DE102020200172B4 - valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Valve arrangement with at least one valve (2) designed to control a fluid flow, which has a fluid control unit (6) which has a control housing (14) in which a valve channel system (7) is designed, which has a valve channel system (7) for connection to a fluid source ( P) provided supply channel (17a), a discharge channel (17c) provided for connection to a pressure sink (R) and a working channel (17b) provided for connection to a consumer (A), the working channel (17b) being provided by means of an electrically actuatable valve member arrangement (12) of the fluid control unit (6) can be connected either to the feed channel (17a) or to the discharge channel (17c), with a first valve chamber (15) being formed in the control housing (14), into which the feed channel (17a) and the Each working channel (17b) opens out with an inner channel opening (22), the inner channel opening (22) of the feed channel (17a) being framed by a feed channel valve seat (31), over which a control arm ( 24) of a first valve member (8) of the valve member arrangement (12) which has a longitudinal axis (23) and which, executing a first control movement (25) transversely to the longitudinal axis (23) of the first valve member (8), in a first deflection plane (27) can be deflected relative to the control housing (14) in order to assume either a closed position lying tightly against the feed duct valve seat (31) or an open position lifted from the feed duct valve seat (31), characterized in that in the control housing (14) an additional to the first valve chamber (15), the second valve chamber (16) is formed, into which the discharge channel (17c) opens with a non-closable inner channel opening (22) and into which, with a controllable channel opening (33), a constantly connected working channel (17b ) communicating connecting channel (32) of the valve channel system (7), the controllable channel opening (33) of the connecting channel (32) being framed by a connecting channel valve seat (35), via which a control arm (24 ) a second valve member (9) of the valve member arrangement (12), which has a longitudinal axis (23) and is present in addition to the first valve member (8), which, while executing a second control movement (26) transversely to the longitudinal axis (23) of the second valve member ( 9) can be deflected in a second deflection plane (28) relative to the control housing (14) in order to assume either a closed position lying tightly against the connecting channel valve seat or an open position lifted from the connecting channel valve seat (35).

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement, with at least one valve designed to control a fluid flow, which has a fluid control unit, which has a control housing, in which a valve channel system is formed, which has a supply channel provided for connection to a fluid source, a supply channel for connection to a pressure sink provided discharge channel and a working channel provided for connection to a consumer, wherein the working channel can be connected to the feed channel or to the discharge channel by means of an electrically actuatable valve member arrangement of the fluid control unit, wherein a first valve chamber is formed in the control housing, into which the feed channel and the working channel each with an inner channel opening, the inner channel opening of the feed channel being framed by a feed channel valve seat, over which a control arm of a first valve member of the valve member arrangement having a longitudinal axis extends in the first valve chamber, which by performing a first control movement transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first valve member can be deflected in a first deflection plane relative to the control housing in order to assume either a closed position lying tightly against the feed channel valve seat or an open position lifted off the feed channel valve seat.

one in the DE 10 2016 114 538 A1 The valve arrangement of this type described has a valve with a fluid control unit which has a control housing in which a single valve chamber is formed into which open three valve channels, which are a supply channel, a discharge channel and a working channel. The feed channel and the discharge channel open into the valve chamber with opposite inner channel openings, with their inner channel openings each being framed by a valve seat. A valve member that can be pivoted like a rocker in relation to the control housing projects with a control arm into the valve chamber and can be pivoted by an electric drive unit in such a way that the control arm rests tightly against one or the other of the two valve seats, so that the working channel through the valve chamber is connected to either the Feed channel or the discharge channel is connected. The valve member passes through a partition separating the control chamber from a drive chamber, through which the valve member is supported with the specification of a bearing point defining a pivot axis. A 3/2-way valve function can be realized with the known valve.

one from the EP 0 235 451 A1 A well-known fluid control valve has a valve housing in which two sealed valve chambers are formed next to one another, into each of which three fluid channels open in such a way that two channel openings, each framed by a valve seat, lie opposite one another at a distance. In addition, a valve member is pivotably mounted in the valve housing and has two control arms, each of which protrudes into one of the two valve chambers, so that they each extend between the two valve seats located therein. By pivoting the valve member, which can be brought about by means of a magnet actuator, the two control arms can be pivoted synchronously, so that they alternately butt tightly against one of the two associated valve seats.

The DE 10 2017 106 297 A1 describes an electromagnetic impact valve arrangement with a valve housing in which an air chamber is formed, into which three air ducts open, which are an air supply duct, a control air duct for pressurizing and venting a pneumatic actuator, and a vent duct. The impact valve arrangement has a first electromagnetic impact valve for opening and/or closing the air supply channel and a second electromagnetic impact valve for opening and/or closing the ventilation channel, the two impact valves being electromagnetically coupled to one another.

The DE 42 24 389 A1 discloses a valve with a valve housing in which two valve chambers are formed, which are separated from one another by a partition. Two fluid channels each open into both valve chambers, one of the fluid channels being assigned to both valve chambers and opening through the partition into both valve chambers at the same time, each channel opening being framed by a valve seat. A valve member that can be pivoted like a rocker has two control arms, with which it protrudes into one of the two valve chambers and when the valve member is pivoted, they can alternately close the two channel openings by resting against the valve seats, so that there is a 3/2-way function.

In the DE 10 2011 011 578 A1 describes a solenoid valve which has a scissors-like valve member structure consisting of two valve members which can be pivoted relative to one another. To actuate the valve member structure, the solenoid valve has an electromagnet device with two pole faces, each of which is opposite an actuating arm of one of the valve members. In addition, each valve member has a control arm that opposes a controllable port opening. Upon activation of the electromagnet device, the valve members with their actuating arms to the Used pole faces and thereby pivoted relative to the controllable channel openings, whereby these channel openings can be either closed or released for a fluid passage.

From the DE 202 12 649 U1 a multi-way valve is known which has a valve chamber into which at least three valve channels open. Two of the channel openings lie on opposite longitudinal sides of an electrically activatable bending actuator and are each framed by a valve seat, which is formed on a movable valve seat body that is resiliently pretensioned in the direction of the bending actuator. When the bending actuator is in a middle position, both valve seats are in contact with the bending actuator, so that the channel openings are closed. If the bending actuator is pivoted in one direction or the other, starting from the center position, it lifts off one valve seat but remains in close contact with the other valve seat, displacing the associated valve seat body.

