Fluid valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid valve comprising a magnetic drive unit (2) for a valve closure body (8), wherein the drive unit (2) has a core (3), a coil (4) partially surrounding the core (3) and an armature (5) pivotable about a pivot axis (SA) by energizing the coil (4) and the resulting magnetic force, wherein the valve closure body (8) is in operative connection with the armature (5) and is pivotable about a pivot axis (SV) by the pivoting of the armature (5) and can be positioned at least in a first and a second pivot position, wherein the valve closure body (8) has a first and a second branch (8.1, 8.2), wherein the first branch (8.1) projects into a valve housing (9) having at least one fluid passage and the second branch (8.2) projects angularly from the first branch (8.1) and establishes the operative connection with the armature (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid valve with a magnetic drive unit, by means of which the valve closing body can be moved. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid valves with magnetic actuators are known. In particular, fluid valves are known to cause linear motion (i.e., displacement) of the armature by applying a magnetic field. This linear motion is converted into pivoting motion of the valve closing body. Depending on the pivoting motion of the valve closing body, the fluid passage in the fluid valve is opened or closed.

[0003] A major drawback of known fluid valves is that, due to their design, the force introduced into the armature by the coil's magnetic field is relatively small. Therefore, a large current must flow through the coil in order to switch the fluid valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a fluid valve that can improve switching behavior when the switching current is reduced.

[0005] According to one aspect, a fluid valve is disclosed, including a magnetic actuation unit for a valve closing body. The actuation unit includes a core, a coil partially surrounding the core, and an armature that can pivot about a pivot axis by energizing the coil and the resulting magnetic force. The valve closing body is functionally connected to the armature and can pivot about a pivot axis by pivoting the armature. This allows the valve closing body to be positioned at least in first and second pivot positions. The valve closing body has first and second branches, wherein the first branch extends into a valve housing having at least one fluid passage, and the second branch projects at an angle from the first branch and is functionally connected to the armature.

[0006] The technical advantage of this fluid valve lies in the fact that the pivotability of the armature and the connected valve shut-off element helps improve the switching behavior of the fluid valve because a lower switching current is required compared to linear displacement of the armature. The angled design of the valve shut-off element facilitates a space-saving connection between the valve shut-off element and the armature, while also enabling a larger force input.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first branch is designed to be longer than the second branch. This makes the stroke or pivot distance of the first branch greater than that of the second branch. In this way, even with a small armature pivot angle or stroke, the stroke or pivot distance of the free end of the first branch can still be increased, thereby improving the switching behavior of the fluid valve.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the length of the first branch is at least 1.5 times the length of the second branch.

