Quick-filling valve device

Abstract

A quick-filling valve device is provided. The supply of pressurized fluid to a working means is realized by a quick-filling valve, which is pilot controlled by a control valve. The opening and closing of the quick-filling valve are caused by a membrane movable between a first position and a second position. The structure of the quick-filling valve provides a large flow cross-section for the pressurized fluid supplied from a pressure source via the quick-filling valve device to the working means. The opening and closing of the quick-filling valve, in particular the movement of the membrane selectively opening and closing the valve seat of the quick-filling valve, is controlled by selectively actuating the control valve communicating with the control port of the quick-filling valve.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention

[0003] Quick-filling valve device

[0004] Technical field to which the invention relates

[0005] The present invention relates to a quick-filling valve device.

[0006] Indication of background art

[0007] There is a need of building up air pressure quickly by a robust electro-pneumatic system in various fields, such as large pneumatic cylinders, air bellows, ball valves, large actuators in chemical and process engineering, hydrodynamic braking systems, pantograph control modules, and level control of buses to facilitate entry and exit. Conventionally, in order to fulfil this need, multicomponent pneumatic pilot operated booster valves are used for realizing a quick-filling valve capable of building up air pressure quickly. However, these booster valves are expensive and complex to design.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a cost-effective and compactly designed valve device as an alternative to the known booster valves.

[0009] Technical problem to be solved

[0010] In view of the above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a cost- effective and compactly designed valve device having excellent characteristics for quick filling of and quick pressure build-up in fluid actuators.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention The object is achieved by a quick-filling valve device having the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous developments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to the invention, the supply of pressurized fluid to the working means is realized by the quick-filling valve, which is pilot controlled by the control valve. The structure of the quick-filling valve provides a large flow cross-section for the pressurized fluid supplied from a pressure source via the quick-filling valve device to the working means. The opening and closing of the quick-filling valve, in particular the movement of the membrane selectively opening and closing the valve seat of the quick-filling valve, is controlled by selectively actuating the control valve communicating with the control port of the quick-filling valve.

[0013] Therefore, with the quick-filling valve device according to the invention, larger nominal sizes can be realized for a fluid path through which the pressure source communicates with the working means. Thus, the quick-filling valve device is capable of building up air pressure quickly.

[0014] In addition, the quick-filling valve device is simple in design and can be implemented with simple components. Thus, the quick-filling valve device according to the invention can be compactly designed and can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0015] Moreover, for example, by varying the inner diameter of the housing and the diameter of the membrane, easy scalability of the quick-filling valve device is possible. As a result, the quick-filling valve device can be easily adapted to various applications.

[0016] Preferably, the first threshold value API by which the fluid pressure in the first space must be lower than a supply pressure provided by the pressure source can be determined based on the projected surface areas of the membrane exposed to the fluid pressures. As a result, the operating characteristics of the quickfilling valve device can be appropriately adjusted by the geometry of the quickfilling valve. Preferably, the second threshold value AP2 by which the fluid pressure in the first space must exceed the fluid pressure in the second and third spaces can be determined based on the projected surface areas of the membrane exposed to the fluid pressures. As a result, the operating characteristics of the quick-filling valve device can be appropriately adjusted by the geometry of the quick-filling valve.

[0017] Preferably, the quick-filling valve comprises an elastic element urging the membrane towards the valve seat. As a result, the quick-filling valve device can still be reliably closed even if the working means is vented up to a supply pressure of the pressure source.

[0018] Preferably, the housing of the quick-filling valve comprises two portions having different inner diameters and the membrane comprises two portions having different diameters corresponding to the two portions of the housing. As a result, the sizes of the membrane's surface areas exposed to the fluid pressures in the housing can be adjusted such that the quick-filling valve device can still be reliably closed even if the working means is vented up to the supply pressure of the pressure source.

[0019] Preferably, the quick-filling valve device comprises the control valve which can be of the "normally open" or "normally closed" type. As a result, the quick-filling valve device can be made in either the "normally closed" or "normally open" type.

[0020] Preferably, the quick-filling valve device comprises the first control valve and the second control valve. By the provision of two control valves, a redundant pilot control of the quick-filling valve can be implemented. As a result, either the safety for closing the quick-filling valve device or opening the quick-filling valve device can be improved. Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of at least one exemplary embodiment for carrying out the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Brief description of drawings

[0022] In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a quick-filling valve device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a quick-filling valve with a membrane in a first position.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the quick-filling valve with the membrane in a second position.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a first modification of the quickfilling valve.

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a second modification of the quick-filling valve.

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a quick-filling valve device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a quick-filling valve device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a quick-filling valve device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Description of at least one way of carrying out the invention

[0032] First embodiment

[0033] A first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to figures 1 to 3.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the quick-filling valve device 10 according to the first embodiment. The quick-filling valve device 10 includes a quick-filling valve 100, a control valve 50, a pressure source port 10_l, a working port 10_2, and an exhaust port 10_3.

[0035] The pressure source port 10_l is configured to communicate with a pressure source 60 providing a pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air.

[0036] The working port 10_2 is configured to communicate with an operating means (not shown in the figures), such as a pneumatic actuator (e.g., large pneumatic cylinders, air bellows, ball valves, large actuators in chemical and process engineering, hydrodynamic braking systems, e.g. retarders, pantograph control modules, level control of buses, etc.), which is actuated by the supply and discharge of the pressurized fluid provided by the pressure source 60.

[0037] The exhaust port 10_3 is configured to discharge the pressurized fluid, for example, to the outside air.

[0038] Quick-filling valve 100

[0039] In the following, a detailed description of the structure of the quick-filling valve 100 is provided with reference to figures 2 and 3.