From the DE 10 2017 110 684 A1 a proportional valve is known which has an electrically actuable drive unit based on an electrodynamic functional principle. A drive element is fastened to a valve member of the proportional valve and can be driven to perform a linear drive movement due to the so-called Lorentz force, by means of which the movable valve member can be moved linearly relative to a valve seat.

The invention is based on the object of taking measures by means of which a valve that can be precisely controlled in terms of flow with a wide range of applications can be implemented.

To solve this problem, in connection with the features mentioned at the outset, the invention provides that a second valve chamber, which is present in addition to the first valve chamber, is formed in the control housing, into which the discharge channel opens with a non-closable inner channel opening and into which a controllable channel opening also has a constant flow connecting channel of the valve channel system that communicates with the working channel, the controllable channel opening of the connecting channel being framed by a connecting channel valve seat, over which a control arm of a second valve member of the valve member arrangement which has a longitudinal axis and is present in addition to the first valve member extends in the second valve chamber, which can be deflected relative to the control housing by performing a second control movement transversely to the longitudinal axis of the second valve member in a second deflection plane in order to assume either a closed position lying tightly against the connecting channel valve seat or an open position lifted from the connecting channel valve seat.

In the valve arrangement according to the invention, independent control of the fluid connection between the working channel and the feed channel and between the working channel and the discharge channel is possible. A desired flow rate can thus be set both when supplying a fluid to a consumer connected to the working channel and when removing a fluid from the consumer. The design of the valve also opens up the possibility of separating the working channel from both the feed channel and the discharge channel at the same time, in order to lock in a fluid volume contained in the working channel and a consumer connected to it, as a result of which precise position control measures can be carried out in the case of a consumer designed as a fluid-actuated drive. A special feature of the design of the valve channel system is that the feed channel valve seat and the connecting channel valve seat are placed in such a way that both the fluid pressure prevailing in the feed channel always acts in the opening direction on the control arm of the first valve member and the fluid pressure prevailing in the working channel always acts acts in the opening direction on the control arm of the second valve member. Both control arms therefore always open only in the effective direction of the fluid pressure present at the valve seat to be controlled. As has been shown, a very good throughput controllability is achieved with such a design. When the control arm of the first valve member is positioned in an open position, a fluid flow coming from an external fluid source enters the first valve chamber through the feed channel valve seat that is then released, and from there it reaches the working channel, which cannot be closed with respect to the first valve chamber, and via this channel to a connected one Consumer. When the control arm of the second valve member is positioned in an open position, a fluid to be discharged from a consumer enters the second valve chamber through the connecting channel valve seat that is then released and from there it reaches the discharge channel, which cannot be closed with respect to the second valve chamber, and via this to the pressure sink. The fluidic connection between the consumer and the controllable connecting channel valve seat takes place through the connecting channel, which is constantly in fluid communication with the working channel, either directly or by opening into the first valve chamber, which constantly communicates with the working channel. Both control arms exhibit proportional action, allowing for precise flow control and opening up a wide range of applications for the valve assembly.

Advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

The two control arms are preferably resiliently prestressed into the closed position resting against the respectively associated valve seat. In this way, the valve of the valve assembly has an overall "normally closed" characteristic. The closed position of each control arm is ensured in an energy-saving manner without electrical activation of the associated valve member. In principle, however, it would be possible to design at least one of the valve members in such a way that its control arm assumes an open position when not actuated.

In order to provide the spring forces supplying the resilient prestressing, it is expedient if the fluid control unit has a mechanical spring device which is separate from the valve members and by means of which the two control arms are resiliently prestressed into the closed position resting against the associated valve seat. Although in principle both control arms can be jointly acted upon by one and the same spring unit, it is expedient to equip the spring device with a plurality of spring units which act independently of one another on one of the two control arms. This offers the advantageous possibility of setting the spring forces acting as closing forces independently of one another with regard to the two control arms.

The two control arms are in particular arranged in such a way that the first deflection plane of the first control arm and the second deflection plane of the second control arm run parallel to one another. This enables the realization of a very narrow fluid control unit. It is particularly advantageous in this connection if the two control arms are placed in the control housing with coincident deflection planes.

It is considered favorable if the two valve members are arranged next to one another in the axial direction of a vertical axis of the fluid control unit at right angles to their longitudinal directions. In other words, the two valve members are placed one above the other in this case. This favors, among other things, a space-saving arrangement of several valves of the same type next to one another in order to implement a valve arrangement that can handle several control tasks that are independent of one another.

In the case of valve members lying one above the other in the axial direction of the vertical axis, it is considered to be particularly advantageous if the feed channel valve seat and the connecting channel valve seat face one another in the axial direction of the vertical axis. They are expediently aligned coaxially with one another.

Particularly short flow paths can be realized if the connecting channel for constant communication with the working channel inside the control housing opens directly into the first valve chamber with its end region opposite the controllable channel opening. Alternatively, however, an embodiment is also possible such that said end area of the connecting channel opens directly into the working channel outside of the first valve chamber.

A favorable placement of the two valve chambers is possible if the controllable channel opening of the connecting channel is on a side of the second control arm facing away from the first valve chamber, with the connecting channel branching into two connecting channel branches following the controllable channel opening, which on opposite longitudinal sides of the second Valve chamber are guided around the second valve chamber and open into the first valve chamber with a permanently open connection. The two connecting channel branches preferably open into the first valve chamber separately from one another. In principle, however, they can alternatively also be brought together outside of the first valve chamber in order to then open into the first valve chamber via a common channel opening. The splitting of the connecting channel into two connecting channel branches enables a high flow rate with compact dimensions of the control housing.

In principle, the two valve members could be embodied as piezo bending transducers, which are fixed to the control housing in a longitudinal section adjoining the respective control arm, so that the control arms bend relative to the aforementioned, fixed longitudinal section during their control movement. However, an embodiment is preferred in which each valve member is designed as a rocker element and can be pivoted in a rocker-like manner relative to the control housing in order to generate the control movement of the respectively associated control arm. Each rocker-like valve member can be pivoted relative to the control housing about a pivot axis aligned at right angles to its longitudinal axis. In this context, it is advantageous if the valve members are designed to be rigid or rigid overall.

