Control unit for controlling a valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit (10) for controlling a valve, comprising a valve unit (12) which opens as a result of application of a preset actuation force, an actuation device (14) which applies the actuation force, and a pressure-controlled actuator (16) which actuates the actuation device (14) according to a preset differential pressure value, wherein the valve unit (12), the actuation device (14) and the actuator (16) are disposed in an overall housing (18), and wherein the actuator (16) is disposed inside the overall housing (18) so as to be sealed off and separated from the actuation device (14) and / or the valve unit (12).

Description

[0001] Control unit for controlling a valve

[0002] The present invention relates to a control unit for controlling a valve, in particular a pressure valve, which comprises a valve unit which opens by applying a preset actuating force, an actuating device which applies the actuating force, and a pressure-controlled actuator which actuates the actuating device in dependence on a preset differential pressure value.

[0003] Aircraft have a cabin, for example a passenger cabin, in the form of a pressurized cabin in which the air pressure prevails that is higher than the ambient pressure. To protect the cabin from an excessive pressure difference between the internal pressure and the ambient pressure, it is known to use a safety valve, such as a pressure valve, with a control unit in the form of a mechanical-pneumatic pressure switch.

[0004] Such a control unit usually comprises a sensor unit in the form of a pressure-controlled actuator, which has a connection to the cabin pressure and external pressure, and a valve unit, which is triggered by the pressure unit at a predetermined value of the differential pressure, so that, for example, a valve body is brought into an open position.

[0005] DE 10 2006 057 549 B4 discloses such a control unit for actuating a pressure valve, which comprises an actuating body and a pressure-controlled actuator for actuating the actuating body as a function of a predetermined differential pressure value. The differential pressure value can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device comprising a first adjustment unit and a second adjustment unit, wherein the actuating body can be adjusted to adjust the differential pressure value by means of the first adjustment unit, and the actuator can be adjusted to adjust the differential pressure value by means of the second adjustment unit. The actuator comprises a pressure-dependently deformable membrane body, which is exposed to a differential pressure resulting from the difference between an ambient pressure and a cabin pressure in that the outside of the membrane body is subjected to the ambient pressure and the inside of the membrane body is subjected to the cabin pressure.

[0006] Due to their function, such control units for safety valves require a connection to the internal pressure (cabin pressure) and the external pressure (ambient pressure). Due to the installation situation in some aircraft types, water can penetrate the external pressure connection, for example, during washing processes on the aircraft's outer skin, and freeze there during flight, thus impairing its function.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of creating a control unit for controlling a valve that ensures smooth operation after a potential water ingress, without water penetrating neuralgic areas, freezing, and thereby impairing the function.

[0008] To solve the problem, a control unit with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the control unit are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a control unit for controlling a valve, in particular a pressure valve, is proposed. The control unit comprises a valve unit that opens by applying a preset actuating force, an actuating device that applies the actuating force, and a pressure-controlled actuator that actuates the actuating device as a function of a preset differential pressure value. The valve unit, the actuating device, and the actuator are arranged in an overall housing, and the actuator is arranged sealed within the overall housing and separated from the actuating device and / or the valve unit. Since the pressure-controlled actuator is arranged sealed within the overall housing and separated from the actuating device and / or the valve unit, the actuator is decoupled from the actuating device and / or the valve unit.This allows the actuator to be directly exposed to water via an external pressure connection without the actuating device and / or valve unit coming into contact with the water. Consequently, the actuating device and / or actuator are protected. This ensures smooth operation without water penetrating critical areas, such as the valve unit, freezing, and thus impairing function.

[0011] The differential pressure value, which can also be referred to as the setpoint, is understood here as a limit pressure value resulting from the difference between the cabin pressure or internal pressure and the ambient pressure or external pressure. The differential pressure value, i.e., the limit pressure value, can be set in the control unit according to the invention.

[0012] The pressure-controlled actuator can be designed as a pressure cell. Furthermore, an outer side of the pressure-controlled actuator is advantageously connected to the environment via an ambient pressure connection, such as an inlet opening. When washing the aircraft, water can penetrate the control unit via the ambient pressure connection, so that the pressure-controlled actuator is directly exposed to the water.

[0013] Furthermore, the actuating device can be connected to the cabin pressure via a cabin pressure connection, such as a duct. Furthermore, the actuating device and the valve unit are advantageously arranged within the overall housing in a cabin pressure chamber in which the cabin pressure prevails.

