EP1645755B1 - Progressive start device for compressed air systems - Google Patents

Progressive start device for compressed air systems Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1645755B1
EP1645755B1 EP20050020433 EP05020433A EP1645755B1 EP 1645755 B1 EP1645755 B1 EP 1645755B1 EP 20050020433 EP20050020433 EP 20050020433 EP 05020433 A EP05020433 A EP 05020433A EP 1645755 B1 EP1645755 B1 EP 1645755B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
outlet
directional valve
directional
inlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20050020433
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1645755A2 (en
EP1645755A3 (en
Inventor
Andreas Decker
Karl Messerschmidt
Günter Gebauer
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Festo SE and Co KG
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Festo SE and Co KG
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Publication of EP1645755A2 publication Critical patent/EP1645755A2/en
Publication of EP1645755A3 publication Critical patent/EP1645755A3/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B11/00—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor
    • F15B11/06—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor involving features specific to the use of a compressible medium, e.g. air, steam
    • F15B11/068—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor involving features specific to the use of a compressible medium, e.g. air, steam with valves for gradually putting pneumatic systems under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B20/00—Safety arrangements for fluid actuator systems; Applications of safety devices in fluid actuator systems; Emergency measures for fluid actuator systems
    • F15B20/008—Valve failure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/30—Directional control
    • F15B2211/305—Directional control characterised by the type of valves
    • F15B2211/30505—Non-return valves, i.e. check valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/30—Directional control
    • F15B2211/305—Directional control characterised by the type of valves
    • F15B2211/30525—Directional control valves, e.g. 4/3-directional control valve
    • F15B2211/3053—In combination with a pressure compensating valve
    • F15B2211/30535—In combination with a pressure compensating valve the pressure compensating valve is arranged between pressure source and directional control valve
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/30—Directional control
    • F15B2211/305—Directional control characterised by the type of valves
    • F15B2211/3056—Assemblies of multiple valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/30—Directional control
    • F15B2211/32—Directional control characterised by the type of actuation
    • F15B2211/329—Directional control characterised by the type of actuation actuated by fluid pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
    • F15B2211/605—Load sensing circuits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
    • F15B2211/63—Electronic controllers
    • F15B2211/6303—Electronic controllers using input signals
    • F15B2211/634—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a state of a valve
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
    • F15B2211/635—Circuits providing pilot pressure to pilot pressure-controlled fluid circuit elements
    • F15B2211/6355—Circuits providing pilot pressure to pilot pressure-controlled fluid circuit elements having valve means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
    • F15B2211/665—Methods of control using electronic components
    • F15B2211/6654—Flow rate control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
    • F15B2211/70—Output members, e.g. hydraulic motors or cylinders or control therefor
    • F15B2211/75—Control of speed of the output member
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/86493—Multi-way valve unit
    • Y10T137/86574—Supply and exhaust
    • Y10T137/86582—Pilot-actuated
    • Y10T137/86614—Electric
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/86928—Sequentially progressive opening or closing of plural valves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87265—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining
    • Y10T137/87322—With multi way valve having serial valve in at least one branch
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures

Definitions

  • Soft-start devices are used in compressed-air systems to supply compressed-air-sensitive functional units, such as maintenance devices, etc., with compressed air, the pressure gradually increasing from a relatively low secondary pressure to the primary or operating pressure. As a result, pressure surges are avoided with high, harmful primary pressure.
  • Pressure shock prone functional units are, for example, filter units or double-acting pneumatic cylinders. In the case of double-acting pneumatic cylinders, it may happen that the piston is in a "neutral" state of the cylinder in a center position, so that, if the full pressure shock acting on the piston, this could suddenly drive into one of the end positions, causing damage to the piston or could lead to the end stop of the cylinder. Dangerous movements can also lead to personal injury. This is prevented by the soft start, so that the piston moves relatively slowly to its end position.
  • a soft start device of the type mentioned is, for example, in the US 5337788 or EP 0 758 063 B1 discloses, in which a start valve is described in the form of a poppet valve, wherein the valve is vented via a quick exhaust.
  • the start valve has a housing in which a single, from the inlet to the outlet extending flow path is formed, wherein in the flow path acting as a throttle seat valve is arranged.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a soft start device of the type mentioned, which provides a "one-fault-safety" when venting and thus meets the category 3 of the aforementioned standard.
  • the soft-start device is characterized in that the valves of the valve circuit are interconnected in such a way that in addition to the standard vent switch position several more vent switch positions are possible, each one of the other vent switch positions results when in the normally the standard vent switch position causing actuation process any single of the existing valves malfunctioning.
  • the secondary outlet can thus still be vented in case of malfunction of one of the valves, since the soft start device has a total "one-fault-safety". Thus, it meets the requirements of EN 954-1, category 3.
  • the first and second directional control valves together form a switch-on stage upstream of the fifth directional control valve or main valve and the third, fourth and fifth directional control valves, together with the throttle device and the non-return valve, provide a softstart enabling the soft start.
  • the switch-on stage can be arranged in a switch-on valve unit and the soft-start stage in a separate soft-start valve unit which can be separated from the switch-on valve unit.
  • the soft-start device according to the invention can thus consist of two separate units, of which one unit has a "switch-on function" and the other unit has a "soft-start function".
  • the non-actively switchable directional valves are held by adjusting springs and additionally by pressurization with compressed air in its nc position to achieve a form independent of pressure.
  • the throttle device prefferably has an adjustable throttle valve and, in addition, a fixed throttle in the form of a throttle bypass which bypasses the adjustable throttle. This prevents the flow path is completely shut off when fully closing the throttle valve.
  • FIGS. 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the soft start device 11 according to the invention.
  • the valve circuit according to the first embodiment has a primary inlet P1 to which compressed air is supplied under primary pressure.
  • the primary inlet is connected to a, with at least one consumer couplable secondary outlet P2, is discharged at the compressed air at secondary pressure, wherein the secondary pressure is less than or equal to the primary pressure.
  • the entire soft start device 11 can be preceded by a maintenance unit, for example, so that Pressure surges on pressure sensitive components of the maintenance unit are attenuated.
  • Another application of the soft-start device is its upstream of a double-acting pneumatic cylinder, so that pressure surges are attenuated on the piston of the pneumatic cylinder, as long as it is not in an end position, but in a middle position.
  • Primary inlet P1 and secondary outlet P2 are connected to each other via a main flow path 12, in which a plurality of directional control valves are turned on in the manner described in more detail below.
  • valve circuit of the first embodiment of the soft start device 11 according to the invention has the following structure:
  • a second directional valve WV2 of the type 3/2-nc is provided, whose inlet E2 communicates with the primary inlet P1 and its outlet A2 in parallel with the inlet E5 of the main valve designed as the fifth directional valve WV5 of the type 2/2-nc, with the inlet E3 of a third directional valve WV3 type 3/2-nc, with the input of the throttle device 13 and the output of a secondary outlet P2 blocking check valve RV is connected, the second directional valve WV2 via a vent outlet R2 vented and the control side with the primary inlet P1 is coupled.
  • the second directional control valve WV2 is held in its nc (normaly closed) position via a control spring 14. In order to determine the current switching state of the second directional valve WV2, this sensor 15 is associated with a sensor device.
  • the second directional valve WV2 is controlled via a first directional control valve WV1 type 3/2 NC.
  • the inlet E1 of the first directional valve WV1 is connected to the primary inlet P1 and the outlet A1 to the control side S2 of the second directional valve WV2, wherein the first directional valve WV1 via a vent outlet R1 can be vented and via control means arranged switching means 16 is actively switched.
  • a switching means for example, manually or electrically operable actuators in question.
  • the outlet A2 of the second directional valve WV2 is connected to the inlet E5 of the fifth directional valve WV5.
  • the outlet A5 of the fifth-way valve WV5 is connected to the inlet E4 of a fourth directional valve WV4 of the type 3/2-nc and connected in parallel to the outlet of the throttle device 13, the fifth directional valve WV5 being coupled to the outlet A4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 on the control side.
  • the fifth directional valve WV5 is also held by a spring 14 in its nc position.
  • a bypass 17 is provided in which the throttle device 13 is turned on.
  • a third directional valve WV3 which serves to control the fourth directional valve WV4.
  • the outlet A3 of the third directional valve WV3 is coupled to the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4, wherein the third directional valve WV3 can be vented via a vent outlet R3 and can be actively switched via control means 16 arranged on the control side.
  • the fourth directional valve WV4 is also provided, which is likewise arranged in the main flow path 12 and is connected downstream of the fifth directional valve WV5 or main valve.
  • the outlet A4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 is parallel to Coupling with the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 connected to the secondary outlet P2 and to the input of the check valve RV, wherein the fourth directional valve WV4 via a vent outlet R4 is vented.
  • FIG. 1 shows a switching position in which all directional valves WV1 to WV5 are in their nc position, so that this state could also be referred to as "rest position" before the soft start process.
  • compressed air flows under primary pressure both to the inlet E1 of the first directional valve WV1 and to the inlet E2 of the second directional valve WV2 via the primary inlet P1 and is there because the passage is blocked.
  • FIG. 2 shows a fictitious switching position, in which initially only the first directional control valve WV1 is actively switched to its open position, while the third directional valve WV3 still remains in its nc position.
  • Now compressed air passes under primary pressure via the first directional valve WV1 to the control side S2 of the second directional valve WV2 and switches this in its open position.
  • Through the open second directional valve WV2 compressed air passes under primary pressure along the main flow path to the inlet E5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 and stands there because the fifth directional control valve is still in its nc position.
  • compressed air at primary pressure reaches the inlet E3 of the third directional valve WV3 and is also there because the third directional valve WV3 is still in its nc position.
  • compressed air flows into the bypass 17 and passes there to the throttle device 13, which contains an adjustable throttle valve, which throttles the compressed air to a secondary pressure which is lower than the primary pressure.
  • the pressurized air under secondary pressure now reaches the outlet A5 of the fifth directional control valve and parallel to the inlet E4 of the fourth directional control valve, but can not continue from there, since fourth and fifth directional control valves WV4 and WV5 are still in their nc positions are.
  • the compressed air originating from the outlet A2 of the second directional valve still arrives at the check valve RV, but can not pass there since the check valve RV blocks in this direction, ie in the direction of the secondary outlet P2.
  • FIG. 3 now shows a switching position for initiating the soft start process.
  • first and third directional valve WV1 and WV3 are simultaneously switched to their open position. Now coming from the outlet A2 of the second directional valve compressed air passes under primary pressure to the third directional control valve, can pass there and reaches the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4. As a result, the fourth directional control valve is switched to its open position WV4, so that compressed air throttled to secondary pressure by means of the throttle valve can reach the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 via the outlet A4 of the fourth directional control valve.
  • pressurized air under secondary pressure flows to the secondary outlet P2, where it reaches the consumers, which are therefore not subjected to the full primary pressure surge, but initially only with a lower secondary pressure.
  • the secondary pressure gradually increases until, after a certain ratio between secondary and primary pressure, switching of the fifth directional valve WV5 into its open position is initiated.
  • the ratio between secondary pressure and primary pressure can be, for example, in the range of> 0 to 1, in particular 0.4 to 0.6. Particularly preferred is switched in the open position, if the secondary pressure p 2 equal to about 0.5. Primary pressure p 1 is.
  • FIG. 4 shows the switching position after the soft start process, in which case all directional valves WV1 to WV5 are in their open position. This allows compressed air with primary pressure from the primary inlet P1 directly via the main flow path 12 to the secondary outlet P2 and from there to the consumers.
  • the soft start device 11 is switched to a standard venting switching position, whose circuit diagram corresponds to the in FIG. 1 corresponds to the circuit diagram shown.
  • First and third directional valve are therefore switched back to their nc position.
  • compressed air can escape from the control side S4 of the fourth directional control valve via the venting outlet R3, so that the fourth directional control valve WV4 switches back into its nc position.
  • compressed air escapes from the control side S2 of the second directional control valve via the venting outlet R1 of the first directional valve WV1, so that the second directional control valve WV2 likewise switches back into its NC position.
  • FIG. 5 now shows a venting switch position, in which the first directional valve WV1 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its nc position, but remains in its open position.
  • the control side S2 of the second directional control valve remains pressurized, so that the second directional control valve likewise remains in its open position and the venting via the venting outlet R2 is blocked.
  • the secondary outlet P2 can still be vented, since the third directional valve WV3 has switched to its nc position in accordance with the regulations and thus the fourth directional valve WV4 has also switched back to its nc position. This allows the secondary outlet P2 derived compressed air via the vent outlet R4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 escape.
  • FIG. 6 shows a venting switch position in which the second directional valve WV2 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its nc position.
  • the passage E2-A2 is therefore still open, so that compressed air can pass under primary pressure from the primary inlet P1, whereas the vent outlet R2 is locked. Nevertheless, compressed air originating from the secondary outlet P2 can escape via the fourth directional valve WV4, which has returned to its NC position in accordance with the regulations, since the third directional valve WV3 has also switched correctly via the vent outlet R4.
  • FIG. 7 represents a venting switch position, in which the third directional control valve has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position.
  • the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve is pressurized air, so that this can not switch back to its nc position, but remains in its open position.
  • the vent outlet R4 is blocked for coming from the secondary outlet P2 compressed air.
  • it can still be vented, as derived from the secondary outlet P2 compressed air contrary to the main flow direction, ie along A4-E4 and A5-E5, the second directional valve WV2 passes, which has switched by the correctly switched first directional control valve WV1 in accordance with its nc position.
  • the compressed air can escape via the vent outlet R2.
  • FIG. 8 shows a venting switching position in which the fourth directional valve WV4 has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position. As a result, the vent path is blocked via the vent outlet R4. Nevertheless, compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 enters identical way as in the FIG. 7 shown venting position to the second directional control valve and can escape there via the vent outlet R2.
  • FIG. 9 shows a venting switching position in which the check valve has a malfunction, that is, in its actual flow direction from the secondary outlet P2 in the direction of primary inlet P1 blocks.
  • the venting of the originating from the secondary outlet P2 compressed air takes place here via the fourth directional valve WV4, which has switched by switching back the third directional valve properly in its nc-switching position, so that the compressed air can escape through the vent outlet R4.
  • FIG. 10 showed a venting switch position in which the soft start process, ie in the start phase, vented.
  • First and third directional valves WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc position, so that the associated second and fourth directional valves WV2 and WV4 have also switched back to their nc position.
  • Compressed air from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlets R4 of the fourth directional valve WV4.
  • the remaining strands vent via the second directional valve WV2 and the vent outlet R2 there.
  • FIGS. 11 to 20 a second embodiment of the soft start device 11 according to the invention is shown.
  • the second embodiment is characterized in that the components of the valve circuit can all be accommodated together in a valve unit. It is also here a primary inlet P1 is provided, is supplied to the compressed air under primary pressure. The primary inlet P1 is connected to a secondary outlet P2 via a main flow path 12, on which in turn compressed air is discharged under secondary pressure to the consumers.
  • valve circuit according to the second embodiment of the soft-start device 11 according to the invention is constructed as follows:
  • a fifth directional valve WV5 of the type 2/2 NC is provided, its inlet E5 with the primary inlet P1 and its outlet A5 with the inlet E4 of a fourth directional valve WV4 of the type 3/2 NC and parallel thereto with the outlet of the throttle device 13 is connected, wherein the fifth directional valve WV5 is the control side coupled to the output of the throttle device 13 and in addition to an outlet A6 of a sixth directional valve WV6 type 4/2 NC, if the sixth directional valve WV6 is in its functional position described below.
  • the fifth directional control valve WV5 is held in its NC position by means of a control spring 14 and additionally by means of compressed air injection by means of coupling to the primary inlet P1. Further, the fifth directional valve WV5 is associated with a sensor 15 for determining its current switching state.
  • a first directional valve WV1 is arranged, whose inlet E1 with the primary inlet P1 and the outlet A1 to the inlet E3 of a third directional valve WV3 type 3/2 NC and parallel to the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 is connected, wherein the first directional valve WV1 via a vent outlet R1 can be vented and actively switched via control means arranged on the control means 16. Furthermore, the first directional control valve is held in its NC position via a control spring 14.
  • a third directional control valve WV3 is arranged, the outlet A3 of which is coupled to the control side S4 of a fourth directional valve WV4 of the type 3/2 NC, the third directional valve WV3 being vented via a venting outlet R3 and switching means 16 arranged on the control side is active switchable.
  • the fourth directional valve WV4 actuated by means of the third directional valve WV3 is connected via its outlet A4 to the secondary outlet P2 and parallel to an inlet E6 of the sixth directional valve WV6, wherein the fourth directional valve WV4 can be vented via a venting outlet R4.
  • the fourth directional control valve WV4 is held in its nc position via a control spring 14 and additionally by means of pressurized air via coupling to the outlet of the throttle device 13 and parallel to it via coupling to the output A5 of the fifth directional valve WV5.
  • a sensor 15 is provided for determining the current switching state of the fourth directional valve WV4.
  • the sixth directional valve WV6 is switchable between a normal position and a functional position, wherein in the normal position a first inlet E6 is connected to the secondary outlet P2 and parallel to the outlet A4 of the fourth directional valve WV4, while the associated first vent outlet R6 is open to the atmosphere , In the normal position of the sixth directional valve WV6, a second inlet E6 * is further coupled to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5, while an associated second venting outlet R6 * is open to the atmosphere.
  • FIG. 11 is a switching position shown in which all 3/2 or 2/2-way valves are in their nc position, and the sixth directional valve WV6 type 4/2 NC is in its normal position.
  • This position could also be referred to as a rest position before the soft start process.
  • compressed air originating from the primary inlet P1 is in contact with the primary pressure at the inlet E1 of the closed first directional valve WV1 and parallel thereto at the inlet E5 of the closed fifth directional valve WV5.
  • compressed air for supporting the adjusting spring 14 reaches the counter-control side of the fifth directional valve WV5.
  • compressed air flows into the bypass 17 and reaches the throttle device 13 and from there to the inlet E4 of the closed fourth directional valve, to the outlet A5 of the closed fifth directional valve WV5 and to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5.
  • a throttle device 13 here is an adjustable throttle valve is provided and in addition a fixed throttle in the form of an adjustable throttle immediate throttle bypass. This prevents the flow path is completely closed when the throttle valve is closed. Rather, a quantity of compressed air via the throttle bypass, which has a relatively small cross section, can always reach the associated ports of the fourth and fifth directional valve WV4 and WV5.
  • the compressed air with primary pressure is still at the counter-control side of the fourth directional valve WV4 and thus supports the actuating force of the spring 14th
  • FIG. 12 shows a fictitious switching position, in which initially only the first directional valve WV1 has switched to its open position, so that compressed air at the entrance of the third directional valve WV3, which still remains in its nc position, passes and there pending and compressed air under primary pressure to the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 and this switches to its functional position. Fourth and fifth directional valve WV4 and WV5 are still closed, that is, in their nc position.
  • FIG. 13 shows a switching position when initiating the soft start process.
  • the first directional control valve WV1 and the third directional control valve WV3 have properly switched to their open position, with compressed air via the third directional valve WV3 to the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 and this switches to its open position.
  • the fourth directional valve WV4 upstream of its input E4 has accumulated compressed air under primary pressure, however, this compressed between the output of the throttle device 13 and the input E4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 initially trapped compressed air quantity at the opening of the fourth directional valve WV4 and arrives Secondary outlet P2.
  • compressed air under primary pressure can not flow immediately, since the throttle device 13 is interposed, which throttles the upcoming compressed air under primary pressure to secondary pressure.
  • compressed air with secondary pressure reaches the fourth directional valve WV4 and there to the primary outlet P2.
  • the compressed air flows under secondary pressure to the inlet E6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 and arrives there via the outlet A6 to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5.
  • the pressure at the secondary outlet P2 now rises again gradually until, after a certain ratio between secondary and primary pressure, switching of the fifth directional valve WV5 into its open position is initiated.
  • the ratio between secondary and primary pressure is preferably identical to the ratio disclosed in the first embodiment. Particularly preferably, the ratio between secondary and primary pressure is about 0.5.
  • FIG. 14 now shows a switching position after the soft start process. Due to the pending pressure on the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 this has opened so that compressed air passes directly from the primary inlet P1 via the main flow path 12, the fourth directional valve WV4 passing to the secondary outlet P2 and from there to the consumers.
  • FIG. 15 shows a standard venting switch position for venting the secondary outlet P2.
  • first and third directional valve WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc position in accordance with the regulations, so that the compressed air present at the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 escapes via the vent outlet R3, while the compressed air present at the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 escapes via the compressed air Vent outlet R1 escapes.
  • the fourth directional control valve WV4 has interposed in its nc position, while the sixth directional control valve WV6 has returned to its normal position.
  • Compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlet R4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 and additionally via the vent outlet R6 of the sixth directional valve WV6.
  • the vent outlets R4 and R6 to a common, open to the atmosphere central vent outlet 18 are summarized.
  • the central vent outlet 18 may also be associated with a muffler 19 for sound attenuation of the exiting compressed air.
  • the standard vent switch position will set, that is, from the secondary outlet P2 derived compressed air escapes through the vent outlets R4 and R6 of the fourth and sixth directional valve WV4 and WV6.
  • FIG. 16 shows a venting switch position in which the first directional valve WV1 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its NC position.
  • the passage E3-A3 remains open, and compressed air is still at the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6, so that this remains in its functional position.
  • the vent outlet R6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 is thus blocked.
  • venting is still possible because the third directional control valve WV3 has switched back to its nc-position, so that at the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 upcoming compressed air can escape via the vent outlet R3, whereby the fourth directional valve WV4 switches back to its nc position , Compressed air from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlet R4.
  • the control side S5 of the fifth-way valve WV5 is vented via the ports A6-E6 and the vent outlet R4, so that the fifth-way valve WV5 returns to its nc position.
  • FIG. 17 shows a vent switching position in which the third directional valve WV3 has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position.
  • the peculiarity of this is that the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 is still vented, through the back in the NC position switched back first directional control valve WV1, via the terminals A3-E3 and Al-R1.
  • fourth and sixth directional valves WV4 and WV6 switch back to their nc positions, resulting in secondary outlet P2 Compressed air can escape both via the vent outlet R4 and via the vent outlet R6.
  • FIG. 18 shows a vent switch position in which the fifth-way valve WV5 or main valve has a malfunction, that has not switched back to its nc position.
  • the main flow path 12 remains open via E5-A5, so that compressed air originating from the primary inlet P1 can flow in.
  • a venting is still possible because the two-way valves WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc positions, whereby the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 and the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 are vented, so that fourth and sixth directional valve WV4 and WV6 have switched back to their nc position or normal position. This in turn makes it possible to vent the compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 via the exhaust outlets R4 and R6.
  • FIG. 19 shows a venting switching position in which the fourth directional valve WV4 has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position.
  • the vent outlet R4 is thus blocked.
  • first and third directional control valve WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc positions, which in particular the control side S6 of the sixth directional control valve is vented, so that this switches back to its normal position, so that on the control side S5 of the fifth way valve WV5 compressed air is vented through the ports E6 * and R6 *, so that the fifth-way valve also returns to its nc position. Compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlet R6.
  • FIG. 20 now shows a venting switch position in which the sixth directional valve WV6 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its normal position.
  • the vent outlet R6 is blocked.
  • First and third directional valves WV1 and WV3, however, have returned to their NC position in accordance with the regulations, so that the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 is vented, causing it to switch back to its NC position so that compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 can escape via the vent outlet R4.
  • the control side S5 is vented via the connections A6-E6 and the vent outlet R4, so that the fifth directional control valve switches back to its nc position.