In particular with valve members that can be pivoted in the manner of a seesaw, it is advantageous if in the control housing one adjoins the two valve chambers in the longitudinal direction of the valve members ßende drive chamber is formed, into which protrudes each valve member with a control arm of its axially opposite drive arm. Each drive arm can be acted upon in a controlled manner with a drive force in order to bring about a pivoting movement of the entire associated valve member, by means of which the control movement of the respectively associated control arm is generated directly. Each valve member passes through a rigid partition located between the valve chamber and the drive chamber and is supported by this partition to define a pivot axis of pivotal movement.

The fluid control unit may include a manual override device that allows manual operation of the two valve members. Such a manual operating device is present in particular in addition to measures that enable electrical actuation of the valve members. The manual operating device preferably has a manual operating element which is rotatably mounted on the control housing and which engages between the drive arms of the two valve members and which can be rotated manually for selectively pivoting one or the other valve member.

Each valve member is expediently equipped in the area of its pivot axis with a rubber-elastic sealing collar that projects radially all around with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve member, with which it is axially clamped for tight sealing of the associated valve chamber between the partition and a channel body of the control housing containing the valve chambers and the valve channel system. Due to the axial clamping of the sealing collar, the valve member is securely held in place in its axial direction in combination with reliable sealing.

The partition wall preferably has two through-openings through which one of the two valve members passes, each of which is delimited by two spaced-apart blade-shaped bearing projections of the partition wall, on which the associated valve member is pivotally supported, defining the pivot axis.

In a preferred embodiment, each valve member has a rigid lamellar element which is framed by the rubber-elastic sealing collar, with a longitudinal section of the lamellar element protruding into the drive chamber directly forming the drive arm of the valve member. The sealing collar expediently belongs to a rubber-elastic enveloping body which completely envelops a longitudinal section of the lamellar element protruding into the valve chamber, forming the control arm. In the closed position, the control arm with the rubber-elastic enveloping body is in good sealing contact with the associated valve seat. An additional sealing element can thus be saved. Overall, the rubber-elastic enveloping body ensures a static seal of the associated valve chamber relative to the drive chamber, with the seal being ensured due to the encasing of the lamellar element regardless of whether there is a completely tight connection between the rubber-elastic enveloping body and the lamellar element or not. The enveloping body expediently encloses the longitudinal section of the lamellar element projecting into the valve chamber continuously all the way around, both on the longitudinal side and on the end face.

To drive the two valve members, it is advantageous if a drive element extends in the drive chamber, which is drivingly coupled to the drive arm of each valve member via a drive section and which can be driven to perform a linear drive movement, from which the pivoting movements of the valve members result. The drive element expediently interacts with the two valve members in such a way that, starting from an undeflected basic position of the two valve members, only one of the two valve members can be actuated depending on the direction of movement of the linear drive movement, while the other remains in its basic position.

The drive element can expediently be positioned in a middle position in which the two valve members each assume a basic position in which their control arms are in the closed position and starting from which the drive element can be displaced in opposite first and second drive devices, it being one of the entrains the two drive arms, generating a pivoting movement of the associated valve member, while at the same time the other valve member remains in its basic position.

In this context, it is advantageous if the drive section is arranged between the two drive arms and protrudes laterally beyond the drive arms with coupling sections, with a linearly displaceable drive rod of the drive element, which can be designed as a drive rail, extending next to the two drive legs and connected to the above the two drive arms protruding coupling sections is positively coupled and thus also force-transmitting. The drive section is preferably of spherical design and in particular is formed by a spherical body which is separate from the drive rod. Alternatively, the drive could section can also be made cylindrical, for example.

The valve expediently has an electrically actuatable drive unit which is attached to the fluid control unit and is used to actuate the valve member arrangement. The drive unit co-operates in driving terms with both valve members, suitably being able to actuate the two valve members independently of one another. In this context, it is advantageous if the drive unit is optionally drivingly coupled to the above-mentioned drive element in order to bring about its linear drive movement.

The electrically actuable drive unit is preferably designed as an electrodynamic drive unit which is constructed according to the plunger principle or the plunger coil principle and which is able to generate drive forces based on the Lorentz force. With such a drive unit, a relatively high drive stroke and, accordingly, also a relatively large angular deflection of the two valve members can be realized in connection with a sufficiently high development of force. In principle, however, the drive unit can also be based on a different drive principle and, for example, be of a piezoelectric design.

Any fluids can be controlled with regard to their fluid flow by means of the valve arrangement. These can be gases or liquids. The fluid to be controlled is in particular under an overpressure, although the valve arrangement is in principle also suitable for vacuum applications. If the valve arrangement is used to control a consumer formed by a fluid-actuated drive, the fluid to be controlled is in particular compressed air.

• 1 einen Längsschnitt einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Ventils der Ventilanordnung gemäß Schnittlinie I-I aus 2 und 3, wobei ein strichpunktiert umrahmter Bereich separat auch nochmals vergrößert abgebildet ist,
• 2 einen weiteren Längsschnitt durch das Ventil gemäß Schnittlinie II-II aus 1, wobei auch hier ein strichpunktiert umrahmter Bereich zusätzlich separat vergrößert abgebildet ist und
• 3 erneut einen Längsschnitt des Ventils der 1 und 2 gemäß Schnittlinie III-III aus 1, wobei ein strichpunktiert umrahmter Bereich ebenfalls separat auch nochmals vergrößert illustriert ist.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing. In this show:

• 1 a longitudinal section of a preferred embodiment of a valve of the valve assembly according to the invention according to section line II 2 and 3 , whereby a dot-dash framed area is shown separately, enlarged again,
• 2 another longitudinal section through the valve according to section line II-II 1 , whereby a dot-dash framed area is also shown separately enlarged and
• 3 again a longitudinal section of the valve 1 and 2 according to cutting line III-III 1 , wherein a dot-dashed framed area is also illustrated separately, enlarged again.

Referring to the drawing, there can be seen a valve assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, which includes an electrically operable valve 2 adapted to control fluid flow. Fluid flow refers to the flow of a gaseous or liquid medium, usually under some excess pressure. For example, the fluid to be controlled is compressed air. The valve arrangement 1 can have several such valves 2 at their disposal.