[0014] The valve unit can have a valve needle and a spring that presses the valve needle against a sealing seat in a closed position to close a channel. The spring can be a compression spring. Advantageously, a first end of the compression spring is supported on the overall housing and a second end of the compression spring is supported on the valve needle. In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator is sealed within the housing in a chamber connected to the environment and separated from the actuating device and / or the valve unit. The chamber effectively prevents water from entering the overall housing, in particular the cabin pressure chamber in which the actuating device and the valve unit are arranged. Water that enters the chamber can only penetrate on the environment side of the control unit and fill the chamber.Advantageously, the chamber is connected to the environment via an ambient pressure connection incorporated into the overall housing and / or the chamber. For this purpose, the chamber may have an inlet opening. After the water pressure has subsided, the water flows out of the chamber again via the ambient connection. This prevents water from penetrating the cabin pressure chamber and impairing the function of the actuation unit and / or the valve unit.

[0015] The chamber is advantageously protected from water accumulation by maintaining a sufficient distance from the surrounding components and / or by ensuring that the actuator components are sufficiently spaced apart. Advantageously, the actuator components and / or the chamber components are spaced at least 3 mm apart. Areas where water can accumulate have been reduced. Additional slopes and / or drains improve drainage.

[0016] Furthermore, at least one sealing element is advantageously arranged between the chamber and the entire housing to seal the chamber. The sealing element is advantageously a sealing ring.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator is configured to generate a pulling movement when the differential pressure value occurs. This design allows the pressure-controlled actuator to be positioned as a separate element within the housing and to shield the other components, such as the actuating device and / or the valve unit, from external influences, such as water penetrating via the ambient pressure connection. In contrast to the previously known prior art, in which the actuator generates a pushing movement when the differential pressure value occurs, the actuator of the control unit according to the invention reverses the operating principle and generates an axial pulling movement when the differential pressure value occurs. This axial pulling movement is transmitted to the actuating device, which applies this pulling movement as an actuating force to the valve unit.Thus, the actuating device converts the axial pulling movement into an axial pulling force, which is transmitted to the actuating device.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating device has a driver clutch coupled to the actuator and / or the valve unit. The driver clutch generates the preset actuating force for actuating the valve unit, in particular the preset tensile force for actuating the valve unit. In particular, the driver clutch transfers the tensile movement or tensile force of the actuator generated by a differential pressure to the valve unit. Accordingly, the driver clutch applies a tensile force to the valve unit when the preset differential pressure value occurs. The actuating device can be positively, non-positively, and / or materially coupled to the actuator and / or the valve unit. Furthermore, the actuating device is advantageously screwed to the actuator and / or the valve unit.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the driver clutch is coupled to a spring-loaded valve needle of the valve unit. To open the valve unit, the actuating force applied by the driver clutch, in particular the tensile force, is greater than the force, in particular the compressive force, of a spring acting on the valve needle. As a result, the driver clutch pulls the valve needle away from a sealing seat when the preset differential pressure value occurs, thus opening a channel. Advantageously, the spring element is a compression spring. Advantageously, a first end section of the compression spring is supported on the overall housing, and a second end section of the compression spring is supported on the valve needle.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the driver clutch is connected to a bolt element of the actuator. The axial pulling movement of the actuator generated by a differential pressure is transmitted via the bolt element to the driver clutch, which is coupled to the valve unit, in particular to the spring-loaded valve needle of the valve unit. The bolt element can be designed as a tension bolt or a tappet. Advantageously, the bolt element and the driver clutch are screwed together. Thus, the bolt element can have a screw thread that is screwed into an internal thread of the driver clutch.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the driver coupling comprises a sleeve coupled to the actuator, wherein an elongated hole is formed in the sleeve, into which a portion of the valve unit engages. Advantageously, a portion of a spring-loaded valve needle engages in the elongated hole. Furthermore, the portion is advantageously a driver pin that engages in the elongated hole, wherein the driver pin can be pressed into an opening formed in the valve needle. The sleeve can have an internal thread at a first end portion, into which a screw thread of the pin element is screwed.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the section and an end of the elongated hole facing the valve unit are spaced apart from one another at a preset distance in a first position and in contact in a second position for applying the actuating force. The pressure differential value at which the actuator actuates the valve unit via the actuating device can be adjusted via the distance between the section, in particular the driving pin of the valve needle, and the end of the elongated hole. Furthermore, vibration decoupling is created because the distance prevents the mass of the valve needle from being included in the vibration of the actuator. The actuator and the valve unit are advantageously mounted with zero play relative to one another.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the sleeve is accommodated in the overall housing so that it can move horizontally, with a bearing arranged between the sleeve and the overall housing. Since the sleeve is mounted so that it can move horizontally in the overall housing, the pulling movement or pulling force of the actuator generated by a differential pressure is transmitted to the driver coupling, in particular the sleeve. The bearing is advantageously designed as a flanged bushing. In an advantageous embodiment, a first adjusting device is provided for adjusting the differential pressure value. The first adjusting device serves to set or adjust the differential pressure value. The setting can be made when a limit pressure is applied, which corresponds to a target differential pressure of the valve, in particular the safety valve, and thus when the actuator is actuated.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the first adjustment device forms the chamber in which the actuator is arranged separated and sealed from the actuating device and / or the valve unit in the overall housing and connected to the environment.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the first adjustment device has a first actuator which comprises an external thread which is engaged with a first housing internal thread, and an internal thread which is engaged with an external thread of the driver coupling, in particular an external thread of a threaded sleeve coupled to the bolt element. The actuator serves to set or calibrate the differential pressure value at which the valve is to open. For this purpose, the distance between the section of the valve needle, in particular the driver pin of the valve needle, and the end of the elongated hole can be adjusted via the first actuator. Advantageously, the actuator is rotated to adjust the differential pressure value. Furthermore advantageously, a section of the first actuator which protrudes from the overall housing has an external thread onto which a fastening element, such as a lock nut, can be screwed.This secures the first actuator against twisting. Advantageously, the external thread and the first internal thread of the housing are fine pitch threads. Advantageously, the bolt element has a threaded sleeve with an external thread that is pushed onto the bolt element.

