a carrier connected on one side to the valve rod and on the other side to the sensor object.

[0023] According to another configuration, a distance can exist between the manipulator and the second occlusion element that changes as the second occlusion element moves. This configuration has several advantages. On the one hand, because a distance must first be traversed, the axial movement of the second occlusion element or the hollow rod connected to it is not transferred one-to-one to the axial movement of the driver. This can provide measurement advantages, especially when the movement of the second occlusion element is small, which would cause measurement results to be irrelevant in the case of a rigid connection. On the other hand, this method can achieve rotational decoupling between the second occlusion element and the manipulator, which may be desired depending on the application. Therefore, rotation of the second occlusion element and the optional hollow rod about the stroke axis does not result in mechanical loads on the manipulator or on additional components connected to it, such as pins or optional connecting or coupling elements, such as drivers.

[0024] In another configuration, when the second closure element moves, the hollow rod together with the pin can press the manipulator in the axial direction of the hollow rod. By pressing the manipulator against, for example, the coil of the sensor object, the magnetic properties of the sensor object can be changed, for example. In this case, the manipulator can in principle be moved in both directions along the valve stroke axis, i.e., into or out of the coil of the sensor. In the first case, the manipulator can be located, for example, outside the coil in a stationary state and pushed into the coil to different extents by the hollow rod or the respective pin. However, it is also conceivable that the manipulator is located inside the coil in a stationary state and pushed out of the coil to different extents by the hollow rod or the respective pin.

[0025] The manipulator can be pretensioned into a rest position by a pretensioning element, preferably a pretensioning spring. For example, the manipulator can be pretensioned in a direction facing the second closure element. The pretensioning element, e.g., a pretensioning spring, serves as a return element that pushes the manipulator back to its starting position if the hollow rod loses its pressing contact. The hollow rod thus pushes the manipulator axially or, respectively, along the stroke axis against the pretension. A compression or tension spring can be used as the pretensioning spring. Instead of a pretensioning spring, for example, an air cushion can also be used as the return element.

[0026] According to another configuration, the manipulator can be movably attached to the sensor object, preferably via a carrier movably attached to the sensor object. In this configuration, the manipulator, which functions, for example, as a detuning element, and the sensor object, which functions, for example, as a resonator target, form an assembly. The manipulator is movably arranged on the sensor object, while both elements are movable, in particular shiftable, relative to each other. During the movement of the second occlusion element, the movement in one direction or the respective shift is performed by a driver functioning as a tappet. In the opposite direction, a pretensioning element or a respective pretensioning return element, e.g., a pretensioning spring, can be provided in turn. By providing a carrier, for example, the tappet can be pressed against the carrier instead of directly contacting the manipulator.

[0027] The sensor object may further comprise a cover on which the pretensioning element rests. The cover may comprise at least one passage. The carrier may also comprise at least one passage. Such passages may ensure air transport for pressure equalization. For example, it is conceivable to design the tappet as a tube.

[0028] According to another configuration, the hollow rod can press the manipulator in the axial direction of the hollow rod when the second closure element moves, preferably via a tappet connected to the hollow rod. Regarding the movement of the manipulator, the same applies as above. In particular, movement in both directions along the stroke axis of the valve is possible, for example, movement into or out of the coil of the sensor.

[0029] The distance between the manipulator and the second occlusion element varies with the movement of the second occlusion element, but this distance can be filled with a compressible material, which is preferably fixed only relative to the manipulator. This configuration maintains the variable distance and the associated advantages described above. At the same time, contact damping can be advantageously ensured between the second occlusion element or the hollow rod, on the one hand, and the manipulator, on the other hand. The compressible material can also be used as a restoring element to move the manipulator to its rest position.

[0030] The details of the invention will now be explained in more detail and its advantages will be explained in more depth on the basis of exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a double valve seat. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a sensor arrangement with an antenna arrangement and an electronic evaluation unit; [Figure 3] Schematic illustration of various positions of the occlusion elements: a) valve closed position, b) valve open position, c) first occlusion element flushing position, d) second occlusion element flushing position, e) both occlusion elements flushing position simultaneously. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a double valve seat according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a double valve seat according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a double seat valve.