Abstract

The soft start assembly (11) for a compressed air system, e.g. for maintenance units, has a primary inlet (P1) for the compressed air at a primary pressure and a secondary outlet (P2) to deliver the compressed air to the user unit at a lower secondary pressure. A main valve (WV5) as a 2/2 normally closed type, and a bypass (17) with a throttle (13) around it, are between the primary inlet and secondary outlet, together with an assembly of valves (WV1-WV4,WV6,RV). The valve switching allows a number of additional air bleeds in addition to a standard air bleeding, especially if there is a valve fault in the system.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Softstartvorrichtung für Druckluftsysteme,

  • mit einem Primäreinlass, an dem Druckluft unter Primärdruck zuführbar ist,
  • wobei der Primäreinlass mit einem, mit wenigstens einem Verbraucher koppelbaren Sekundärauslass über eine Ventilschaltung verbunden ist, an dem Druckluft unter Sekundärdruck abführbar ist, wobei der Sekundärdruck kleiner oder gleich dem Primärdruck ist,
  • wobei zwischen Primäreinlass und Sekundärauslass ein Hauptventil vom Typ 2/2-nc (normaly closed) eingeschaltet ist, das mittels eines Bypasses umgehbar ist, wobei im Bypass eine Drosseleinrichtung eingeschaltet ist,
  • wobei Hauptventil und Drosseleinrichtung zusammen mit weiteren Ventilen der Ventilschaltung derart miteinander verschaltet sind, dass bei einem Startvorgang, bei zunächst gesperrtem Hauptventil, Druckluft mit gegenüber dem Primärdruck geringerem, allmählich ansteigendem Sekundärdruck am Sekundärauslass anliegt, bis ab einem bestimmten Verhältnis zwischen Sekundär- und Primärdruck ein Schaltvorgang des Hauptventils in seine Offenstellung stattfindet, sodass dann Druckluft mit Primärdruck zum Sekundärauslass gelangt, und
  • die Ventilschaltung in eine derartige Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung versetzbar ist, dass der Sekundärauslass entlüftet wird.
The invention relates to a soft start device for compressed air systems,
  • with a primary inlet to which compressed air can be supplied under primary pressure,
  • the primary inlet being connected to a secondary outlet which can be coupled to at least one consumer via a valve circuit, at which compressed air can be discharged under secondary pressure, the secondary pressure being less than or equal to the primary pressure,
  • wherein between the primary inlet and secondary outlet, a main valve of the type 2/2-nc (normaly closed) is turned on, which is bypassed by means of a bypass, wherein in the bypass, a throttle device is turned on,
  • wherein the main valve and throttle device are interconnected together with other valves of the valve circuit such that at a starting operation, initially locked main valve, compressed air with respect to the primary pressure lower, gradually increasing secondary pressure at the secondary outlet, up to a certain ratio between secondary and primary pressure Switching operation of the main valve takes place in its open position, so that compressed air with primary pressure reaches the secondary outlet, and
  • the valve circuit is displaceable in such a standard venting switch position that the secondary outlet is vented.

Softstartvorrichtungen werden in Druckluftsystemen dazu verwendet, druckstoßempfindliche Funktionseinheiten, wie beispielsweise Wartungsgeräte etc., mit Druckluft zu versorgen, wobei der Druck allmählich von einem relativ niedrigen Sekundärdruck auf den Primär- bzw. Betriebsdruck ansteigt. Dadurch werden Druckstöße mit hohem, schädlichem Primärdruck vermieden. Druckstoßanfälligen Funktionseinheiten sind beispielsweise Filtereinheiten oder doppeltwirkende Pneumatikzylinder. Im Falle von doppeltwirkenden Pneumatikzylindern kann es vorkommen, dass sich der Kolben im "drucklosen" Zustand des Zylinders in einer Mittelstellung befindet, sodass, würde der volle Druckstoß auf den Kolben wirken, dieser schlagartig in eine der Endstellungen fahren könnte, was zu Beschädigungen am Kolben oder am Endanschlag des Zylinders führen könnte. Gefahrbringende Bewegungen können vor allem auch zu Personenschäden führen. Dies wird durch den Softstart verhindert, so dass der Kolben relativ langsam in seine Endlage fährt.Soft-start devices are used in compressed-air systems to supply compressed-air-sensitive functional units, such as maintenance devices, etc., with compressed air, the pressure gradually increasing from a relatively low secondary pressure to the primary or operating pressure. As a result, pressure surges are avoided with high, harmful primary pressure. Pressure shock prone functional units are, for example, filter units or double-acting pneumatic cylinders. In the case of double-acting pneumatic cylinders, it may happen that the piston is in a "neutral" state of the cylinder in a center position, so that, if the full pressure shock acting on the piston, this could suddenly drive into one of the end positions, causing damage to the piston or could lead to the end stop of the cylinder. Dangerous movements can also lead to personal injury. This is prevented by the soft start, so that the piston moves relatively slowly to its end position.

Eine Softstartvorrichtung der eingangs erwähnten Art ist beispielsweise in der US 5337788 oder EP 0 758 063 B1 offenbart, in der ein Startventil in Form eines Sitzventils beschrieben ist, wobei das Ventil über eine Schnellentlüftung entlüftet wird. Das Startventil besitzt ein Gehäuse, in dem ein einziger, vom Einlass bis zum Auslass verlaufender Strömungsweg ausgebildet ist, wobei im Strömungsweg das als Drossel wirkende Sitzventil angeordnet ist.A soft start device of the type mentioned is, for example, in the US 5337788 or EP 0 758 063 B1 discloses, in which a start valve is described in the form of a poppet valve, wherein the valve is vented via a quick exhaust. The start valve has a housing in which a single, from the inlet to the outlet extending flow path is formed, wherein in the flow path acting as a throttle seat valve is arranged.

In Druckluftsystemen müssen bestimmte Sicherheitsaspekte beachtet werden. Diese sind beispielsweise in der Norm EN 954-1 und in der Folge-Norm DIN EN ISO 13849-1 kategorisiert. Um die Kategorie 3 der Norm EN 954-1 zu erfüllen, ist gefordert, dass die Druckluftvorrichtung eine sogenannte "Ein-Fehler-Sicherheit" bei sicherheitsrelevanten Funktionen aufweist. Das bedeutet, dass trotz eines einzelnen Fehlers im System eine Entlüftung möglich sein muss.In compressed air systems, certain safety aspects must be taken into account. These are categorized, for example, in the standard EN 954-1 and in the subsequent standard DIN EN ISO 13849-1. In order to comply with category 3 of the standard EN 954-1, it is required that the compressed air device has a so-called "one-fault-safety" for safety-relevant functions. This means that, despite a single fault in the system, bleeding must be possible.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Softstartvorrichtung der eingangs erwähnten Art zu schaffen, die eine "Ein-Fehler-Sicherheit" beim Entlüften bietet und somit die Kategorie 3 der vorgenannten Norm erfüllt.The object of the invention is to provide a soft start device of the type mentioned, which provides a "one-fault-safety" when venting and thus meets the category 3 of the aforementioned standard.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Softstartvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen dargestellt.This object is achieved by a soft start device having the features of independent claim 1. Further developments of the invention are shown in the subclaims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Softstartvorrichtung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Ventile der Ventilschaltung derart miteinander verschaltet sind, dass zusätzlich zur Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung mehrere weitere Entlüftungsschaltstellungen möglich sind, wobei sich jeweils eine der weiteren Entlüftungsschaltstellungen ergibt, wenn bei dem normalerweise die Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung hervorrufenden Betätigungsvorgang ein beliebiges einzelnes der vorhandenen Ventile eine Fehlfunktion aufweist.The soft-start device according to the invention is characterized in that the valves of the valve circuit are interconnected in such a way that in addition to the standard vent switch position several more vent switch positions are possible, each one of the other vent switch positions results when in the normally the standard vent switch position causing actuation process any single of the existing valves malfunctioning.

Der Sekundärauslass kann also bei Fehlfunktion eines der Ventile trotzdem entlüftet werden, da die Softstartvorrichtung insgesamt eine "Ein-Fehler-Sicherheit" aufweist. Damit genügt sie den Erfordernissen der Norm EN 954-1, Kategorie 3.The secondary outlet can thus still be vented in case of malfunction of one of the valves, since the soft start device has a total "one-fault-safety". Thus, it meets the requirements of EN 954-1, category 3.

Bei einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung hat die Softstartvorrichtung folgenden Aufbau der Ventilschaltung:

  • der Einlass eines zweiten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc (normaly closed) ist mit dem Primäreinlass und der Auslass des zweiten Wegeventils in Parallelschaltung mit dem Einlass des als fünftes Wegeventil vom Typ 2/2-nc ausgebildeten Hauptventils, mit dem Einlass eines dritten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc, mit dem Eingang der Drosseleinrichtung und mit dem Ausgang eines in Richtung Sekundärauslass sperrenden Rückschlagventils verbunden, wobei das zweite Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar und steuerseitig mit dem Primäreinlass gekoppelt ist,
  • der Einlass eines zur Ansteuerung des zweiten Wegeventils dienenden ersten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc ist mit dem Primäreinlass und der Auslass mit der Steuerseite des zweiten Wegeventils verbunden, wobei das erste Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel aktiv schaltbar ist,
  • der Auslass des fünften Wegeventils ist mit dem Einlass eines vierten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc und parallel mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung verbunden, wobei das fünfte Wegeventil steuerseitig mit dem Auslass des vierten Wegeventils gekoppelt ist,
  • der Auslass des zur Ansteuerung des vierten Wegeventils dienenden dritten Wegeventils ist mit der Steuerseite des vierten Wegeventils gekoppelt, wobei das dritte Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar ist und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel aktiv schaltbar ist,
  • der Auslass des vierten Wegeventils ist parallel zur Kopplung mit der Steuerseite des fünften Wegeventils mit dem Sekundärauslass und mit dem Eingang des Rückschlagventils verbunden, wobei das vierte Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar ist.
In a development of the invention, the soft-start device has the following structure of the valve circuit:
  • the inlet of a second directional control valve of the 3/2-nc type (normaly closed) is connected to the inlet and the outlet of the second directional control valve in parallel with the inlet of the main valve designed as a fifth directional control valve of type 2/2-nc, with the inlet of a third Directional valve of the type 3/2-nc, connected to the input of the throttle device and with the output of a non-return valve in the direction of secondary outlet, wherein the second directional control valve is vented via a vent outlet and coupled to the control unit with the primary inlet,
  • the inlet of a first directional control valve of the type 3/2-nc serving to control the second directional control valve is connected to the primary inlet and the outlet is connected to the control side of the second directional control valve, the first directional control valve being able to be vented via a venting outlet and actively switched via switching means arranged on the control side,
  • the outlet of the fifth directional control valve is connected to the inlet of a fourth directional control valve of the type 3/2-nc and parallel to the outlet of the throttling device, the fifth directional control valve being coupled on the control side to the outlet of the fourth directional control valve,
  • the outlet of the third directional control valve serving to actuate the fourth directional control valve is coupled to the control side of the fourth directional control valve, wherein the third directional control valve can be vented via a venting outlet and can be actively switched via control means arranged on the control side,
  • the outlet of the fourth directional valve is connected in parallel to the coupling with the control side of the fifth directional valve to the secondary outlet and to the inlet of the check valve, wherein the fourth directional control valve can be vented via a vent outlet.

In bevorzugter Weise bilden das erste und zweite Wegeventil zusammen eine dem fünften Wegeventil bzw. Hauptventil vorgeschaltete Einschaltstufe und das dritte, vierte und fünfte Wegeventil zusammen mit der Drosseleinrichtung und dem Rückschlagventil eine den Softstart ermöglichende Softstartstufe. Die Einschaltstufe kann in einer Einschaltventileinheit und die Softstartstufe in einer separaten, von der Einschaltventileinheit trennbaren Softstartventileinheit angeordnet sein. Die erfindungsgemäße Softstartvorrichtung kann also aus zwei separaten Baueinheiten bestehen, von denen die eine Baueinheit eine "Einschaltfunktion" und die andere Baueinheit eine "Softstartfunktion" aufweist.Preferably, the first and second directional control valves together form a switch-on stage upstream of the fifth directional control valve or main valve and the third, fourth and fifth directional control valves, together with the throttle device and the non-return valve, provide a softstart enabling the soft start. The switch-on stage can be arranged in a switch-on valve unit and the soft-start stage in a separate soft-start valve unit which can be separated from the switch-on valve unit. The soft-start device according to the invention can thus consist of two separate units, of which one unit has a "switch-on function" and the other unit has a "soft-start function".