[0026] Advantageously, the first actuator has a pin section that extends through the first through-opening and a chamber section within which the pressure-controlled actuator is arranged. The chamber section can be rotated via the pin section in order to set the differential pressure value. To secure the first adjustment device against rotation, the pin section can be provided with an external thread onto which a lock nut can be screwed. The chamber section can have a ring section, a hub section and a web section connecting the ring section and the hub section. To seal the chamber section, a seal can be arranged between the hub section and the overall housing. The ring section can have an external thread on the outside that engages with a first internal housing thread, wherein the external thread and the first internal housing thread can be designed as fine threads.The hub portion may have an internal thread that engages the external thread of the threaded sleeve. Furthermore, the chamber portion may be provided with an inlet, whereby the pressure-controlled actuator is connected to the environment and thus to the ambient pressure via the inlet opening and the inlet.

[0027] By screwing the first actuator into the overall housing, the distance between the section, in particular the driving pin of the valve needle, and the end of the elongated hole is increased. This increases the differential pressure value at which the actuating device is actuated. In particular, the path for driving the valve needle via the driving pin is increased. The actuator must therefore generate a greater axial movement to actuate the actuating device. By screwing the first actuator out of the overall housing, the distance between the section, in particular the driving pin of the valve needle, and the end of the elongated hole is reduced. This reduces the differential pressure value at which the actuating device is actuated. In particular, the path for driving the valve needle via the driving pin is reduced. The actuator must therefore generate a smaller axial movement to actuate the actuating device.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, a second adjustment device is provided for adjusting the actuating force. Via the second adjustment device, a presetting of a uniform preload force of the spring which presses the valve needle against the sealing seat can be set. In an advantageous embodiment, the second adjustment device has a second actuator which comprises an external thread which is engaged with a second housing internal thread. Advantageously, the second actuator is rotated to adjust the actuating force. Further advantageously, a section of the second actuator which protrudes from the overall housing has an external thread onto which a fastening element, such as a lock nut, can be screwed. This secures the second actuator against twisting. Advantageously, the external thread and the second housing internal thread are fine threads.