[0040] The quick-filling valve 100 includes a housing 101, which extends in an axial direction A. In the illustration of figures 2 and 3, the axial direction A is an up- down-direction. The housing 101 is substantially cylindrical with an inner diameter dl. Within the housing 101, a valve seat 103 is formed by a protrusion axially protruding into the space surrounded by the housing 101 and having a hollow radial central portion. The valve seat 103, in particular, an axial edge portion of the protrusion forming the valve seat 103 provides an opening having substantially a diameter d3 which is smaller than the inner diameter dl of the housing 101. The opening is open in the axial direction A of the housing 101.

[0041] A membrane 102 is accommodated within the housing 101. The membrane 102 is formed in a disk-like shape and is disposed so that an axial direction of the membrane 102 is aligned with the axial direction A of the housing 101. The membrane 102 axially separates the inner space of the housing 101 (that is, a space surrounded by the housing 101) into a first space SI (that is, an upper space in figure 2) and a second space S2 (that is, a lower space in figure 2). The second space S2 accommodates the valve seat 103. Thus, within the second space S2, a third space S3 is formed by the valve seat 103, in particular, by an interior of the protrusion forming the valve seat 103.

[0042] The membrane 102 is arranged within the housing 101 so as to be movable in the axial direction A. The axial movement of the membrane 102 in one axial direction (that is, downwards in figures 2 and 3) is restricted by the valve seat 103. That is, when the membrane 102 is in a first position, an axial end surface of the membrane 102 facing the valve seat 103 contacts the valve seat 103, in particular, the axial edge portion of the protrusion forming the valve seat 103. When the membrane 102 is in the first position, the axial end surface of the membrane 102 contacting the valve seat 103 is configured to seal the valve seat 103, or more specifically the opening of the valve seat 103, in a fluid-tight manner. Figure 2 shows the quick-filling valve 100 with the membrane 102 in the first position.

[0043] The axial movement of the membrane 102 in the other axial direction (that is, upwards in figures 2 and 3) is restricted by the housing 101 of the quick-filling valve 100, in particular, by an inner axial end surface of the housing 101 opposing the valve seat 103. As shown in figure 2, a projection 112 is formed in a radial central portion of the inner axial end surface projecting towards the valve seat 103 and having a diameter d2 which is smaller than the inner diameter dl of the housing 101. When the membrane 102 is in a second position, an axial end surface of the membrane 102 facing the projection 112 (that is, an axial end surface of the membrane 102 facing away from the valve seat 103) contacts the projection 112. Thereby, the axial movement of the membrane 102 in the other axial direction is restricted. Figure 3 shows the quick-filling valve 100 with the membrane 102 in the second position.

[0044] Thus, the membrane 102 is axially movable within the housing 101 between the first position, in which the valve seat 103 is sealed by the membrane 102, and the second position, in which the valve seat 103 is not sealed by the membrane 102.

[0045] A circumferential edge portion of the membrane 102 contacts an inner peripheral surface of the housing 101 in a fluid-tight manner. Thus, the first space SI and the second space S2 are separated in a fluid-tight manner by the membrane 102 slidably contacting the inner peripheral surface of the housing 101.

[0046] According to the illustrations in figures 2 and 3, the outer circumferential edge portion of the membrane 102 includes a sealing lip 122 configured to sealingly contact the inner wall of the housing 101. The sealing lip 122 is configured such that, when the membrane 102 is disposed within the housing 101, the sealing lip 122 exerts a resilient force to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 101.

[0047] However, the design of the membrane 102 is not limited thereto. According to the present invention, the membrane 102 may be any member capable of sealing the valve seat 103, sealingly separating the first space SI and the second space S2, and moving in the axial direction A of the housing 101.

[0048] As a result, when the membrane 102 is in the first position sealingly contacting the valve seat 103, the second space S2 and the third space S3 are separated in a fluid-tight manner. When the membrane 102 is in the second position spaced apart from the valve seat 103, the second space S2 communicates with the third space S3. As will be described in detail below, the membrane 102 is switchable between the first position and the second position by changing (i.e., controlling) a fluid pressure Pl within the first space SI.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in figure 1, the quick-filling valve 100 comprises a control port 100_12, an inlet port 100_l, and an outlet port 100_2. The control port 100_12 communicates with the first space SI, the inlet port 100_l communicates with the second space S2, and the outlet port 100_2 communicates with the third space S3. For reasons of differentiation, the control port 100_12, the inlet port 100_l, and the outlet port 100_2 of the quick-filling valve 100 are hereinafter also referred to as QFV-control port 100_12, QFV-inlet port 100_l, and QFV-outlet port 100_2.

[0050] When the membrane 102 is in the second position, the quick filling valve provides a large flow cross-section relating to a flow path through which the QFV-inlet port 100_l communicates with the QFV-outlet port 100_2. This flow path is formed by the second space S2 and the third space S3 communicating via the valve seat 103.

[0051] Control valve 50

[0052] In the following, a detailed description of the structure of the control valve 50 is provided.

[0053] As shown in figure 1, the control valve 50 comprises an inlet port 50_l, an outlet port 50_2, and an exhaust port 50_3. The control valve 50 is switchable between a first position and a second position by means of external actuation. For example, the control valve 50 may be actuated by the supply of power to the control valve 50 from an external control device. When the control valve 50 is in the first position (as illustrated in figure 1), the inlet port 50_l is connected to the outlet port 50_2 and the exhaust port 50_3 is closed. That is, the inlet port 50_l communicates with the outlet port 50_2 and the exhaust port 50_3 does not communicate with any one of the inlet port 50_l and the outlet port 50_2.

