Actuating unit for a process valve and process valve

Abstract

An actuating unit for a process valve is described, which comprises a pilot valve unit, a separate removable seal arranged between two parts through which a fluid can flow, and a piston configured for the adjustment of the process valve. The seal has through openings for the passage of fluid, and the adjacent parts have holes, such that different holes are in fluid communication with each other via the through openings or are fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal depending on the fitting position of the seal. A process valve having such an actuating unit is furthermore described.

Claims

1. An actuating unit for a process valve, comprising a pilot valve unit, a separate removable seal arranged between two parts through which a fluid can flow, and a piston configured for adjustment of the process valve, the seal being adapted to take up different fitting positions which differ from each other by a rotation of the seal about at least one axis and by arrangement of the seal with respect to the two parts arranged adjacent to the seal, the seal having through openings for the passage of fluid, and the parts adjacent to the seal having a plurality of holes, wherein at least a first of the holes is connected to a pressure fluid inlet of the actuating unit, at least a second of the holes is connected to a pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit, at least a third of the holes is connected to a first pressure chamber adjoining the piston, at least a fourth of the holes is connected to a second pressure chamber adjoining the piston, at least a fifth of the holes forms a pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit, at least a sixth of the holes forms a pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit, and at least a seventh of the holes forms a first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, wherein different ones of said holes are in fluid communication with each other via the through openings of the seal or are fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal depending on the fitting position of the seal, the through openings and the holes being arranged unsymmetrically with respect to the at least one axis such that in a first fitting position, the seal brings the first pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the second pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber being arranged on opposite sides of the piston, and in a second fitting position, the seal brings the second pressure chamber in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the first pressure chamber in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit.

2. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein the seal can be transferred from the first fitting position into the second fitting position and vice versa by a rotation of substantially 180.

3. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein in the first fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit, the pressure fluid return, and the second pressure chamber are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole, and the first pressure fluid working outlet and the first pressure chamber are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

4. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein in the second fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit, the pressure fluid return, and the first pressure chamber are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the first pressure fluid working outlet and the second pressure chamber are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

5. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein an elastic element which pretensions the piston in the direction of an end position is arranged in one of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.

6. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one eighth hole forms a second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, wherein the through openings and the holes are arranged unsymmetrically with respect to the at least one axis such that in a third fitting position, the seal brings the first pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the second pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber being arranged on opposite sides of the piston.

7. The actuating unit according to claim 6, wherein in the third fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the first pressure chamber and the first pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the second pressure chamber and the second pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

8. The actuating unit according to claim 6, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises two 3/2-way valves, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of a first 3/2-way valve and with a pressure fluid inlet of a second 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the first 3/2-way valve and with a pressure fluid return of a second 3/2-way valve, the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the first 3/2-way valve, and the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the second 3/2-way valve.

9. The actuating unit according to claim 6, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises a 4/2-way valve, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of the 4/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the 4/2-way valve, the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a first pressure fluid working outlet of the 4/2-way valve, and the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a second pressure fluid working outlet of the 4/2-way valve.

10. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one hole forms a second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, wherein the through openings and the holes are arranged unsymmetrically with respect to the at least one axis such that in a fourth fitting position, the seal brings the first pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the second pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber being arranged on opposite sides of the piston.

11. The actuating unit according to claim 10, wherein the seal can be transferred from the third fitting position into the fourth fitting position and vice versa by a rotation of substantially 180.

12. The actuating unit according to claim 10, wherein in the fourth fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the first pressure chamber and the second pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the second pressure chamber and the first pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

13. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises a 3/2-way valve, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of the 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the 3/2-way valve, and the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the 3/2-way valve.

14. The actuating unit according to claim 1, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises two 3/2-way valves, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is a pressure fluid inlet of a first 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is a pressure fluid return of a second 3/2-way valve, and the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the first 3/2-way valve, a pressure fluid return of the first 3/2-way valve, a pressure fluid inlet of the second 3/2-way valve and a pressure fluid working outlet of the second 3/2-way valve.

15. The actuating unit and process valve according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit is positioned functionally within the process valve.

