EP1036943A1 - Hydraulic control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The control unit has a valve block (1) containing two valves (4) and input and output lines (2,6,7) for the hydraulic fluid to and from each valve with a single common actuator (10,12,13) built onto the valve block for the valve elements of all valves present. The actuator has at least one actuating element (10) that can be moved by a further actuating device so as actuate one valve in the valve block or several valves simultaneously.

Description

The invention relates to a hydraulic control unit with a valve block at least two built-in valves and supply and discharge lines for the hydraulic fluid every valve.

Hydraulic systems with several work rooms to be controlled are currently especially with several independent hydraulic actuators Movement of loads, such as in the hydraulic drives of the convertible tops convertibles, automatically operated trunk lids or other moving components on vehicles, mostly controlled by solenoid valves. There is one for each valve hydraulic part and an electrical part to provide what the effort For example, for the necessary wiring (two lines for each existing one Valve) and the magnetic component and the price increased significantly. When suddenly Power failure, the solenoid valves of the conventional system do not remain connected, which causes the components to move in an undesirable manner, endanger people and can damage the vehicle or the system. For this reason, must go through Additional components safety precautions are taken, which is the effort in constructionally and economically for the overall system further increased. In addition to the Applications in vehicle technology are of course also many other uses such hydraulic arrangements possible.

Typically, the valves have previously been installed in Cartridge construction mounted in a valve block. It has to be for every application A specially interconnected valve block can be developed and manufactured as the actuators must be controlled differently. For example, both EP-A-0 718 504 and DE-A-36 35 625 each have a construction with several valves in a housing, but with great design effort and high Space-dependent actuators are provided for each valve. For all Actuators are described a common actuator, both Paint in the form of a hand lever.

The object of the invention was therefore a hydraulic control unit initially specified type, which with little structural and economical Effort allows a simple and flexible control of several valves while doing so At the same time, the weight and installation space of the unit can be reduced.

This object is achieved according to the present invention in that a only common actuator for the valve elements of all existing Valves on the valve block is built, which with at least one actuator is equipped with the option of actuating one or more at a time of the existing valves to the or by means of a further actuating device each valve is movable. This arrangement allows for a single valve block a certain number of valves to find what the manufacture and Warehousing considerably simplified. The different requirements of The switching sequences of the hydraulic systems are controlled by the second one Actuator takes into account which the valves in the desired Sequence activated. This is also a reduction in size and in Weight connected, because for all valves a single actuator and only additionally a further actuating device for selecting the respective one actuating valve must be present. This advantage is even more pronounced the more valves in the valve block. And also when assembling the Maintenance and any repairs are the simpler and clearer design an advantage, which also requires less effort from the electrical control needs and overall also significantly increases the economy of the control unit. The actuating device can of course also be used indirectly act intermediate elements on the actual valve element.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the common Actuator is an electric linear stepper motor that is an exact controllable actuation of the valves guaranteed. If the valves are built accordingly even a proportional valve function can be realized with it.

If according to another embodiment, the common actuator is an electrically actuated magnet arrangement, can with this fast Actuator rapid opening and closing of the valves can be achieved.

It is advantageous to select the respective one precisely and easily actuating valve of the group of valves present in the valve block, that the further actuator for the actuator is an electrical Is stepper motor.

A particularly compact arrangement can be achieved in one embodiment which is characterized in that all valves in the valve block are circular and are preferably provided with their axes aligned in parallel, the actuator movable in a circle and the electric stepper motor for the actuator as a rotary motor with concentric to the symmetry axis of the valve arrangement horizontal spindle is executed. With this variant, the time between the selection of any two valves for actuation are kept very short, whereby the flexibility in the switching sequence can be used to the best possible extent can.

A very simple and easily adjustable variant for the actuator of the Valves provides that the actuator by one or more fingers or one Disc with one or more tongue-like projections on the rotating spindle is formed.

If, however, according to a further feature of the invention, the actuator is formed by a perforated disc on the rotating spindle is a quick one It is possible to assume a position in which, if necessary, all valves at the same time can be switched, for example to an emergency operation of the otherwise to allow parts actuated automatically by the actuators. So the perforated disc For example, be carried out in such a way that in discrete, the actuators Valves corresponding to positions are present, except of course for those in the holes valves to be switched in each position. When the perforated disc is turned into a Intermediate position, all valves can then be switched together, which also can be done manually for emergency operation. This emergency operation could also be done by a second disc that can only be moved axially by hand without any holes, which is mounted over the first perforated disc, with programming of the Perforated disc can be omitted to an intermediate position.

