Valve, use of a valve, and suction device comprising such a valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (10) for opening or closing at least one opening (38), said valve having a valve element (12) which closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, said valve element being accessible from the closed position to the open position by means of a magnet (14). The valve has a first armature region (22) and a second armature region (24), in which the armature regions can be raised in a time-shifted manner relative to one another, and the valve element can be brought from a closed position into an open position by the armature regions being raised in a time-shifted manner. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of the proposed valve for carrying out filter cleaning in a suction device, and to a suction device having a valve. By means of the invention, particularly energy-saving valve opening and closing can be achieved, so that a longer battery life can be achieved, for example when the valve is used in a battery-operated suction device, despite regular filter cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve for opening or closing at least one opening, wherein the valve has a valve element which closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, wherein the valve element can be brought from the closed position into the open position by means of a magnet. The valve has a first armature region and a second armature region, wherein the armature regions can be raised in a time-shifted manner relative to one another and the valve element can be brought from the closed position into the open position by means of the armature regions being raised in a time-shifted manner. On the other hand, the invention relates to the use of the proposed valve for performing filter cleaning in a suction device and to a suction device having the proposed valve. By means of the invention, particularly energy-saving opening and closing of the valve can be achieved, so that, for example, a longer battery life can be achieved when the valve is used in a battery-operated suction device despite regular filter cleaning. Background Art

[0002] Architectural grade vacuum devices are commercially available that employ a variety of methods to clean filters, with backwashing or mechanical shaking of the filter being the most widely used methods.

[0003] An important component of cleaning technology is the valve system, which relies on high and powerful dynamics. In order to ensure these dynamics, attachment magnets or retaining magnets are used as an economical and robust actuation system and interact with an armature in the form of a so-called disk. The disadvantage of these retaining magnets is the travel-dependent force curve. This means that the magnetic force decreases almost exponentially with increasing distance.

[0004] Larger magnets with greater range are expensive and do not always achieve the necessary dynamics.

[0005] On the other hand, the maximum stroke of the valve is an important parameter for the amount of backwashing air per unit time and therefore for the cleaning quality of the filter in suction devices, such as building-grade vacuum devices.

[0006] For example, DE 10 2017 201 470 A1 discloses a solenoid valve which can be used in a slip-controlled motor vehicle brake system.

[0007] DE 10 2008 011 573 A1 describes an electromagnetic actuator and a valve. For this purpose, a two-part armature is described and drive forces of different magnitudes acting on the armature are assumed.

[0008] EP 4 039 352 A1 describes a cleaning unit for a filter in a vacuum device, wherein a valve of the cleaning unit comprises two valve parts which can be opened in a time-shifted manner relative to one another.

[0009] The basic object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects, disadvantages and conflicting purposes of the prior art and to provide a valve which, on the one hand, can be opened and closed in an energy-saving manner and, on the other hand, can be opened dynamically so that the filter in the suction device can be cleaned effectively and powerfully. The energy-saving operation of the valve to be provided is desirable, in particular in order to save batteries and their life, for example in battery-operated suction devices. However, even for mains-operated suction devices, a valve that operates in an energy-efficient manner will also provide ecological and economic advantages, because such a valve will not have to be operated continuously and, in particular, smaller and cheaper magnets will be able to be used.

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claim can be found in the dependent claims. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, a valve for opening or closing at least one opening is provided, wherein the valve has a valve element, which closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, wherein the valve element can be moved from the closed position to the open position by means of a magnet. The valve has a first armature region and a second armature region, wherein the armature regions can be raised in a time-shifted manner relative to each other, and the valve element can be moved from the closed position to the open position by raising the armature regions in a time-shifted manner. The coupling of the movement of the armature regions is achieved by the structural configuration of the armature regions. It has been found that raising the armature regions in an offset manner enables the opening of the valve or the raising of the valve element to be achieved in a particularly energy-saving manner. For example, if the valve is used in a suction device (such as a vacuum cleaner), the cleaning of the filter and the energy-saving operation of the suction device can be supported in a particularly effective manner by means of the present invention. This basic advantage of the present invention can be achieved in particular by the fact that the armature regions can be advantageously raised in an offset manner relative to each other.