16. An actuating unit for a process valve, comprising a pilot valve unit, a separate removable seal arranged between two parts through which a fluid can flow, and a piston configured for adjustment of the process valve, the seal being adapted to take up different fitting positions which differ from each other by a rotation of the seal about at least one axis and by the arrangement of the seal with respect to the two parts arranged adjacent to the seal, the seal having through openings for the passage of fluid, and the parts adjacent to the seal having a plurality of holes, wherein at least a first of the holes is connected to a pressure fluid inlet of the actuating unit, at least a second of the holes is connected to a pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit, at least a third of the holes is connected to a first pressure chamber adjoining the piston, at least a fourth of the holes is connected to a second pressure chamber adjoining the piston, at least a fifth of the holes forms a pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit, at least a sixth of the holes forms a pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit, and at least a seventh of the holes forms a first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, at least an eighth of the holes forms a second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, different holes being in fluid communication with each other via the through openings of the seal or fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal depending on the fitting position of the seal, the through openings and the holes being arranged unsymmetrically with respect to the at least one axis such that in a third fitting position, the seal brings the first pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the second pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber being arranged on opposite sides of the piston.

17. The actuating unit according to claim 16, wherein in the third fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the first pressure chamber and the first pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the second pressure chamber and the second pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

18. The actuating unit according to claim 16, wherein the through openings and the holes are arranged unsymmetrically with respect to the at least one axis such that in a fourth fitting position, the seal brings the first pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the second pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber being arranged on opposite sides of the piston.

19. The actuating unit according to claim 18, wherein the seal can be transferred from the third fitting position into the fourth fitting position and vice versa by a rotation of substantially 180.

20. The actuating unit according to claim 18, wherein in the fourth fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the first pressure chamber and the second pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the second pressure chamber and the first pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

21. The actuating unit according to claim 16, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises a 3/2-way valve, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of the 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the 3/2-way valve, and the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the 3/2-way valve.

22. The actuating unit according to claim 16, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises two 3/2-way valves, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is a pressure fluid inlet of a first 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is a pressure fluid return of a second 3/2-way valve, and the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the first 3/2-way valve, a pressure fluid return of the first 3/2-way valve, a pressure fluid inlet of the second 3/2-way valve and a pressure fluid working outlet of the second 3/2-way valve.

23. The actuating unit according to claim 16, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises two 3/2-way valves, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of a first 3/2-way valve and with a pressure fluid inlet of a second 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the first 3/2-way valve and with a pressure fluid return of a second 3/2-way valve, the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the first 3/2-way valve, and the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the second 3/2-way valve.

24. The actuating unit according to claim 16, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises a 4/2-way valve, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of the 4/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the 4/2-way valve, the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a first pressure fluid working outlet of the 4/2-way valve, and the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a second pressure fluid working outlet of the 4/2-way valve.

25. The actuating unit and process valve according to claim 16, wherein the actuating unit is positioned functionally within the process valve.

26. An actuating unit for a process valve, comprising a pilot valve unit, a separate removable seal arranged between two parts through which a fluid can flow, and a piston configured for adjustment of the process valve, the seal being adapted to take up different fitting positions which differ from each other by a rotation of the seal about at least one axis and by the arrangement of the seal with respect to the two parts arranged adjacent to the seal, the seal having through openings for the passage of fluid, and the parts adjacent to the seal having a plurality of holes, wherein at least a first of the holes is connected to a pressure fluid inlet of the actuating unit, at least a second of the holes is connected to a pressure fluid outlet of the actuating unit, at least a third of the holes is connected to a first pressure chamber adjoining the piston, at least a fourth of the holes is connected to a second pressure chamber adjoining the piston, at least a fifth of the holes forms a pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit, at least a sixth of the holes forms a pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit, and at least a seventh of the holes forms a first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and at least an eighth of the holes forms a second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, different holes being in fluid communication with each other via the through openings of the seal or fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal depending on the fitting position of the seal, the through openings and the holes being arranged unsymmetrically with respect to the at least one axis such that in a fourth fitting position, the seal brings the first pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, and brings the second pressure chamber adjoining the piston in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber being arranged on opposite sides of the piston.

27. The actuating unit according to claim 26, wherein in the fourth fitting position of the seal at least one of the following connections is established: the first pressure chamber and the second pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole and the second pressure chamber and the first pressure fluid working outlet are in fluid communication with each other via a through opening which is configured as an elongated hole.

28. The actuating unit according to claim 26, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises a 3/2-way valve, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of the 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the 3/2-way valve, and the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the 3/2-way valve.