[0009] Specifically, the length ratio between the first and second branches is between 1.5 and 2. This length ratio helps to achieve sufficiently good switching behavior while enabling a compact design of the valve shut-off body and a high shut-off force.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second branch extends along the longitudinal axis of the armature along a portion of its length. This allows the pivot of the valve closing body to be located in the central region of the armature, and the second branch enables the valve closing body to be connected to the free end of the armature.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second branch extends from the pivot axis of the valve closing body to the side of the armature away from the pivot axis. This allows the valve closing body to be connected to the armature region where the armature completes its maximum stroke during pivoting.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first branch protrudes from the second branch at a right angle or substantially a right angle. This allows the pivoting motion of the armature positioned above the valve housing to be converted into the pivoting motion of the first branch of the valve closing body, which is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the pivoting motion of the armature.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the pivot of the valve closing body is arranged in the transition region between the first and second branches. This advantageously converts the pivoting motion of the armature into the pivoting motion of the valve closing body.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the armature can move between a first and a second pivoting position by means of a drive unit, wherein the angle between the first and second pivoting positions is 5° or less. Even when the armature is pivoting away from the pole face of the core, a larger force can be introduced into the armature through this small angular travel. In this way, only a small current needs to be passed through the coil to switch the fluid valve, because even when the armature is away from the core, a larger force can be introduced due to the small distance between the armature and the pole face of the core.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the core is U-shaped and has a pair of pole faces. The armature is designed to span these pole faces. Preferably, the magnetic circuit between the pole faces is closed by pivoting the armature while the coil is energized. By extending the armature over the pole faces, a large force is applied to the armature, which is used to pivot the valve closing body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the armature's pivot is parallel to the plane containing the pole faces of the core. Viewed from the longitudinal axis of the armature, the armature's pivot is preferably located below a pair of pole faces, arranged such that one is above the other when viewed from the longitudinal axis of the armature. This allows the armature to pivot relative to the plane of the pole faces, thereby closing the magnetic circuit when the coil is energized.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the armature can pivot relative to the plane containing the pole faces of the core, such that the armature pivots towards the pole faces in an energized state to a first pivot position and is positioned to a second pivot position in an de-energized state, in which the longitudinal axis of the armature extends obliquely from the plane of the pole faces. Preferably, the pivoting away from this plane is achieved by means of the elastic force of a spring that deforms when current is applied to the coil. In the first pivot position, the armature is preferably separated from the pole faces by a small distance, for example less than 1 mm, particularly less than 0.5 mm, i.e., not directly in contact with the pole faces. In the first pivot position, the magnetic circuit is closed. In the second pivot position, the distance between the armature and the pole faces (particularly the farthest pole face) is at most 5 mm, particularly 4 mm, 3 mm, or 2 mm, and particularly preferably 1 mm or less, for example 0.8 mm or essentially 0.8 mm. Due to the small stroke of the pivoting movement, a larger force is introduced into the armature, thereby generating a larger adjusting force.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the armature's pivot is located at a first free end of the armature, and the free end of a second branch of the valve closing body is connected to a second free end of the armature, which is positioned opposite the armature's pivot. This improves the mechanical connection between the armature and the valve closing body because the armature region that completes its maximum stroke or pivoting distance is connected to the valve closing body.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the armature has a hinge point for a valve closing body in the second free end region. The hinge point is disposed on a protrusion on the armature's back surface away from the core. In this way, the hinge point protrudes from the armature toward the valve housing, and at least a portion of the valve closing body extends into the armature. This allows for a space-saving connection between the armature and the valve closing body.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the hinge point forms a accommodating portion for the free end of the valve closing body, wherein the free end of the valve closing body is pivotally held in the hinge point. The hinge point is designed such that the valve closing body is functionally connected to the armature, so that pivoting of the armature triggers pivoting of the valve closing body, but the valve closing body itself can also pivot relative to the armature. The hinge point can, for example, be designed with a hook-shaped cross-section and form a rotary joint point together with the free end of the valve closing body. This allows for force transmission from the armature to the valve closing body while ensuring that the armature can pivot relative to the valve closing body.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the pivotability of the armature is limited by the pivoting range of the valve closing body within the valve housing, regardless of whether the magnetic drive unit is energized or de-energized. In other words, the pivoting movement of the armature is not restricted by its contact with surrounding components in the fluid valve; rather, the pivotability of the armature is indirectly limited by the valve closing body. This eliminates the need to adjust the pivoting distance of the armature, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the fluid valve.

[0022] For the purposes of this invention, expressions such as "approximately", "substantially" or "about" refer to deviations from the relevant precise value by + / -10%, preferably + / -5%, and / or deviations in the form of variations that are not significant to the function.

[0023] Further aspects, advantages, and applications of the invention will also be apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. All described and / or illustrated features, whether individually or in any combination, and regardless of how they are summarized or retrospectively referenced in the claims, are, in principle, the subject matter of this invention. The content of the claims also forms part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments. Figure 1 This is an exemplary longitudinal section of a fluid valve having a first switching state; Figure 2 This is an exemplary longitudinal section of a fluid valve having a second switching state; Figure 3 A side view illustrating the valve closing body; Figure 4 An illustrative perspective view of the valve closing body; and Figure 5 The following is a top view of an illustrative valve closing body. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An illustrative and schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view centered through fluid valve 1 is shown, wherein the two views differ only in the switching position of fluid valve 1.

[0026] The fluid valve 1 includes an actuation unit 2 for a valve closing body 8 and a valve housing 9, the valve housing having at least one fluid passage. The valve closing body 8 extends into the valve housing 9 and is coupled to the actuation unit 2, allowing the valve closing body 8 to be moved, particularly pivoted, by means of the actuation unit 2. Specifically, the valve closing body 8 can be in first and second pivoted positions to open or close the valve opening depending on the pivoted position. For example, in Figure 1 In the first pivot position shown, ports 1.2 and 1.3 are in fluid communication with each other, while fluid valve 1... Figure 2 In the second pivot position shown, ports 1.1 and 1.3 are in fluid communication with each other.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve housing 9 has three ports 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, wherein a pair of ports is always in fluid communication with each other depending on the pivoting position of the valve closing body 8. In contrast, the fluid valve 1 may also have only two ports, wherein the fluid connection between the ports is open or closed depending on the pivoting position of the valve closing body 8.