[0029] The second actuator can be designed as a pin that is rotatably arranged in the second through-opening and into which the connecting channel can be inserted. The pin can also have a first external thread portion that can engage with a second housing internal thread. The first external thread portion and the second housing internal thread can be designed as a fine thread. Furthermore, the pin can have a second external thread portion onto which a lock nut can be screwed to secure the second actuator against rotation.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the second actuator rests against the spring-loaded valve needle of the valve unit. By screwing the second actuator into the overall housing, the spring is compressed and thus further preloaded. This increases the actuating force for actuating the valve unit, i.e., the force for pulling the valve needle away from the sealing seat. By unscrewing the second actuator from the overall housing, the spring is relieved and thus less preloaded. This reduces the actuating force for actuating the valve unit, i.e., the force for pulling the valve needle away from the sealing seat.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator comprises at least one pressure-dependently deformable membrane body, which is exposed to a differential pressure resulting from the difference between an ambient pressure and a cabin pressure, with an outer side of the membrane body being subjected to the ambient pressure and the interior of the membrane body being subjected to the cabin pressure. The membrane body can be made of metal. Furthermore, the actuator advantageously comprises two or more pressure-dependently deformable membrane bodies.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one membrane body is connected to the bolt element. For this purpose, the at least one membrane body can be pushed onto the bolt element and connected to it. The membrane body can be connected to the bolt element in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material-fitting manner. To ensure the tightness of the actuator, in particular the membrane body, the membrane body can be welded and / or soldered to the bolt element. If the actuator has several pressure-dependent deformable membrane bodies, the membrane bodies are pushed onto the bolt element and connected to it, with an intermediate sleeve arranged between the membrane bodies.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator is subjected to cabin pressure via the bolt element. For this purpose, the bolt element can have a channel, with a first end of the channel connected to the interior of the membrane body and a second end of the channel connected to the cabin pressure or the cabin pressure chamber.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, a pressure valve for an aircraft is proposed, which has at least one control unit according to the invention.

[0035] A control unit and other features and advantages are described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the figures. Herein:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a cross section through a control unit;

[0037] Fig. 2 is an enlarged section of a cross-section through the control unit, with a valve unit in a closed position;

[0038] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of a cross-section through the control unit, with the valve unit in an open position; Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the control unit, with water having penetrated into a chamber in which a pressure-controlled actuator of the valve unit is arranged; and

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through the control unit, with part of the water that has entered the chamber drained away.

[0040] In Fig. 1, a control unit 10 for controlling a pressure valve (not shown) is shown, which is arranged in an outer skin of an aircraft (not shown).

[0041] The control unit 10 has a valve unit 12 which opens by applying a preset actuating force and releases a connecting channel 13 connected to the pressure valve, an actuating device 14 which applies the preset actuating force, a pressure-controlled actuator 16 which actuates the actuating device 14 as a function of a preset differential pressure value, and an overall housing 18 in which the valve unit 12, the actuating device 14 and the pressure-controlled actuator 16 are arranged.

[0042] The overall housing 18 is made of a metal and has a cylindrical housing part 20, a first cover part 22 and a second cover part 24, which close the cylindrical housing part 20.

[0043] The cylindrical housing part 20, together with the second cover part 24, forms a first channel 28, which is connected at a first end portion 26 to the pressure valve (not shown) and at a second end portion 27 to the connecting channel 13. Furthermore, a second channel 30, which connects the control unit 10 to the cabin pressure of a cabin (not shown), such as a passenger cabin, is incorporated into the cylindrical housing part 20.

[0044] The first cover part 22 has an inlet opening 32, via which the control unit 10, in particular an external part of the pressure-controlled actuator 16, is connected to the environment and thus to the ambient pressure. Furthermore, the first cover section 22 is provided with a first through-opening 34, as can be seen in Fig. 1.

[0045] The second cover part 24 rests against the cylindrical housing part 20, wherein the second cover part 24 has a second through opening 35.

[0046] The pressure-controlled actuator 16 is sealed within the overall housing 18 in a chamber 39 and arranged separately from the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12.

[0047] The pressure-controlled actuator 16 is designed as a pressure cell 38 and has a pressure-dependent, deformable membrane body 40, which is formed from a thin sheet metal, and a bolt element 42 on which the membrane body 40 is arranged.

[0048] The diaphragm body 40 is positively, non-positively, and / or materially connected to the bolt element 42; in particular, the diaphragm body 40 is welded and / or soldered to the bolt element 42. In an embodiment not shown, the pressure capsule 38 can have two or more diaphragm bodies 40 that are pushed onto the bolt element 42. In this case, the diaphragm bodies 40 are arranged on the bolt element 42 at a distance from one another via intermediate sleeves that are also pushed onto the bolt element 42.