[0012] In particular, the ability of the armature regions of the proposed valve to move in a time-shifted manner relative to each other in order to bring the valve element from the closed position into the open position can be achieved, at least to a certain extent, by the fact that the armature regions can be moved independently of each other. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions are configured by means of their structural configuration so that when the first armature region has moved upwards by a travel distance Δs1, the second armature region is raised. As a structural configuration feature, the armature region can have a plurality of elements or protrusions that engage with each other or interact with each other so that when the first armature region has moved upwards by a travel distance Δs1, the second armature region follows the stroke movement of the first armature region.

[0013] For the purposes of the present invention, the statement "the coupling of the movement of the armature region is achieved by the structural configuration of the armature region" preferably means that the coupling of the movement of the armature region is caused exclusively by the structural configuration of the armature region. For the coordinated movement of the armature region, it is advantageous that no additional components are required in the proposed valve. The coupling of the movement of the armature region based exclusively on the structural configuration of the armature region represents a significant advantage of the present invention over conventional valves of the type known in the prior art. This is because the valve can have a very complex construction and have a plurality of, sometimes very small, components. With the aid of the present invention, an additional drive or transmission device for transmitting the movement of one armature region to another armature region can be deliberately omitted. As a result, the number of components or parts of the proposed valve can be kept relatively small and a valve with a relatively simple construction can be provided. This can advantageously make the valve particularly robust and less prone to failure.

[0014] The magnet in the proposed valve may preferably be designed as an electromagnet. However, for the purposes of the present invention it is also preferred to use a permanent magnet which is configured to push in translation on an armature in order to achieve an effect similar to that of an electromagnet. The present invention is explained below with particular reference to an electromagnet.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the valve element is designed as a valve plate or is denoted as a "sealing element". The valve element, which is preferably designed as a valve plate, is preferably a component of the movable design of the proposed valve, which is raised and separated from the valve seat in the open setting or open position and is arranged on the valve seat in the closed setting or closed position. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the valve plate seals the valve seat in the closed position, thereby preventing the fluid from passing through the valve in the closed position. In the open position of the valve, the fluid can pass through the valve. For the purposes of the present invention, the open position is also referred to as the opened position, and the closed position is referred to as the closed position of the valve. The invention is explained below with particular reference to the valve element, which is preferably designed as a valve plate.

[0016] The armature disk of the proposed valve preferably has a two-part design, i.e. the armature disk has at least one first armature region and one second armature region. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first armature region and the second armature region form the armature disk. By means of the present invention, in particular a so-called "staged armature" can be provided for electromagnet applications in order to optimize the magnetic force range in the valve. In this case, a two-stage or multi-stage magnet armature can be used to increase the attraction range of the electromagnet. The armature disk can have at least two armature regions. For example, the armature disk can be assembled from two, three, four or more armature regions, wherein the outer armature region preferably has an annular design.

[0017] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the valve comprises an electromagnet, which is arranged in the upper region of the valve, i.e. above the valve plate. The valve plate rests on a valve seat, wherein the valve seat comprises openings, which are closed by the valve plate in the closed position of the valve. In the closed position, the distance between the armature disc and the electromagnet has a value "s1". In other words, the armature disc and the electromagnet are at a distance s1 from each other. At least one opening that can be closed by means of the valve plate is preferably formed by the valve seat. In the open position of the valve, the opening is open and allows an air flow to pass through. When the proposed valve is used in a suction device, a backwash air flow or a compressed air flow can flow through this opening, for example, so that the filter in the suction device can be cleaned. In other words, the filter of the suction device can be cleaned very effectively by means of the present invention. The electromagnet is configured to exert an electromagnetic force on the valve plate, and in particular to attract the valve plate so that the valve plate enters the open position from the closed position. In order to enable the valve plate to be attracted by the electromagnet, an armature disc is present on the valve plate, preferably on the upper side facing the electromagnet. The armature disc preferably comprises a magnetic material, preferably a magnetic metal or a ferromagnetic metal, or the armature disc is formed from such a magnetic or ferromagnetic material or metal. For the purposes of the invention, it is preferred that, in particular, a first armature region of the armature disc has a ferromagnetic design or comprises a ferromagnetic material. Advantageously, it can thereby be ensured that, in particular, the first armature region is attracted and raised by the electromagnet. Surprisingly, the second armature region does not have to have a ferromagnetic design or comprise a ferromagnetic material. It has been found that inertial forces and acceleration forces in the proposed valve can be utilized to enable the valve plate to be moved in a particularly dynamic manner.

