Valve for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids

Abstract

Valve (24) for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids, the valve (24) comprising: a valve housing (25) having a first sealing seat (27.1) and a second sealing seat (27.2), and a valve body (26) which is designed to be movable back and forth within the valve housing (25) along a longitudinal axis (L) between a first fully closed position, in which the valve body (26) provides a fluid connection between a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and a second fully closed position, in which the valve body (26) provides a fluid connection between the first fluid port and a third fluid port, wherein the position of the valve body (26) is controllable by a valve drive device (1), and wherein the valve body (26) has a through-opening which extends along the longitudinal axis (L) through the valve body (26).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a valve for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids, wherein the valve comprises a valve body which is designed to be transferable between a fully closed position and a fully open position within a valve housing. State of the art

[0002] Valve drive devices known in the prior art usually have actuating spindles that are rotated by a drive. A thread converts the rotation of the actuating spindle into a translation to move a valve body between a closed and an open position. This results in a number of disadvantages. For example, a rotational decoupling device must be installed between the actuating spindle and the valve body to prevent the actuating spindle and valve body from jamming in the sealing seat under high torque. To reduce wear between the actuating spindle and valve body, at least one sliding disk must also be considered, which minimizes the contact surfaces and friction between the actuating spindle and valve body.A further disadvantage arises from the fact that the actuating spindle, including the rotor, moves axially relative to the stator. Despite this axial relative movement, the stator must be designed to transmit a sufficient amount of torque to the rotor.

[0003] DE 100 58 441 A1 discloses a valve drive device. Similar valve drive devices are also known from US 5,060,910 A, WO 2004 / 038269 A1, JP 2021 001687 A, and US 2021 / 172541 A1. Description of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a valve drive device belonging to the aforementioned technical field that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved concept for a valve drive device.

[0005] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. The valve drive device comprises a base element and a lifting rod for driving a valve body, wherein the lifting rod is movable in a translational and non-rotational manner relative to the base element along its longitudinal axis between a first end position and a second end position deviating from the first end position. In addition, the valve drive device comprises a rotor rotatable about the longitudinal axis for driving the lifting rod, wherein a rotational movement of the rotor can be converted into the translational and non-rotational movement of the lifting rod by a transmission device.Furthermore, the valve drive device comprises a rotation limiting device for limiting the rotational movement of the rotor between a first end stop and a second end stop, wherein the lifting rod is in the first end position when the rotor has rotated to the first end stop, and the lifting rod is in the second end position when the rotor has rotated to the second end stop.

[0006] This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the lifting rod is designed to move exclusively in a translational and completely non-rotational manner. This eliminates the need for a rotary decoupling device between the valve body and the lifting rod. Furthermore, a sliding disk is not required because the amount of wear is significantly reduced due to the absence of relative movement between the components. In other words, the service life of the valve drive device and thus the service life of the entire valve is extended.

[0007] According to a further embodiment, the rotation limiting device is arranged radially between the lifting rod and the rotor, at least in sections. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the valve drive assembly, and thus the entire valve, can be designed to be particularly compact and space-saving.

[0008] The rotation limiting device has a stop sleeve and a driver, wherein the driver is arranged between the stop sleeve and the rotor, the driver is connected to the rotor in a rotationally fixed and displaceable manner, and the stop sleeve has a guide track for guiding the driver. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the rotation limiting device defines a movement interval for the rotor, thereby extending the service life of the valve drive device and thus the service life of the entire valve. A further technical advantage lies in the fact that the rotor itself does not perform any axial movement relative to the stator. The rotation limiting device compensates for the axial movement by the driver performing the axial movement. The driver is movable relative to the rotor exclusively in the longitudinal direction. In other words, torque can be transmitted from the rotor to the driver.Thus, torque is transferred from the stator to the rotor and thus directly to the driver. The driver is moved by the torque through the guide track of the stop sleeve. The axial movement of the lifting rod is achieved by the transmission device, while the rotation limiting device with the driver and the stop sleeve defines the first and second end positions of the lifting rod, with the rotor always remaining in an axially unchanged position. This further improves the compact design of the valve drive device and enables optimal torque transmission between the stator and rotor. The rotor can thus be designed significantly more compact in the axial direction.

[0009] To prevent axial movement of the rotor, a rotational movement of the rotor causes a rotational movement of the driver around the stop sleeve, and the driver is moved within the guide track. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the rotation-limiting device, with the driver movable in the axial direction and the engagement of the driver in the guide track, creates a direct relative movement between the driver and the rotor, as well as between the driver and the guide track. Thus, no axial movement between the rotor and stator occurs.

[0010] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide track is designed as a helical groove in the stop sleeve, and the driver has a first projection that is arranged to engage in the helical groove of the stop sleeve. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the driver can slide over the first projection in the guide track with as little friction as possible. The helical design of the guide track enables regular and continuous movement of the driver in the guide track. This creates a direct and proportional movement relationship between the axial position of the lifting rod and the position of the driver within the guide track. In addition, however, it is also possible to provide the guide track with sections of different gradients.For example, the slide track can be provided with a lower gradient in the end sections, which allows a lower starting torque to be achieved.