29. The actuating unit according to claim 26, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises two 3/2-way valves, wherein, the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is a pressure fluid inlet of a first 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is a pressure fluid return of a second 3/2-way valve, and the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the first 3/2-way valve, a pressure fluid return of the first 3/2-way valve, a pressure fluid inlet of the second 3/2-way valve and a pressure fluid working outlet of the second 3/2-way valve.

30. The actuating unit according claim 26, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises two 3/2-way valves, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of a first 3/2-way valve and with a pressure fluid inlet of a second 3/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the first 3/2-way valve and with a pressure fluid return of a second 3/2-way valve, the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the first 3/2-way valve, and the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet of the second 3/2-way valve.

31. The actuating unit according to claim 26, wherein the pilot valve unit comprises a 4/2-way valve, wherein the pressure fluid inlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet of the 4/2-way valve, the pressure fluid return of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return of the 4/2-way valve, the first pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a first pressure fluid working outlet of 4/2-way valve, and the second pressure fluid working outlet of the pilot valve unit is in fluid communication with a second pressure fluid working outlet of the 4/2-way valve.

32. The actuating unit and process valve according to claim 26, wherein the actuating unit is positioned functionally within the process valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is explained below with reference to different example embodiments which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a process valve according to the invention comprising an actuating unit according to the invention in a first embodiment, the seal taking up a first fitting position and being shown in a perspective view,

(3) FIG. 2 shows the process valve according to the invention comprising the actuating unit according to the invention of FIG. 1, the seal being shown in a top view,

(4) FIG. 3 shows the process valve according to the invention comprising the actuating unit according to the invention of FIG. 2, the seal taking up a second fitting position,

(5) FIG. 4 shows a process valve according to the invention comprising an actuating unit according to the invention in a second embodiment, the seal taking up a first fitting position,

(6) FIG. 5 shows the process valve according to the invention comprising the actuating unit according to the invention of FIG. 4, the seal taking up a second fitting position,

(7) FIG. 6 shows a process valve according to the invention comprising an actuating unit according to the invention in a third embodiment, the seal taking up a third fitting position,

(8) FIG. 7 shows the process valve according to the invention comprising the actuating unit according to the invention of FIG. 6, the seal taking up a fourth fitting position,

(9) FIG. 8 shows a process valve according to the invention comprising an actuating unit according to the invention in a fourth embodiment, the seal taking up a third fitting position,

(10) FIG. 9 shows the process valve according to the invention comprising the actuating unit according to the invention of FIG. 8, the seal taking up a fourth fitting position, and

(11) FIG. 10 shows, in a juxtaposition, the different fitting positions of the seal of the process valves of the invention having the actuating unit according to the invention of the previous figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a process valve 10 comprising an actuating unit 12 according to a first embodiment and a merely symbolically represented valve unit 14. The actuating unit 12 may also be referred to as pilot unit of the valve unit 14.

(13) The actuating unit 12 comprises a pilot valve unit 16, a separate removable seal 18 and a piston 20 which is configured for the adjustment of the process valve 10, more precisely of the valve unit 14 and which is adjoined by a first pressure chamber 20a and a second pressure chamber 20b.

(14) The two pressure chambers 20a, 20b are arranged on opposite sides of the piston 20 and are preferably provided in a cylinder which is not referred in detail and in which the piston 20 is also guided.

(15) Furthermore, an elastic element 20c is provided in the second pressure chamber 20b and is a spring in the represented embodiment. The elastic element 20c urges the piston 20 in the direction of an end position which corresponds to the respective lower end position of the piston 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(16) The seal 18 is arranged between two parts through which a fluid flows and of which holes 21a-21g are represented merely schematically. The upper first part can optionally also comprise the pilot valve unit 16.

(17) In the represented embodiment, the holes 21b, 21e and 21f are provided in a part located above the seal 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the holes 21a, 21c, 21d and 21g are provided in a part located below the seal in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(18) The hole 21d is in fluid communication with the first pressure chamber 20a, and the hole 21c is in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber 20b.

(19) Further features of the two parts through which a fluid flows are not visible for reasons of clarity. The two parts are located on opposite sides of the seal which is configured as flat seal, the seal sealing the parts with respect to each other.

(20) The supply of the actuating unit 12 with pressure fluid is realized via a pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12. The latter is in fluid communication with the hole 21g.