[0054] When the control valve 50 is in the second position, the inlet port 50_l is closed and the outlet port 50_2 is connected to the exhaust port 50_3. That is, the inlet port 50_l does not communicate with any one of the outlet port 50_2 and the exhaust port 50_3 and the outlet port 50_2 communicates with the exhaust port 50_3. For reasons of differentiation, the inlet port 50_l, the outlet port 50_2, and the exhaust port 50_3 of the control valve 50 are hereinafter also referred to as CV-inlet port 50_l, CV-outlet port 50_2, and CV-exhaust port 50_3. In the first embodiment, the control valve 50 is a "normally open" 3 / 2-directional control valve. That is, the control valve 50 has the three ports and two switching positions described above. In this context, "normally open" means that the CV- inlet port 50_l communicates with the CV-outlet port 50_2 when the control valve 50 is not actuated. Therefore, when the control valve 50 is not actuated, the control valve 50 is in an open state corresponding to the first position of the control valve 50 described above, which is the so-called normal position. In contrast, when the "normally open" control valve 50 is actuated, the control valve is switched to the second position, which is the so-called working position. As described above, in the second position of the control valve 50, the CV-inlet port 50_l does not communicate with the CV-outlet port 50_2, which corresponds to a closed state.

[0055] Fluid connections of the quick-filling valve device 10

[0056] In the following, the fluid connections between the individual ports of the quickfilling valve 100 and the control valve 50 are described with reference to figure 1.

[0057] The QFV-inlet port 100_l and the CV-inlet port 50_l communicate with the pressure source port 10_l of the quick-filling valve device 10. The QFV-outlet port 100_2 communicates with the working port 10_2 of the quick-filling valve device 10. The QFV-control port 100_12 communicates with the CV-outlet port 50_2. The CV-exhaust port 50_3 corresponds to the exhaust port 10_3 of the quick-filling valve device 10.

[0058] Operation of the quick-filling valve device 10

[0059] In the following, the operation of the quick-filling valve device 10 is described with reference to figures 1 to 3.

[0060] In operation, the pressure source port 10_l communicates with a pressure source 60 providing a pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air. The working port 10_2 communicates with an operating means (not shown in the figures), such as a pneumatic actuator, which is operated by the supply and discharge of the pressurized fluid.

[0061] The quick-filling valve device 10 selectively allows or prevents the communication of the pressure source 60 with the operating means depending on the actuation of the control valve 50.

[0062] From the pressure source port 10_l, the pressurized fluid is supplied to the CV- inlet port 50_l and to the QFV-inlet port 100_l. When the control valve 50 is in the first position (that is, the control valve is not actuated), the CV-inlet port 50_l communicates with the CV-outlet port 50_2. Thus, the pressurized fluid is supplied to the QFV-control port 100_12. When the control valve 50 is in the second position (that is, the control valve is actuated), the CV-outlet port 50_2 communicates with the CV-exhaust port 50_3. Thus, the QFV-control port 100_12 communicates with the exhaust port 10_3 of the quick-filling valve device 10.

[0063] The first space SI of the quick-filling valve 100, which is an upper space according to figure 2, communicates with the QFV-control port 100_12. That is, when the control valve 50 is not actuated, the pressurized fluid is supplied to the first space SI and the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI is substantially equal to a supply pressure P0 provided by the pressure source 60. When the control valve 50 is actuated, the first space SI communicates with the exhaust port 10_3 of the quick-filling valve device 10, and therefore, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI falls below the supply pressure P0. In particular, the fluid pressure Pl drops substantially to the atmospheric pressure Pa.

[0064] The second space S2 of the quick-filling valve 100, which is a lower and radially outward space according to figure 2, communicates with the QFV-inlet port 100_l. That is, the pressurized fluid is supplied from the pressure source 60 to the second space S2 and a fluid pressure P2 in the second space S2 is substantially equal to the supply pressure P0 of the pressure source 60, when the membrane 102 is in the first position and the second space S2 is not allowed to communicate with the third space S3. The third space S3 of the quick-filling valve 100, which is a lower and radially central space according to figure 2, communicates with the QFV-outlet port 100_2. That is, the third space S3 communicates via the outlet port 10_2 of the quick-filling valve device 10 with the working means. Therefore, a fluid pressure P3 within the third space S3 is substantially equal to a working fluid pressure Pw required to operate the working means, when the membrane 102 is in the first position and the second space S2 is not allowed to communicate with the third space S3. In general, the minimal working fluid pressure Pw is equal to the atmospheric pressure Pa and the maximum working fluid pressure Pw required is lower than the supply pressure P0 provided by the pressure source 60 (Pa < Pw < P0).

[0065] When the membrane 102 is in the second position and the second space S2 is allowed to communicate with the third space S3, a fluid flows from the pressure source 60 to the working means via the second and third spaces S2, S3, thereby generating a dynamic pressure Pd within the second and third spaces S2, S3 which is between the supply pressure P0 and the working fluid pressure Pw (P0 > Pd > Pw).

[0066] As described above, when the control valve 50 is not actuated, the QFV-control port 100_12 communicates with the pressure source 60 via the control valve 50. Consequently, pressurized fluid provided by the pressure source 60 is supplied to the first space SI. Moreover, pressurized fluid provided by the pressure source 60 is also supplied to the second space S2. As will be described in detail below, in this case the resulting force Fr acting on the membrane 102 due to the pressure levels in the first, second, and third spaces SI, S2, S3 is directed towards the valve seat 103. Therefore, the membrane 102 is urged into contact with the valve seat 103 and sealingly separates the second space S2 from the third space S3. Consequently, pressurized fluid provided by the pressure source 60 is not supplied to the working means.

[0067] When the control valve 50 is actuated, the QFV-control port 100_12 communicates with the exhaust port 10_3 via the control valve 50. Consequently, pressurized fluid in the first space SI is discharged via the exhaust port 10_3 and the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI drops substantially to the atmospheric pressure Pa. However, pressurized fluid provided by the pressure source 60 is still supplied to the second space S2. As will be described in detail below, in this case the resulting force Fr acting on the membrane 102 due to the pressure levels in the first, second, and third spaces

[0068] 51, S2, S3 is directed away from the valve seat 103. Therefore, the membrane 102 is moved from the first position away from the valve seat 103 to the second position with the membrane 102 abutting the projection 112 of the housing 101. As a result, the third space S3 is allowed to communicate with the second space

[0069] 52, and thus, pressurized fluid provided by the pressure source 60 is supplied to the working means via the QFV-outlet port 100_2 and the working port 10_2 of the quick-filling valve device 10.