The valve arrangement 1 expediently also contains a valve support 3, indicated only schematically, on which the valve 2 can be mounted alone or together with other valves 2 during its use. The valve 2 sits on the valve carrier 3 with a base 4 pointing downwards, for example, and is expediently releasably fastened to the valve carrier 3 by fastening screws (not illustrated in any more detail) that are guided through fastening bores 5 of the valve 2 .

The valve 2 has a component referred to as the fluid control unit 6, in which a valve channel system 7 through which the fluid to be controlled can flow is formed and in which two movable valve members 8, 9, referred to for better differentiation as the first valve member 8 and the second valve member 9, are located, through which the fluid flow taking place in the valve channel system 7 can be controlled. Together, the two valve members 8, 9 form a valve member assembly 12 of the valve 2.

The valve 2 expediently also contains an electrically actuated drive unit 13 which is attached to the fluid control unit 6 and by means of which the valve member arrangement 12 can be actuated. For this purpose, the drive unit 13 is preferably designed so that it can be actuated electrically, and it has electrical connection contacts 11 to which the electrical actuation signals can be fed. These actuation signals come from an electronic control device, not shown in any more detail, which is preferably also a component of the valve arrangement 1 .

The fluid control unit 6 has a housing referred to as the control housing 14 for better differentiation, which housing preferably has a multi-part structure, which will be discussed later. The valve channel system 7 and the valve member arrangement 12 are arranged in the control housing 14 . In the control housing 14 there are also two valve chambers 15, 16, also referred to below as the first valve chamber 15 and the second valve chamber 16, which are connected to the valve channel system 7 in fluid communication bond stand. The first valve member 8 extends at least partially in the first valve chamber 15 and the second valve member 19 extends at least partially in the second valve chamber 16.

The valve channel system 7 contains a plurality of valve channels 17, including a supply channel 17a, a working channel 17b and a discharge channel 17c. These aforementioned three valve channels 17, 17a, 17b, 17c each open out with an outer channel opening 18 on the base surface 4 formed on the control housing 14. There they can communicate with continuing channels of the valve carrier 3 .

During operation of the valve arrangement 1, the supply channel 17a is connected to an external fluid source P via its outer channel opening 18, while the working channel 17b is connected to an external consumer A via its outer channel opening 18. The fluid source P is, for example, a pressurized fluid source and in particular a compressed air source. The consumer A is, for example, a fluid-actuated drive, for example a linear drive and in particular a pneumatic cylinder.

During operation of the valve arrangement 1, the discharge channel 17c is connected via its outer channel opening 18 to a pressure sink R, in which atmospheric pressure prevails and which is a tank for liquid applications and the atmosphere for compressed air applications. If the valve 2 is used to control compressed air, the discharge channel 17c represents a vent channel.

The feed channel 17a and the working channel 17b open independently of one another into the first valve chamber 15 via an inner channel opening 22 which is opposite to the outer channel opening 18 . The feed channel 17a and the working channel 17b do not open into the second valve chamber 16 . The discharge duct 17c opens into the second valve chamber 16 with an inner duct opening 22 opposite its outer duct opening 18 . The discharge channel 17c does not open into the first valve chamber 15

The inner channel openings 22 of the working channel 17b and the discharge channel 17c are placed in such a way that they are not influenced by the operating position of the valve member 8, 9 contained in the associated valve chamber 15, 16, ie cannot be closed. They are always open. Accordingly, there is, for example, a constantly open fluid connection between the first valve chamber 15 and the working channel 17b and between the second valve chamber 16 and the discharge channel 17c.

Each valve member 8, 9 has a longitudinal extension with a longitudinal axis 23 and protrudes into the associated valve chamber 15, 16 with an end section referred to as the control arm 24. When the valve member 8, 9 in question is actuated, the control arm 24 can perform a control movement, indicated by a double arrow, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 23, which is referred to as the first control movement 25 in the case of the first valve member 8 and as the second control movement 26 in the case of the second valve member 9. When the first control movement 25 is carried out, the control arm 24 of the first valve member 8 is deflected in a first deflection plane 27 relative to the control housing 14 . During the second control movement 26 , the control arm 24 of the second valve member 9 is deflected in a second deflection plane 28 relative to the control housing 14 .

The inner channel mouth 22 of the feed channel 17a is framed by a valve seat referred to as the feed channel valve seat 31, which is placed so that the control arm 24 of the first valve member 8 extends over it. Within the scope of the first control movement 25, the control arm 24 of the first valve member 8 can be positioned relative to the feed channel valve seat 31 in different operating positions, which are either a closed position lying tightly against the feed channel valve seat 31 or a position separated from the feed channel Valve seat lifted open position is. The supply port valve seat 31 is placed alongside the associated control arm 24 .

The inner channel opening 22 of the feed channel 17a can thus be controlled by the first valve member 8 . In the closed position, the feed channel 17a is separated from the first valve chamber 15 and thus also from the working channel 17b. In each open position, the feed channel 17a is fluidically connected through its then open inner channel opening 22 to the first valve chamber 15 and thus also to the working channel 17b opening into the first valve chamber 15 .

As a further valve channel 17, the valve channel system 7 contains a connecting channel 32 which is formed in the control housing 14 and which in 1 is only partially indicated by dashed lines, because it is partially outside the plane of the drawing.

The connecting channel 32 defines a controllable fluid connection between the second valve chamber 16 and the working channel 17b. For this purpose, on the one hand, it opens into the second valve chamber 16 with a channel opening referred to as a controllable channel opening 33 and, on the other hand, communicates constantly with the working channel 17b.

The constant fluid connection with the working channel 17b is realized, for example, by that the connecting duct 32 with its end region 34 opposite the controllable duct opening 33, which is also referred to below as the open opening region 34, opens into the first valve chamber 15 in a manner that cannot be influenced by the first valve member 8 and is therefore in a constantly open state is in constant fluid communication with the working channel 17b in a manner described further above.

Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment that is not illustrated, the connecting channel 32 can also be designed in such a way that its open mouth area 34 opens directly into the working channel 17b outside the first valve chamber 15 .