Conveniently and with the advantage of being easy to adapt to different or changing requirements is according to another characteristic the invention, the further actuating device for the actuator with Control is bound, preferably with a freely programmable controller Je the switching sequence of the valves can be selected and changed as required, for example, several switching programs can also be created by the user Desired saved and kept available.

According to a first special embodiment, the valves are as in Valve block elaborated seat valves executed and protrudes at least part of the organs acting actual valve element out of the valve block.

According to a further embodiment it is provided that the valves as in Valve block elaborated slide valves are executed, the slide from the Valve block protrudes.

Very easy to manufacture, assemble and if necessary Repairs is an embodiment of the control unit in which the valves are used complete slide valve cartridges executed and in corresponding recordings of the Valve block are used, the in the fully inserted position Cartridges the slider protrudes from the valve block. You can also use it to given valve block many different types of hydraulic controls realize and also change afterwards by exchanging individual valves and to adjust. Combinations of different valves and / or Circuit symbols can be implemented easily and quickly. In addition to the possibility of The other according to the invention has realizing proportional valves Embodiment in which the moving parts of the valves on two different Stand out of the valve block and solely by the action of the actuator are displaceable, the advantage that it automatically optimal Security requirements are met. If namely the current for control If the valve suddenly fails, the valve remains in the just switched position and thus maintains its intended function until it is actuated is brought back into another switching position. Another advantage of this variant is significant compared to conventional control units - the more valves, the more more significant - lower power consumption, since after switching through the Actuator the valve remains in the set position and that Actuator then - until the next switching operation - be de-energized can.

Advantageously and with a particularly simple mechanical design or Producibility of the valve block is provided that the moving parts of the valves protrude on opposite sides of the valve block and alone through the action of two coupled to the same direction movement Opposite sides of the valve block arranged actuators are movable.

For more extensive safety functions and for hydraulic systems To enable usual functions in a simple manner, in the valve block worked out lines additional components such as nozzles or Throttles in the tank lines and / or check valves in the pressure lines to be on. If, for example, the pump for the pressure fluid should fail, it will stop then blocking check valve maintains the pressure in the system and thus ensures that, for example, a convertible top cannot accidentally close or open.

In the following description, a specific embodiment of a Hydraulic control unit according to the invention with reference to the accompanying Drawings are explained in more detail.

1 shows a view of a control unit according to the invention from diagonally above, Fig. 2 is a side view, Fig. 3 shows a section through an embodiment with slide valves in the amount of two valves parallel to their axes, Fig. 4 is a section through an embodiment with integrated seat valves in height this seat valve, FIG. 5 is a section through the control unit of FIG. 4 to the side the seat valves, Fig. 6a and 6b are a side view and a plan view of a Embodiment with a round housing, as well as that of FIGS. 7a and 7b, but with is equipped with two stepper motors.

The valve block 1 of the control unit according to the invention is in the drawings shown as a cuboid, but could also have any other practical shape, in particular the shape of a cylinder or a polygon, the axes of the installed valves then preferably parallel to the axis of symmetry of the valve block 1 are oriented. The connections 2 for the are on the lateral lateral surfaces 1a Supply with pressurized fluid from the tank or the working pressure Hydraulic system pressure pump. At most, the tank or the pump could be flanged directly to the valve block 1, so that connecting lines and Seals can be saved and the risk of leakage can be reduced. The front and rear lateral surface 1b advantageously have bores for the insertion of check valves 3 in a passage extending parallel to the lateral surface 1b for the Pressurized fluid, from which passage feed ducts branching essentially at right angles to the actual valves 4, preferably 3/2-way valves or Valve arrangements with the same switching function. Controlled via the moving Valve slide 5, the ends of which in both switching positions over the top surface 1c or Projecting bottom surface 1d, there is a connection between which the pressure fluid feeding connections 2 and the outputs 6 to the actuators. In the another switching position, on the other hand, a connection from the actuators to one second, again running parallel to the front or rear lateral surface 1b Passage made from which from the workrooms of the actuators compressed fluid pressed out via outlet connections 7 in the lateral lateral surfaces 1a is drained back into the tank. The lines leading to the actuators can about the sliding plates 8 with keyhole-shaped recesses 8a be fixed to the valve block 1, the plates 8 themselves by means of the screws 9 are fixable. With a different shape of the valve block 1, the passages of the connections 2 and to the output connections 7 also in the form of closed ones Ring channels around the axis of symmetry of the valve block, preferably with one each Pressure port and an outlet port, or in the form of along parts of the circumferential, curved or kinked passages.