[0070] That is, when power is supplied from an external control device configured to control the quick-filling valve device 10 (in particular, the "normally open" control valve 50 of the quick-filling valve device 10), the quick-filling valve device 10 allows the pressure source 60 to communicate with the working means (open state of the quick-filling valve device 10). When power is not supplied from the external control device configured to control the quick-filling valve device 10, the control valve 50 is not actuated (as shown in figure 1) and the quick-filling valve device 10 prevents the pressure source 60 from communicating with the working means (closed state of the quick-filling valve device 10). Therefore, the quickfilling valve device 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called "normally closed" valve device.

[0071] In the following, the necessary conditions for the movement of the membrane 102 between the first and second positions and the associated opening and closing of the valve seat 103 of the quick-filling valve 100 is described in detail.

[0072] Forces acting on the membrane 102 in the first position

[0073] Forces acting on the membrane 102 of the quick-filling valve 100 are described for the case, when the membrane 102 is in the first position, that is, when the 405 membrane 102 sealingly contacts the valve seat 103 (as shown in figure 2). The forces substantially result from the fluid pressures Pl, P2, P3 within the first, second, and third spaces SI, S2, S3.

[0074] All designates a projected surface area of a surface of the membrane 102,

[0075] 410 which is exposed to the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI, projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A of the quick-filling valve 100. The surface area All can be determined on the basis of the inner diameter dl of the housing 101 and is calculated as: 415 All = (dl)2x n / 4.

[0076] Accordingly, the force Fll applied to the membrane 102 by the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI is calculated as:

[0077] 420 Fll = All x Pl .

[0078] A12 designates a projected surface area of a surface of the membrane 102, which is exposed to the fluid pressure P2 in the second space S2, projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A of the quick-filling valve 100. The 425 surface area A12 can be determined on the basis of the diameters dl and d3 and is calculated as:

[0079] A12 = (dl-d3)2x n / 4.

[0080] 430 As it can be derived from the above equations, the surface area All is larger than the surface area A12. The force F12 applied to the membrane 102 by the fluid pressure P2 in the second space S2 is calculated as:

[0081] F12 = A12 x P2.

[0082] 435

[0083] A13 designates a projected surface area of a surface of the membrane 102, which is exposed to the fluid pressure P3 in the third space S3, projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the quick-filling valve 100. The surface area A13 can be determined on the basis of the diameter d3 and is calculated as:

[0084] A13 = d32x n / 4 (= All - A12).

[0085] Accordingly, the force F13 applied to the membrane 102 by the fluid pressure P3 in the third space S3 is calculated as:

[0086] F13 = A13 x P3.

[0087] The direction of the force F12 and the direction of the force F13 are opposite to the direction of force Fll. Thus, a resulting force Fr applied to the membrane can be approximately calculated as:

[0088] Fr = Fll - F12 - F13.

[0089] If the value calculated for the resulting force Fr is positive (Fll - F12 - F13 > 0), the resulting force Fr acts in a direction towards the valve seat 103 (that is, downwardly according to figure 2). As a result, the membrane 102 remains in the first position sealing the valve seat 103.

[0090] If the value calculated for the resulting force Fr is negative (Fll - F12 - F13 < 0), the resulting force Fr acts in a direction away from the valve seat 103 (that is, upwardly according to figure 2). As a result, the membrane 102 is moved from the first position away from the valve seat 103 to the second position with the membrane 102 abutting the projection 112 of the housing 101.

[0091] As described above, when the control valve 50 is not actuated, both the first space SI and the second space S2 communicate with the pressure source 60, which supplies pressurized fluid at the supply pressure P0. Furthermore, when the membrane 102 is in the first position, the second space S2 is not allowed to communicate with the third space S3. Therefore, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI and the fluid pressure P2 in the second space S2 are equal to the supply pressure P0 (Pl = P2 = P0). Additionally, the fluid pressure P3 in the third space S3 corresponds to the working fluid pressure Pw, which is lower than the supply pressure PO (P3 < PO).

[0092] Therefore, to calculate the resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102, the following equation can be used:

[0093] Fr = Fll - F12 - F13;

[0094] Fr = All x Pl - A12 x P2 - A13 x P3;

[0095] Fr = All x PO - (All - A13) x PO - A13 x P3;

[0096] Fr = A13 x PO - A13 x P3;

[0097] Fr = A13 (PO - P3).

[0098] As mentioned above, the fluid pressure P3 in the third space S3 is lower than the supply pressure PO. Thus, the value calculated for the resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102 is positive and the resulting force Fr acts towards the valve seat 103 urging the membrane 102 into contact with the valve seat 103.

[0099] Opening operation of the quick-filling valve device 10

[0100] When the control valve 50 is actuated, the first space SI communicates with the exhaust port 10_3. Therefore, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI decreases, and accordingly, the force Fll decreases. In contrast, the forces F12 and F13 remains constant. Consequently, the resulting force Fr also decreases until the force Fll is equal to a sum of the forces F12 and F13 and the resulting force Fr becomes zero. If the force Fll continues to decrease, negative values are obtained for the resulting force Fr. This means that the resulting force Fr is acting in the direction away from the valve seat 103. As a result, the membrane 102 is moved from the first position to the second position with the membrane 102 abutting on the projection 112 of the housing 101.

[0101] The pressure difference (that is, a first threshold value according to the claims) API required between the pressure Pl in the first space SI and the supply pressure P0 for the direction of the resultant force Fr to be reversed can be calculated on the basis of the above equations as follows. The reversal of the direction of the resultant force Fr takes place if

[0102] Fll < F12 + F13.

[0103] The following applies to the fluid pressures Pl and P2 in this state:

[0104] Pl = P0 - API;

[0105] P2 = P0;

[0106] P3 = Pw.