The controllable channel opening 33 of the connecting channel 32 is framed by a valve seat referred to as the connecting channel valve seat 35, which is placed in the second valve chamber 16 in such a way that the control arm 24 of the second valve member 9 extends over it and thus, in terms of the released flow cross section, through the second valve member 9 can be controlled.

The control arm 24 of the second valve member 9 can be positioned as part of the second control movement 26 in different operating positions, including a closed position lying tightly against the connecting channel valve seat 25 and at least one open position lifted from the connecting channel valve seat. In the closed position, any fluid connection between the connecting channel 32 and the second valve chamber 16 is interrupted. Fluid transfer between the connecting channel 32 and the second valve chamber 16 is possible in every open position.

Both control arms 24 can preferably be positioned steplessly in different open positions in order to release flow cross sections of different sizes for the fluid to be controlled. This allows a desired flow rate to be set variably.

Appropriate activation of the valve member arrangement 12 makes it possible to fluidly connect the working channel 17b selectively to the feed channel 17a or to the discharge channel 17c and thereby separate it from the other channel in each case. For this purpose, the control arm 24 of one of the two valve members 8, 9 is positioned in the closed position, while the control arm 24 of the other valve member 9, 8 is positioned in an open position.

The valve 2 preferably also offers the possibility of separating the working channel 17b in a fluid-tight manner from both the feed channel 17a and the discharge channel 17c at the same time. As a result, the fluid volume located in the working channel 17b and at a consumer connected to it can be locked in.

A special feature of the structure of the fluid control unit 6 is that when a respective control arm 24 is in the open position, the flow passes through the feed channel valve seat 31 in the same direction as the connecting channel valve seat 35, namely in both cases from the associated inner channel opening 22 or from the controllable one Channel mouth 33 out in the direction of the associated control arm 24. Both the feed pressure prevailing in the feed channel 17a and the working pressure prevailing in the working channel 17b always lie in the closed position of the associated control arm 24 on the relevant control arm 24 from the valve seat side and not from the side of the associated valve chamber 15, 16 forth. In this way, the control arms 24 only ever open with the fluid pressure, which results in very good throughput controllability.

The fluid control unit 6 has a vertical axis 36 which is vertical in the illustrated orientation of the valve 2 . The two valve chambers 15, 16 are arranged side by side and preferably one above the other in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36 with the same axial orientation. The valve members 8, 9 extend transversely and in particular at right angles to the vertical axis 36 and, corresponding to the arrangement of the two valve chambers 15, 16, are also arranged next to one another in the axial direction of the vertical axis 16, so that one can also speak of an arrangement one on top of the other.

The valve members 8, 9 are preferably aligned in such a way that the two deflection planes 27, 28 of the two control arms 24 are aligned parallel to one another. The exemplary arrangement in which the two deflection planes 27, 28 coincide and thus lie in a common plane is particularly advantageous. Each deflection plane 27, 28 is spanned by the vertical axis 36 and by the longitudinal axis 23 of the associated valve member 8, 9.

Both the feed channel valve seat 31 and the connecting channel valve seat 35 are expediently oriented in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36 . In particular, the orientation is chosen so that the two valve seats 31, 35 face each other, suitably being aligned coaxially with one another, which is the case in the illustrated embodiment.

By way of example, the two valve chambers 15, 16 have the vertical axis 36 in the axial direction mutually facing lateral outer chamber wall surfaces 37, each facing a lateral inner chamber wall surface 38 at a distance, the inner chamber wall surfaces 38 of the two valve chambers 15, 16 facing away from each other. The two valve seats 31, 35 are preferably located on one of the outer chamber wall surfaces 37.

In this way, the controllable channel opening 33 of the connecting channel 32, framed by the connecting channel valve seat 35, is located on a side of the control arm 24 of the second valve member 9 facing away from the first valve chamber 15. Starting from there, the connecting channel 32 is guided laterally around the second valve chamber 16 , in order to open out into this first valve chamber 15 in particular in the area of the inner chamber wall surface 38 of the first valve chamber 15 .

A channel course of the connecting channel 32 that is advantageous for this is off 3 clearly visible. Accordingly, the connecting channel 32 branches after its controllable channel opening 33 into two connecting channel branches 32a, 33a, which are routed around the second valve chamber 16 on opposite longitudinal sides of the second valve chamber 16 and open into the first valve chamber 15 separately from one another via the open orifice region 34 . The open mouth region 34 is formed here by two mouth openings 34a, 34b, opposite the controllable channel mouth 33, of the two connecting channel branches 32a, 32b, which open into the first valve chamber 15 at locations spaced apart from one another.

The fluid control unit 6 has a longitudinal axis 42 perpendicular to the vertical axis 36 and a transverse axis 43 perpendicular to both the vertical axis 36 and the longitudinal axis 42. The deflection planes 27, 28 each extend in the axial direction of the vertical axis 37 and in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 42. The valve members 8, 9 are preferably oriented in such a way that their longitudinal axes 23 have the same alignment in the non-actuated basic position as the longitudinal axis 42 of the functional unit 6.

The two connecting channel branches 32a, 32b are led around the second valve chamber 16 on opposite sides in the axial direction of the transverse axis 43 in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36 . In particular, they each have a U-shaped longitudinal course with U-openings facing one another, with the second valve chamber 16 entering these two U-openings alongside. The orifice openings 34a, 34b are preferably located in the area of the inner channel wall surface 38 of the first valve chamber 15.

The division of the connecting channel 32 into two connecting channel branches 32a, 32b through which flow can flow parallel to one another enables high flow rates with low flow resistance in connection with a very small space requirement.

In principle, the connecting channel 32 can also be designed as just a single fluid channel.

The two valve members 8, 9 are expediently designed as rocker elements which, in order to generate the control movement of the associated control arm 24, can be pivoted back and forth relative to the control housing 14 in the manner of a rocker. Each valve member 8, 9 is mounted in the control housing 14 in such a way that a pivot axis 44 is defined, about which it can be pivoted back and forth while performing a pivoting movement 45. The pivot axis 44 runs at right angles to the longitudinal axis 23 of the respectively associated valve member 8, 9 and runs, for example, in the axial direction of the transverse axis 43.