(21) The pressure fluid can escape from the actuating unit 12 via a pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12. The pressure fluid outlet 24 is in fluid communication with the hole 21a. The appropriate line running may be realized exclusively in the second part, i.e. in the part resting on the lower side of the seal.

(22) The pilot valve unit 16 has a pressure fluid inlet 26, a pressure fluid return 28 and a first pressure fluid working outlet 30a.

(23) The hole 21f forms the pressure fluid inlet 26 or is in fluid communication therewith.

(24) The hole 21b is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 or forms the latter, which is synonymous within the meaning of the present invention.

(25) Concerning the pressure fluid working outlet 30a, the latter is in fluid communication with the hole 21e or is formed thereby, which is also synonymous.

(26) In the represented embodiment, the pilot valve unit 16 comprises a 3/2-way valve 32 having an electromagnetic actuator 34.

(27) The pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid inlet 36 of the 3/2-way valve 32, the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid return 38 of the 3/2-way valve 32, and the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with a pressure fluid working outlet 40 of the 3/2-way valve 32.

(28) The seal is explained in detail below. The seal 18 comprises through openings 18a-18g.

(29) Different holes 21a-21g can be in fluid communication with each other via the through openings 18a-18g or are fluidically separated due to an intermediate wall portion of the seal 18 depending on the fitting position of the seal 18.

(30) In the represented first embodiment, the seal 18 is in a first fitting position in which the pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through openings 18e.

(31) In other words, the seal 18 and, in particular, the through opening 18e are arranged between the two parts through which fluid flows such that the hole 21f and the hole 21g run into the through the opening 18e and are thus in fluid communication.

(32) The pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16. This is realized via the through opening 18b.

(33) The second pressure chamber 20b is furthermore in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 via the through opening 18b.

(34) In other words, the seal 18 is thus arranged such that the holes 21a, 21b and 21c run into the through opening 18b and a fluidic communication is thus established between these holes 21a, 21b and 21c.

(35) The through opening 18b is here configured as elongated hole, in the present case as a substantially L-shaped elongated hole.

(36) Furthermore, the first pressure chamber 20a is in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18d.

(37) To this end, the seal 18 is positioned such that the holes 21d and 21e are fluidically coupled via the through opening 18d.

(38) The through opening 18d is also configured as an elongated hole, here also as an L-shaped elongated hole.

(39) In a first position of the 3/2-way valve 32 represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, both the first pressure chamber 20a and the second pressure chamber 20b are in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24. Due to the urging by the elastic element 20c, the piston 20 is in this state in an end position which is a lower position in FIG. 1.

(40) Due to the spring load, the first position of the 3/2-way valve 32 corresponds to that position which is taken up by the valve in a currentless state.

(41) A so-called NC valve (normally closed valve) can thus be realized by means of the actuating unit 12, if the lower end position of the piston 20 in FIG. 1 corresponds to a closed position of the process valve 10, in particular of the valve unit 14.

(42) By analogy, a so-called NO valve (normally open valve) can be realized if the lower end position of the piston 20 in FIG. 1 corresponds to an open position of the process valve 10, in particular of the valve unit 14.

(43) In case the 3/2-way valve 32 takes up a second position which is offset to the left with respect to the position represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first pressure chamber 20a is fluidically connected to the pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12. The second pressure chamber 20b is furthermore fluidically connected to the pressure fluid outlet 24. The second position may also be referred to as an actuated state of the 3/2-way valve 32.

(44) The piston 20 is thus transferred into its upper end position in FIG. 1 opposite to the urging of the elastic element 20c by means of the pressure fluid. The process valve 10, more precisely the valve unit 14, simultaneously comes into the position associated with the upper end position.

(45) If the process valve 10 is an NO valve, the closed position is involved. If the process valve 10 is an NC valve, the open position is involved.

(46) The process valve 10 according to the first embodiment is a so-called switching valve having a single-action drive.

(47) FIG. 3 shows a variant of the actuating unit 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

(48) It differs from the actuating unit 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the seal 18 is now in a second fitting position.

(49) Starting from the first fitting position, the second fitting position can be achieved by a rotation of the seal 18 of substantially 180. The rotation is performed about a central seal longitudinal axis 42 (see FIGS. 1 and 10).

(50) In the second fitting position, the pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12 is now in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16. This is realized via the through opening 18g, the seal 18 being positioned such that both the hole 21f which is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 26, and also the hole 21g which is fluidically coupled to the pressure fluid inlet 22, run into the through opening 18g.