[0018] The armature disk has a two-part design, in that the armature disk has an armature disk outer ring, which for the purposes of the present invention is preferably denoted as "first armature region". The first armature region or the armature disk outer ring preferably has a design that is movable relative to the valve plate, i.e. the first armature region can preferably be moved independently of the valve plate or separately from the valve plate. The second armature region can be formed by an inner region of the armature disk, wherein the second armature region is preferably firmly or rigidly connected to the valve plate. Of course, the armature disk can also comprise more than two armature regions and can therefore have a multi-part design.

[0019] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions of the armature disk can be moved separately from each other. For the purposes of the present invention, this preferably means that a movement or raising of the first armature region does not automatically cause a movement of the second armature region. Instead, for the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions can be moved independently of each other at least to a certain extent. This extent to which the armature regions can be moved independently of each other is determined in particular by the structural configuration of the armature regions. The armature regions preferably have protruding elements or protrusions which can engage with each other or interact with each other so that when the first armature region is moved upwards by a travel distance Δs1, the second armature region is raised.

[0020] Since the second armature region is preferably firmly connected to the valve plate, the entire valve plate is also raised by this movement of the second armature region or the raising of the second armature region, and when the travel distance travelled by the first armature region exceeds the travel distance Δs1, the entire valve plate is raised from the valve seat. For the purposes of the present invention, this travel distance exceeding the travel distance Δs1 is denoted as travel distance Δs2. For the purposes of the present invention, the travel distance Δs1 may preferably be denoted as the first travel distance, while the travel distance Δs2 may preferably be denoted as the second travel distance. By raising the valve plate from the valve seat, the valve or the valve plate can be transferred from a closed position to an open position. In Figures 1 to 4 This opening sequence of the valves can be followed.

[0021] Accordingly, the proposed valve is characterized in that the armature regions of the valve can be moved independently of one another in the region of a travel distance Δs1, at which point, i.e. after exceeding a first travel distance Δs1, a coupling between the armature regions comes into effect, wherein this coupling of the movement of the armature regions is preferably achieved by the structural configuration of the armature regions. By means of the mutual engagement of the protruding elements of the armature regions, the second armature region is simultaneously raised by a progressive raising of the first armature region over the travel distance Δs1. Since, unlike the first armature region, the second armature region is firmly connected to the valve plate, the valve plate is simultaneously raised by this raising of the second armature region and the valve is opened in this way.

[0022] In other words, in the region of the travel distance Δs1, the first armature region itself initially moves independently of the second armature region, wherein, due to the structural configuration of the armature region, the first armature region drives the second armature region during the (stroke) movement exceeding the travel distance Δs and simultaneously raises it (i.e. the second armature region). Due to the rigid connection between the second armature region and the valve plate, the valve plate is thereby also raised, and the valve opens. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the electromagnet acts as an actuator for the first armature region. In other words, the first armature region can be attracted and raised by the electromagnet. In the case of the present invention, this is achieved in particular by the fact that the first armature region has a ferromagnetic design or comprises a ferromagnetic material.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, a (stroke) movement of the first armature region exceeding the travel distance Δs is denoted as travel distance Δs2 or second travel distance.