[0034] The double seat valve comprises a housing 2 and has a first port 4 and a second port 6. Ports 4 and 6 are fluidly connected by a passage 8. The fluid connection is switchable. For this purpose, a first closure element 10 and a second closure element 12 are provided. The first closure element 10 can be in sealing contact with a first valve seat 14, and the second closure element 12 can be in sealing contact with a second valve seat 16. The valve seats 14 and 16 and / or the closure elements 10 and 12 can have suitable sealing means for this purpose, such as sealing rings. The sealing devices can be designed radially, semi-axially, or axially.

[0035] The sealing position of the closure elements 10 and 12 can be achieved by independent or combined movement of the closure elements 10 and 12 along the movement direction B. To enable this movement, the first closure element 10 is connected to a valve rod 18, which passes through the second closure element 12 and a hollow rod 20 attached to the second closure element 12. The hollow rod 20 is movably guided outside the housing 2 of the valve. For this purpose, a housing duct 22 is provided, which serves to guide and seal the hollow rod 20.

[0036] In the example shown, the movement of the valve rod 18 and the hollow rod 20 is generated by a diagrammatically illustrated adjusting device 24, which is preferably operated by a pressure medium, in particular by air pressure. For this purpose, the adjusting device 24 comprises a first piston 26 and a second piston 28. The first piston 26 influences the movement of the valve rod 18, while the second piston 28 is connected to the hollow rod 20 and thereby influences the movement of the second piston 12.

[0037] The control head 30 is releasably fixed to the adjusting device 24 on the side of the adjusting device 24 facing away from the housing 2, for example by means of a flange connection.

[0038] The antenna arrangement 32 is arranged in the control head 30 and extends along the movement direction B, generating a measurement path M as a result of this extension. A sensor object 34 is arranged movably along the measurement path M and is coupled to the first occlusion element 10. As a result of the coupling, the movement of the first occlusion element 10 is directly transmitted to a reflected movement of the sensor object 34 along the measurement path M. The coupling is preferably designed rigidly with a carrier 36, for example designed as a hollow rod, coupled to the valve rod 18. The carrier 36 can be designed to carry the first piston 26 or can be coupled to a rod section of the regulating device 24 that carries the first piston 26.

[0039] The sensor object 34 is designed to interact with the antenna device 32, preferably to receive an electromagnetic signal and to emit an electromagnetic signal in response thereto.

[0040] The manipulator 38 protrudes into the control head 30 to the height of the measurement path M. The manipulator 38 is housed inside the carrier 36 and communicates with a pin 40 that passes through an elongated hole 42 formed in the carrier 36. The pin 40 is connected to the hollow rod 20. In this way, the movement of the hollow rod 20 along the movement direction B caused by the second piston 28 is converted into a movement of both the second obstruction element 12 and the manipulator 38. The manipulator 38 is at least partially inserted into the sensor object 34 and is dimensioned to change its effect depending on the position of the obstruction elements 10 and 12. The dependence of the position of the obstruction elements 10 and 12 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0041] 2 shows a schematic diagram of the antenna arrangement 32, which is part of the sensor arrangement 44. The antenna arrangement 32 comprises a transmitter 46 and a receiver 48. Both devices 46, 48 extend along the measurement path M.

[0042] The transmitter device 46 may comprise a transmitter coil 50 having one or more windings and arranged so as to cover the entire measurement path M with the radiated signal.

[0043] The receiver device 48 may have a first receiver coil 52 and a second receiver coil 54. The windings of the receiver coils 52 and 54 are arranged such that waves emitted by the sensor object 34 induce phase-shifted voltages in the receiver coils 52 and 54. By measuring the voltages induced in the receiver coils 52 and 54, the measurement path M and the relative position of the sensor object 34 with respect to the receiver device 48 can be determined.

[0044] An electronic evaluation unit 56 is connected to the transmitter device 46 and the receiver device 48. The electronic evaluation unit 56 is designed to supply a current to the transmitter coil 50, generating electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the electronic evaluation unit 56 is designed to determine the voltage induced in the receiver coils 52 and 54 by the sensor object 34 and to derive therefrom the relative position of the sensor object 34 with respect to the measurement path M.