[0049] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the bolt element 42 comprises a shoulder 48 at a first end 46 against which the membrane body 40 rests, a screw-in thread 52 at a second end 50 and a threaded sleeve 54 with an external thread 56 arranged between the first end 46 and the second end 50.

[0050] As can also be seen in Figures 2 and 3, a through-channel 55 with inlet and outlet openings 58 extends through the bolt 42. One of the two inlet and outlet openings 58 is connected to the interior of the membrane body 40, and two inlet and outlet openings 58 are connected to the interior of the cylindrical housing part 20, into which the second channel 30 opens, which is subjected to the cabin's internal pressure. As a result, the outside of the membrane body 40 is subjected to ambient pressure via the inlet opening 32, and the interior of the membrane body 40 is subjected to the cabin's internal pressure via the second channel 30 and the through-channel 55. The difference between the cabin internal pressure and the ambient pressure results in the differential pressure value acting on the membrane body 40, which is to be monitored by means of the control unit 10 and which, if exceeded, is to be changed by means of the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12.

[0051] The actuating device 14 has a driver clutch 62 connected to the valve unit 12 and the pressure-controlled actuator 16. The driver clutch 62 comprises a sleeve 64 into which an elongated hole 66 is formed. A first end portion 65 of the sleeve 64 is provided with an internal thread 68 into which the screw-in thread 52 is screwed in order to couple the bolt 42 to the driver clutch 62. As can be seen in Fig. 2, a portion of the valve unit 12 engages in the elongated hole 66, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0052] According to Figures 1 to 3, the sleeve 64 is accommodated horizontally displaceably in the overall housing 18 by a bearing 70 arranged between the sleeve 64 and the overall housing 18. The bearing 70 can be designed as a flanged bushing.

[0053] The valve unit 12 has a valve needle 72 guided in the cylindrical housing part 20, a spring element 74 which presses the valve needle 72 against the second cover part 24 in order to close the connecting channel 13, and a driving pin 76 which is inserted, in particular pressed, into an opening 78 of the valve needle 72 provided at the end and engages in the elongated hole 66.

[0054] The valve needle 72 has a shaft portion 80 guided within the overall housing 18 and a conical sealing seat 82 that closes the connecting channel 13. The sealing seat 82 can also be implemented differently, for example, by means of a ball seat or something similar. The shaft portion 80 is inserted into the sleeve 64, with the opening 78 for inserting the driving pin 76 being provided at the end of the shaft portion. The spring element 74 is in this case a compression spring 84, the first end portion 86 of which is supported on the cylindrical housing part 20, and the second end portion 88 of which is supported on the valve needle 72. The compression spring 84 thereby urges the valve needle 72, in particular the conical sealing seat 82, against the second cover part 24 to close the connecting channel 13.

[0055] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 1, there is a distance A between the driving pins 76 and an end of the elongated hole 66 facing the valve unit 12, which distance can be adjusted, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0056] To adjust the differential pressure value, the control unit 10 has a first adjustment device 90 which forms the chamber 39 within which the pressure-controlled actuator 16 is arranged sealed and separated from the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12.

[0057] The first adjustment device 90 comprises a first actuator 92 with a pin portion 94 extending through the first through-opening 34 and a chamber portion 96 within which the pressure-controlled actuator 16 is arranged.

[0058] The chamber section 96 can be rotated via the pin section 94 to adjust the differential pressure value, as explained in more detail below. To secure the first adjustment device 90 from rotation, the pin section 94 is provided with an external thread 56 onto which a lock nut 98 is screwed.

[0059] The chamber section 96 has a ring section 95, a hub section 97 and a web section 99 connecting the ring section 95 and the hub section 97.

[0060] The ring portion 95 has an external thread 56 on its outside, which engages with a first internal housing thread 102, wherein the external thread 56 and the internal housing thread 102 are designed as fine threads. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the hub portion 97 has an internal thread 68, which engages with the external thread 56 of the threaded sleeve 54.

[0061] In addition, the chamber section 96 is provided with an inlet 101, so that the pressure-controlled actuator 16, in particular the membrane body 40, is connected to the environment and thus to the ambient pressure via the inlet opening 32 and the inlet 101.