(51) The pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18b.

(52) This also applies to the pressure chamber 20a which is also in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 via the through opening 18b.

(53) In the second fitting position of the seal 18, the holes 21a, 21b and 21d thus run into the through opening 18b.

(54) The second pressure chamber 20b is further in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 via a through opening 18d.

(55) To this end, the seal 18 is arranged such that the holes 21c and 21e run into the through opening 18d.

(56) A further difference to the variant shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is that the elastic element 20c is arranged only in the first pressure chamber 20a. The elastic element 20c thus now urges the piston 20 in the direction of an end position which corresponds to the upper end position of the piston 20 in FIG. 3.

(57) The through openings 18b and 18d are further configured as elongated holes such that in the second fitting position of the seal 18, the pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12, the pressure fluid return 28 and the first pressure chamber 20a are in fluid communication with each other via the through opening 18b which is configured as an elongated hole.

(58) The same applies to the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a and the second pressure chamber 20b which are in fluid communication with each other via the through opening 18d which is configured as an elongated hole.

(59) The function of the actuating unit 12 represented in FIG. 3 is thus reversed in two aspects in comparison to the actuating unit represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(60) On the one hand, the piston 20 is now located in the upper end position in FIG. 3 in a currentless state of the 3/2-way valve 32. This is due to the modified arrangement of the elastic element 20c, wherein the switching positions of the 3/2-way valve 32 were maintained.

(61) On the other hand, the second pressure chamber 20b may now be acted upon with pressure fluid by a switching of the 3/2-way valve 32 into a position which is offset to the left in comparison with the representation in FIG. 3, such that the piston 20 is transferred into its lower end position in FIG. 3 opposite to the urging by the elastic element 20c.

(62) The process valve 10 represented in FIG. 3 is therefore also a switching valve having a single-action drive.

(63) It can be configured as an NO or NC valve analogously to the above explanations, an NO valve becoming an NC valve or vice versa by the transfer of the seal 18 from the first fitting position (see FIGS. 1 and 2) into the second position (see FIG. 3). The same applies to a transfer of the seal 18 from the second fitting position (see FIG. 3) into the first fitting position (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

(64) FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the actuating unit 12 and of the process valve 10.

(65) The seal 18 is located in the first fitting position (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The arrangement of the elastic element 20c also corresponds to that of FIGS. 1 and 2.

(66) Concerning the interconnection of the pressure chambers 20a, 20b with the pressure fluid inlet 22, the pressure fluid outlet 24 and the pilot valve unit 16, reference is therefore made to the above explanations.

(67) In contrast to the first embodiment, the pilot valve unit 16 however now comprises two 3/2-way valves.

(68) In accordance with the designations of the 3/2-way valve 32 of FIGS. 1 to 3, a first 3/2-way valve is designated by 32a and a second 3/2-way valve by 32b.

(69) The associated pressure fluid inlets, pressure fluid returns, pressure fluid working outlets and actuators are accordingly provided with the suffixes a and b.

(70) The fluidic interconnection of the two 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b within the pilot valve unit 16 is now such that the pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 36a of the first 3/2-way valve 32a.

(71) The pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 is fluidically coupled to the pressure fluid return 38b of the second 3/2-way valve 32b.

(72) The first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 is simultaneously in fluid communication with the pressure fluid working outlet 40a of the first 3/2-way valve 32a, the pressure fluid return 38a of the first 3/2-way valve 32a, the pressure fluid inlet 36b of the second 3/2-way valve 32b and the pressure fluid working outlet 40b of the second 3/2-way valve.

(73) In contrast to the first embodiment, the process valve 10 according to the second embodiment acts as a so-called control valve.

(74) In the unactuated state of both 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b, both pressure chambers 20a, 20b are in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24.

(75) Due to the urge by the elastic element 20c, the piston 20 is in its lower end position. This may be associated with an open or closed state of the process valve 10, more precisely of the valve unit 14 such that the process valve 10 acts as an NO valve or as an NC valve.

(76) By a simultaneous actuation of the first 3/2-way valve 32a and of the second 3/2-way valve 32b, the first pressure chamber 20a can be brought in in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 22. The fluid communication thereof with the pressure fluid outlet 24 is simultaneously interrupted.