[0107] Thus, the pressure difference API required for moving the membrane 102 from the first position to the second position can be determined based on the above as follows:

[0108] (P0 - API) x All < P0 x A12 + Pw x A13;

[0109] P0 - API < P0 x A12 / A11 + Pw x (All - A12) / A11;

[0110] API > (P0 - Pw) x (1 - A12 / A11).

[0111] As a result, the membrane 102 is moved from the first position to the second position allowing the second space S2 to communicate with the third space S3 when the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI falls below the supply pressure P0 by the threshold value API as determined above. This pressure drop in the first space SI is caused by the actuation of the control valve 50. As long as the control valve 50 is actuated, the first space SI communicates with the exhaust port 10_3 and the membrane 102 remains in the second position.

[0112] Forces acting on the membrane in the second position

[0113] Forces acting on the membrane 102 of the quick-filling valve 100 are described for the case, when the membrane 102 is in the second position, that is, when the membrane 102 abuts the projection 112 of the housing 101 (as shown in figure 3). The forces substantially result from the fluid pressures Pl, Pd within the first, second, and third spaces SI, S2, S3. A21 designates a projected surface area of a surface of the membrane 102, which is exposed to the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI, projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A of the quick-filling valve 10. The surface area A21 can be determined on the basis of the diameter dl and the diameter d2 of the projection 112 of the housing 101 and is calculated as:

[0114] A21 = (dl - d2)2x n / 4.

[0115] Accordingly, the force F21 applied to the membrane 102 by the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI is calculated as:

[0116] F21 = A21 x Pl.

[0117] A22 designates a projected surface area of a surface of the membrane 102, which is exposed to the fluid pressure Pd in the second and third spaces S2, S3 projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A of the quick-filling valve 100. The surface area A22 can be determined on the basis of the diameter dl and is calculated as:

[0118] A22 = dl2x n / 4.

[0119] As mentioned above, the fluid pressure in the second and third spaces S2, S3 communicating with each other corresponds to the dynamic fluid pressure Pd which is generated, when the working fluid flows from the pressure source 60 to the working means. Therefore, the force F22 applied to the membrane 102 by the fluid pressure Pd in the second and third spaces S2, S3 is calculated as:

[0120] F22 = A22 x Pd.

[0121] The direction of the force F22 is opposite to the direction of the force F21. Thus, the resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102 can be approximately calculated as: Fr = F21 - F22.

[0122] If the value calculated for the resulting force Fr is negative (F21 - F22 < 0), the resulting force Fr acts in a direction away from the valve seat 103 (that is, upwardly according to figure 3). As a result, the membrane 102 remains in the second position abutting the projection 112 of the housing 101.

[0123] If the value calculated for the resulting force Fr is positive (F21 - F22 > 0), the resulting force Fr acts in a direction towards the valve seat 103 (that is, downwardly according to figure 3). As a result, the membrane 102 is moved from the second position to the first position with the membrane 102 sealingly contacting the valve seat 103.

[0124] As described above, when the control valve 50 is actuated, the first space SI communicates with the exhaust port 10_3 of the quick-filling valve device 10. Thus, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI substantially corresponds to the atmospheric pressure Pa. The second space S2 and the third space S3 communicate with both the pressure source 60 (via the pressure source port 10_l) and the working means (via the working port 10_2). Thus, the fluid pressure in the second space S2 and the third space S3 corresponds to the dynamic fluid pressure Pd, which is substantially between the working fluid pressure Pw and the supply pressure P0 provided by the pressure source 60. That is, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI is lower than the fluid pressure Pd in the second and third spaces S2, S3 (Pl < Pd). In addition, the surface area A21 exposed to the first space SI is smaller than the surface area A22 exposed to the second space S2 (A21 < A22). Therefore, the resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102 acts in a direction away from the valve seat 103 (that is, a negative value is obtained for the resulting force Fr), urging the membrane 102 into abutment with the projection 112 of the housing 101.

[0125] Closing operation of the quick-filling valve device 10

[0126] When the actuation of the control valve 50 is terminated (that is, the control valve 50 is not actuated), the first space SI communicates with the pressure source 60. Therefore, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI increases, and accordingly, the force F21 increases. In order to move the membrane 102 from the second position to the first position with the membrane 102 sealingly contacting the valve seat 103 again, the resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102 is required to act towards the valve seat 103 (that is, a positive value is obtained for the resulting force Fr). Thus, it is required that the force F21 becomes larger than the force F22 (F21 > F22).

[0127] The required pressure difference (that is, a second threshold value according to the claims) AP2 to meet the condition F21 > F22 can be determined based on the above as follows:

[0128] The reversal of the direction of the resultant force Fr takes place if

[0129] F21 > F22.

[0130] The following applies to the fluid pressures Pl and P2 at the point of reversal:

[0131] Pl = Pd + AP2

[0132] Thus, the pressure difference AP2 required for moving the membrane 102 from the second position to the first position can be determined by:

[0133] (Pd + AP2) x A21 > Pd x A22;

[0134] AP2 > Pd x (A22 / A21 - 1).

[0135] As a result, the membrane 102 moves from the second position to the first position preventing the second space S2 to communicate with the third space S3, when the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI exceeds a sum of the dynamic fluid pressure Pd in the second and third spaces S2, S3 and the threshold value AP2 as determined above. This increase in pressure in the first space SI is caused by the first space SI communicating again with the pressure source 60 due to the termination of the control valve's 60 actuation. When the membrane 102 is moved to the first position, the supply of the pressurized fluid from the pressure source 60 to the working means is prevented and the above-described conditions "Forces acting on the membrane 102 in the first position" apply again.

[0136] First modification of the quick-filling valve 100

[0137] Figure 4 illustrates a first modification of the quick-filling valve 100 of the quickfilling valve device 10.

[0138] The quick-filling valve 100 additionally comprises an elastic element 104. The elastic element 104 is arranged between the membrane 102 and the housing 101. In particular, the elastic element 104 is provided between the surface of the membrane 102 facing away from the valve seat 103 and the inner axial end surface of the housing 101 opposing the valve seat 103.