[0045] The sensor object 34 comprises a resonator coil mounted on the sensor object 34 and forming an oscillating electric circuit together with a capacitor. These components can be cast in a potting compound, which provides mechanical stability and protects them from environmental influences. Electromagnetic waves emitted by the transmitter 46 excite the oscillating electric circuit, which generates a resonant wave. The resonator coil is ring-shaped, designed to at least partially accommodate the manipulator 38, and is arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the direction of movement B. To this end, the windings (also called conductor loops) of the coil are wound in the direction of movement B. Depending on the position of the occlusion elements 10 and 12, the influence of the manipulator 38 on the resonator coil is particularly noticeable when the manipulator 38 is at least partially inserted into the ring of the resonator coil.

[0046] The structure of the sensor object 34 and the antenna arrangement 32 can be designed according to DE 102013018564 A1.

[0047] 3 shows a schematic representation of various positions of the first occlusion member 10 and the second occlusion member 12 and how they combine to determine the position of the sensor object 34 and the manipulator 38. This diagram illustrates the operating principle of the claimed subject matter.

[0048] The described device allows two parameters to be detected. The first parameter is the position of the sensor object 34 along the measurement path M, which is the origin of the resonant wave. The second parameter is the frequency shift of the resonant wave caused by the insertion of the manipulator into the resonant coil. The position measurement and the frequency shift are therefore available as two measurement variables that depend on the two positions of the occlusion elements 10 and 12, and therefore allow these positions to be inferred.

[0049] In this example, dimensions were chosen that can be varied by one skilled in the art.

[0050] Figure 3a) shows the rest position of the valve. In this example, this is the double-seat closed position. In this position, the obstruction elements 10 and 12 are each in sealing contact with their assigned valve seats 14 and 16. The first obstruction element 10 is in rest position R1, the second obstruction element 12 is in rest position R2, and the sensor object 34 on the measurement path M is in position P0. The manipulator 38 has not yet been inserted into the sensor object 34 and its resonant coil. The receiving device 48 receives the resonant wave having the first frequency.

[0051] 3b), the obstruction elements 10 and 12 are in the open position of the valve. Therefore, the obstruction elements 10 and 12 are lifted from their assigned valve seats 14 and 16 and moved to positions H1 and H2, thereby allowing fluid flow through the passage 8. The sensor object 34 is located at position P1 along the measurement path M, and the manipulator 38 is positioned away from the sensor object 34.

[0052] The cleaning position of the first obstruction element 10 is shown in FIG. 3c. The first obstruction element 10 is adjusted to position L1, where a cleaning gap exists between the first obstruction element 10 and the first valve seat 14. The second obstruction element 12 is still in position R2, in sealing contact with the second valve seat 16. The movement of the first obstruction element 10 from position R1 to L1 is such that the distance between the obstruction elements 10 and 12 increases. This positions the sensor at position P2 on the measurement path M, which is on the side of position P0 opposite position P1. The manipulator 38 is inserted into the sensor 34 and its coil to an insertion depth E1, resulting in a first frequency change. The oscillating electrical circuit oscillates at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

[0053] The cleaning position of the second obstruction element 12 is shown in FIG. 3d). It is brought from the rest position R2 to position L2. A cleaning gap is formed between the second obstruction element 12 and the second valve seat 16. The first obstruction element 10 remains in position R1 and is in sealing contact with the first valve seat 14. The sensor object 34 is therefore located in position P0, and the manipulator is inserted into the sensor object 34 by an insertion depth E1, which again changes the frequency of the resonant wave. In the illustrated example, the insertion depth of the manipulator in the two positions according to FIGS. 3c) and 3d) is the same. This is advantageous, but not necessary, in order to obtain the same cleaning effect.

[0054] Finally, Figure 3e) shows a valve position in which both obstruction elements 10 and 12 are in their cleaning positions. In this example valve, this position can indicate a fault, which can be advantageously verified. However, this position can also be used to clean the valve depending on the state of the processing system. The process controller must then prevent product from being introduced into the valve. Now, both obstruction elements 10 and 12 are lifted from their assigned valve seats 14 and 16, respectively, forming cleaning gaps. Since the obstruction elements 10 and 12 perform opposite movements to positions L1 and L2 and are at their greatest distance from each other, the manipulator is inserted into the sensor object 34 by a greater insertion depth value E2. This results in the largest frequency shift for the indicated positions of the obstruction elements 10 and 12, resulting in a resonant wave with a third frequency.