Bei einer Alternative hat die Ventilschaltung folgenden Aufbau:

  • der Einlass des als fünftes Wegeventil vom Typ 2/2-nc ausgebildeten Hauptventils ist mit dem Primäreinlass und der Auslass mit dem Einlass eines vierten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc und parallel dazu mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung verbunden, wobei das fünfte Wegeventil steuerseitig mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung und zusätzlich mit einem Auslass eines sechsten Wegeventils vom Typ 4/2-nc gekoppelt ist,
  • der Einlass des ersten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc ist mit dem Primäreinlass und der Auslass ist mit dem Eingang eines dritten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc und parallel dazu mit der Steuerseite des sechsten Wegeventils verbunden, wobei das erste Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel aktiv schaltbar ist,
  • der Auslass des dritten Wegeventils ist mit der Steuerseite eines vierten Wegeventils vom Typ 3/2-nc gekoppelt, wobei das dritte Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel aktiv schaltbar ist,
  • der Auslass des vierten Wegeventils ist mit dem Sekundärauslass und parallel dazu mit einem Einlass des sechsten Wegeventils verbunden, wobei das vierte Wegeventil über einen Entlüftungsabgang entlüftbar ist, und
  • das sechste Wegeventil ist zwischen einer Normalstellung und einer Funktionsstellung schaltbar, wobei in Normalstellung ein erster Einlass mit dem Sekundärauslass und parallel dazu mit dem Auslass des vierten Wegeventils verbunden ist, während der dazugehörige erste Auslass zur Atmosphäre hin offen ist, und ein zweiter Einlass mit der Steuerseite des fünften Wegeventils gekoppelt ist, während ein dazugehöriger zweiter Auslass zur Atmosphäre offen ist, und wobei in Funktionsstellung der Einlass mit dem Auslass des vierten Wegeventils und parallel dazu mit dem Sekundärauslass verbunden ist und der dazugehörige Auslass mit der Steuerseite des fünften Wegeventils gekoppelt ist.
In an alternative, the valve circuit has the following structure:
  • the inlet of the main valve formed as the fifth directional control valve of the type 2/2-nc is connected to the primary inlet and the outlet to the inlet of a fourth directional control valve of the type 3/2-nc and parallel thereto to the outlet of the throttle device, the fifth directional control valve is coupled to the output of the throttle device and in addition to an outlet of a sixth directional control valve of the type 4/2-nc,
  • the inlet of the first directional valve of type 3/2-nc is with the primary inlet and the outlet is connected to the inlet of a third directional valve of the type 3/2-nc and parallel for this purpose connected to the control side of the sixth directional control valve, wherein the first directional control valve can be vented via a vent outlet and can be actively switched via control means arranged on the control side,
  • the outlet of the third directional control valve is coupled to the control side of a fourth directional control valve of the type 3/2-nc, wherein the third directional control valve can be vented via a venting outlet and can be actively switched via switching means arranged on the control side,
  • the outlet of the fourth directional valve is connected to the secondary outlet and parallel thereto to an inlet of the sixth directional valve, wherein the fourth directional valve is vented via a vent outlet, and
  • the sixth directional control valve is switchable between a normal position and a functional position, wherein in the normal position, a first inlet to the secondary outlet and parallel to the outlet of the fourth directional valve is connected, while the associated first outlet is open to the atmosphere, and a second inlet with the Control side of the fifth-way valve is coupled with an associated second outlet is open to the atmosphere, and wherein in the operating position of the inlet with the outlet of the fourth directional valve and is connected in parallel to the secondary outlet and the associated outlet is coupled to the control side of the fifth-way valve.

In bevorzugter Weise werden die nicht aktiv schaltbaren Wegeventile durch Stellfedern und zusätzlich durch Druckbeaufschlagung mit Druckluft in ihrer nc-Stellung gehalten, um eine Vordruckunabhängigkeit zu erreichen. Alternativ wäre es natürlich auch möglich, die betreffenden Wegeventile ohne zusätzliche Druckbeaufschlagung in ihrer nc-Stellung zu halten und beispielsweise eine Stellfeder mit dementsprechend größerer Federkraft einzusetzen.Preferably, the non-actively switchable directional valves are held by adjusting springs and additionally by pressurization with compressed air in its nc position to achieve a form independent of pressure. Alternatively it would be Of course, also possible to keep the respective directional control valves without additional pressurization in their nc position and, for example, to use a spring with correspondingly greater spring force.

Es ist möglich, dass die Drosseleinrichtung ein einstellbares Drosselventil und zusätzlich eine Festdrossel in Form eines die einstellbare Drossel umgehenden Drossel-Bypasses aufweist. Dadurch wird verhindert, dass der Strömungsweg bei vollständigem Schließen des Drosselventils total abgesperrt wird.It is possible for the throttle device to have an adjustable throttle valve and, in addition, a fixed throttle in the form of a throttle bypass which bypasses the adjustable throttle. This prevents the flow path is completely shut off when fully closing the throttle valve.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und werden im Folgenden näher erläutert. Die Zeichnungen zeigen:

Figur 1
die Ventilschaltung samt druckluftbeaufschlagter Stränge (fette Linien) eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Softstartvorrichtung in Ruhestellung vor dem Startvorgang,
Figur 2
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 bei geschaltetem ersten Wegeventil,
Figur 3
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 bei geschaltetem ersten und dritten Wegeventil, wobei hier der Startvorgang eingeleitet ist,
Figur 4
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 nach dem Softstartvorgang,
Figur 5
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das erste Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 6
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das zweite Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 7
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das dritte Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 8
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das vierte Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 9
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das Rückschlagventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 10
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 1 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei beim Startvorgang entlüftet wird,
Figur 11
eine Ventilschaltung samt druckluftbeaufschlagter Stränge (fette Linien) eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Softstartvorrichtung in Ruhestellung vor dem Startvorgang,
Figur 12
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 bei geschaltetem ersten Wegeventil,
Figur 13
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 bei geschaltetem ersten und dritten Wegeventil, wobei der Softstartvorgang eingeleitet ist,
Figur 14
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 nach dem Softstartvorgang,
Figur 15
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 beim Entlüftungsvorgang in Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung,
Figur 16
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das erste Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 17
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das dritte Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 18
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das fünfte Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat,
Figur 19
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das vierte Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat, und
Figur 20
die Ventilschaltung gemäß Figur 11 beim Entlüftungsvorgang, wobei das sechste Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat.
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show:
FIG. 1
the valve circuit including pressurized strands (bold lines) of a first embodiment of the soft start device according to the invention in the rest position before the starting process,
FIG. 2
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 with switched first directional control valve,
FIG. 3
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 when the first and third directional valves are switched, in which case the starting process is initiated,
FIG. 4
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 after the softstart process,
FIG. 5
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 in the venting process, the first directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 6
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 during the venting process, the second directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 7
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 during the venting process, the third directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 8
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 during the venting process, the fourth directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 9
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 during the venting process, the check valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 10
the valve circuit according to FIG. 1 during the deaeration process, whereby the air is vented during the starting process,
FIG. 11
a valve circuit including pressurized strands (bold lines) of a second embodiment of the soft start device according to the invention in the rest position before the starting process,
FIG. 12
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 with switched first directional control valve,
FIG. 13
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 when the first and third directional valves are switched, whereby the soft-starting process is initiated,
FIG. 14
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 after the softstart process,
FIG. 15
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 during the venting process in standard venting switching position,
FIG. 16
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 in the venting process, the first directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 17
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 during the venting process, the third directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 18
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 during the venting process, the fifth directional control valve malfunctioning,
FIG. 19
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 the venting process, the fourth directional valve has a malfunction, and
FIG. 20
the valve circuit according to FIG. 11 during the venting process, the sixth directional valve has a malfunction.

Die Figuren 1 bis 10 zeigen ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Softstartvorrichtung 11.The FIGS. 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the soft start device 11 according to the invention.

Die Ventilschaltung gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel besitzt einen Primäreinlass P1, an dem Druckluft unter Primärdruck zugeführt wird. Der Primäreinlass ist mit einem, mit wenigstens einem Verbraucher koppelbaren Sekundärauslass P2 verbunden, an dem Druckluft unter Sekundärdruck abgeführt wird, wobei der Sekundärdruck kleiner oder gleich dem Primärdruck ist. Die gesamte Softstartvorrichtung 11 lässt sich beispielsweise einer Wartungseinheit vorschalten, sodass Druckstöße auf druckstoßempfindliche Bauteile der Wartungseinheit abgeschwächt werden. Ein weiteres Einsatzgebiet der Softstartvorrichtung ist dessen Vorschaltung vor einen doppeltwirkenden Pneumatikzylinder, sodass Druckstöße auf den Kolben des Pneumatikzylinders abgeschwächt werden, solange sich dieser nicht in einer Endlage, sondern in einer Mittelstellung befindet.The valve circuit according to the first embodiment has a primary inlet P1 to which compressed air is supplied under primary pressure. The primary inlet is connected to a, with at least one consumer couplable secondary outlet P2, is discharged at the compressed air at secondary pressure, wherein the secondary pressure is less than or equal to the primary pressure. The entire soft start device 11 can be preceded by a maintenance unit, for example, so that Pressure surges on pressure sensitive components of the maintenance unit are attenuated. Another application of the soft-start device is its upstream of a double-acting pneumatic cylinder, so that pressure surges are attenuated on the piston of the pneumatic cylinder, as long as it is not in an end position, but in a middle position.

Primäreinlass P1 und Sekundärauslass P2 sind über einen Hauptströmungsweg 12 miteinander verbunden, in den mehrere Wegeventile in nachfolgend näher beschriebener Weise eingeschaltet sind.Primary inlet P1 and secondary outlet P2 are connected to each other via a main flow path 12, in which a plurality of directional control valves are turned on in the manner described in more detail below.

Wie beispielsweise in Figur 1 dargestellt, hat die Ventilschaltung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Softstartvorrichtung 11 folgenden Aufbau:Such as in FIG. 1 illustrated, the valve circuit of the first embodiment of the soft start device 11 according to the invention has the following structure:

Es ist ein zweites Wegeventil WV2 vom Typ 3/2-nc vorgesehen, dessen Einlass E2 mit dem Primäreinlass P1 und dessen Auslass A2 in Parallelschaltung mit dem Einlass E5 des als fünftes Wegeventil WV5 vom Typ 2/2-nc ausgebildeten Hauptventils, mit dem Einlass E3 eines dritten Wegeventils WV3 vom Typ 3/2-nc, mit dem Eingang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 und mit dem Ausgang eines in Richtung Sekundärauslass P2 sperrenden Rückschlagventils RV verbunden ist, wobei das zweite Wegeventil WV2 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R2 entlüftbar und steuerseitig mit dem Primäreinlass P1 gekoppelt ist. Das zweite Wegeventil WV2 wird über eine Stellfeder 14 in seiner nc(normaly closed)-Stellung gehalten. Um den aktuellen Schaltzustand des zweiten Wegeventils WV2 feststellen zu können, ist diesem ein Sensor 15 einer Sensoreinrichtung zugeordnet. Das zweite Wegeventil WV2 wird über ein erstes Wegeventil WV1 vom Typ 3/2-NC angesteuert.A second directional valve WV2 of the type 3/2-nc is provided, whose inlet E2 communicates with the primary inlet P1 and its outlet A2 in parallel with the inlet E5 of the main valve designed as the fifth directional valve WV5 of the type 2/2-nc, with the inlet E3 of a third directional valve WV3 type 3/2-nc, with the input of the throttle device 13 and the output of a secondary outlet P2 blocking check valve RV is connected, the second directional valve WV2 via a vent outlet R2 vented and the control side with the primary inlet P1 is coupled. The second directional control valve WV2 is held in its nc (normaly closed) position via a control spring 14. In order to determine the current switching state of the second directional valve WV2, this sensor 15 is associated with a sensor device. The second directional valve WV2 is controlled via a first directional control valve WV1 type 3/2 NC.

Der Einlass E1 des ersten Wegeventils WV1 ist mit dem Primäreinlass P1 und der Auslass A1 mit der Steuerseite S2 des zweiten Wegeventils WV2 verbunden, wobei das erste Wegeventil WV1 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R1 entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel 16 aktiv schaltbar ist. Als Schaltmittel kommen beispielsweise manuell oder elektrisch betätigbare Stellglieder in Frage.The inlet E1 of the first directional valve WV1 is connected to the primary inlet P1 and the outlet A1 to the control side S2 of the second directional valve WV2, wherein the first directional valve WV1 via a vent outlet R1 can be vented and via control means arranged switching means 16 is actively switched. As a switching means, for example, manually or electrically operable actuators in question.