[0028] Fluid valve 1 has the following function: the drive unit 2 is designed to influence the pivoting position of armature 5. The drive unit 2 is, for example, an electromagnetic drive unit; that is, when the coil 4 of the drive unit 2 is energized, a magnetic force is generated, and the armature 5 is moved from a second pivoting position (see...) by means of this magnetic force. Figure 2 The movement proceeds to the first pivot position. The first pivot position is illustrated in [the diagram]. Figure 1 The second pivot position is shown in the diagram. Figure 2 During the period when current is applied to coil 4, armature 5 maintains this first pivot position. Armature 5 is preferably spring-loaded so that it returns to the second pivot position after the energization of coil 4 is stopped.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the valve closing body 8 is connected to the armature 5 so that the valve closing body 8 can move, in particular, pivot, via the armature 5. Specifically, the valve closing body 8 is in a first or second position in the valve housing 9 depending on the pivoting position of the armature 5, thereby defining the valve position, or in other words, defining the opening or closing of the fluid passage. The portion of the valve closing body 8 extending into the valve housing 9 is particularly surrounded by a sealing diaphragm 10. This sealing diaphragm 10 is pressed against the valve seat of the valve housing 9 by the valve closing body 8 according to the pivoting position, thereby selectively opening or closing the fluid passage according to the pivoting position of the valve closing body 8.

[0030] The drive unit 2 includes a base 6. The base 6 forms the basic supporting structure of the drive unit 2. The base is preferably designed as an injection-molded part, particularly a plastic injection-molded part. The base 6 has a tubular or substantially tubular receiving portion for the coil 4. A first insertion port is formed in the receiving portion, into which one side of the U-shaped core 3 can be inserted.

[0031] The base 6 further includes an armature housing 6.1. This armature housing 6.1 is directly connected to the housing of the coil 4 and is designed to support the armature 5 in a manner that allows the armature 5 to pivot. The armature housing 6.1 is shell-shaped, particularly rectangular, and has a bottom region and multiple wall regions. The wall regions are connected to the bottom region, surround the bottom region along their periphery, and protrude from the bottom region toward the side away from the coil 4.

[0032] A second insertion port is provided in the bottom region, into which the second side of the U-shaped core 3 can be inserted. Therefore, the U-shaped core 3 is yoke-shaped, with one side of the core 3 surrounded by the coil 4. Thus, when the coil 4 is energized, the core 3 and the armature 5 spanning the pole faces 3.1 and 3.1' of the core 3 form a closed magnetic circuit.

[0033] The armature 5 is provided with a support portion 5.2. The support portion 5.2 has a support point 5.3, by which the armature 5 is pivotally supported on the base 6 of the drive unit 2. The pivotable support of the armature 5 allows the armature 5 to be in the aforementioned pivot position, particularly the second pivot position, in which the armature 5 rotates out of the plane parallel to the pole faces 3.1, 3.1'. Figure 2 ), and a first pivot position, in which the longitudinal axis LA of the armature 5 is parallel or substantially parallel to the plane containing the pole faces 3.1, 3.1' of the core 3, or pivots in the direction of the pole faces 3.1, 3.1' ( ), and a first pivot position, at which the armature 5 pivots ( ). Figure 1 ).

[0034] Preferably, the angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the armature 5 in the first pivot position and the longitudinal axis of the armature 5 in the second pivot position is less than 5°, particularly less than 4°, 3° or 2°. Particularly preferably, this angle is less than 1.8°. Due to the low pivotability, even when the armature is in the second pivot position, that is, when it pivots away from the pole faces 3.1, 3.1' of the core 3, a larger force can be introduced into the armature 5 because the air gap between the armature 5 and the pole faces 3.1, 3.1' is small.

[0035] A support portion 5.2 is disposed on the first free end of the armature 5. A support point 5.3 disposed on the support portion 5.2 preferably forms a sliding support point, which is formed on the outer side of the support portion 5.2. The support point 5.3 interacts with a sliding support mating surface 6.1.1 disposed on the base 6. The support portion 5.2 is inserted into the armature housing portion 6.1 of the base 6, such that a surface support is formed between the support portion 5.2 and the armature housing portion 6.1, i.e., the support point 5.3 abuts against the sliding support mating surface 6.1.1, thereby achieving pivotable support for the armature 5.