The valve channel system 7 and the two valve chambers 15, 16 are formed in a housing component of the control housing 14 which is referred to as the channel body 14a. The base area 4 is preferably also located at least on this channel body 14a.

The two valve chambers 15, 16 each have a front end section 46 pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis 42 and a rear end section 47 which is opposite in this regard Rigid partition wall 52 formed further housing component of the control housing 14 is attached to the rear closure of the valve chambers 15, 16 to participate.

In the axial extension of each valve chamber 15, 16, the rigid partition wall 52 has a through opening 51 through which one of the two valve members 8, 9 passes. For each valve member 8, 9, this results in a front length section that protrudes into the associated valve chamber 15, 16, which forms the control arm 24, and a rear length section that protrudes axially in the opposite direction from the partition wall 52, which is referred to as the drive arm 53 due to its function, which is yet to be described.

As a further component, the control housing 14 has a rear closing body 14b, which is attached to the inner end face 48 of the channel body 14a and which, together with the partition wall 52, defines an interior space of the control housing 14, which is defined as a Drive chamber 54 is designated and into which the two drive arms 53 protrude.

The two drive arms 53 can each be acted upon by a drive force in the drive chamber 54 by the drive unit 13 in order to bring about the pivoting movement 45 of the associated valve member 8, 9 and accordingly the associated control movements 25, 26 of the control arms 24. By adjusting the drive forces accordingly, each valve member 8, 9 can be positioned in the desired operating position.

The through-openings 51 of the partition wall 52 are contoured in such a way that they support the valve member 8, 9 passing therethrough from opposite longitudinal sides, with the pivot axis 44 being specified. Each through-opening 51 is preferably designed in such a way that it has two blade-shaped bearing projections 55 which lie opposite one another at a distance in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36 and which bear against the longitudinal side faces of the respectively assigned valve member 8, 9 which face away from one another in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36.

Each port 51 is sealed to prevent unwanted leakage from the valve chambers 15,16. This is preferably implemented in that each valve member 8, 9 has a rubber-elastic sealing collar 56 in the transition area between the channel body 14a and the partition 52, which projects radially all around with respect to its longitudinal axis 23 and is axially clamped between the partition 52 and the channel body 14a, exerting a sealing effect is. Because of the rubber elasticity, the pivoting movement 45 is not impaired by the sealing collar 56 .

The rubber-elastic sealing collar 56 is structured like a frame and encloses the associated valve member 8, 9, in particular coaxially. During the pivoting movement 45 or control movement 25, 26, the sealing collar 56 is elastically and reversibly deformed. It closes the associated valve chamber 15, 16 in a fluid-tight manner on the rear side facing the drive chamber 54.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve seats 31, 35 are formed on separate nozzle inserts which are inserted into the duct body 14a. However, it is readily possible to design the valve seats 31, 35 as one-piece components of the channel body 14a.

Each valve member 8, 9 is expediently constructed in several parts. According to the illustrated, preferred exemplary embodiment, each valve member 8, 9 has a rigid and in particular rigid lamellar element 57 as its core, which has a linear extension in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 23 and is preferably made of metal or a hard plastic. For example, it consists of steel, in particular stainless steel.

The lamellar element 57, which in particular has a strip-like longitudinal shape, extends through the associated through-opening 51, protruding with a front longitudinal section into the valve chamber 15, 16 and with a rear longitudinal section into the drive chamber 54.

The front longitudinal section of the lamellar element 57 protruding into the valve chamber 15, 16 is expediently surrounded all around by a fluid-tight, rubber-elastic enveloping body 58. The sealing collar 56 is an integral part of this enveloping body 58. Accordingly, the enveloping body 58 is composed of the sealing collar 56 and an integrally adjoining enveloping section 58 that completely envelops the front longitudinal section of the lamellar element 57. The sealing collar 56 protrudes radially all around the enveloping section 58 .

Each of the two enveloping sections 61, which consist of a rubber-elastic material, extends over the supply channel valve seat 61 or connecting channel valve seat 35 located in the same valve chamber 15, 16. Its section opposite the valve seat 31, 35 in question forms a closure section with which the valve member 8, 9 rests in the closed position with a seal on the valve seat 31, 35 in question.

There is preferably a fixed connection between the enveloping body 58 and the lamellar element 57, which is at least partially an adhesive connection, for example.

The control arm 24 is composed, for example, of the front longitudinal section of the lamellar element 57 and at least the enveloping section 61 of the enveloping body 58 .

The rear longitudinal section of a respective lamellar element 57 protruding into the drive chamber 54 is preferably not encased and directly forms the drive arm 53 of the valve member 8, 9.

Expediently, the two control arms 24 are each spring-biased into their closed position resting against the associated valve seat 31, 35. This is a "normally closed" concept. This spring pretensioning is realized, for example, by a mechanical spring loading of the two valve members 8, 9. In the closed position of the control arms 24, the associated valve member 8, 9 assumes an unactuated basic position.

The spring loading of the valve members 8, 9 can in principle take place within the valve chambers 15, 16, but preferably takes place outside of the valve chambers 15, 16, in particular inside the drive chamber 54. The latter applies to the illustrated embodiment.

For example, the fluid control unit 6 has a mechanical spring device 62 that is separate from the two valve members 8, 9 and contains a first spring unit 62a that interacts with the first valve member 8 and a second spring unit 62b that interacts with the second valve member 9. The two spring units 62a, 62b are, in particular, designed to be independent of one another. For example, each spring unit 62a, 62b contains a compression spring 63, preferably in the form of a helical spring, and a rigid pressure piece 64, compression spring 63 being supported on one side on control housing 14 and on the other on pressure piece 64, and pressure piece 64 being supported by the associated compression spring 63 in the axial direction of the Vertical axis 36 to the drive arm 53 of the associated valve member 8, 9 is pressed.

The spring device 62 is designed such that the spring force acting on the drive arm 53 causes a torque on the relevant valve member 8, 9, by which the associated control arm 24 is pressed into the closed position against the adjacent valve seat 31, 35.

In the drive chamber 54, the two spring units 62a, 62b preferably act on the outer surface sections of the drive arms 53 that face away from one another in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36.

The valve 2 is preferably designed in such a way that the two valve members 8, 9 can be actuated independently of one another by one and the same drive unit 13, with it being ensured that in every operating state of the valve member arrangement 12 at least one of the two control arms 24 is in the closed position.