[0024] By means of the invention, in particular by raising the armature region of the two-part armature disk (raising in an offset manner or successively), a staged reduction of the air gap or clearance between the electromagnet and the armature disk is advantageously achieved. A significant advantage of the invention is that the individual movement phases of the armature region are extremely conveniently and appropriately aligned with the force and pressure conditions in the suction device, resulting in synergistic effects that significantly exceed the expected range when using the valve to support filter cleaning. Admittedly, since in the closed position of the valve the distance between the armature disk or the first armature region and the electromagnet is still very large, more precisely a maximum, a considerable amount of energy must be consumed during the initial raising of the first armature region over the travel distance Δs1. This considerable amount of energy for raising the first armature region over the travel distance Δs1 preferably corresponds to the first force F1, wherein the first force F1 and the amount of energy E are related by the following relationship: Energy E = force F1 times distance traveled Δs1 E = F1 · Δs1 The force F1 is advantageously large enough to raise the first armature region. After the initial raising of the first armature region, the distance between the first armature disk (in particular, the first armature region) and the electromagnet is "only" s2, wherein the original distance s1 between the armature disk and the electromagnet is greater than the reduced distance s2 between the first armature region and the electromagnet after the initial raising of the first armature region: s1>s2.

[0025] Raising the first armature region advantageously reduces the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disc, with the result that the armature disc is more strongly attracted by the electromagnet, so that any further movement of the armature disc in the direction of the electromagnet becomes easier and therefore requires less energy. In other words, the armature disc is more strongly attracted by the electromagnet as it gets closer and closer to the electromagnet. Completely surprisingly, the force F2 now formed and acting in the region of the travel distance Δs2 is large enough to raise the second armature region and thus also the entire valve plate. The force F2 preferably represents the electromagnetic force coming from the electromagnet and acting on the armature disc. Due to the smaller distance resulting from the raising of the first armature region, the force F2 is greater than the force F1. In particular, the force F2 is so large that both the second armature region and the entire valve plate can be raised. The travel distance Δs2 preferably corresponds to the distance s2 between the first armature region and the electromagnet.

[0026] In particular, the raising of the second armature region is caused by the armature region having a protruding element that provides a coupling between the armature regions. Possible embodiments of the protruding elements are shown in the accompanying drawings. For the purposes of the present invention, it is very particularly preferred that at least one protruding element of the first armature region is arranged in the region of the lower side of the first armature region, and / or at least one protruding element of the second armature region is arranged in the region of the upper side of the second armature region. As a result, the protruding element of the first armature region can be pressed against the protruding element of the second armature region from below and thus simultaneously raise the second armature region. Of course, the arrangement of the armature regions and / or the protruding elements can also be reversed. For example, the protruding element of the first armature region can be arranged in the region of the upper side of the first armature region, and / or the protruding element of the second armature region is arranged in the region of the lower side of the second armature region. Then, the contact surface is correspondingly reversed with respect to the above description. For the purposes of the present invention, it can also be preferred that the movable armature region is arranged in the armature disk and the fixed armature region forms the outer ring of the armature disk.

[0027] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the protruding elements of the armature areas form overlapping armature zones which allow an entrainment effect of the armature areas. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "entrainment effect" preferably means that the second armature area and the valve plate connected to the second armature area are simultaneously lifted by the first armature area, in particular when the first armature area is attracted by the electromagnet due to its small gap s2.

[0028] As the armature disc is further raised, the first armature area can come into contact with the electromagnet. The raising of the valve plate causes the valve to open slightly. This initial opening of the valve is caused in particular by the first stroke h1 of the valve plate raising. The slight raising of the valve plate and the exposure of the opening in the valve seat cause fluid exchange or pressure equalization between the previously separated valve areas, and thus the force FV that previously kept the valve closed and consistent with the gravity S drops to a minimum. As a result, the attractive force of the electromagnet (represented as the third force F3 at this stage) becomes so large that the second armature area and the valve plate connected to the second armature area can be further attracted or raised until the second armature area is also in contact with the electromagnet. By further raising the second armature area and the valve plate, the valve can be further opened, i.e., opened by the second stroke h2. When the valve plate has been raised by the total stroke h1 + h2, the transfer of the valve from the closed position to the open position is completed. The further raising of the valve plate by the second stroke h2 is advantageously facilitated by the force conditions or pressure conditions in the suction device.