Wie bereits erwähnt, ist der Auslass A2 des zweiten Wegeventils WV2 mit dem Einlass E5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 verbunden. Der Auslass A5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 ist mit dem Einlass E4 eines vierten Wegeventils WV4 vom Typ 3/2-nc und parallel mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 verbunden, wobei das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 steuerseitig mit dem Auslass A4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 gekoppelt ist. Das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 wird ebenfalls über eine Stellfeder 14 in seiner nc-Stellung gehalten. Es ist außerdem ein Sensor 15 zur Feststellung des aktuellen Schaltzustandes des fünften Wegeventils WV5 vorgesehen. Um das im Hauptströmungsweg 12 befindliche fünfte Wegeventil WV5 zu umgehen, ist ein Bypass 17 vorgesehen, in den die Drosseleinrichtung 13 eingeschaltet ist.As already mentioned, the outlet A2 of the second directional valve WV2 is connected to the inlet E5 of the fifth directional valve WV5. The outlet A5 of the fifth-way valve WV5 is connected to the inlet E4 of a fourth directional valve WV4 of the type 3/2-nc and connected in parallel to the outlet of the throttle device 13, the fifth directional valve WV5 being coupled to the outlet A4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 on the control side. The fifth directional valve WV5 is also held by a spring 14 in its nc position. There is also provided a sensor 15 for detecting the current switching state of the fifth-way valve WV5. In order to bypass the fifth directional valve WV5 located in the main flow path 12, a bypass 17 is provided in which the throttle device 13 is turned on.

Es ist ein drittes Wegeventil WV3 vorgesehen, das zur Ansteuerung des vierten Wegeventils WV4 dient. Der Auslass A3 des dritten Wegeventils WV3 ist mit der Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 gekoppelt, wobei das dritte Wegeventil WV3 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R3 entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel 16 aktiv schaltbar ist.There is provided a third directional valve WV3, which serves to control the fourth directional valve WV4. The outlet A3 of the third directional valve WV3 is coupled to the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4, wherein the third directional valve WV3 can be vented via a vent outlet R3 and can be actively switched via control means 16 arranged on the control side.

Schließlich ist noch das vierte Wegeventil WV4 vorgesehen, das ebenfalls im Hauptströmungsweg 12 angeordnet ist und dem fünften Wegeventil WV5 bzw. Hauptventil nachgeschaltet ist. Der Auslass A4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 ist parallel zur Kopplung mit der Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 mit dem Sekundärauslass P2 und mit dem Eingang des Rückschlagventils RV verbunden, wobei das vierte Wegeventil WV4 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R4 entlüftbar ist.Finally, the fourth directional valve WV4 is also provided, which is likewise arranged in the main flow path 12 and is connected downstream of the fifth directional valve WV5 or main valve. The outlet A4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 is parallel to Coupling with the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 connected to the secondary outlet P2 and to the input of the check valve RV, wherein the fourth directional valve WV4 via a vent outlet R4 is vented.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Schaltstellung, in der alle Wegeventile WV1 bis WV5 in ihrer nc-Stellung sind, sodass dieser Zustand auch als "Ruhestellung" vor dem Softstartvorgang bezeichnet werden könnte. Dabei strömt über den Primäreinlass P1 Druckluft unter Primärdruck sowohl zum Einlass E1 des ersten Wegeventils WV1 als auch zum Einlass E2 des zweiten Wegeventils WV2 und steht dort an, da der Durchgang versperrt ist. FIG. 1 shows a switching position in which all directional valves WV1 to WV5 are in their nc position, so that this state could also be referred to as "rest position" before the soft start process. In this case, compressed air flows under primary pressure both to the inlet E1 of the first directional valve WV1 and to the inlet E2 of the second directional valve WV2 via the primary inlet P1 and is there because the passage is blocked.

Figur 2 zeigt eine fiktive Schaltstellung, bei der zunächst nur das erste Wegeventil WV1 aktiv in seine Offenstellung geschaltet wird, während das dritte Wegeventil WV3 noch in seiner nc-Stellung verbleibt. Nunmehr gelangt Druckluft unter Primärdruck über das erste Wegeventil WV1 zur Steuerseite S2 des zweiten Wegeventils WV2 und schaltet dieses in seine Offenstellung. Durch das offene zweite Wegeventil WV2 gelangt Druckluft unter Primärdruck entlang des Hauptströmungswegs zum Einlass E5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 und steht dort an, da das fünfte Wegeventil noch in seiner nc-Stellung ist. Parallel dazu gelangt Druckluft unter Primärdruck zum Einlass E3 des dritten Wegeventils WV3 und steht ebenfalls dort an, da das dritte Wegeventil WV3 noch in seiner nc-Stellung ist. Zusätzlich strömt Druckluft in den Bypass 17 ein und gelangt dort zur Drosseleinrichtung 13, die ein einstellbares Drosselventil enthält, das die Druckluft auf einen gegenüber dem Primärdruck geringeren Sekundärdruck drosselt. Die unter Sekundärdruck stehende Druckluft gelangt nunmehr zum Auslass A5 des fünften Wegeventils und parallel dazu zum Einlass E4 des vierten Wegeventils, kann jedoch von dort nicht weiter, da viertes und fünftes Wegeventil WV4 und WV5 noch in ihren nc-Stellungen sind. Ferner gelangt die vom Auslass A2 des zweiten Wegeventils stammende Druckluft noch zum Rückschlagventil RV, kann aber dort nicht passieren, da das Rückschlagventil RV in dieser Richtung, das heißt in Richtung zum Sekundärauslass P2, sperrt. FIG. 2 shows a fictitious switching position, in which initially only the first directional control valve WV1 is actively switched to its open position, while the third directional valve WV3 still remains in its nc position. Now compressed air passes under primary pressure via the first directional valve WV1 to the control side S2 of the second directional valve WV2 and switches this in its open position. Through the open second directional valve WV2 compressed air passes under primary pressure along the main flow path to the inlet E5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 and stands there because the fifth directional control valve is still in its nc position. Parallel to this, compressed air at primary pressure reaches the inlet E3 of the third directional valve WV3 and is also there because the third directional valve WV3 is still in its nc position. In addition, compressed air flows into the bypass 17 and passes there to the throttle device 13, which contains an adjustable throttle valve, which throttles the compressed air to a secondary pressure which is lower than the primary pressure. The pressurized air under secondary pressure now reaches the outlet A5 of the fifth directional control valve and parallel to the inlet E4 of the fourth directional control valve, but can not continue from there, since fourth and fifth directional control valves WV4 and WV5 are still in their nc positions are. Furthermore, the compressed air originating from the outlet A2 of the second directional valve still arrives at the check valve RV, but can not pass there since the check valve RV blocks in this direction, ie in the direction of the secondary outlet P2.

Figur 3 zeigt nunmehr eine Schaltstellung zur Einleitung des Softstartvorgangs. Dabei werden erstes und drittes Wegeventil WV1 und WV3 gleichzeitig in ihre Offenstellung geschaltet. Nunmehr gelangt die vom Auslass A2 des zweiten Wegeventils stammende Druckluft unter Primärdruck zum dritten Wegeventil, kann dort passieren und gelangt zur Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4. Dadurch wird das vierte Wegeventil in seine Offenstellung WV4 geschaltet, sodass mittels des Drosselventils auf Sekundärdruck gedrosselte Druckluft über den Auslass A4 des vierten Wegeventils auf die Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 gelangen kann. Gleichzeitig strömt unter Sekundärdruck stehende Druckluft zum Sekundärauslass P2 und gelangt dort zu den Verbrauchern, die also nicht mit dem vollen Primärdruck-Druckstoß beaufschlagt werden, sondern zunächst nur mit geringerem Sekundärdruck. Der Sekundärdruck steigt allmählich an, bis ab einem bestimmten Verhältnis zwischen Sekundär- und Primärdruck ein Schalten des fünften Wegeventils WV5 in seine Offenstellung veranlasst wird. Das Verhältnis zwischen Sekundär- und Primärdruck kann beispielsweise im Bereich von >0 bis 1, insbesondere 0,4 bis 0,6, liegen. Besonders bevorzugt wird in Offenstellung geschaltet, falls der Sekundärdruck p2 gleich ca. 0,5 . Primärdruck p1 beträgt. FIG. 3 now shows a switching position for initiating the soft start process. In this case, first and third directional valve WV1 and WV3 are simultaneously switched to their open position. Now coming from the outlet A2 of the second directional valve compressed air passes under primary pressure to the third directional control valve, can pass there and reaches the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4. As a result, the fourth directional control valve is switched to its open position WV4, so that compressed air throttled to secondary pressure by means of the throttle valve can reach the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 via the outlet A4 of the fourth directional control valve. At the same time, pressurized air under secondary pressure flows to the secondary outlet P2, where it reaches the consumers, which are therefore not subjected to the full primary pressure surge, but initially only with a lower secondary pressure. The secondary pressure gradually increases until, after a certain ratio between secondary and primary pressure, switching of the fifth directional valve WV5 into its open position is initiated. The ratio between secondary pressure and primary pressure can be, for example, in the range of> 0 to 1, in particular 0.4 to 0.6. Particularly preferred is switched in the open position, if the secondary pressure p 2 equal to about 0.5. Primary pressure p 1 is.

Figur 4 zeigt die Schaltstellung nach dem Softstartvorgang, wobei hier alle Wegeventile WV1 bis WV5 in ihrer Offenstellung sind. Dadurch gelangt Druckluft mit Primärdruck vom Primäreinlass P1 direkt über den Hauptströmungsweg 12 zum Sekundärauslass P2 und von dort zu den Verbrauchern. FIG. 4 shows the switching position after the soft start process, in which case all directional valves WV1 to WV5 are in their open position. This allows compressed air with primary pressure from the primary inlet P1 directly via the main flow path 12 to the secondary outlet P2 and from there to the consumers.

Zum Entlüften des Sekundärauslasses P2 wird die Softstartvorrichtung 11 in eine Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung geschaltet, deren Schaltbild dem in Figur 1 dargestellten Schaltbild entspricht. Erstes und drittes Wegeventil werden also in ihre nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet. Dadurch kann Druckluft von der Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils über den Entlüftungsabgang R3 entweichen, sodass das vierte Wegeventil WV4 in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. Gleichzeitig entweicht Druckluft von der Steuerseite S2 des zweiten Wegeventils über den Entlüftungsabgang R1 des ersten Wegeventils WV1, sodass das zweite Wegeventil WV2 ebenfalls in seine NC-Stellung zurückschaltet. In nc-Stellung des vierten Wegeventils kann nunmehr am Sekundärauslass P2 anliegende Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entweichen. Gleichzeitig entweicht auch Druckluft von der Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5, sodass dieses ebenfalls in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. Die übrigen Stränge werden über das zweite Wegeventil WV2 und dessen Entlüftungsabgang R2 entlüftet.To vent the secondary outlet P2, the soft start device 11 is switched to a standard venting switching position, whose circuit diagram corresponds to the in FIG. 1 corresponds to the circuit diagram shown. First and third directional valve are therefore switched back to their nc position. As a result, compressed air can escape from the control side S4 of the fourth directional control valve via the venting outlet R3, so that the fourth directional control valve WV4 switches back into its nc position. At the same time, compressed air escapes from the control side S2 of the second directional control valve via the venting outlet R1 of the first directional valve WV1, so that the second directional control valve WV2 likewise switches back into its NC position. In the nc position of the fourth directional valve, compressed air present at the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the venting outlet R4. At the same time, compressed air also escapes from the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5, so that this also switches back into its nc position. The remaining strands are vented via the second directional valve WV2 and its vent outlet R2.

Figur 5 zeigt nunmehr eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das erste Wegeventil WV1 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet, sondern in seiner Offenstellung verbleibt. Dadurch bleibt die Steuerseite S2 des zweiten Wegeventils druckluftbeaufschlagt, sodass das zweite Wegeventil ebenfalls in seiner Offenstellung verbleibt und die Entlüftung über den Entlüftungsabgang R2 gesperrt ist. Der Sekundärauslass P2 kann trotz Fehlfunktion des ersten Wegeventils WV1 dennoch entlüftet werden, da das dritte Wegeventil WV3 vorschriftsmäßig in seine nc-Stellung geschaltet hat und somit auch das vierte Wegeventil WV4 in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat. Dadurch kann vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 entweichen. FIG. 5 now shows a venting switch position, in which the first directional valve WV1 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its nc position, but remains in its open position. As a result, the control side S2 of the second directional control valve remains pressurized, so that the second directional control valve likewise remains in its open position and the venting via the venting outlet R2 is blocked. Despite the malfunction of the first directional valve WV1, the secondary outlet P2 can still be vented, since the third directional valve WV3 has switched to its nc position in accordance with the regulations and thus the fourth directional valve WV4 has also switched back to its nc position. This allows the secondary outlet P2 derived compressed air via the vent outlet R4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 escape.