[0036] The outer periphery of the support point 5.3 of the support portion 5.2 has an arc-shaped cross-section, meaning that the support point forms a curved sliding surface. The support point 5.3 abuts against the concave sliding support mating surface 6.1.1 of the armature housing portion 6.1 in a form-fit manner. The shape of this sliding support mating surface is opposite to that of the support point 5.3. This allows the armature 5 to pivot about the pivot SA, which is parallel to the plane containing the pole faces 3.1 and 3.1' of the core portion 3, or in other words, (pivot SA) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the armature 5. This allows the armature 5 to pivot toward or away from the upper pole face 3.1.

[0037] A hinge point 5.4 is provided on the side of the armature 5 opposite to the support 5.2. The armature 5 is connected to the valve closing body 8 via this hinge point 5.4. The hinge point 5.4 has, for example, a notch in which a portion of the valve closing body 8 (particularly the free end portion) engages. Alternatively, the opposite design can be conceived, where the valve closing body 8 has a notch in which a protrusion of the hinge point 5.4 engages. The connection between the armature 5 and the valve closing body 8 via the hinge point 5.4 is specifically designed such that the hinge point 5.4 allows the valve closing body 8 to pivot relative to the armature 5. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved through a rotary joint-like connection between the armature 5 and the valve closing body 8.

[0038] Hinge point 5.4 is provided, for example, on a hook-shaped protrusion of armature 5, which protrudes from the back side 5b of armature 5. The back side 5b is opposite to the front side 5a of armature 5, which faces the pole surfaces 3.1, 3.1' of core 3. This allows for a space-saving connection between armature 5 and valve closing body 8.

[0039] The valve closing body 8 will be described in detail below. Figures 3 to 5 The valve closing body 8 is shown separately in different views.

[0040] Especially as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the valve closing body 8 is preferably designed to be angled and has first and second branches 8.1 and 8.2. The longitudinal axes of branches 8.1 and 8.2 form an angle between, for example, 80° and 100°. In particular, the angle between the longitudinal axes of branches 8.1 and 8.2 is 90° or substantially 90°. The first branch 8.1 is designed to extend into the valve housing 9. The second branch 8.2 protrudes laterally from the first branch 8.1 and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the armature 5. The free end of the second branch 8.2 is connected to the armature 5 via a hinge point 5.4 to establish a mechanical connection between the armature 5 and the valve closing body 8. The valve closing body 8 is preferably connected to the armature 5 directly (i.e., without other intermediate elements) via the second branch 8.2.

[0041] The valve closing body 8 has, for example, a hole 8.3 for bolt insertion in the transition region between the first and second branches 8.1, 8.2, by means of which the valve closing body 8 is pivotally held in the drive unit 2. The hole 8.3 thus defines the pivot SV of the valve closing body 8.

[0042] Especially as Figure 3As shown, the first branch 8.1 of the valve closing body 8 is designed to be longer than the second branch 8.2. This makes the pivoting distance of the first branch 8.1 greater than that of the second branch 8.2. Therefore, even if the armature 5 has a shorter stroke between its first and second pivoting positions, the free end of the first branch 8.1 will perform an increased stroke. This ensures a sufficiently large distance between the free end of the first branch 8.1 and the valve seat formed in the valve body.

[0043] The length of the first branch 8.1 is preferably at least 1.5 times the length of the second branch 8.2, particularly at least 1.7 times. Particularly preferably, the ratio is 1.8 or substantially 1.8.

[0044] Especially as Figure 4 As shown, branches 8.1 and 8.2 have different widths. Specifically, the width b2 of the second branch 8.2 is greater than the width b1 of the first branch 8.1. In particular, the orifice 8.3 region of the valve closing body 8 can also be designed to be wider than the first branch 8.1. By making the width of the second branch 8.2 greater than the width of the first branch 8.1, the valve closing body 8 can be better connected to the armature 5. By increasing the width of the valve closing body 8 in the orifice 8.3 region, the valve closing body 8 can be better supported in the drive unit 2.