[0139] As it is shown in figure 4, the elastic element 104 can be a coil spring. However, the elastic element 104 is not limited to this. For example, plate springs, wave springs, elastomers, etc. may be used as the elastic element 104.

[0140] The elastic element 104 applies an urging force to the membrane 102 so as to urge the membrane 102 towards the valve seat 103, that is, from the second position to the first position. In particular, the elastic element 104 exerts a force FE on the membrane 102 that cooperates with the forces Fll and F21 generated by the fluid pressure Pl in the first space.

[0141] Therefore, the resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102 in the first position can be calculated as:

[0142] Fr = Fll + FE - F12 - F13.

[0143] Consequently, the first threshold value API is determined by:

[0144] API = (P0 - Pw) x (1 - A12 / A11) + FE / A11. The resulting force Fr applied to the membrane 102 in the second position can be calculated as:

[0145] Fr = F21 + FE - F22.

[0146] Consequently, the second threshold value AP2 is determined by:

[0147] AP2 = Pd x (A22 / A21 - 1) - FE / A21.

[0148] As it can be derived from the above equation for determining the second threshold value AP2, the pressure difference AP2 required for moving the membrane 102 from the second position to the first position is reduced by the amount FE / A21. AS a result, by providing the elastic element 104, the fluid pressure Pl in the first space required for moving the membrane 102 from the second position to the first position (that is, for closing the quick-filling valve device 10) is reduced.

[0149] Therefore, the quick-filling valve device 10 can still be reliably closed even if the working means is vented up to the supply pressure P0 provided by the pressure source 60 (that is, the dynamic fluid pressure Pd becomes the supply pressure P0).

[0150] Second modification of the quick-filling valve 100

[0151] Figure 5 illustrates a second modification of the quick-filling valve 100 of the quick-filling valve device 10.

[0152] The housing 101 comprises a large diameter portion 101_l and a small diameter portion 101_2. The small diameter portion 101_2 has an inner diameter dl_2 which is smaller than the inner diameter dl_l of the large diameter portion 101_l. The large diameter portion 101_l is arranged with respect to the small diameter portion 101_2 on a side in the axial direction A of the first space SI of the housing 101. That is, according to figure 5, the large diameter portion 101_l is arranged above the small diameter portion 101_2. 710

[0153] The membrane 102 comprises a first membrane portion 102_l and a second membrane portion 102_2. The first membrane portion 102_l is arranged within the large diameter portion 101_l of the housing 101. A circumferential edge portion of the first membrane portion 102_l comes into contact with the inner 715 wall of the large diameter portion 101_l of the housing 101. The second membrane portion 102_2 is arranged within the small diameter portion 101_2 of the housing 101. A circumferential edge portion of the second membrane portion 102_2 comes into contact with the inner wall of the small diameter portion 101_2 of the housing 101. 720

[0154] By providing the large diameter portion 101_l and the corresponding first membrane portion 102_l, the surface area A21 of the membrane 102 (that is, of the first membrane portion 102_l) exposed to the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI in the second position can be increased. Consequently, the force F21 725 generated by the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI in the second position of the membrane 102 can be increased.

[0155] On the other hand, by providing the small diameter portion 101_2 and the corresponding second membrane portion 102_2, the surface area A22 of the 730 membrane 102 (that is, of the second membrane portion 102_2) exposed to the fluid pressure P2 in the first space S2 in the second position can be decreased. Consequently, the force F22 generated by the fluid pressure P2 in the second space S2 in the second position of the membrane 102 can be decreased.

[0156] 735 As a result, the size of the surface area A21 exposed to the fluid pressures Pl in the first space SI and the size of the surface area A22 exposed to the fluid pressure P2 can be varied independently. Therefore, the force F21 generated by the fluid pressure Pl in the first space SI and the force F22 generated by the fluid pressure P2 in the second space S2 can be adjusted such that the quick- 740 filling valve device 10 can still be reliably closed even if the working means is vented up to the supply pressure P0 of the pressure source 60.

[0157] Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to figure 6.

[0158] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a "normally closed" 3 / 2-directional control valve is used for the control valve 50. In this context, "normally closed" means that the CV-inlet port 50_l communicates with the CV-outlet port 50_2 when the control valve 50 is actuated. Therefore, when the control valve 50 is actuated, the control valve 50 is in an open state corresponding to the first position of the control valve 50 described above. In contrast, when the "normally closed" control valve 50 is not actuated, the control valve 50 returns to the second position. As described above, in the second position of the control valve 50, the CV-inlet port 50_l does not communicate with the CV-outlet port 50_2, which corresponds to a closed state (as shown in figure 6).

[0159] That is, when power is not supplied from an external control device configured to control the quick-filling valve device 10 (in particular, the "normally closed" control valve 50 of the quick-filling valve device 10), the quick-filling valve device 10 allows the pressure source 60 to communicate with the working means (open state of the quick-filling valve device 10). When power is supplied from the external control device configured to control the quick-filling valve device 10, the control valve 50 is actuated and the quick-filling valve device 10 prevents the pressure source 60 from communicating with the working means (closed state of the quick-filling valve device 10). Therefore, the quick-filling valve device 10 according to the second embodiment is a so-called "normally open" valve device.

[0160] Third embodiment

[0161] A third embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to figure 7.

[0162] The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In particular, the quick-filling valve device 10 according to the third embodiment is also a so- called "normally closed" valve device. In addition to the control valve 50, which is a first control valve 50A according to the third embodiment, the quick filling valve device 10 includes a second control valve 50B, which is also a "normally open" 3 / 2 directional control valve, and a shuttle valve 70.

[0163] The shuttle valve 70 includes a first inlet port 70_l, a second inlet port 10_2, and an outlet port 70_3. The shuttle valve 70 constitutes an "or" gate. That is, fluid is allowed to flow through the shuttle valve 70 from one of the first and second inlet ports 70_l, 70_2 to the outlet port 70_3.