[0029] This enables an extremely convenient and beneficial interweaving of mechanical and pneumatic processes, thereby enabling the valve to be opened in an extremely energy-efficient manner. When the proposed valve is used in a battery-operated suction device (e.g. a battery-powered vacuum cleaner) for the purpose of performing or supporting filter cleaning, the life of the battery can be extended, thereby making it possible to postpone the replacement of the (rechargeable) battery.

[0030] For the purposes of the invention, it is preferred that the armature regions can be moved partially separately or independently from one another. In the context of the invention, it is thereby possible to move the armature regions in a time-shifted manner relative to one another in the "upward" spatial direction, i.e. in the direction of the electromagnet. The substantially separate or independent mobility of the armature regions is present in particular in the region of the first travel distance Δs1.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions can move separately and / or independently of each other in the region of a travel distance Δs1, and that the movement of the first armature region is coupled with the movement of the second armature region in the region of a travel distance Δs2. The coupling of the movement of the armature regions in the region of a travel distance Δs2 can preferably be achieved by the structural configuration of the armature regions. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions have protruding elements that provide coupling between the armature regions. In other words, the protruding elements of the armature regions can be designed to provide coupling between the armature regions. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the structural configuration of the armature regions is distinguished by the protruding elements. The protruding elements for forming a coupling between the armature regions can preferably be lateral protruding elements.

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first armature region has a design that is movable relative to the valve plate and that the second armature region is connected to the valve plate. The armature disc is preferably arranged on the upper side of the valve plate, wherein the upper side of the valve plate faces the electromagnet. The electromagnet is preferably arranged above the valve plate, and thus when the valve is aligned correspondingly or integrated in a corresponding manner in an appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, the raising of the valve plate occurs counter to the force of gravity, while the valve plate preferably returns to the valve seat in the direction of gravity. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the opening of the valve is performed by raising the valve plate, and thus the transfer of the valve from the closed position to the open position occurs counter to the force of gravity, while the (re)closing of the valve preferably occurs in the direction of gravity.

[0033] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the attraction of the electromagnet on the valve plate is mediated by an armature disk, which is preferably arranged on the upper side of the valve plate. In this case, the upper side of the valve plate preferably forms the side of the valve plate facing the electromagnet. In other words, the magnetic attraction force of the electromagnet acts in particular on the multi-part armature disk or its components. For the purposes of the present invention, this preferably means that the armature disk or its components can be attracted or repelled by the electromagnet.

[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that at least one of the armature regions has at least one upwardly protruding element. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the protruding elements for forming a coupling between the armature regions are lateral protruding elements. Furthermore, the first armature region and / or the second armature region can have protruding elements which protrude upwardly beyond the upper side of the armature disk and give the armature region the appearance of a crown. For the purposes of the present invention, when an armature region has upwardly protruding protruding elements, the term "crown-like design of the armature region" is preferably used. Possible embodiments of upwardly protruding protruding elements are depicted in the drawings.

[0035] It has been found that a crown-shaped design of the armature disk reduces the air gap between the electromagnet and the armature disk in the closed state of the valve. A crown-shaped design of the armature disk is advantageous, in particular when the armature disk comprises more than two armature regions. Preferably, each armature region can comprise an upwardly protruding element, wherein the armature region can of course comprise more than one or a different number of upwardly protruding elements. By means of at least one upwardly protruding element, it is advantageously possible to reduce the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disk, which distance must be traversed by the electromagnetic force in order to attract or raise the first (i.e. movably designed) armature region. This advantageously also reduces the force that must be applied in order to raise the movably designed armature region and open the valve.