A drive element 65 expediently extends in the drive chamber 54, in particular in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36, which has a drive section 66 which can alternately interact with both drive arms 53 in terms of drive. The drive element 65 is designed in such a way that it can only ever exert a drive force causing an open position on one of the drive arms 53, while at the same time the other valve member 8, 9 remains in the basic position corresponding to a closed position.

The drive section 66 is located in the drive chamber 54 in the intermediate area between the two drive arms 53, its width measured in the direction of the spacing of the drive arms 53 corresponding at least substantially to the clear distance between the two drive arms 53, which is present when the two valve members 8, 9 take their undeflected basic position at the same time.

The drive element 65 can be positioned in a central position shown in the drawing as part of a linear drive movement 67 indicated by a double arrow, which expediently runs in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36, in which the two valve members 8, 9 assume the basic position.

Starting from this central position, the drive element 65 can be displaced, with the drive movement 67 being carried out, either in a first drive direction 67a or in a second drive direction 67b which is opposite in this respect, with the drive section 66 pressing on the inner surface section of one or the other drive arm 53 facing it and entrains the same by overcoming the spring force acting on it, causing a pivoting movement 45 which deflects the associated control arm 24 into an open position.

Since there is no fixed connection between the drive section 66 and the two drive arms 53, the drive arm 53 that is not acted upon remains in place during the corresponding drive movement 67 and the associated valve member 8 or 9 remains in its basic position.

The drive element 65 preferably has a drive rod 68 which extends in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36, which protrudes into the drive chamber 54 with a lower end section and which carries the drive section 66 at its lower end section. The drive rod 68 is, for example, a U-shaped profiled drive rail.

The drive section 66 preferably has such length dimensions in the axial direction of the transverse axis 43 that it protrudes laterally on both sides with a coupling section 69 each over the drive arms 53 . The drive rod 68 has two coupling legs 72 which extend laterally next to the two drive arms 53 and thereby bridge the gap between the two drive arms 53 . Each coupling Leg 72 has a recess into which the drive section 66 engages with its coupling section 69 in a form-fitting manner, so that there is a play-free connection between the drive rod 68 and the drive section 66 in the two drive directions 67a, 67b. The coupling legs 72 are formed, for example, by the U-legs of a drive rod 68 profiled with a U-shaped cross section.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the drive portion 66 is preferably spherical in shape. It then protrudes with a spherical cap-shaped coupling section 69 into a respective circularly contoured bore of the adjacent coupling leg 72 .

According to an exemplary embodiment that is not illustrated, the drive section 66 can also be designed as a circular cylinder, for example. In any case, it is advantageous if the surface sections of the drive section 66 resting on the drive arms 53 each have a convex curvature lying in the associated deflection plane 27, 28 in the form of an arc of a circle.

The drive movement 67 can be generated by the electrically actuable drive unit 13 . The same preferably has an output member 73 which can be driven to an output movement 79 and which is coupled to the drive element 65 in a force-transmitting manner. The output movement of the output member 73 that can be generated is expediently a linear movement whose orientation coincides with that of the drive movement 67 .

The drive unit 13 is preferably attached to the fluid control unit 6 in the axial direction of the vertical axis 36 . A connecting device 74, preferably designed as a snap-in connection device, couples the output member 73 to the output rod 68.

The output member 73 can be moved back and forth and positioned steplessly by performing the output movement 79 . As a result, any desired operating position of the valve member arrangement 12 can be set.

The drive unit 13 is preferably of an electrodynamic type. By way of example, it is designed according to the plunger coil principle, with the driven element 73 having a plurality of coaxially consecutive magnet coils 75 which are contacted with the connection contacts 11 for the purpose of applying an actuating voltage. The magnetic coils 75 enclose a permanent-magnetic stator 76. Energizing the magnetic coils 75 causes the magnetic field generated by the magnetic coils 75 to interact with the magnetic field of the permanent-magnetic stator 76, resulting in a Lorentz force by which the output member 73 is driven to perform the output movement. Depending on the direction of energization, a drive movement 67 of the drive element 65 results in either the first drive direction 67a or the second drive direction 67b. In addition, the drive member 65 can be immovably held in any adjusted position for as long as desired.

For the realization of the drive unit 13 is recommended a structure as in the DE 10 2017 110 684 A1 is described, the content of which is hereby explicitly referred to.

The fluid control unit 6 can optionally be equipped with an additional manual control device 77, which is indicated only schematically in the drawing.

The manual operating device 77 preferably contains a manual operating element 78 which is rotatably mounted on the control housing 14 and which engages in the drive chamber 54 between the two drive arms 53 and, by manually rotating it, exerts an operating force on either one or the other drive arm 53, which, by overcoming the opposing spring force, causes pivoting of the relevant valve member 8, 9 causes.

The manual operating element 78 preferably has a radially projecting operating cam which can be pressed against either one of the two drive arms 53 by rotating the manual operating element 78 .

Claims (19)