[0164] As it is shown in figure 7, the inlet ports of the first and second control valves 50A, 50B communicate with the pressure source port 10_l. The outlet ports of the first and second control valves 50A, 50B communicate with the control port 100_12 of the quick-filling valve 100 via the shuttle valve 70. That is, the first inlet port 70_l of the shuttle valve 70 communicates with the outlet port of the first control valve 50A, and the second inlet port 70_2 of the shuttle valve 70 communicates with the outlet port of the second control valve 50B. The outlet port 70_3 of the shuttle valve 70 communicates with the control port 100_12 of the quick-filling valve 100.

[0165] By the provision of the first and second control valves 50A, 50B communicating with the quick-filling valve 100 via the shuttle valve 70, a redundant pilot control of the quick-filling valve 100 can be implemented for the "normally closed" quick-filling valve device 10. In particular, the quick-filling valve device 10 is only switched to the open state, when both the first and the second control valves 50A, 50B are actuated. As a result, the safety for closing the quick-filling valve device 10 can be improved.

[0166] Fourth embodiment

[0167] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to figure 8. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. In particular, the quick-filling valve device 10 according to the fourth embodiment is also a so-called "normally open" valve device. In addition to the control valve 50, which is a first control valve 50A according to the fourth embodiment, the quick filling valve device 10 includes a second control valve 50B, which is also a "normally closed" 3 / 2 directional control valve.

[0168] As it is shown in figure 8, the inlet port of the first control valve 50A communicates with the pressure source port 10_l via the second control valve 50B. That is, the first and the second control valves 50A, 50B are provided in series. Thus, the outlet port of the second control valve 50B communicates with the inlet port of the first control valve (50A). The inlet port of the second control valve 50B communicates with the pressure source port 10_l. The exhaust port of the second control valve 50B communicates with the exhaust port 10_3 of the quick-filling valve device 100.

[0169] By the provision of the first and second control valves 50A, 50B in series, a redundant pilot control of the quick-filling valve 100 can be implemented for the "normally open" quick-filling valve device 10. In particular, the quick-filling valve device 10 is only switched to the closed state, when both the first and the second control valves 50A, 50B are actuated. As a result, the safety for opening the quick-filling valve device 10 can be improved.

[0170] Further modifications of the embodiments

[0171] The above-described embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified or combined. The above description is not exhaustive, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The skilled person will recognize that various modifications and combinations of the features included in the above embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined from the accompanying claims.

[0172] Reference sign list 845

[0173] 10 Quick-filling valve device

[0174] 10_l pressure source port

[0175] 10_2 working port

[0176] 10_3 exhaust port

[0177] 850 50, 50A, 50B control valve

[0178] 50_l inlet port

[0179] 50_2 outlet port

[0180] 50_3 exhaust port

[0181] 60 pressure source 855 70 shuttle valve

[0182] 70_l first inlet port

[0183] 70_2 second inlet port

[0184] 70_3 outlet port

[0185] 100 quick-filling valve

[0186] 860 100_12 control port

[0187] 100_l inlet port

[0188] 100_2 outlet port

[0189] 101 housing

[0190] 101_l large diameter portion

[0191] 865 101_2 small diameter portion

[0192] 102 membrane

[0193] 102_l first membrane portion

[0194] 102_2 second membrane portion

[0195] 103 valve seat

[0196] 870 112 projection

[0197] 122 sealing lip

[0198] A axial direction

[0199] SI first space

[0200] S2 second space

[0201] 875 S3 third space

Claims

CLAIMS1. Quick-filling valve device (10) comprising a quick-filling valve (100), a control valve (50), a pressure source port (10_l) configured to communicate with a pressure source (60) providing a pressurized fluid, a working port (10_2) configured to communicate with an operating means operated by the pressurized fluid, and an exhaust port (10_3), the quick-filling valve (100) including a housing (101) extending in an axial direction (A) of the quick-filling valve (100), a membrane (102) being arranged within the housing (101) so as to be movable in the axial direction (A), wherein the membrane (102) is configured to axially separate the inner space of the housing (101) into a first space (SI) and a second space (S2), the first space (SI) communicating with a control port (100_12) of the quick-filling valve (100) and the second space (S2) communicating with an inlet port (100_l) of the quick-filling valve (100), the quick-filling valve (100) further comprises a valve seat (103) arranged within the second space (S2) of the housing (101) so as to provide a third space (S3) within the housing (101) communicating with an outlet port (100_2) of the quick-filling valve (100), the outlet port (100_2) corresponding to the working port (10_2), wherein the membrane (102) is configured to selectively close or open the valve seat (103), the control valve (50) including an inlet port (50_l), an outlet port (50_2), and an exhaust port (50_3), wherein the exhaust port (50_2) of the control valve communicates with the exhaust port (10_3) of the quick-filling valve device (10),the control valve (50) is configured so that, in a first position of the control valve (50), the inlet port (50_l) communicates with the outlet port (50_2) and the exhaust port (50_3) does not communicate with any of the inlet port (50_l) and the outlet port (50_2), and the control valve (50) is configured so that, in a second position of the control valve (50), the outlet port (50_2) communicates with the exhaust port (50_3) and the inlet port (50_l) does not communicate with any of the outlet port (50_2) and the exhaust port (50_3), wherein the pressure source port communicates with the inlet port (50_l) of the control valve (50) and the inlet port (100_l) of the quick-filling valve (100), and the outlet port (50_2) of the control valve (50) communicates with the control port (100_12) of the quick-filling valve (100).

2. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the membrane (102) is configured to selectively close or open the valve seat (103) by being movable between a first position, in which the membrane (102) is in contact with the valve seat (103), and a second position, in which the membrane (102) is not in contact with the valve seat (103).

3. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the membrane (102) is configured to move from the first position to the second position when a fluid pressure (Pl) in the first space (SI) falls below a supply pressure (P0) provided by the pressure source (60) by a first threshold value (API).

4. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the membrane (102) is configured to move from the second position to the first position, when the fluid pressure (Pl) in the first space (SI) exceeds a sum of the fluid pressure (Pd) in the second and third spaces (S2, S3) and a second threshold value (AP2).

5. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the quick-filling valve (100) further comprises an elastic element (104),the elastic element (104) is provided between the membrane (102) and the housing (101) so as to exert an urging force to the membrane (102) urging the membrane (102) in the axial direction (A) towards the first position into contact with the valve seat (103).

6. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing (101) comprises a large diameter portion (101_l) and a small diameter portion (101_2), the small diameter portion (101_2) being smaller in diameter than the large diameter portion (101_l), the large diameter portion (101_l) is arranged with respect to the small diameter portion (101_2) on a side in the axial direction (A) of the first space (SI) of the housing (101), the membrane (102) comprises a first membrane portion (102_l) and a second membrane portion (102_2), the first membrane portion (102_l) is arranged within the large diameter portion (101_l) of the housing (101) and a circumferential edge portion of the first membrane portion (102_l) is configured to come into contact with the inner wall of the large diameter portion (101_l) of the housing (101), the second membrane portion (102_2) is arranged within the small diameter portion (101_2) of the housing (101) and a circumferential edge portion of the second membrane portion (102_2) is configured to come into contact with the inner wall of the small diameter portion (101_2) of the housing (101).

7. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the membrane (102) is a one-part member made of a single material.

8. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the membrane (102) is a two-part member, the first membrane portion (102_l) is made of a first membrane member and the second membrane portion (102_2) is made of a second membrane member attached to the first membrane member.

9. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control valve (50) is a 3 / 2 directional control valve, andwhen the control valve (50) is not actuated, the inlet port (50_l) of the control valve (50) communicates with the outlet port (50_2) of the control valve (50).

10. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control valve (50) is a 3 / 2 directional control valve, and when the control valve (50) is not actuated, the inlet port (50_l) of the control valve (50) does not communicate with the outlet port (50_2) of the control valve (50).

11. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the control valve (50) is a first control valve (50A), the quick-filling valve device (10) further comprises a second control valve (50B) similar to the first control valve (50A), and a shuttle valve (70), wherein the inlet ports of the first and second control valves (50A, 50B) communicate with the pressure source port (10_l), the outlet ports of the first and second control valves (50A, 50B) communicate with the control port (100_12) of the quick-filling valve (100) via the shuttle valve (70), the outlet port (70_3) of the shuttle valve (70) communicates with the control port (100_12) of the quick-filling valve (100), the first inlet port (70_l) of the shuttle valve (70) communicates with the outlet port of the first control valve (50A), and the second inlet port (70_2) of the shuttle valve (70) communicates with the outlet port of the second control valve (50B).

12. Quick-filling valve device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the control valve (50) is a first control valve (50A), and the quick-filling valve device (10) further comprises a second control valve (50B) similar to the first control valve (50A), wherein the inlet port of the first control valve (50A) communicates with the pressure source port (10_l) via the second control valve (50B),the outlet port of the second control valve (50B) communicates with the inlet port of the first control valve (50A),1015 the inlet port of the second control valve (50B) communicates with the pressure source port (10_l), and the exhaust port of the second control valve (50B) communicates with the exhaust port (10_3) of the quick-filling valve device (100). 20 13. Quick-filling valve (100) comprising a housing (101) extending in an axial direction (A) of the quick-filling valve(100), a membrane (102) being arranged within the housing (101) so as to be movable in the axial direction (A), wherein 25 the membrane (102) is configured to axially separate the inner space of the housing (101) into a first space (SI) and a second space (S2), the first space (SI) communicating with a control port (100_12) of the quick-filling valve (100) and the second space (S2) communicating with an inlet port (100_l) of the quick-filling valve (100), 30 the quick-filling valve (100) further comprises a valve seat (103) arranged within the second space (S2) of the housing(101) so as to provide a third space (S3) within the housing (101) communicating with an outlet port (100_2) of the quick-filling valve (100), the outlet port (100_2) corresponding to the working port (10_2), and 35 an elastic element (104) provided between the membrane (102) and the housing (101) so as to exert an urging force to the membrane (102) urging the membrane (102) in the axial direction (A) into contact with the valve seat (103), wherein the membrane (102) is configured to selectively close or open the valve 40 seat (103).

14. Quick-filling valve (100) comprising a housing (101) extending in an axial direction (A) of the quick-filling valve (100) and comprising a large diameter portion (101_l) and a small diameter 45 portion (101_2), the small diameter portion (101_2) being smaller in diameter than the large diameter portion (101_l),a membrane (102) being arranged within the housing (101) so as to be movable in the axial direction (A), the membrane (102) comprising a first membrane portion (102_l) and a second membrane portion (102_2), the first1050 membrane portion (102_l) being arranged within the large diameter portion (101_l) of the housing (101) and a circumferential edge portion of the first membrane portion (102_l) is configured to come into contact with the inner wall of the large diameter portion (101_l) of the housing (101), the second membrane portion (102_2) being arranged within the small diameter portion 55 (101_2) of the housing (101) and a circumferential edge portion of the second membrane portion (102_2) is configured to come into contact with the inner wall of the small diameter portion (101_2) of the housing (101) the membrane (102) is configured to separate the inner space of the housing (101) into a first space (SI) and a second space (S2), the first space 60 (SI) communicating with a control port (100_12) of the quick-filling valve (100) and the second space (S2) communicating with an inlet port (100_l) of the quick-filling valve (100), the large diameter portion (101_l) is arranged with respect to the small diameter portion (101_2) on a side in the axial direction (A) of the first space 65 (SI) of the housing (101), the quick-filling valve (100) further comprises a valve seat (103) arranged within the second space (S2) of the housing (101) so as to provide a third space (S3) within the housing (101) communicating with an outlet port (100_2) of the quick-filling valve (100), the 70 outlet port (100_2) corresponding to the working port (10_2), and the membrane (102) is configured to selectively close or open the valve seat (103).

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