[0036] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that at least one opening that can be closed by means of a valve plate is formed by a valve seat, wherein the valve seat preferably forms a matching contour of the valve plate. In the closed state of the valve, the valve seat and the valve plate are connected to each other, thereby ensuring that no fluid can pass between the valve seat and the valve plate, while in the open state of the valve, the valve seat and the valve plate are separated from each other, thus enabling the passage of fluid between the valve seat and the valve plate and, for example, enabling air flows to flow between previously separated areas. By means of the passage of a fluid or air flow, a pressure equalization between an area below the valve and an area above the valve can be achieved. When the valve is arranged in a suction device, the area below the valve can, for example, include a dust collection container, and when the valve is arranged in a suction device, the area above the valve can, for example, include a turbine. The filter to be cleaned can be arranged in the area below the valve, for example, in the suction device.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a proposed valve for performing filter cleaning in a suction device. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a suction device having the proposed valve. The terms, definitions and technical advantages introduced for the valve preferably apply analogously to the use of the valve and the suction device. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the suction device is a battery-operated suction device. Of course, the suction device can also be a mains-powered suction device with a power cable. Although the present invention makes it possible to save batteries for a battery-operated suction device and extend its life, the present invention makes it possible to use smaller and therefore cheaper magnets for a mains-powered suction device, which can furthermore be operated in a more energy-efficient manner. Therefore, the present invention can provide considerable advantages both in the field of mains-powered suction devices and in the field of battery-operated suction devices.

[0038] Further advantages can be found in the following description of the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain many combined features. Those skilled in the art will also conveniently consider these features individually and combine these features to form other reasonable combinations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In the drawings, the same and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0040] In the attached picture: Figures 1 to 4 : A view showing a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve at various moments of the valve opening process Figure 5 and Figure 6 : A view showing a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve is shown, wherein in each case one armature region is of crown-like design and has at least one upwardly protruding element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figures 1 to 4 The preferred embodiment of the proposed valve 10 is shown in views at various moments of the opening process of the valve 10. The valve 10 comprises an electromagnet 14 and a valve element 12, wherein the valve element 12 is preferably designed as a valve plate 12 and closes an opening 38 of a valve seat 36 in the closed position. The valve seat 36 preferably forms a matching contour of the valve plate 12. In order to ensure that the valve plate 12 is magnetically attracted by the electromagnet 14, the valve plate 12 has an armature disk 20 on its upper side 34, which is made of a ferromagnetic material or includes a ferromagnetic material. The armature disk 20 can in particular be made of a magnetic metal or a magnetic alloy or can include a magnetic metal or a magnetic alloy. The second armature region 24 is preferably not formed of a ferromagnetic material or is not formed completely of a ferromagnetic material, because it has been found that the inertial forces can also be used to advantageously move (i.e. raise) the second armature region 24 and the valve plate 12. The armature disk 20 is of two-part design and comprises a first armature region 22 and a second armature region 24. If the armature disk 20 is of disk-shaped design, ie has an approximately circular basic shape, the first armature region 22 can be formed by an outer ring of the armature disk 20 , while the second armature region 24 is formed by an inner component of the armature disk 20 . Figures 1 to 6 In particular a section through the proposed valve 10 is shown and therefore only the preferred circular configuration of the armature disc 20 is indicated in the drawing. Figure 1 The valve 10 is shown in a closed position, wherein in the closed position the valve plate 12 is arranged in a sealing manner on the valve seat 36 and closes the opening 38 of the valve 10 .

[0042] The electromagnet 14 is arranged above the valve plate 12, and therefore the upper side 34 of the valve plate 12 is arranged facing the electromagnet 14. In a first step of opening the valve 10, the first armature region 22, which is preferably designed to be movable relative to the valve plate 12, can be attracted by the electromagnet 14 and thereby raised by a travel distance Δs1. This lifting movement of the first armature region 22 preferably acts counter to the gravity S. For the lifting movement, an amount of energy E corresponding to the force F1 must be applied. In particular, this amount of energy E is required to excite the electromagnet 14, thereby generating a magnetic field, by which the first armature region 22 of the armature disc 20 can be attracted and raised.

[0043] Reference symbol FV denotes the valve force, which is preferably the product of the reduced pressure below the valve plate 12 and the opening area 38 .