[0055] The evaluation of the positions of the occlusion elements 10 and 12 is straightforward. The positions according to Fig. 3a) and Fig. 3b) differ in the position of the sensor object 34 and can be clearly defined. Compared to the positions according to Fig. 3a) and Fig. 3b), the positions according to Fig. 3c) and Fig. 3d) have a verifiable frequency shift and differ from each other by the positions P0 and P2 of the sensor object 34. The position according to Fig. 3e) has the same position P2 of the sensor object 34 as the position according to Fig. 3c), but differs from it in turn by a stronger frequency shift due to an insertion depth E2 that is greater than the insertion depth E1.

[0056] The manipulator 38 is designed in particular according to this functional description to produce a frequency shift that can be verified by measurements with the antenna device 32 and the electrical evaluation unit 56. This influences the choice of material based on, for example, a known coil core made of a ferromagnetic material. The material properties can vary over the extent of the manipulator along the direction of movement B, e.g., with different ferromagnetic strengths. This allows the frequency difference generated by the two different insertion depths E1, E2 to be amplified.

[0057] The connection of the sensor object 34 to the first occlusion element 10 and the connection of the manipulator 38 to the second occlusion element 12 can be of multi-part design to facilitate the mountability of the device. The connection must be mechanically stable and must not be released by the movement of the occlusion elements 10 and 12.

[0058] As shown, this configuration is suitable for determining the position of both occlusion elements 10 and 12 using one measuring device, receiving device 48 and sensor object 34. A complex measuring device with multiple sensors can be omitted, and no additional sensor object is required.

[0059] In the embodiment shown here, the closure elements 10 and 12 of the valve move in opposite directions from their respective rest positions R1 and R2 to their respective cleaning positions L1 and L2. It may be advantageous to design the valve so that this movement occurs in the same direction, rather than in opposite directions. In this case, the position according to FIG. 3c) corresponds to the rest position, for example. FIG. 3a) shows the cleaning position of the first closure element 10. FIG. 3e) then shows the cleaning position of the second closure element 12.

[0060] In the example shown, a main stroke is performed in which the closure elements 10 and 12 move in the direction of the adjustment device 24. In a variant, the main stroke is performed in the opposite direction. In Figure 3, stroke positions H1 and H2 are below L1. To be able to measure these positions, the measurement path M must be correspondingly extended beyond P2 in the direction of the closure elements 10 and 12.

[0061] Another development proposes a modification of the manipulator 38. At its end facing away from the occlusion element 12, the manipulator 38 has an elongated section made of a magnetically neutral material, which is designed to completely pass through the sensor object 34 in the direction of movement B. A second manipulator is attached to this elongated section. The elongated section and the second manipulator are designed in such a way that, in the position according to FIG. 3a), the second manipulator is located outside the sensor object 34 and points away from the occlusion elements 10, 12, whereas in the position according to FIG. 3b), it is inserted into or completely located within the sensor object 34, thereby changing the properties of the sensor object 34. As a result, the resonant waves received by the receiver 48 also change. An electrical evaluation unit 56 detects this change and outputs a signal. With this modification, it is possible to detect, according to FIG. 3b), that the occlusion elements 10 and 12 are moved away from each other in the open position. During the moving away from each other, the manipulator and the sensor object 34 are in the relative positions as shown in Figure 3a). However, the origin of the resonant wave is near P1, so that it can be verified that the second manipulator is in a different position from the target position in the sensor object near position P1. Verification of the moving away from each other may be desirable if this moving away from each other opens a leak that should actually be closed at this position. This modification therefore improves the error detection of the valve.

[0062] In another variant, the second manipulator principle is adopted, and the first manipulator is omitted. A magnetically neutral connecting element is then introduced from the second occlusion element to the sensor object. The manipulator is then positioned with the end facing away from the second occlusion element, with the effect described above. Preferably, the manipulator is inserted into the sensor object 34 at a first insertion depth in the position shown in FIG. 3a). Since the manipulator extends along the direction of movement B, in the position shown in FIG. 3b) it is inserted into the sensor object 34 over a longer path than in the position shown in FIG. 3a), resulting in a stronger, verifiable change in the resonator characteristics. The length of the manipulator can be selected so that additional positions according to FIGS. 3c) to 3e) can also be verified.