(77) In case the 3/2-way valve 32b is not actuated, the first pressure chamber 20a is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24 such that the fluid does not act. The bypass line extending between the 3/2-way valves 32a and 32b at the right about the 3/2-way valve 32b then runs into a line which is led from the 3/2-way valve 32b to the pressure chamber 20a.

(78) In case the first 3/2-way valve 32a is not actuated, a supply of pressure fluid towards the first pressure chamber 20a cannot be realized.

(79) Consequently, a predefined pressure in the first pressure chamber 20a may be adjusted or a pressure present there may be controlled by a coordinated actuation of the two 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b. The position of the piston 20 can thus also be controlled.

(80) FIG. 5 shows a variant of the second embodiment (see FIG. 4).

(81) The design of the pilot valve unit 16 corresponds to that of FIG. 4. Reference is made to the appropriate explanations.

(82) However, the seal 18 is now in the second rotated fitting position. The interconnection of the pressure chambers 20a, 20b with the pilot valve unit 16, the pressure fluid inlet 22 and the pressure fluid outlet 24 corresponds to that of FIG. 3 such that concerning this, reference is made to the explanations.

(83) Analogously to the process valve 10 of FIG. 4, the process valve 10 represented in FIG. 5 is also a control valve.

(84) It can be configured as an NO or NC valve analogously to the above explanations, an NO valve becoming an NC valve or vice versa by the transfer of the seal 18 from the first fitting position (see FIG. 4) into the second position (see FIG. 5). The same applies to a transfer of the seal 18 from the second fitting position (see FIG. 5) into the first fitting position (see FIG. 4).

(85) Alternatively, or additionally, the piston 20 may also be inverted for a transfer of an NO valve to an NC valve. The elastic element 20c is not displaced with respect to the piston 20 such that it is transferred from a position represented in the upper part to a position represented in the lower part or vice versa.

(86) A third embodiment of the actuating unit 12 and of the process valve 10 is visible in FIG. 6.

(87) The pilot valve unit 16, like the pilot valve unit 16 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, comprises a first 3/2-way valve 32a and a second 3/2-way valve 32b. The 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b are however now interconnected in a different manner.

(88) In comparison with the embodiment represented in FIG. 5, the positions of the pressure fluid inlet 36a and of the pressure fluid return 38a on the 3/2-way valve 32a are exchanged.

(89) The pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 36a of the first 3/2-way valve 32a and with the pressure fluid inlet 36b of the second 3/2-way valve 32b. The pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 38a of the first 3/2-way valve 32a and with the pressure fluid return 38b of the second 3/2-way valve 32b.

(90) The first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid working outlet 40a of the first 3/2-way valve 32a.

(91) In contrast to the first and the second embodiment, a second pressure fluid working outlet 30b of the pilot valve unit 16 is now additionally provided, which is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid working outlet 40b of the second 3/2-way valve 32b.

(92) Like in the previous embodiments, the hole 21d is in fluid communication with the first pressure chamber 20a, and the hole 21c is in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber 20b.

(93) The pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12 is also in fluid communication with the hole 21g, and the pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the hole 21a.

(94) The part through which fluid flows and which is in the figures (see in particular FIG. 1) located below the seal 18 (see in particular FIG. 1) and has the holes 21a, 21c, 21d and 21g is therefore identical to the previous embodiments.

(95) Concerning the part through which a fluid flows and which is located above the seal 18 (see also FIG. 1), the pressure fluid inlet 26 is still in fluid communication with the hole 21f or is formed thereby.

(96) In contrast thereto, the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a is however now in fluid communication with the hole 21b and the second pressure fluid working outlet 30b in fluid communication with the hole 21e. Alternatively, the pressure fluid working outlet 30a is formed by the hole 21b and the pressure fluid working outlet 30b is formed by the hole 21e, which is, as already mentioned, synonymous for the invention.

(97) The pressure fluid return 28 is now in fluid communication with a hole 21f or is formed thereby, the hole 21h being arranged opposite the hole 21a and being not provided in the previous embodiments.

(98) The seal 18 is now in a third fitting position. Starting from the first fitting position (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, and FIG. 10), this position can be achieved by a rotation of substantially 180 about a seal transverse axis 44.

(99) In this third fitting position, the pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16. This fluid communication is realized via the through opening 18a.

(100) In other words, the seal 18 is arranged with respect to the holes 21f and 21g such that the latter are in fluid communication with each other.

(101) The pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18f.