[0044] The raising of the first armature region 22 results in a shortening of the distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14, wherein the original distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14 (eg as it exists in the closed position of the valve 10) is denoted by the reference numeral «s1». Figure 1 In FIG. 2 , the elevation of the first armature region 22 has been indicated by a dashed line.

[0045] Figure 2 A stage of the opening process of the valve 10 is shown, in which the first armature region 22 has been raised by a travel distance Δs1. The new distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14 is indicated by the reference numeral «s2», wherein the distance s2 corresponds to a second travel distance Δs2, by which the first armature region 22 still has to move after the initial rise in order to approach the electromagnet 14. It has been found that it is sufficient if the first armature region 22 enters the spatial vicinity of the electromagnet 14. Preferably, an air gap or a separation layer remains between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14. It has been found that the dynamics of the valve 10 can be significantly improved thereby.

[0046] exist Figure 2 , the protruding elements 26, 28 of the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20 touch one another or come into spatial proximity with one another. The at least one protruding element 26 of the first armature region 22 is preferably located in the region of the lower side 30 of the first armature region 22, while the at least one protruding element 28 of the second armature region 24 is arranged in the region of the upper side 32 of the second armature region 24. The first armature region 22, which is preferably of movable design, is moved in the upward spatial direction (i.e. in the direction of the electromagnet 14) by the attraction of the electromagnet 14, wherein the protruding elements 26 of the first armature region 22 press from below against the protruding elements 28 of the second armature region 24 and thereby simultaneously lift the second armature region 24 or simultaneously move it upward. Since the second armature region 24 is firmly connected to the valve plate 12, the movement of the second armature region 24 also causes the valve plate 12 to move in the upward spatial direction, as a result of which the valve plate 12 is separated from the valve seat 36. As a result, the valve 10 opens, ie moves from the closed position to the open position. The closing of the valve 10 occurs in a similar manner, preferably also in stages, ie the armature regions 22 , 24 of the proposed valve 10 move downwards in a time-shifted manner.

[0047] Figure 3 The progression of the further movement process within the valve 10 is shown. Figure 3 It is shown that the movement of the second armature region 24 is decoupled from the movement of the first armature region 22 , so that the second armature region 24 can be moved into its end position by the force F3 .

[0048] As the distance between the armature regions 22, 24 and the electromagnet 14 continues to shorten, the magnetic force on the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20, which is preferably of magnetic design, becomes increasingly greater, until it is finally sufficient to lift the entire complex consisting of the second armature region 24 and the valve plate 12 and move it in the direction of the electromagnet 14. As a result, the second armature region 24 can also come into contact with the underside of the electromagnet 14 or move into the spatial vicinity of this underside, and the valve 10 is opened to the maximum extent. This situation is shown in Figure 4 The opening process of the valve 10 is thus completed, wherein the valve plate 12 is transferred from the closed position to the open position. By opening the valve 10, in particular, a fluid exchange can be generated between previously separated areas of the valve (areas above and below the valve plate 12). In addition, a pressure exchange can occur between different areas of the valve 10. In particular, if the proposed valve 10 is used in a suction device, such as a vacuum cleaner (not shown), in order to support filter cleaning, the pressure conditions during the suction mode or during filter cleaning can promote the opening and closing of the valve 10. In this way, a surprising synergistic effect is achieved, which results in particularly energy-saving filter cleaning and, if the suction device is a battery-operated suction device, the life of the battery of the suction device can be further significantly extended. The inventors have recognized this advantageous and convenient interaction between the pressure conditions in the surroundings of the valve 10 and have proposed a particularly convenient configuration of the armature regions 22, 24 and the valve plate 12 for the structural configuration of the valve 10, so that the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20 can be raised in a time-shifted manner relative to each other and the valve plate 12 can be brought from the closed position into the open position by the time-shifted raising of the armature regions 22, 24. The time-shifted raising of the armature regions 22, 24 is caused by the magnetic attraction of the electromagnet 14 and is supported in a particularly advantageous manner by the force conditions in the region of the valve 10.