[0045] The armature 5 is preferably held unimpeded in the armature housing 6.1, meaning that the pivoting movement of the armature 5 is not restricted in either the first or second pivoting positions by the armature portion abutting against surrounding components. Specifically, the pivoting movement of the armature 5 is restricted by the valve closing body 8, which abuts against a contact surface in the valve housing 9 depending on the pivoting position of the armature 5. Specifically, the contact surface may be a valve seat formed in the valve housing 9. It should be noted that in the second pivoting position of the armature 5, i.e., the position of the armature when the coil 4 is energized, the armature 5 is also spaced apart from the pole faces 3.1, 3.1'. This distance is preferably less than 1 mm, particularly less than 0.5 mm, in order to introduce as much force as possible into the armature 5.

[0046] The present invention has been described above using embodiments. It is understood that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of protection defined in the claims.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1 fluid valve 1.1 port 1.2 port Port 1.3 2 drive units 3-core 3.1, 3.1' polar surfaces 4 coils 5 armature Front of 5a armature The back of the 5b armature 5.2 Support section 5.3 Support Points 5.4 Hinge Point 6 matrix 6.1 Armature housing 6.1.1 Sliding bearing mating surface 8 valve closing body 8.1 First Branch 8.2 Second Branch 8.3 Holes 9 Valve housing 10 sealing diaphragms The longitudinal axis of the LA armature The pivot of the SA armature SV valve closing body pivot b1 Width of the first branch width of the second branch b2

Claims

1. A fluid valve comprising a magnetic drive unit (2) for a valve closing body (8), the drive unit (2) having a core (3), a coil (4) partially surrounding the core (3), and an armature (5) capable of pivoting about a first pivot (SA) by energizing the coil (4) and the resulting magnetic force, wherein, The valve closing body (8) is functionally connected to the armature (5) and is pivotable about a second pivot (SV) by pivoting the armature (5), and can be positioned at least in the first and second pivot positions, wherein the valve closing body (8) has a first branch (8.1) and a second branch (8.2), wherein the first branch (8.1) extends into a valve housing (9) having at least one fluid passage, and the second branch (8.2) protrudes at an angle from the first branch (8.1) and establishes the functional connection with the armature (5); The first branch (8.1) is designed to be longer than the second branch (8.2); The second branch (8.2) extends along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the armature (5) over a portion of its length.

2. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the first branch (8.1) is at least 1.5 times the length of the second branch (8.2).

3. The fluid valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second branch (8.2) extends from the second pivot (SV) of the valve closing body (8) toward the side of the armature (5) away from the first pivot (SA) of the armature (5).

4. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first branch (8.1) protrudes from the second branch (8.2) at a right angle or substantially at a right angle.

5. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pivot (SV) of the valve closing body (8) is arranged in the transition area between the first branch (8.1) and the second branch (8.2).

6. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The armature (5) is capable of moving between a first and a second pivot position by means of the drive unit (2), wherein the angle between the first and second pivot positions is 5° or less.

7. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core (3) is U-shaped and has a pair of pole faces (3.1, 3.1'), and the armature (5) is designed to span the pair of pole faces (3.1, 3.1').

8. The fluid valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first pivot (SA) of the armature (5) is parallel to the plane containing the pole faces (3.1, 3.1') of the core (3).

9. The fluid valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The armature (5) is pivotable relative to the plane containing the pole faces (3.1, 3.1') of the core (3), thereby enabling the armature (5) to pivot to a first pivot position in the direction of the pole faces (3.1, 3.1') when energized, and to a second pivot position when de-energized. In the second pivot position, the longitudinal axis (LA) of the armature (5) extends obliquely from the plane of the pole faces (3.1, 3.1').

10. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pivot (SA) of the armature (5) is disposed at the first free end of the armature (5), and the free end of the second branch (8.2) of the valve closing body (8) is connected to the second free end of the armature (5), and the second free end is disposed opposite to the first pivot (SA) of the armature (5).

11. The fluid valve according to claim 10, characterized in that, The armature (5) has a hinge point (5.4) for the valve closing body (8) in the second free end region. The hinge point (5.4) is disposed on a protrusion of the armature (5) on the back side (5b) of the armature (5) away from the core (3).

12. The fluid valve according to claim 11, characterized in that, The hinge point (5.4) forms a receiving portion for the free end of the valve closing body (8), wherein the free end of the valve closing body (8) can be pivotally held in the hinge point (5.4).

13. The fluid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Regardless of whether the magnetic drive unit (2) is energized or de-energized, the pivotability of the armature (5) is limited by the pivot range of the valve closing body (8) in the valve housing (9).

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