[0062] The operation of the first adjustment device 90 is described below. By turning the pin section 94 clockwise, the first actuator 92 is screwed into the overall housing 18. This rotational movement is transmitted to the threaded sleeve 54 via the internal thread 68 of the hub section 97 and the external thread 56 of the threaded sleeve 54. As a result, the bolt element 42 also rotates clockwise, so that the bolt element 42 and the diaphragm body 40 move away from the first cover part 22. Since the bolt element 42 is connected to the intermediate sleeve 60 via the screw-in thread 52, the intermediate sleeve 60 is also axially displaced and moved away from the first housing part 20. This increases the distance A between the driving pin 76 and the end of the elongated hole 66 facing the valve unit 12.

[0063] By turning the pin portion 94 counterclockwise, the first actuator 92 is unscrewed from the overall housing. This rotational movement is transmitted to the threaded sleeve 54 via the internal thread 68 of the hub portion 97 and the external thread 56 of the threaded sleeve 54. As a result, the bolt element 42 also rotates counterclockwise, so that the bolt element 42 and the diaphragm body 40 move toward the first cover part 22. Since the bolt element 42 is connected to the intermediate sleeve 60 via the screw-in thread 52, the intermediate sleeve 60 is also axially displaced and moved toward the first housing part 20. This reduces the distance A between the driver pin 76 and the end of the elongated hole 66 facing the valve unit 12. The control unit 10 further comprises a second adjustment device 104 for adjusting the actuating force.

[0064] The second adjustment device 104 has a second actuator 106, which is designed as a pin 108 into which the connecting channel 13 is inserted. The pin 108 is rotatably arranged in the second through-opening 35, as can be seen in Fig. 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the pin 108 has a first external thread portion 110 that engages a second housing internal thread 112. The first external thread portion 110 and the second housing internal thread 112 are designed as fine threads.

[0066] In addition, the pin 108 has a second external threaded portion 114 onto which a lock nut 98 is screwed to secure the second actuator 106 from twisting.

[0067] The operation of the second adjustment device 104 is described below. By turning the pin 108 clockwise, the second actuator 106 is screwed into the second cover part 24. Since the valve needle 72 rests against the second actuator 106 via the conical sealing seat 82, the valve needle 72 is moved toward the pressure-controlled actuator 16. As a result, the compression spring 84 is compressed and thus preloaded. This increases the actuating force required to move the valve needle 72 away from the second cover part 24.

[0068] By turning the pin 108 counterclockwise, the second actuator 106 is unscrewed from the second cover part 24. Since the valve needle 72 rests against the second actuator 106 via the conical sealing seat 82, the valve needle 72 is moved toward the second cover part 24 due to the compressive force of the compression spring 84 acting on it. As a result, the compression spring 84 expands and has a lower preload. This reduces the actuating force required to move the valve needle 72 away from the second cover part 24. The operation of the control unit 10 is described below. If the cabin pressure is greater than the ambient pressure, the diaphragm bodies 40 expand, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 3. Since the diaphragm body 40 is connected to the bolt element 42, the latter also moves in the direction of the arrows.The bolt element 42 is connected to the sleeve 64 via its screw-in thread 52, so that the sleeve 64 also moves in the direction of the arrows. If the stroke caused by the expansion of the diaphragm body 40 is greater than the distance A set by the first adjustment device 90, and if, in addition, the actuating force transmitted by the diaphragm bodies 40 to the actuating device 14 due to their expansion is greater than the spring force of the compression spring 84 set by the second adjustment device 104, the valve needle 72 is moved away from the second cover part 24. As a result, the conical sealing seat 82 is moved away from the second cover part 24, and the connecting channel 13 is opened. As a result, a pressure medium can flow via the first channel 28 and the connecting channel 13 to control the pressure valve (not shown), as shown in Fig. 3.

[0069] Figures 4 and 5 show the entry of water W, for example, from a washing process of the outer skin of the aircraft (not shown), via the inlet opening 32 and the inlet 100 into the chamber 39. Since the chamber 39 is sealed, the water W cannot penetrate further into the overall housing 18 and thus impair the function of the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12.

[0070] Due to the large distance between the components of the pressure-controlled actuator 16, in particular the membrane body 40, and between each other and the inner wall of the chamber 39 and drains not shown, the water W can flow out into the environment via the inlet 100 and the inlet opening 32 after the water pressure decreases, for example after the washing process has ended.