(102) To this end, the seal 18 is arranged such that the holes 21a and 21h are in fluid communication with the through opening 18f.

(103) The first pressure chamber 20a is in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18d. The seal 18 is therefore positioned such that the holes 21b and 21d are in fluid communication with the through opening 18d.

(104) The second pressure chamber 20b is in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet 30b of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18b. To this end, the holes 21c and 21e are also in fluid communication with the through opening 18b, which is obtained by an appropriate arrangement of the seal 18.

(105) Due to the modified fitting position of the seal 18, the first pressure chamber 20a and the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a are now in fluid communication with each other via the through opening 18d which is configured as an elongated hole.

(106) The same applies to the second pressure chamber 20b and the second pressure fluid working outlet 30b which are in fluid communication with each other via the through opening 18b which is configured as an elongated hole.

(107) A further difference to the previous embodiments is that no elastic element 20c is present anymore.

(108) In the unactuated state of the 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b, the first pressure chamber 20a is now fluidically connected to the pressure fluid inlet 22. In this situation, the piston 20 is therefore in the upper end position of FIG. 6. A closed or open positon of the process valve 10, more precisely of the valve unit 14 may be associated therewith, such that the process valve 10 generally acts as an NC or NO valve.

(109) By an actuation of the first 3/2-way valve 32a, the first pressure chamber 20a is brought in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24. Furthermore, an actuation of the second 3/2-way valve causes the second pressure chamber 20b to be brought in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 22.

(110) Advantageously, the first 3/2-way valve 32a and the second 3/2-way valve 32b are thus actuated simultaneously such that the piston 20 takes up the lower end position of FIG. 6.

(111) The piston can thus be actively displaced in both end positions, which is why the actuating unit 12 according to the third embodiment may also be referred to as double-action drive.

(112) The process valve 10 acts as a so-called switching valve if the process valve 10 is controlled such that in the pressure chambers 20a, 20b, only the pressure prevailing at the pressure fluid inlet 22 or the pressure prevailing at the pressure fluid outlet 24 is selectively present in the pressure chambers 20a, 20b and the pressure chamber 20a, 20b in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 22 is always completely filled. In other words, the actuating periods of the 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b have to be chosen so long that the pressure chambers 20a, 20b are always completely filled to realize a switching valve.

(113) FIG. 7 shows a variant of the third embodiment.

(114) This variant differs from the variant shown in FIG. 6 merely in the fitting position of the seal 18. In the variant according to FIG. 7, the seal 18 is namely in a fourth fitting position.

(115) Starting from the third fitting position (see FIGS. 6 and 10), this position can be achieved by a rotation of substantially 180 about the seal longitudinal axis 42.

(116) Furthermore, starting from the second fitting position, the fourth fitting position of the seal 18 can also be taken up by a rotation of substantially 180 about a seal transverse axis 44.

(117) In the fourth fitting position, the pressure fluid inlet 22 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18c. To this end, the holes 21f and 21g are each in fluid communication with the through opening 18c, which is ensured by an appropriate arrangement of the seal 18.

(118) The pressure fluid outlet 24 of the actuating unit 12 is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18f, for which the holes 21a and 21h are each in fluid communication with the through opening 18f. The seal 18 is positioned appropriately.

(119) The first pressure chamber 20a is additionally in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid outlet 30b of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18b. This is achieved in that the holes 21d and 21e are in fluid communication with the through opening 18b due to an appropriate arrangement of the seal 18.

(120) The second pressure chamber 20b is in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16 via the through opening 18d. To this end, the holes 21b and 21c are also in fluid communication with the through opening 18d. This is again achieved by an appropriate position of the seal 18.

(121) As already explained, the through openings 18b and 18d are configured as elongated holes such that the first pressure fluid working outlet 30a and the second pressure chamber 20b are in fluid communication with each other via an elongated hole, and the second pressure fluid working outlet 30b and the first pressure chamber 20a are in fluid communication with each other via an elongated hole.

(122) Analogously to the process valve 10 of FIG. 6, the process valve 10 represented in FIG. 7 is also a switching valve having a double-action drive.

(123) It can be configured as an NO or NC valve analogously to the above explanations, an NO valve becoming an NC valve or vice versa by the transfer of the seal 18 from the third fitting position (see FIG. 6) into the fourth position (see FIG. 7). The same applies to a transfer of the seal 18 from the fourth fitting position (see FIG. 7) into the third fitting position (see FIG. 6).