The valve slide 5 is actuated via an actuating element 10 in the form at least one finger on a rotatable shaft 11 above the top surface 1c of the Valve block 1 is adjustable but mounted in a rotationally fixed manner. There could also be a disc on the Be mounted shaft 11 which has a projection corresponding to the finger. Also other embodiments would be conceivable, for example disks with holes which fit the protruding ends of the valve slide 5. In any case is at least one valve controllable via the common actuator 10, while at least one other valve is not reached by the actuator 10, is decoupled in terms of control from the actuator, and therefore - regardless of the Control of the valve located in the area of influence of the actuator 10 - in the current position remains. This function can be used instead of individual valves can also be implemented for groups of valves if a plurality of actuating members 10 available and / or for interaction with, for example, several valve spools 5 are designed.

On the opposite side of the valve block 1, i.e. not in Fig. 1 visible underside 1d, another finger 10 is provided in the same position, where in the neutral basic position both fingers are outside the area of the Ends of the valve slide 5 projecting beyond the top surface 1c or bottom surface 1d are located. Via a solenoid 12 and a pull magnet 13 or each Arrangement with the same function, for example a linear stepper motor, can Shaft 11 are moved in the axial direction, the fingers 10 on the ends of the Valve slide 5 act and the valve slide 5 for adjusting one of the two Switch positions of the respective valve 4 or the valve arrangement are also axially closed move. In this case, the magnets held in a frame 14 are energized only until the desired switching position of the valve 4 is reached, after which the Energy input in the power consumption overall significantly reducing turned off and the shaft 11 by suitable devices, such as elastic Elements such as axial coil springs, returned to the neutral basic position becomes. The valve slide 5, however, remain because no springs or the like on them act in the position reached and thus keep the valve in even without energy supply the switched position. This is an essential safety function in the event of a Malfunction in the electrical lines to the valve, which the unimpeded Function until the end of the working stroke of the respective controlled actuator guaranteed.

On the side of the valve block 1 opposite the magnets 12, 13 a rotary stepping motor 15 is preferably used to rotate the shaft 11 about its axis mounted, the connection with the shaft to compensate for axial displacements 11 is rotatably coupled. The stepper motor 15 can advantageously with a Be connected to electronic control, which the switching sequence and position of the Valves 4 determined. This switching sequence and the respective position of the corresponding valve 4 determined in terms of circuitry or software and thus be given changeable.

In the sectional view of FIG. 3, those are parallel to the front and rear Check valve 3 also used in the lateral surface of the passage See cut. Through the channels 16, the pressurized fluid passes through the Port 2 in the check valve 3, reaches its actual valve element 17, preferably a ball, which is pressed by the spring 18 against the valve seat is from the working pressure of the system but against the action of the spring 18 of his Seat is held off. The pressure fluid passes from the check valve 3 via the transverse to the passage channel 19 to the 3/2-way valve 4, which in the represent embodiment as inserted into a bore of the valve block 1 and completely replaceable cartridge is designed. In the shown in Fig. 3 Position of the valve slide 5, the valve 4 connects the actuators via the connections 6 and the transverse channel 20, each with a second parallel to the passage and the front or rear lateral surface 1b extending passage 21 on each side of the valve block 1, through which passage 21 the pressure fluid pressed out of the actuators via the Output connections 7 is returned to the tank. For that are in the valve spool 5 transition grooves 22 elaborated, which the connection between the form individual channels and passages in valve block 1. In the other switch position of the valve 4 when the upper end of the valve slide 5 with the top surface 1c closes and the lower end of which projects beyond the floor surface 1d, is by the transition grooves 22 the connection between the channel 19 and the channel 20th manufactured so that pressure fluid coming into the valve block 1 via the connections 2 finally via the connections 6 to the working spaces of the actuators and there can cause its labor movement.

Another embodiment of the control unit according to the invention with two Check valves, which together form a 3/2-way valve arrangement, is in the 4 and 4 shown in two parallel sections. In this embodiment, the Check valves 3 used in holes in the bottom surface 1d, also in one Row in the course of a passage parallel to the front or rear lateral surface 1b for the entering through the port 2 in the valve block 1, under the working pressure standing pressure fluid. The pressure fluid passes from the via short connecting channels 23 Check valve 3 to the first check valve 24 which controls the actuators Valve arrangement 24, 29. Its actual valve element, the ball 25, is both from the pressure fluid as well as from the spring 26 in the direction of the valve seat acted upon. On the opposite side to spring 26 and the connecting channel 23, a plunger 27 is provided in a transverse channel 28. Depending on the Position of the valve slide 5, the plunger 27 is pressed into the transverse channel 28 and so lifts the ball 25 from the valve seat or the plunger 27 again from the Spring 26 and / or the pressure of the pressure fluid on the valve slide 5 moves become. The same function is given for the second check valve 29. Around now the two check valves 24 and 29 are to be alternately blocked or released the valve slide 5 in its axially central region with a constriction 30, i.e. a reduction in cross section, which extends over two to the ends of the Valve slide 5 conically widening sections 31 into the sections passes, which essentially completely the bore for the valve slide 5 to complete.