Figur 6 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das zweite Wegeventil WV2 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. Der Durchgang E2-A2 ist also nach wie vor offen, sodass Druckluft unter Primärdruck vom Primäreinlass P1 passieren kann, wohingegen der Entlüftungsabgang R2 gesperrt ist. Dennoch kann vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft über das vierte Wegeventil WV4, das vorschriftsmäßig in seine NC-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat, da auch das dritte Wegeventil WV3 korrekt geschaltet hat, über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entweichen. FIG. 6 shows a venting switch position in which the second directional valve WV2 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its nc position. The passage E2-A2 is therefore still open, so that compressed air can pass under primary pressure from the primary inlet P1, whereas the vent outlet R2 is locked. Nevertheless, compressed air originating from the secondary outlet P2 can escape via the fourth directional valve WV4, which has returned to its NC position in accordance with the regulations, since the third directional valve WV3 has also switched correctly via the vent outlet R4.

Figur 7 stellt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung dar, bei der das dritte Wegeventil eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat. Dadurch bleibt die Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils druckluftbeaufschlagt, sodass dieses nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückschalten kann, sondern in seiner Offenstellung bleibt. Dadurch ist der Entlüftungsabgang R4 für vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft gesperrt. Es kann jedoch dennoch entlüftet werden, da vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft entgegen der Hauptströmungsrichtung, also entlang A4-E4 und A5-E5, zum zweiten Wegeventil WV2 gelangt, das durch das korrekt geschaltete erste Wegeventil WV1 vorschriftsmäßig in seine nc-Stellung geschaltet hat. Dadurch kann die Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R2 entweichen. FIG. 7 represents a venting switch position, in which the third directional control valve has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position. As a result, the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve is pressurized air, so that this can not switch back to its nc position, but remains in its open position. As a result, the vent outlet R4 is blocked for coming from the secondary outlet P2 compressed air. However, it can still be vented, as derived from the secondary outlet P2 compressed air contrary to the main flow direction, ie along A4-E4 and A5-E5, the second directional valve WV2 passes, which has switched by the correctly switched first directional control valve WV1 in accordance with its nc position. As a result, the compressed air can escape via the vent outlet R2.

Figur 8 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das vierte Wegeventil WV4 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat. Dadurch ist der Entlüftungsweg über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 gesperrt. Dennoch gelangt vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft in identischer Weise wie in der in Figur 7 dargestellten Entlüftungsschaltstellung zum zweiten Wegeventil und kann dort über den Entlüftungsabgang R2 entweichen. FIG. 8 shows a venting switching position in which the fourth directional valve WV4 has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position. As a result, the vent path is blocked via the vent outlet R4. Nevertheless, compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 enters identical way as in the FIG. 7 shown venting position to the second directional control valve and can escape there via the vent outlet R2.

Figur 9 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das Rückschlagventil eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt in seiner eigentlichen Durchströmrichtung vom Sekundärauslass P2 in Richtung Primäreinlass P1 sperrt. Die Entlüftung der vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammenden Druckluft erfolgt hier über das vierte Wegeventil WV4, das durch Zurückschalten des dritten Wegeventils vorschriftsmäßig in seine nc-Schaltstellung geschaltet hat, sodass die Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entweichen kann. FIG. 9 shows a venting switching position in which the check valve has a malfunction, that is, in its actual flow direction from the secondary outlet P2 in the direction of primary inlet P1 blocks. The venting of the originating from the secondary outlet P2 compressed air takes place here via the fourth directional valve WV4, which has switched by switching back the third directional valve properly in its nc-switching position, so that the compressed air can escape through the vent outlet R4.

Figur 10 zeigte eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der beim Softstartvorgang, also in der Startphase, entlüftet wird. Erstes und drittes Wegeventil WV1 und WV3 haben in ihre nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet, sodass die zugeordneten zweiten und vierten Wegeventile WV2 und WV4 ebenfalls in ihre nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet haben. Vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft kann nun über die Entlüftungsabgänge R4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 entweichen. Zusätzlich entlüften die restlichen Stränge, über das zweite Wegeventil WV2 und den dortigen Entlüftungsabgang R2. FIG. 10 showed a venting switch position in which the soft start process, ie in the start phase, vented. First and third directional valves WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc position, so that the associated second and fourth directional valves WV2 and WV4 have also switched back to their nc position. Compressed air from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlets R4 of the fourth directional valve WV4. In addition, the remaining strands vent via the second directional valve WV2 and the vent outlet R2 there.

In den Figuren 11 bis 20 ist ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Softstartvorrichtung 11 dargestellt.In the FIGS. 11 to 20 a second embodiment of the soft start device 11 according to the invention is shown.

Das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Komponenten der Ventilschaltung alle gemeinsam in einer Ventileinheit unterbringbar sind. Es ist hier ebenfalls ein Primäreinlass P1 vorgesehen, an dem Druckluft unter Primärdruck zugeführt wird. Der Primäreinlass P1 ist über einen Hauptströmungsweg 12 mit einem Sekundärauslass P2 verbunden, an dem seinerseits Druckluft unter Sekundärdruck zu den Verbrauchern abgeführt wird.The second embodiment is characterized in that the components of the valve circuit can all be accommodated together in a valve unit. It is also here a primary inlet P1 is provided, is supplied to the compressed air under primary pressure. The primary inlet P1 is connected to a secondary outlet P2 via a main flow path 12, on which in turn compressed air is discharged under secondary pressure to the consumers.

Wie beispielsweise in Figur 11 dargestellt, ist die Ventilschaltung gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Softstartvorrichtung 11 folgendermaßen aufgebaut:Such as in FIG. 11 1, the valve circuit according to the second embodiment of the soft-start device 11 according to the invention is constructed as follows:

Es ist ein fünftes Wegeventil WV5 vom Typ 2/2-NC vorgesehen, dessen Einlass E5 mit dem Primäreinlass P1 und dessen Auslass A5 mit dem Einlass E4 eines vierten Wegeventils WV4 vom Typ 3/2-NC und parallel dazu mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 verbunden ist, wobei das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 steuerseitig mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 und zusätzlich mit einem Auslass A6 eines sechsten Wegeventils WV6 vom Typ 4/2-NC gekoppelt ist, falls sich das sechste Wegeventil WV6 in seiner nachfolgend beschriebenen Funktionsstellung befindet. Das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 ist über eine Stellfeder 14 und zusätzlich mittels Druckluftbeaufschlagung per Kopplung mit dem Primäreinlass P1 in seiner nc-Stellung gehalten. Ferner ist dem fünften Wegeventil WV5 ein Sensor 15 zur Feststellung seines aktuellen Schaltzustandes zugeordnet.A fifth directional valve WV5 of the type 2/2 NC is provided, its inlet E5 with the primary inlet P1 and its outlet A5 with the inlet E4 of a fourth directional valve WV4 of the type 3/2 NC and parallel thereto with the outlet of the throttle device 13 is connected, wherein the fifth directional valve WV5 is the control side coupled to the output of the throttle device 13 and in addition to an outlet A6 of a sixth directional valve WV6 type 4/2 NC, if the sixth directional valve WV6 is in its functional position described below. The fifth directional control valve WV5 is held in its NC position by means of a control spring 14 and additionally by means of compressed air injection by means of coupling to the primary inlet P1. Further, the fifth directional valve WV5 is associated with a sensor 15 for determining its current switching state.

In Parallelschaltung zum fünften Wegeventil WV5 ist ein erstes Wegeventil WV1 angeordnet, dessen Einlass E1 mit dem Primäreinlass P1 und dessen Auslass A1 mit dem Einlass E3 eines dritten Wegeventils WV3 vom Typ 3/2-NC und parallel dazu mit der Steuerseite S6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 verbunden ist, wobei das erste Wegeventil WV1 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R1 entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel 16 aktiv schaltbar ist. Ferner wird das erste Wegeventil über eine Stellfeder 14 in seiner nc-Stellung gehalten.In parallel to the fifth directional valve WV5 a first directional valve WV1 is arranged, whose inlet E1 with the primary inlet P1 and the outlet A1 to the inlet E3 of a third directional valve WV3 type 3/2 NC and parallel to the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 is connected, wherein the first directional valve WV1 via a vent outlet R1 can be vented and actively switched via control means arranged on the control means 16. Furthermore, the first directional control valve is held in its NC position via a control spring 14.

In Reihe zum ersten Wegeventil WV1 ist ein drittes Wegeventil WV3 angeordnet, dessen Auslass A3 mit der Steuerseite S4 eines vierten Wegeventils WV4 vom Typ 3/2-NC gekoppelt ist, wobei das dritte Wegeventil WV3 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R3 entlüftbar und über steuerseitig angeordnete Schaltmittel 16 aktiv schaltbar ist.In series with the first directional valve WV1, a third directional control valve WV3 is arranged, the outlet A3 of which is coupled to the control side S4 of a fourth directional valve WV4 of the type 3/2 NC, the third directional valve WV3 being vented via a venting outlet R3 and switching means 16 arranged on the control side is active switchable.

Das mittels des dritten Wegeventils WV3 angesteuerte vierte Wegeventil WV4 ist über seinen Auslass A4 mit dem Sekundärauslass P2 und parallel dazu mit einem Einlass E6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 verbunden, wobei das vierte Wegeventil WV4 über einen Entlüftungsabgang R4 entlüftbar ist. Das vierte Wegeventil WV4 wird über eine Stellfeder 14 und zusätzlich mittels Druckluftbeaufschlagung per Kopplung mit dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 und parallel dazu per Kopplung mit dem Ausgang A5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 in seiner nc-Stellung gehalten. Zusätzlich ist noch ein Sensor 15 zur Feststellung des aktuellen Schaltzustandes des vierten Wegeventils WV4 vorgesehen.The fourth directional valve WV4 actuated by means of the third directional valve WV3 is connected via its outlet A4 to the secondary outlet P2 and parallel to an inlet E6 of the sixth directional valve WV6, wherein the fourth directional valve WV4 can be vented via a venting outlet R4. The fourth directional control valve WV4 is held in its nc position via a control spring 14 and additionally by means of pressurized air via coupling to the outlet of the throttle device 13 and parallel to it via coupling to the output A5 of the fifth directional valve WV5. In addition, a sensor 15 is provided for determining the current switching state of the fourth directional valve WV4.

Das sechste Wegeventil WV6 schließlich ist zwischen einer Normalstellung und einer Funktionsstellung schaltbar, wobei in Normalstellung ein erster Einlass E6 mit dem Sekundärauslass P2 und parallel dazu mit dem Auslass A4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 verbunden ist, während der dazugehörige erste Entlüftungsabgang R6 zur Atmosphäre hin offen ist. In Normalstellung des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 ist ferner ein zweiter Einlass E6* mit der Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 gekoppelt, während ein dazugehöriger zweiter Entlüftungsabgang R6* zur Atmosphäre hin offen. In der Funktionsstellung des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 hingegen ist dessen Einlass E6 mit dem Auslass A4 des vierten Wegeventils und parallel dazu mit dem Sekundärauslass P2 verbunden, während der dazugehörige Auslass A6 mit der Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 gekoppelt ist.Finally, the sixth directional valve WV6 is switchable between a normal position and a functional position, wherein in the normal position a first inlet E6 is connected to the secondary outlet P2 and parallel to the outlet A4 of the fourth directional valve WV4, while the associated first vent outlet R6 is open to the atmosphere , In the normal position of the sixth directional valve WV6, a second inlet E6 * is further coupled to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5, while an associated second venting outlet R6 * is open to the atmosphere. In the functional position of the sixth directional valve WV6, however, its inlet E6 is connected to the outlet A4 of the fourth directional control valve and, in parallel thereto, to the secondary outlet P2, while the associated one Outlet A6 is coupled to the control side S5 of the fifth-way valve WV5.