[0063] A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a double valve seat according to the present invention. This double valve seat corresponds substantially to the double valve seat according to FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs substantially in that there is a distance 58 between the manipulator 38 and the second closure element 12, which changes as the second closure element 12 moves. In the illustrated example, this distance 58 is between the hollow rod 20 and the outer end 60 of the pin 40, which is guided in the elongated hole 42 of the carrier 36 connected to the valve rod 18. The pin 40 is then connected to the manipulator 38. A pretensioning spring 62 rests on the wall defining the elongated hole 42 on the one hand and on the pin 40 on the other hand, pretensioning the pin 40 and, with it, the manipulator 38 in the rest position shown in FIG. 4. When the second closure element 12 is lifted from the valve seat 16, facing upward in FIG. 4, the distance 58 between the hollow rod 20 and the outer end 60 of the pin 40 is initially closed until they come into contact. As the occlusion element 12 continues to move, the hollow rod 20 presses the pin 40, and with it the manipulator 38, upwards in FIG. 4 against the pretension while compressing the pretension spring 62, so that the manipulator 38 enters the coil of the sensor object 34, as explained above, especially with reference to FIG. 3. As the occlusion element 12 moves backwards, the pretension spring 62 adjusts the pin 40, which causes the manipulator 38 to move downwards in FIG. 4 and return to its rest position. The position shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the position shown in FIG. 3a. Instead of connecting the pin 40 directly to the manipulator 38, it is also possible to connect the pin 40 to the manipulator 38 via a driver.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a further exemplary embodiment of a double valve seat according to the invention. This double valve seat also largely corresponds to the double valve seat according to FIG. 1. It differs substantially in that the manipulator 38 and the sensor 34 form a common assembly, with the manipulator being movably attached to the sensor 34 via a carrier 64. To this end, the manipulator 38 is connected to the carrier 64, which in turn is movably attached to the sensor object 34. Similar to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, a distance 58 exists between the manipulator 38 and a tappet 66 connected to the hollow rod 20, which changes when the second obstruction element 12, and thus the hollow rod 20, moves. The sensor object 34 also has a lid part 68 on which a pretensioning spring 70 rests, which pretensions the carrier 64 and, with it, the manipulator 38 in the rest position shown in FIG. 5. When the second obstruction element 12 is lifted from the valve seat 16 and points upward in FIG. 5 , and the hollow rod 20 is correspondingly moved, initially the distance 58 between the tappet 66 and the manipulator 38 is closed until they come into contact. As the obstruction element 12 and the hollow rod 20 continue to move, the tappet 66 presses the manipulator 38, and with it the carrier 64, upward in FIG. 5 against the pretension, compressing the pretension spring 70, so that the manipulator 38 enters the coil of the sensor object 34, as explained above with particular reference to FIG. 3 . When the obstruction element 12 moves backward, the pretension spring 70 adjusts the carrier 64, which in turn adjusts the manipulator 38 downward in FIG. 5 and returns to its rest position. The position shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the position shown in FIG. 3 a.

[0066] In this case, the tappet 66 can be connected to the pin 40 at its lower end (not shown in detail in FIG. 5). However, it is also conceivable that the tappet 66 is connected to the manipulator 38 or, respectively, that they are designed as a single part. In that case, the tappet 66 is not connected to the pin 40, but instead has a variable distance from the pin 40 and is moved by the pin 40 simply by pushing it. The exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 5 can also be combined in such a way that the lower end of the tappet 66 according to FIG. 5 is connected to the pin 40, which has a variable distance from the hollow rod 20, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0067] Only a portion of the double valve seat is shown in Figures 4 and 5. The other components can in principle be designed as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and described above.