In the switching position shown, the lower plunger 27 is the first Check valve 24 pressed completely into the transverse channel 28, thereby holding the ball 25 lifted off the valve seat and passes the connection from the connecting channel 23 the check valve 24 into a connecting passage recognizable in the section of FIG. 5 32 free, which leads to the outputs 6 to the actuators, the outer of the Outputs 6 leads an additional cross channel 33. In the second switch position of the Valve spool 5 whose constriction 30 comes to rest on the first tappet 27, so that this is released and the pressure fluid and the spring 26, the ball 25 again can press on the valve seat. In contrast, the plunger 34 of the second Check valve 29 through the valve slide 5 axially into its guide channel moves, whereby this the ball 35 of the second check valve 29 against the Effect of the spring 36 stands out from its seat and thus the connection of the Actuators via the outputs 6 and the second check valve 29 into a passage 37 releases that opens into the holes for the valve slide 5. About this passage 37, which again runs essentially parallel to the front or rear lateral surface 1b, the pressure fluid passes from the work spaces of the actuators via the Output connections 7 back into the tank.

Of course, between the valve slides 5 and their guides, for example, the valve cartridges, slidable seals provided, in particular in the case of the passages 37 opening into these guides, pressure fluid escapes prevent from the valve assembly and the valve block 1.

6a and 6b with their cylindrical valve block 1 is also the arrangement of the valves 4 preferably circular about the central axis of the cylindrical valve block 1. Two actuators 10 in. can also be seen here Form of fingers protruding outwards towards the valve slides 5. How special from the 6a shows, the lifting magnet 12 and the pull magnet 13 can of course also be mounted on the underside of the valve block 1, as with all Embodiments in principle, the installation position can be chosen completely arbitrarily.

In the hydraulic, also provided with a cylindrical valve block 1 Control unit of FIGS. 7a and 7b is made of a solenoid 12 instead of the arrangement and a pull magnet 13 on the stepper motor 15 for rotating the fingers 10 a further stepping motor 15 'opposite the respective valve slide 5 intended. This stepper motor 15 'moves the fingers 10 to switch the valves 4 in the axial direction of the valve block 1 and is therefore designed as a linear stepper motor.

Claims (13)

1. Hydraulic control unit, with a valve block (1) with at least two built-in valves (4, 24, 29) and supply and discharge lines (2, 6, 7) for the hydraulic fluid to each valve, characterized in that a single common Actuating device (10, 12, 13, 15 ') for the valve elements (5, 25, 35) of all existing valves (4, 24, 29) is built onto the valve block (1) and is equipped with at least one actuating member (10) which can optionally be moved to actuate one or more of the existing valves (4, 24, 29) by means of a further actuating device (15) to the or each valve (4, 24, 29). 2. Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the common actuating device is an electric linear stepper motor (15 '). 3. Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the common actuating device is an electrically actuated magnet arrangement (12, 13). 4. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the further actuating device (15) for the actuating member (10) is an electric stepper motor. 5. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all valves (4, 24, 29) in the valve block (1) are provided in a circle and with their axes preferably aligned in parallel, the at least one actuating member (10) movable in a circle and the Electric stepper motor (15) for the actuating element is designed as a rotary motor with a rotary spindle (11) lying concentrically to the axis of symmetry of the valve arrangement. 6. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating member (10) is formed by one or more fingers or a disc with one or more tongue-like projections on the rotary spindle (11). 7. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating member is formed by a perforated disc on the rotating spindle (11). 8. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further actuating device (15) for the actuating member (10) is bound with a controller, preferably with a freely programmable controller. 9. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (24, 29) are designed as seat valves in the valve block (1) and at least a part (5) of the organs acting on the actual valve element (25, 35) protrudes from the valve block (1). 10. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valves are designed as slide valves worked out in the valve block (1), the slide (5) of which protrudes from the valve block. 11. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valves are designed as a complete slide valve cartridges (4) and are inserted in corresponding receptacles of the valve block (1), the in the fully inserted position of the cartridges (4) The slide (5) protrudes from the valve block (1). 12. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable parts of the valves (4, 24, 29) protrude at two different locations of the valve block (1) and can be displaced solely by the action of the actuating element (10). 13. Control unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the movable parts (5) of the valves (4, 24, 29) on opposite sides of the valve block (1) protrude and solely by the action of two coupled to the same movement, on opposite Sides of the valve block (1) arranged actuators (10) are displaceable. 14. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lines worked out in the valve block (1) additional components such as nozzles or throttles in the tank lines and / or check valves (3) in the pressure lines are switched on.

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