In Figur 11 ist eine Schaltstellung dargestellt, bei der alle 3/2- bzw. 2/2-Wegeventile in ihrer nc-Stellung sind, sowie das sechste Wegeventil WV6 vom Typ 4/2-NC in seiner Normalstellung ist. Diese Stellung könnte auch als Ruhestellung vor dem Softstartvorgang bezeichnet werden. Dabei steht vom Primäreinlass P1 stammende Druckluft mit Primärdruck am Einlass E1 des geschlossenen ersten Wegeventils WV1 und parallel dazu am Eingang E5 des gecshlossenen fünften Wegeventils WV5 an. Parallel dazu gelangt Druckluft zur Unterstützung der Stellfeder 14 auf die Gegensteuerseite des fünften Wegeventils WV5. Schließlich strömt Druckluft in den Bypass 17 und gelangt dort zur Drosseleinrichtung 13 und von dort zum Einlass E4 des geschlossenen vierten Wegeventils, zum Auslass A5 des geschlossenen fünften Wegeventils WV5 und zur Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5. Als Drosseleinrichtung 13 ist hier ein einstellbares Drosselventil vorgesehen und zusätzlich eine Festdrossel in Form eines die einstellbare Drossel umgehenden Drossel-Bypasses. Dadurch wird verhindert, dass bei geschlossenem Drosselventil der Strömungsweg vollständig verschlossen ist. Vielmehr kann stets eine Druckluftmenge über den Drossel-Bypass, der einen relativ geringen Querschnitt besitzt zu den zugeordneten Anschlüssen des vierten und fünften Wegeventils WV4 und WV5 gelangen. Schließlich steht die Druckluft mit Primärdruck noch an der Gegensteuerseite des vierten Wegeventils WV4 an und unterstützt damit die Stellkraft der Stellfeder 14.In FIG. 11 is a switching position shown in which all 3/2 or 2/2-way valves are in their nc position, and the sixth directional valve WV6 type 4/2 NC is in its normal position. This position could also be referred to as a rest position before the soft start process. In this case, compressed air originating from the primary inlet P1 is in contact with the primary pressure at the inlet E1 of the closed first directional valve WV1 and parallel thereto at the inlet E5 of the closed fifth directional valve WV5. In parallel with this, compressed air for supporting the adjusting spring 14 reaches the counter-control side of the fifth directional valve WV5. Finally, compressed air flows into the bypass 17 and reaches the throttle device 13 and from there to the inlet E4 of the closed fourth directional valve, to the outlet A5 of the closed fifth directional valve WV5 and to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5. As a throttle device 13 here is an adjustable throttle valve is provided and in addition a fixed throttle in the form of an adjustable throttle immediate throttle bypass. This prevents the flow path is completely closed when the throttle valve is closed. Rather, a quantity of compressed air via the throttle bypass, which has a relatively small cross section, can always reach the associated ports of the fourth and fifth directional valve WV4 and WV5. Finally, the compressed air with primary pressure is still at the counter-control side of the fourth directional valve WV4 and thus supports the actuating force of the spring 14th

Figur 12 zeigt eine fiktive Schaltstellung, bei der zunächst nur das erste Wegeventil WV1 in seine Offenstellung geschaltet hat, sodass Druckluft am Eingang des dritten Wegeventils WV3, das nach wie vor in seiner nc-Stellung verbleibt, gelangt und dort ansteht sowie Druckluft unter Primärdruck zur Steuerseite S6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 gelangt und dieses in seine Funktionsstellung schaltet. Viertes und fünftes Wegeventil WV4 und WV5 sind jedoch nach wie vor geschlossen, das heißt in ihrer nc-Stellung. FIG. 12 shows a fictitious switching position, in which initially only the first directional valve WV1 has switched to its open position, so that compressed air at the entrance of the third directional valve WV3, which still remains in its nc position, passes and there pending and compressed air under primary pressure to the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 and this switches to its functional position. Fourth and fifth directional valve WV4 and WV5 are still closed, that is, in their nc position.

Figur 13 zeigt eine Schaltstellung beim Einleiten des Softstartvorgangs. Dabei haben das erste Wegeventil WV1 und das dritte Wegeventil WV3 vorschriftsmäßig in ihre Offenstellung geschaltet, wobei Druckluft über das dritte Wegeventil WV3 zur Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 gelangt und dieses in seine Offenstellung schaltet. Zwar hat sich im gesperrten Zustand des vierten Wegeventils WV4 vor dessen Eingang E4 Druckluft unter Primärdruck angestaut, jedoch wird diese, zwischen dem Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 und dem Eingang E4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 zunächst eingesperrte Druckluftmenge bei Öffnung des vierten Wegeventils WV4 abgeführt und gelangt zum Sekundärauslass P2. Druckluft unter Primärdruck kann jedoch nicht sofort nachströmen, da die Drosseleinrichtung 13 zwischengechaltet ist, die die anstehende Druckluft unter Primärdruck auf Sekundärdruck drosselt. Es gelangt also Druckluft mit Sekundärdruck zum vierten Wegeventil WV4 und dort zum Primärauslass P2. Gleichzeitig strömt die Druckluft unter Sekundärdruck zum Einlass E6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 und gelangt dort über den Auslass A6 zur Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5. Gleichzeitig gibt es eine direkte Verbindung vom Ausgang der Drosseleinrichtung 13 zur Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5, sodass das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 also doppelt mit Druckluft unter Sekundärdruck steuerseitig beaufschlagt wird. Der Druck am Sekundärauslass P2 steigt nunmehr wieder allmählich an, bis ab einem gewissen Verhältnis zwischen Sekundär- und Primärdruck ein Schalten des fünften Wegeventils WV5 in seine Offenstellung veranlasst wird. Das Verhältnis zwischen Sekundär- und Primärdruck ist vorzugsweise identisch zu dem im ersten Ausführungsbeispiel offenbarten Verhältnis. Besonders bevorzugt beträgt das Verhältnis zwischen Sekundär- und Primärdruck ca. 0,5. FIG. 13 shows a switching position when initiating the soft start process. In this case, the first directional control valve WV1 and the third directional control valve WV3 have properly switched to their open position, with compressed air via the third directional valve WV3 to the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 and this switches to its open position. Although in the locked state of the fourth directional valve WV4 upstream of its input E4 has accumulated compressed air under primary pressure, however, this compressed between the output of the throttle device 13 and the input E4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 initially trapped compressed air quantity at the opening of the fourth directional valve WV4 and arrives Secondary outlet P2. However, compressed air under primary pressure can not flow immediately, since the throttle device 13 is interposed, which throttles the upcoming compressed air under primary pressure to secondary pressure. Thus, compressed air with secondary pressure reaches the fourth directional valve WV4 and there to the primary outlet P2. At the same time, the compressed air flows under secondary pressure to the inlet E6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 and arrives there via the outlet A6 to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5. At the same time, there is a direct connection from the outlet of the throttle device 13 to the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5, so that the fifth directional control valve WV5 is therefore charged twice with compressed air under secondary pressure on the control side. The pressure at the secondary outlet P2 now rises again gradually until, after a certain ratio between secondary and primary pressure, switching of the fifth directional valve WV5 into its open position is initiated. The ratio between secondary and primary pressure is preferably identical to the ratio disclosed in the first embodiment. Particularly preferably, the ratio between secondary and primary pressure is about 0.5.

Figur 14 zeigt nunmehr eine Schaltstellung nach dem Softstartvorgang. Durch den anstehenden Druck auf der Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 hat dieses geöffnet, sodass Druckluft direkt vom Primäreinlass P1 über den Hauptströmungsweg 12, das vierte Wegeventil WV4 passierend, zum Sekundärauslass P2 und von dort zu den Verbrauchern gelangt. FIG. 14 now shows a switching position after the soft start process. Due to the pending pressure on the control side S5 of the fifth directional valve WV5 this has opened so that compressed air passes directly from the primary inlet P1 via the main flow path 12, the fourth directional valve WV4 passing to the secondary outlet P2 and from there to the consumers.

Figur 15 zeigt eine Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung zum Entlüften des Sekundärauslasses P2. Dabei haben erstes und drittes Wegeventil WV1 und WV3 vorschriftsmäßig in ihre nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet, so dass die an der Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 anstehende Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R3 entweicht, während die an der Steuerseite S6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 anstehende Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R1 entweicht. Dadurch hat das vierte Wegeventil WV4 in seine nc-Stellung zwischengeschaltet, während das sechste Wegeventil WV6 in seine Normalstellung zurück geschaltet hat. Vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft kann nunmehr über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 und zusätzlich über den Entlüftungsabgang R6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 entweichen. In bevorzugter Weise sind die Entlüftungsabgänge R4 und R6 zu einem gemeinsamen, zur Atmosphäre hin offenen Zentralentlüftungsabgang 18 zusammengefasst. Dem Zentralentlüftungsabgang 18 kann zudem noch ein Schalldämpfer 19 zur Schalldämpfung der austretenden Druckluft zugeordnet sein. FIG. 15 shows a standard venting switch position for venting the secondary outlet P2. In this case, first and third directional valve WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc position in accordance with the regulations, so that the compressed air present at the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 escapes via the vent outlet R3, while the compressed air present at the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 escapes via the compressed air Vent outlet R1 escapes. As a result, the fourth directional control valve WV4 has interposed in its nc position, while the sixth directional control valve WV6 has returned to its normal position. Compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlet R4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 and additionally via the vent outlet R6 of the sixth directional valve WV6. Preferably, the vent outlets R4 and R6 to a common, open to the atmosphere central vent outlet 18 are summarized. The central vent outlet 18 may also be associated with a muffler 19 for sound attenuation of the exiting compressed air.

Wird der Softstartvorgang abgebrochen und soll entlüftet werden, wird sich die Standard-Entlüftungsschaltstellung einstellen, das heißt, vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft entweicht über die Entlüftungsabgänge R4 und R6 des vierten bzw. sechsten Wegeventils WV4 bzw. WV6.If the soft start process is aborted and is to be vented, the standard vent switch position will set, that is, from the secondary outlet P2 derived compressed air escapes through the vent outlets R4 and R6 of the fourth and sixth directional valve WV4 and WV6.

Figur 16 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das erste Wegeventil WV1 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine NC-Stellung zurückschaltet. Dadurch bleibt der Durchgang E3-A3 offen, und Druckluft steht nach wie vor an der Steuerseite S6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 an, sodass dieses in seiner Funktionsstellung verbleibt. Der Entlüftungsabgang R6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 ist somit gesperrt. Ein Entlüften ist jedoch trotzdem möglich, da das dritte Wegeventil WV3 vorschriftsmäßig in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat, sodass an der Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 anstehende Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R3 entweichen kann, wodurch das vierte Wegeventil WV4 in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. Vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft kann nunmehr über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entweichen. Zudem wird die Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 über die Anschlüsse A6-E6 und den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entlüftet, sodass das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. FIG. 16 shows a venting switch position in which the first directional valve WV1 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its NC position. As a result, the passage E3-A3 remains open, and compressed air is still at the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6, so that this remains in its functional position. The vent outlet R6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 is thus blocked. However, venting is still possible because the third directional control valve WV3 has switched back to its nc-position, so that at the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 upcoming compressed air can escape via the vent outlet R3, whereby the fourth directional valve WV4 switches back to its nc position , Compressed air from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlet R4. In addition, the control side S5 of the fifth-way valve WV5 is vented via the ports A6-E6 and the vent outlet R4, so that the fifth-way valve WV5 returns to its nc position.

Figur 17 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das dritte Wegeventil WV3 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat. Die Besonderheit hieran ist, dass die Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 trotzdem entlüftet wird, und zwar über das vorschriftsmäßig in NC-Stellung zurückgeschaltete erste Wegeventil WV1, und zwar über die Anschlüsse A3-E3 und Al-R1. Dadurch schalten viertes und sechstes Wegeventil WV4 bzw. WV6 in ihre nc-Stellungen zurück, wodurch vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft sowohl über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 als auch über den Entlüftungsabgang R6 entweichen kann. FIG. 17 shows a vent switching position in which the third directional valve WV3 has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position. The peculiarity of this is that the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 is still vented, through the back in the NC position switched back first directional control valve WV1, via the terminals A3-E3 and Al-R1. As a result, fourth and sixth directional valves WV4 and WV6 switch back to their nc positions, resulting in secondary outlet P2 Compressed air can escape both via the vent outlet R4 and via the vent outlet R6.

