Valve device of a pneumatically actuatable friction clutch

A valve device (2) for a pneumatically actuatable friction clutch arranged in a vehicle between a drive motor and a gearbox, which friction clutch is configured to be engaged by means of spring force, the valve device comprising:

• at least one inlet valve (16, 18), which is connectable on an inlet side of the at least one inlet valve to a pressurized supply line and on an outlet side of the at least one inlet valve to a working chamber of an actuating cylinder of the friction clutch, the at least one inlet valve designed as a 2/2-way solenoid seat valve,
• wherein the working chamber of the friction clutch is configured for being connected to an outlet valve, which outlet valve is connectable on an inlet side of the outlet valve to the working chamber of the actuating cylinder and on an outlet side of the outlet valve to a vent outlet, and the outlet valve is designed as a 2/2-way solenoid seat valve, and
• a pressure-sustaining valve (20, 28), which is arranged upstream or downstream of the inlet valve (16, 18) and is designed as a check valve which closes in the backflow direction,
• wherein the pressure-sustaining valve (20, 28) is designed as a check valve without a valve spring and comprises:
• a housing ring (22, 30) having a retaining cage (36),
• a closing element (24, 32), and
• a valve seat (26, 34),
• wherein the closing element (24, 32) of the pressure-sustaining valve (20, 28), in a depressurized state and/or with a positive pressure gradient from the direction of an outlet bore of the associated inlet valve (16, 18) defined as when pressure in the supply line is higher than in the working chamber of the actuating cylinder, is held by interlocking and frictional engagement in the retaining cage (36) of the housing ring (22, 30) and,
• wherein the closing element (24, 32) of the pressure-sustaining valve (20, 28), with a negative pressure gradient in the direction of the outlet bore of the associated inlet valve (16, 18) defined as when pressure in the supply line is lower than in the working chamber of the actuating cylinder, can be lifted out of the retaining cage (36) and pressed against the valve seat (26, 34) to block pressurized air from exiting the working chamber through the at least one inlet valves.