[0071] The control unit 10 is characterized in that the pressure-controlled actuator 16 is sealed in a chamber 39 and separated from the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12 within the overall housing 18. The actuator 16 can thus be directly exposed to water without the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12 coming into contact with the water. Thus, the actuating device 14 and the valve unit 12 are protected from water. Consequently, smooth operation is ensured without water penetrating critical areas, such as the valve unit 12 and / or actuating device 14, freezing, and thus impairing function.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] Control unit Valve unit Connecting channel Actuating device Pressure-controlled actuator Complete housing Housing part First cover part Second cover part First end section Second end section First channel Second channel Inlet opening First through opening Second through opening Pressure cell Chamber Membrane body Bolt element First end Shoulder Second end Screw-in thread Threaded sleeve Through channel External thread

[0074] Inlet and outlet opening intermediate sleeve driving coupling 64 sleeve

[0075] 65 first final section

[0076] 66 slot

[0077] 68 internal thread

[0078] 70 warehouses

[0079] 72 valve needle

[0080] 74 spring element

[0081] 76 driving pins

[0082] 78 Opening

[0083] 80 shaft section

[0084] 82 conical sealing seat

[0085] 84 compression spring

[0086] 86 first final section

[0087] 88 second final section

[0088] 90 first adjustment device

[0089] 92 first actuator

[0090] 94 pin section

[0091] 95 ring section

[0092] 96 Chamber Section

[0093] 97 Hub section

[0094] 98 Lock nut

[0095] 99 footbridge section

[0096] 100 Inlet102 first housing internal thread

[0097] 104 second adjustment device

[0098] 106 second actuator

[0099] 108 pen

[0100] 110 first external thread section

[0101] 112 second internal housing thread

[0102] 114 second external thread section A distance W water

Claims

Claims 1 . Control unit (10) for controlling a valve, comprising a valve unit (12) which opens by applying a preset actuating force, an actuating device (14) which applies the actuating force, and a pressure-controlled actuator (16) which actuates the actuating device (14) as a function of a preset differential pressure value, wherein the valve unit (12), the actuating device (14) and the actuator (16) are arranged in an overall housing (18), and wherein the actuator (16) is arranged within the overall housing (18) in a sealed manner and separated from the actuating device (14) and / or the valve unit (12).

2. Control unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (16) is sealed within the overall housing (18) in a chamber (39) connected to an environment and separated from the actuating device (14) and / or the valve unit (12).

3. Control unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (16) is arranged to generate a pulling movement when the differential pressure value occurs.

4. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (14) has a driver clutch (62) which is coupled to the actuator (16) and / or to the valve unit (12).

5. Control unit (10) according to one of claims 4, characterized in that the driver coupling (62) is coupled to a spring-loaded valve needle (72) of the valve unit (12).

6. Control unit (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the driver clutch is coupled to a bolt element (42) of the actuator (16).

7. Control unit (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the driver coupling (62) has a sleeve (64) which is coupled to the actuator (16), wherein an elongated hole (66) is introduced into the sleeve (64) into which a section of the valve unit (12) engages.

8. Control unit (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the section and an end of the elongated hole (66) facing the valve unit (12) are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance (A) in a first position and are in contact in a second position for applying the actuating force.

9. Control unit (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sleeve (64) is received horizontally displaceably in the overall housing (18), wherein a bearing (70) is arranged between the sleeve (64) and the overall housing (18).

10. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first setting device (90) is provided for setting the differential pressure value.

11. Control unit (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first adjusting device (90) forms the chamber (39) in which the actuator (16) is arranged separated and sealed from the actuating device (14) and / or the valve unit (12) within the overall housing (18) and connected to the environment.

12. Control unit (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first adjusting device (90) has a first actuator (92) which comprises an external thread (56) which is engaged with a first housing internal thread (102) and an internal thread (68) which is engaged with an external thread (56) of the driver clutch.

13. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second adjusting device (104) is provided for adjusting the actuating force.

14. Control unit (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the second adjusting device (104) has a second actuator (106) which comprises an external thread (56) which is engaged with a second housing internal thread (112).

15. Control unit (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the second actuator (106) bears against the spring-loaded valve needle (72) of the valve unit (12).

16. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (16) has at least one pressure-dependent deformable membrane body (40) which is exposed to a differential pressure from the difference between an ambient pressure and a cabin pressure, wherein an outer side of the membrane body (40) is subjected to the ambient pressure and the interior of the membrane body (40) is subjected to the cabin pressure.

17. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one membrane body (40) is connected to the bolt element (42).

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