Figur 18 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das fünfte Wegeventil WV5 bzw. Hauptventil eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat. Dadurch bleibt der Hauptströmungsweg 12 über E5-A5 offen, sodass vom Primäreinlass P1 stammende Druckluft nachströmen kann. Ein Entlüften ist jedoch trotzdem möglich, da die beiden Wegeventile WV1 und WV3 in ihre nc-Stellungen zurückgeschaltet haben, wodurch die Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 als auch die Steuerseite S6 des sechsten Wegeventils WV6 entlüftet werden, so dass viertes und sechstes Wegeventil WV4 und WV6 in ihre nc-Stellung bzw. Normalstellung zurückgeschaltet haben. Dadurch ist wiederum ein Entlüften der vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammenden Druckluft über die Entlüftungsabgänge R4 und R6 möglich. FIG. 18 shows a vent switch position in which the fifth-way valve WV5 or main valve has a malfunction, that has not switched back to its nc position. As a result, the main flow path 12 remains open via E5-A5, so that compressed air originating from the primary inlet P1 can flow in. However, a venting is still possible because the two-way valves WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc positions, whereby the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 and the control side S6 of the sixth directional valve WV6 are vented, so that fourth and sixth directional valve WV4 and WV6 have switched back to their nc position or normal position. This in turn makes it possible to vent the compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 via the exhaust outlets R4 and R6.

Figur 19 zeigt eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das vierte Wegeventil WV4 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine nc-Stellung zurückgeschaltet hat. Der Entlüftungsabgang R4 ist somit gesperrt. Eine Entlüftung ist jedoch dennoch möglich, da erstes und drittes Wegeventil WV1 und WV3 vorschriftsmäßig in ihre nc-Stellungen zurückgeschaltet haben, wodurch insbesondere die Steuerseite S6 des sechsten Wegeventils entlüftet wird, sodass dieses in seine Normalstellung zurückschaltet, sodass an der Steuerseite S5 des fünften Wegeventils WV5 anliegende Druckluft über die Anschlüsse E6* und R6* entlüftet wird, sodass das fünfte Wegeventil ebenfalls in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. Vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft kann nunmehr über den Entlüftungsabgang R6 entweichen. FIG. 19 shows a venting switching position in which the fourth directional valve WV4 has a malfunction, that is, has not switched back to its nc position. The vent outlet R4 is thus blocked. However, venting is still possible because first and third directional control valve WV1 and WV3 have switched back to their nc positions, which in particular the control side S6 of the sixth directional control valve is vented, so that this switches back to its normal position, so that on the control side S5 of the fifth way valve WV5 compressed air is vented through the ports E6 * and R6 *, so that the fifth-way valve also returns to its nc position. Compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 can now escape via the vent outlet R6.

Figur 20 zeigt nunmehr eine Entlüftungsschaltstellung, bei der das sechste Wegeventil WV6 eine Fehlfunktion hat, das heißt nicht in seine Normalstellung zurückschaltet. Dadurch ist der Entlüftungsabgang R6 gesperrt. Erstes und drittes Wegeventil WV1 und WV3 haben jedoch vorschriftsmäßig in ihre NC-Stellung zurückgeschaltet, sodass die Steuerseite S4 des vierten Wegeventils WV4 entlüftet wird, wodurch dieses in seine NC-Stellung zurückschaltet, sodass vom Sekundärauslass P2 stammende Druckluft über den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entweichen kann. Zusätzlich wird die Steuerseite S5 über die Anschlüsse A6-E6 und den Entlüftungsabgang R4 entlüftet, sodass das fünfte Wegeventil in seine nc-Stellung zurückschaltet. FIG. 20 now shows a venting switch position in which the sixth directional valve WV6 has a malfunction, that does not switch back to its normal position. As a result, the vent outlet R6 is blocked. First and third directional valves WV1 and WV3, however, have returned to their NC position in accordance with the regulations, so that the control side S4 of the fourth directional valve WV4 is vented, causing it to switch back to its NC position so that compressed air coming from the secondary outlet P2 can escape via the vent outlet R4. In addition, the control side S5 is vented via the connections A6-E6 and the vent outlet R4, so that the fifth directional control valve switches back to its nc position.

Claims (12)

  1. Soft start device for pneumatic systems,
    - with a primary inlet (P1) where compressed air at primary pressure can be applied,
    - wherein the primary inlet (P1) is connected via a valve circuit to a secondary outlet (P2) which can be coupled to at least one user and where compressed air at secondary pressure can be discharged, the secondary pressure being lower than or equal to the primary pressure,
    - wherein a main valve of the 2/2-nc (normally closed) type which can be bypassed by means of a bypass (17) is installed between the primary inlet (P1) and the secondary outlet (P2), a restrictor device (13) being provided in the bypass (17),
    - wherein the main valve (WV5) and the restrictor device (13) together with further valves (WV1, WV2, WV3, WV4; WV6; RV) of the valve circuit are interconnected such that, in a starting process while the main valve (WV5) is initially closed, compressed air is applied at a secondary pressure lower than the primary pressure but gradually increasing to the secondary outlet (P2) until the main valve (WV5) is switched into its open position at a defined ratio between secondary and primary pressure, so that compressed air reaches the secondary outlet (P2) at primary pressure and
    - the valve circuit can be moved into a standard venting control position in which the secondary outlet (P2) is vented,
    characterised in that
    - the valves (WV1, WV2, WV3, WV4 WV5; WV6; RV) of the valve circuit are interconnected such that, in addition to the standard venting control position, several further venting control positions are possible, one of the further venting control positions occurring if any of the existing valves (WV1, WV2, WV3, WV4 WV5; WV6; RV) malfunctions in an actuating process which would normally result in the standard venting control position.
  2. Soft start device according to claim 1, characterised by the following structure of the valve circuit:
    - the inlet (E2) of a second directional valve (WV2) of the 3/2-nc (normally closed) type is connected to the primary inlet (P1) and the outlet (A2) is connected in a parallel circuit to the inlet (E5) of the main valve designed as fifth directional valve (WV5) of the 2/2-nc type, to the inlet (E3) of a third directional valve (WV3) of the 3/2-nc type, to the inlet of the restrictor device (13) and to the outlet of a check valve (RV) blocking in the direction of the secondary outlet (P2), the second directional valve (WV2) being ventable via a venting outflow (R2) and coupled to the primary inlet (P1) on the control side,
    - the inlet (E1) of a first directional valve (WV1) of the 3/2-nc type designed for selecting the second directional valve (WV2) is connected to the primary inlet (P1) and the outlet (A1) is connected to the control side (S2) of the second directional valve (WV2), the first directional valve (WV1) being ventable via a venting outflow (R1) and actively switchable via switching means (16) located on the control side,
    - the outlet (A5) of the fifth directional valve (WV5) is connected to the inlet (E4) of a fourth directional valve (WV4) of the 3/2-nc type and, parallel thereto, to the outlet of the restrictor device (13), the fifth directional valve (WV5) being coupled to the outlet (A4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4) on the control side,
    - the outlet (A3) of the third directional valve (WV3) designed for selecting the fourth directional valve (WV4) is coupled to the control side (S4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4), the third directional valve (WV3) being ventable via a venting outflow (R3) and actively switchable via switching means (16) located on the control side,
    - the outlet (A4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4) is, in parallel to the coupling to the control side (S5) of the fifth directional valve (WV5), connected to the secondary outlet (P2) and to the inlet of the check valve (RV), the fourth directional valve (WV4) being ventable via a venting outflow (R4).
  3. Soft start device according to claim 2, characterised in that the first and second directional valves (WV1, WV2) together form a switch-on stage upstream of the fifth directional valve (WV5) and the third, fourth and fifth directional valves (WV3, WV4, WV5) together with the restrictor device (13) and the check valve (EV) form a soft start stage allowing a soft start.
  4. Soft start device according to claim 3, characterised in that the switch-on stage is located in a switch-on valve unit and the soft start stage is located in a separate soft start valve unit which can be disconnected from the switch-on valve unit.
  5. Soft start device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the restrictor device (13) comprises an adjustable restrictor valve.
  6. Soft start device according to claim 1, characterised by the following structure of the valve circuit:
    - the inlet (E5) of the main valve designed as a fifth directional valve (WV5) of the 2/2-nc type is connected to the primary inlet (P1) and the outlet (A5) is connected to the inlet (E4) of a fourth directional valve (WV4) of the 3/2-nc type and, parallel thereto, to the outlet of the restrictor device, the fifth directional valve (WV5) being coupled to the outlet of the restrictor device (13) on the control side and in addition to an outlet (A6) of a sixth directional valve (WV6) of the 4/2-nc type,
    - the inlet (E1) of the first directional valve (WV1) of the 3/2-nc type is connected to the primary inlet (P1) and the outlet (A2) is connected to the inlet (E3) of a third directional valve (WV3) of the 3/2-nc type and, parallel thereto, to the control side (S6) of the sixth directional valve (WV6), the first directional valve (WV1) being ventable via a venting outflow (R1) and actively switchable via switching means (16) located on the control side,
    - the outlet (A3) of the third directional valve (WV3) is coupled to the control side (S4) of a fourth directional valve (WV4) of the 3/2-nc type, the third directional valve (WV3) being ventable via a venting outflow (R3) and actively switchable via switching means (16) located on the control side,
    - the outlet (A4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4) is connected to the secondary outlet (P2) and, parallel thereto, to an inlet (E6) of the sixth directional valve (WV6), the fourth directional valve (WV4) being ventable via a venting outflow (R4), and
    - the sixth directional valve (WV6) is switchable between a normal position and a functional position, wherein in the normal position a first inlet (E6) is connected to the secondary outlet (P2) and, parallel thereto, to the outlet (A4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4), while the associated first venting outflow (R6) is open to the atmosphere, and a second inlet (E6*) is coupled to the control side (S5) of the fifth directional valve (WV5), while an associated second venting outflow (R6*) is open to the atmosphere, and wherein in the functional position the inlet (E6) is connected to the outlet (A4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4) and, parallel thereto, to the secondary outlet (P2) and the associated outlet (A6) is coupled to the control side (S5) of the fifth directional valve (WV5).
  7. Soft start device according to claim 6, characterised in that the venting outflows (R4, R6) of the fourth and sixth directional valves are combined to form a common central venting outflow (18) open to the atmosphere.
  8. Soft start device according to claim 7, characterised in that a silencer (19) for the attenuation of the noise of the discharging compressed air is assigned to the central venting outflow (18).
  9. Soft start device according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the fifth directional valve (WV5) is held in its nc position by an actuating spring (14) and in addition by the application of compressed air by means of coupling to the primary inlet (P1), in that the fourth directional valve (WV4) is held in its nc position by an actuating spring (14) and in addition by the application of compressed air by means of coupling to the outlet (A5) of the fifth directional valve and, parallel thereto, to the outlet of the restrictor device, and in that the sixth directional valve (WV6) is held in its normal position by an actuating spring (14) and in addition by the application of compressed air by means of coupling to secondary outlet (P2) and, parallel thereto, to the outlet (A4) of the fourth directional valve (WV4).
  10. Soft start device according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the restrictor device (13) comprises an adjustable restrictor valve and in addition a fixed restrictor in the form of a restrictor bypass surrounding the adjustable restrictor.
  11. Soft start device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ratio between the secondary pressure and the primary pressure from which the main valve (WV5) is switched into its open position lies in the range of >0 to 1, typically 0.4 to 0.6.
  12. Soft start device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sensor device comprising a plurality of sensors (15) for the detection of the current switching states of the directional valves, in particular of those which are not actively switchable, is provided.
EP20050020433 2004-10-06 2005-09-20 Progressive start device for compressed air systems Active EP1645755B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE202004015468U DE202004015468U1 (en) 2004-10-06 2004-10-06 Soft start device for compressed air systems

Publications (3)

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EP1645755A2 EP1645755A2 (en) 2006-04-12
EP1645755A3 EP1645755A3 (en) 2007-09-05
EP1645755B1 true EP1645755B1 (en) 2010-02-24

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EP20050020433 Active EP1645755B1 (en) 2004-10-06 2005-09-20 Progressive start device for compressed air systems

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US (1) US7699073B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1645755B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE458914T1 (en)
DE (2) DE202004015468U1 (en)

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Also Published As

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DE502005009076D1 (en) 2010-04-08
DE202004015468U1 (en) 2005-01-05
US20060070673A1 (en) 2006-04-06
US7699073B2 (en) 2010-04-20
EP1645755A2 (en) 2006-04-12
ATE458914T1 (en) 2010-03-15
EP1645755A3 (en) 2007-09-05

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