(124) FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the actuating unit 12 and of the process valve 10.

(125) In this embodiment, the pilot valve unit 16 comprises a 4/2-way valve 46 having a pressure fluid inlet 48 which is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 26 of the pilot valve unit 16.

(126) Furthermore, the 4/2-way valve 46 has a pressure fluid return 50 which is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid return 28 of the pilot valve unit 16.

(127) The 4/2-way valve 46 furthermore comprises a first pressure fluid working outlet 52a and a second pressure fluid working outlet 52b.

(128) The first pressure fluid working outlet 52a is in fluid communication with the first pressure fluid outlet 30a of the pilot valve unit 16, and the second pressure fluid working outlet 52b is in fluid communication with the second pressure fluid working outlet 30b of the pilot valve unit 16.

(129) On the basis of the actuating unit 12 shown in FIG. 6, the two 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b thus have been replaced by the 4/2-way valve 46.

(130) In the variant shown in FIG. 8, the seal 18 is in the third fitting position such that concerning the interconnection of the pressure chambers 20a, 20b with the pressure fluid inlet 22, the pressure fluid outlet 24 and the pilot valve unit 16, reference can be made to the explanations of FIG. 6.

(131) In the unactuated state of the 4/2-way valve 46, the first pressure chamber 20a is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 22, and the second pressure chamber 20b is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24.

(132) The piston 20 thus is in the upper end position of FIG. 8 with which a closed or open position of the process valve 10, more precisely of the valve unit 14 may be associated, such that the process valve 10 generally acts as an NC or NO valve.

(133) Due to an actuation of the first 4/2-way valve 46, the first pressure chamber 20a is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid outlet 24 and the second pressure chamber 20b is in fluid communication with the pressure fluid inlet 22. The piston 20 is thus transferred into the lower end position in FIG. 8.

(134) The process valve 10 of FIG. 8 is therefore also a switching valve having a double-action drive.

(135) The 4/2-way valve 46 acts here like the two 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b of the actuating unit 12 of FIG. 6. It may therefore be referred to as functional substitute circuitry of the 3/2-way valves 32a, 32b.

(136) FIG. 9 shows a variant of the fourth embodiment.

(137) It differs from the variant of FIG. 8 in that the seal 18 now takes up the fourth fitting position.

(138) The interconnection of the pressure chambers 20a, 20b with the pressure fluid inlet 22, the pressure fluid outlet 24 and the pilot valve unit 16 has already been explained in connection with the actuating unit 12 represented in FIG. 7.

(139) Reference is made to these explanations.

(140) The pilot valve unit 16 in the variant shown in FIG. 9 further corresponds to the pilot valve unit 16 of FIG. 8. Reference is made to the appropriate explanations.

(141) The process valve 10 represented in FIG. 9 is thus also a switching valve having a double-action drive.

(142) It can be configured as an NO or NC valve analogously to the above explanations, an NO valve becoming an NC valve or vice versa by the transfer of the seal 18 from the third fitting position (see FIG. 8) into the fourth position (see FIG. 9). The same applies to a transfer of the seal 18 from the fourth fitting position (see FIG. 9) into the third fitting position (see FIG. 8).

(143) FIG. 10 shows a summary of the four fitting positions of the seal 18.

(144) FIG. 10a) shows the first fitting position of the seal 18 (see also FIGS. 1, 2 and 4), FIG. 10b) shows the second fitting position (see also FIGS. 3 and 5).

(145) On the basis of the synopsis of FIGS. 10a) and 10b), it becomes clear again that the seal 18 may be transferred from the first fitting position into the second fitting position and vice versa by a rotation of substantially 180 about the seal longitudinal axis 42.

(146) FIG. 10c) shows the third fitting position of the seal 18 (see also FIGS. 6 and 8). Starting from the first fitting position, it can be achieved by a rotation of the seal 18 of substantially 180 about the seal transverse axis 44.

(147) FIG. 10d) represents the fourth fitting position of the seal 18. Starting from the third position, the seal 18 may be transferred into the fourth fitting position by a rotation of substantially 180 about the seal longitudinal axis 42.

(148) Alternatively, the seal 18 can be transferred from the second fitting position into the fourth fitting position by a rotation of substantially 180 about the seal transverse axis 44.

(149) As already mentioned, the actuating unit described above may be a pneumatic piston actuating drive or also a pneumatic membrane actuating drive.