Valve arrangement with at least one valve (2) designed to control a fluid flow, which has a fluid control unit (6) which has a control housing (14) in which a valve channel system (7) is designed, which has a valve channel system (7) for connection to a fluid source ( P) provided supply channel (17a), a discharge channel (17c) provided for connection to a pressure sink (R) and a working channel (17b) provided for connection to a consumer (A), the working channel (17b) being provided by means of an electrically actuatable valve member arrangement (12) of the fluid control unit (6) can be connected either to the feed channel (17a) or to the discharge channel (17c), with a first valve chamber (15) being formed in the control housing (14), into which the feed channel (17a) and the Each working channel (17b) opens out with an inner channel opening (22), the inner channel opening (22) of the feed channel (17a) being supported by a feed channel valve seat (31) is framed, over which a control arm (24) of a first valve member (8) of the valve member arrangement (12), which has a longitudinal axis (23), extends in the first valve chamber (15) and executes a first control movement (25) transversely to the longitudinal axis (23) of the first valve member (8) can be deflected in a first deflection plane (27) relative to the control housing (14) in order to either close the feed channel valve seat (31) tightly or move it away from the feed channel valve seat (31). raised open position, characterized in that a second valve chamber (16), which is present in addition to the first valve chamber (15), is formed in the control housing (14), into which the discharge channel (17c) opens with a non-closable inner channel opening (22) and into which also opens out with a controllable channel opening (33) into a connecting channel (32) of the valve channel system (7) which communicates constantly with the working channel (17b), the controllable channel opening (33) of the connecting channel (32) being framed by a connecting channel valve seat (35). over which in the second valve chamber (16) extends a control arm (24) of a second valve member (9) of the valve member arrangement (12) which has a longitudinal axis (23) and is present in addition to the first valve member (8), which under execution a second control movement (26) transversely to the longitudinal axis (23) of the second valve member (9) in a second deflection plane (28) relative to the control housing (14) in order to achieve either a closed position lying tightly against the connecting channel valve seat or one of the Connecting channel valve seat (35) to take lifted open position. valve arrangement claim 1 , characterized in that both control arms (24) are spring-loaded into the closed position resting against the respective assigned valve seat (31, 35). valve arrangement claim 2 , characterized in that the fluid control unit (6) has a mechanical spring device (62) which is separate from the two valve members (8, 9) and by means of which the two control arms (24) move resiliently into the closed position resting against the respectively associated valve seat (31, 35). are biased. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the two control arms (24) are arranged in such a way that the first deflection plane (27) of the control arm (24) of the first valve member (8) and the second deflection plane (28) of the control arm (24) of the second valve member (9 ) run parallel to each other. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the two valve members (8, 9) are arranged side by side in the axial direction of a vertical axis (36) of the fluid control unit (6) at right angles to the longitudinal directions of the valve members (8, 9). valve arrangement claim 5 , characterized in that the supply channel valve seat (31) and the connecting channel valve seat (35) in the axial direction of the vertical axis (36) face each other. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the connecting channel (32) for constant communication with the working channel (17b) within the control housing (14) with its end region opposite the controllable channel opening (33) opens directly into the first valve chamber (15). Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the controllable channel opening (33) is located on a side of the control arm (24) of the second valve chamber (16) facing away from the first valve chamber (15), the connecting channel (32) being connected to the controllable channel opening (33 ) branches into two connecting channel branches (32a, 32b) which are led around the second valve chamber (16) on opposite longitudinal sides of the second valve chamber (16) and which open into the first valve chamber (15) at all times. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the two valve members (8, 9) are designed as rocker elements and can each be pivoted in the manner of a rocker relative to the control housing (14) in order to generate the control movement (25, 26) of the associated control arm (24), with each being pivoted about a right angle to its longitudinal axis (23) aligned pivot axis (44) are pivotally mounted in the control housing (14). valve arrangement claim 9 , characterized in that in the control housing (14) a drive chamber (54) is formed which adjoins the two valve chambers (15, 16) in the longitudinal direction of the valve members (8, 9) and into which the two valve members (8, 9) protrude in each case with a drive arm (53) axially opposite their control arm (24), which can be subjected to a drive force in order to initiate a pivoting movement (45) of the associated valve member (8, 9) and thus the control movement (25, 26) of its control arm (24 ) to cause, wherein each valve member (8, 9) between the valve chamber (15, 16) and the drive chamber (54) located rigid partition (52) penetrates through which it is under before is pivotally supported on the pivot axis (44). valve arrangement claim 10 , characterized in that the fluid control unit (6) contains a manual operating device (77) which has a manual operating element (78) which is rotatably mounted on the control housing (14) and which engages between the drive arms (53) of the two valve members (8, 9) and can be rotated manually to selectively pivot one or the other valve member (8, 9). valve arrangement claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that each valve member (8, 9) in the region of the pivot axis (44) has a rubber-elastic sealing collar (56) which protrudes radially all around with respect to a longitudinal axis of the valve member (8, 9) and with which it is used to seal the associated valve chamber ( 15, 16) between the partition (52) and a channel body (14a) of the control housing (14) containing the valve chambers (15, 16) and the valve channel system (7). valve arrangement claim 12 , characterized in that each valve member (8, 9) has a rigid lamellar element (57) which is framed by the rubber-elastic sealing collar (56), with a length section of the lamellar element (57) protruding into the drive chamber (53) directly supporting the drive arm ( 53) of the valve member (8, 9) and wherein the sealing collar (56) is an integral part of a rubber-elastic enveloping body (58) which forms a longitudinal section of the lamellar element (57) protruding into the valve chamber (15, 16) to form the control arm ( 24) fully encased. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that the dividing wall (52) has two through openings (51) through which one of the valve members (8, 9) passes, each of which is delimited by two blade-shaped bearing projections (55) of the dividing wall (52) lying opposite one another at a distance which the associated valve member (8, 9) is supported in a pivotable manner, defining its pivot axis (44). Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 10 until 14 , characterized in that in the drive chamber (54) there extends a drive element (65) which via a drive section (66) can co-operate in terms of drive with the drive arm (53) of each valve member (8, 9) and which, for one, initiates the pivoting movements (45 ) of the two valve members (8, 9) causing a linear drive movement (67) can be driven. valve arrangement claim 15 , characterized in that the drive element (65) can be positioned in a central position in which the two valve members (8, 9) each assume a basic position in which their control arms (24) are in the closed position and starting from which the drive element ( 65) in mutually opposite first and second drive directions (67a, 67b), whereby it entrains one of the two drive arms (53) in each case, generating a pivoting movement (45) of the associated valve member (8, 9), while at the same time the other valve member ( 8, 9) remains in its basic position. valve arrangement Claim 16 , characterized in that the drive section (66) is arranged between the two drive arms (53) and the two drive arms (53) with coupling sections (69) protrude laterally, with a drive rod (68) of the drive element (65) next to the two drive arms (53) and is positively coupled to the coupling sections (69) protruding beyond the drive arms (53), the drive section (66) being convexly arched in the contact area with the two drive arms. Valve arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 17 , characterized in that the valve (2) has an electrically actuatable drive unit (13) built onto the fluid control unit (6) for actuating the valve member arrangement (12) which co-operates in terms of driving with each valve member (8, 9). valve arrangement Claim 18 in connection with one of the Claims 15 until 17 , characterized in that the electrically actuable drive unit (13) is designed to bring about the linear drive movement (67) of the drive element (65).

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