[0049] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The armature regions 22, 24 of the proposed valve 10 are shown with a crowned design. In order to give them a crowned design, the armature regions 22, 24 can have upwardly protruding elements 16, which advantageously ensure that the distance between the armature disk 20 and the electromagnet 14 is reduced, as a result of which the forces for raising the armature disk 20 and / or the valve element 12 are also advantageously reduced.

[0050] Figure 5 A valve 10 is shown in which the first armature region 22 has an upwardly protruding element 16 and in which the Figure 6In the depicted valve 10, the second armature region 24 has an upwardly protruding element 16. The upwardly protruding element 16 is preferably configured to reduce the distance between the armature disc 20 or the first armature region 22 on one side and the electromagnet 14 on the other side. The force that must be applied by the electromagnet 14 to raise the armature disc 20 or the first armature region 22 can thereby be reduced.

[0051] List of Reference Numerals 10 valves 12 Valve components, especially valve plates 14 Magnets, especially electromagnets 16 upward protruding components 20 armature disc 22 First armature area 24 Second armature area 26 Protruding element of the first armature region 28 Protruding element of the second armature region 30 Lower side of the first armature region 32 Upper side of the second armature region 34 Upper side of valve plate 36 valve seat 38 openings S Gravity F1 first force F2 Second Force F3 Third Force FV Valve Force

Claims

1. A valve (10) for opening or closing at least one opening (38), wherein: The valve (10) comprises a valve element (12) which closes the at least one opening (38) in a closed position and opens the at least one opening (38) in an open position, wherein the valve element (12) can be moved from the closed position into the open position by means of a magnet (14). It is characterized in that The valve (10) has a first armature region (22) and a second armature region (24), wherein the armature regions (22, 24) can be raised in a time-shifted manner relative to one another, and the valve element (12) can be moved from the closed position to the open position by raising the armature regions (22, 24) in a time-shifted manner, wherein the coupling of the movement of the armature regions (22, 24) can be achieved by the structural configuration of the armature regions (22, 24).

2. The valve (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The armature regions (22, 24) are movable at least partially independently of one another.

3. A valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The armature regions (22, 24) are configured by means of their structural configuration such that when the first armature region (22) has moved upwards by a travel distance Δs1, the second armature region (24) is raised.

4. A valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The armature regions (22, 24) are movable independently of one another in the region of a travel distance Δs1, and in the region of a travel distance Δs2, the movement of the first armature region (22) is coupled to the movement of the second armature region (24).

5. The valve (10) according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The coupling of the movement of the armature regions (22, 24) in the region of the travel distance Δs2 is achieved by the structural configuration of the armature regions (22, 24).

6. A valve (10) according to claim 4 or 5, It is characterized in that The armature regions (22, 24) have protruding elements (26, 28) which provide coupling between the armature regions (22, 24).

7. The valve (10) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that At least one protruding element (26) of the first armature region (22) is arranged in the region of a lower side (30) of the first armature region (22), and / or at least one protruding element (28) of the second armature region (24) is arranged in the region of an upper side (32) of the second armature region (24).

8. A valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first armature region (22) is of movable design relative to the valve element (12), and the second armature region (24) is connected to the valve element (12).

9. A valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first armature region (22) and the second armature region (24) form an armature disk (20), wherein the armature disk (20) is arranged on an upper side (34) of the valve element (12), and wherein the upper side (34) of the valve element (12) faces the magnet (14).

10. A valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least one of the armature regions (22, 24) has at least one upwardly protruding element (16).

11. A valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The at least one opening (38) that can be closed by means of the valve element (12) is formed by a valve seat (36).

12. A valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The first armature region (22) is of ferromagnetic design or comprises ferromagnetic material, wherein the second armature region (24) is of non-ferromagnetic design and does not comprise any ferromagnetic material.

13. Use of a valve (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for performing filter cleaning in a suction device.

14. A suction device for sucking in dust and / or particles, It is characterized in that The suction device has a valve (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

15. The suction device according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The suction device is a battery-operated suction device.

Images