[0068] In principle, it is also possible to modify the invention so that the detuning of the resonator of the sensor object 34 is performed by removing the manipulator from the coil to different degrees in various switching positions, meaning that the detuned resonator is assumed as the base position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 2. Housing 4 First Port 6 Second Port 8 aisles 10 First occlusion element 12 Second occlusion element 14 First valve seat 16 Second valve seat 18 Valve rod 20 hollow rod 22 Housing duct 24 Adjustment device 26 First Piston 28 Second Piston 30 Control Head 32 Antenna equipment 34 Sensor Object 36 Career 38 Manipulator 40-pin 42 Slot 44 Sensor Device 46 Transmitting device 48 Receiving device 50 Transmitting Coil 52 first receiving coil 54 Second receiving coil 56 Electrical Evaluation Unit 58 distance 60 Outer end of pin 40 62 Pretension spring 64 Career 66 Tappet 68 Lid part 70 Pretension spring M Measurement path B. Direction of movement R1 rest position of the first occlusion element R2 rest position of the second occlusion element L1 Cleaning position of the first obstruction element L2 Cleaning position of the second obstruction element P0 position P1 position P2 position E1 Insertion Depth E2 Insertion Depth H1 Stroke position of the first occlusion element H2 Stroke position of the second occlusion element

Claims

1. 1. A double valve seat, comprising: a first closure element (10) capable of sealing contact with a first valve seat (14); a second closure element (12) capable of sealing contact with a second valve seat (16); a sensor object (34) coupled to the first closure element (10); and a sensor device (44) interacting with the sensor object (34) and consisting of a sensor (46, 48) and an electrical evaluation unit (56), wherein a manipulator (38) designed to interact with the sensor object (34) interacts with the second closure element (12), and the sensor device (44) is designed for verification of the interaction of the manipulator (38) with the sensor object (34).

2. 2. The double valve seat according to claim 1, wherein the manipulator (38) covers the sensor object (34) depending on the position of the first obstruction element (10) and / or the second obstruction element (12), and the sensor device (44) determines the degree of covering.

3. 3. The double valve seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor device (44) verifies the interaction between the manipulator (38) and the sensor object (34) by magnetometry.

4. 4. The double valve seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor object (34) comprises an oscillating electric circuit, and the manipulator (38) is inserted into a coil of the oscillating electric circuit in a manner that influences the magnetic flux density depending on the position of the first obstruction element (10) and / or the second obstruction element (12).

5. 5. Double valve seat according to claim 4, characterized in that the manipulator (38) is designed in the shape of a rod.

6. A double valve seat according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the manipulator (38) has parts with different magnetic properties.

7. 7. The double valve seat according to claim 1, wherein the sensor object (34) is coupled to a valve rod (18) connected to the first obstruction element (10).

8. 8. The double valve seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the second closure element (12) is connected to a hollow rod (20), and the valve rod (18) passes through the second closure element (12) and the hollow rod (20).

9. The double valve seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the manipulator (38) is coupled to the second obstruction element (12).

10. 10. The double valve seat according to claim 8 and claim 9, characterized in that the manipulator (38) is connected at its end facing the second obstruction element (12) to a pin (40) connected to the hollow rod (20), the pin (40) being guided in an elongated bore (42) of the valve rod (18) or in an elongated bore (42) of a carrier (36), one of which is connected to the valve rod (18) and the other of which is connected to the sensor object (34).

11. 9. The double valve seat according to claim 1, wherein there is a distance (58) between the manipulator (38) and the second closure element (12) that varies during movement of the second closure element (12).

12. 12. The double valve seat according to claim 8, claim 10 and claim 11, characterized in that when the second closure element (12) moves, the hollow rod (20) presses the pin (40) and, together with the pin (40), presses the manipulator (38) in the axial direction of the hollow rod (20).

13. 13. Double valve seat according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the manipulator (38) is pretensioned in a rest position by a pretensioning element (62, 70), preferably a pretensioning spring (62, 70).

14. 14. The double valve seat according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the manipulator (38) is movably attached to the sensor object (34), preferably via a carrier (64) movably attached to the sensor object (34).

15. The double valve seat according to claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the sensor object (34) has a lid portion (68) on which the pretensioning element (62, 70) rests.

16. 16. The double valve seat according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that when the second obturator element (12) moves, the hollow rod (20) presses the manipulator (38) in the axial direction of the hollow rod (20), preferably via a tappet (66) connected to the hollow rod (20).

17. A double valve seat according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the distance (58) is filled with a compressible material that is preferably fixed only to the manipulator (38).

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