[0011] To define the fully retracted position of the lifting rod as a first end stop and the fully extended position of the lifting rod as a second end stop, the guide track has a first end and a second end. The first end defines the first end stop for the rotor, and the second end defines the second end stop for the rotor. This provides the technical advantage, for example, of being able to specify a simple and clear movement interval for the lifting rod. When the first end stop is reached, the valve is fully open, meaning the lifting rod cannot be retracted any further.

[0012] When the second end stop is reached, the valve is completely closed, causing the valve body to rest completely against the valve seat. The end stops each have a mechanical stop that prevents further axial movement despite the applied torque, thus preventing jamming of the components due to self-locking. Another key advantage is the simplified adaptability of the valve drive device to specified conditions. The stop sleeve can be replaced with little effort, allowing the end stops to be adapted to the specific application.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the stop sleeve is connected to the base element in a rotationally fixed manner. Preferably, the stop sleeve is secured against rotation with respect to the base element. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that a rotational relative movement between the lifting rod and the stop sleeve is prevented using very simple means. This ensures both the functionality and easy assembly of the valve drive device.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the lifting rod is arranged in the base element in a rotationally fixed and movable manner. Particularly in conjunction with the previous embodiment, in which the stop sleeve is also arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the base element, manufacturing tolerances among the individual components can be compensated for, and precise positioning of the lifting rod can be achieved.

[0015] In order to prevent axial movement of the rotor relative to the stator, the rotor has a guide element, wherein the driver is connected to the rotor via the guide element in a rotationally fixed and displaceable manner. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that an axial movement force of the rotor is compensated by the driver. For example, the guide element comprises an axially aligned groove on the inner wall of the rotor. Thus, the driver can only move relative to the rotor in the longitudinal direction and can slide along the groove on the rotor. This only allows torque to be transmitted from the rotor to the driver, whereby the driver is moved through the guide track of the stop sleeve by the torque. The driver comprises a second projection which engages in the guide track and can slide largely friction-free.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the lifting rod has a control end in the longitudinal direction for controlling the valve body, and the transmission device is arranged at an end of the lifting rod opposite the control end. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the control end is designed exclusively for the precise transmission of an axial movement to the valve body. For example, the control end carries a spring element to press the valve body into the valve head bearing with a defined preload force. The transmission device comprises an internal thread that converts the rotational movement of the rotor into a translational movement of the lifting rod. By arranging the control end on the opposite side of the transmission device, a spatial separation is created between the mechanical transmission from rotation to translation and the precise axial positioning of the valve body.This separation simplifies assembly and reduces wear on the valve body. This increases the service life of the valve drive device.

[0017] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the lifting rod is mounted in a preloaded manner relative to a valve body to be controlled. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the valve body can be pressed into the valve sealing seat with a defined preload force. For example, a spring element is mounted between the lifting rod and the valve body. This increases the valve's tightness and simultaneously reduces wear. Furthermore, jamming or self-locking of the valve body is prevented.

[0018] In order to provide a particularly compact and space-saving drive for actuating the valve drive device, the valve drive device has a stepper motor, wherein the stepper motor comprises a stator and the rotor, and the stator encloses the rotor at least in sections and the rotational movement of the rotor can be controlled via the stator.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the axial alignment of the stator with respect to the rotor is designed to remain constant during a rotational movement of the rotor between the first end stop and the second end stop. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage of improving the compact design of the valve drive device and enabling optimal torque transmission between the stator and rotor. The rotor can thus be designed to be significantly more compact in the axial direction.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the lifting rod has a control end in the longitudinal direction for controlling the valve body, and the transmission device is arranged between the control end and the stop sleeve. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the entire valve drive device can be designed more compactly in the longitudinal direction. For example, the transmission unit can be formed integrally with the lifting rod. Overall, the lifting rod can be made shorter, with the lifting rod only having to be supported via the control end. This reduces manufacturing costs and also reduces the demands on geometric and tolerance specifications. The transmission device can, for example, be formed integrally with the lifting rod.

[0021] According to an additional advantageous embodiment, the valve drive device has a cover element that is connected to the stop sleeve via an engagement element in a rotationally fixed manner. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the stop sleeve can be very easily fixed to the cover element and thus rotationally fixed relative to the rotor. For example, the engagement element is designed to be longitudinally movable, which allows for tolerance compensation in the longitudinal direction. Overall, simplified assembly of the valve drive device is possible.

[0022] According to an additional embodiment, the rotor is mounted on the base element via a rolling bearing. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the rotor is precisely mounted axially and radially, significantly simplifying the assembly of the entire valve drive device. The rolling bearing gives the valve drive device a high degree of stability, which results in a reduction in the manufacturing tolerances of all remaining components. Overall, the valve drive device is cheaper to manufacture, easier to assemble, and has a bearing system with significantly reduced friction.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the valve drive device comprises a deep-drawn cover sleeve that is firmly connected to the base element, with the rotor and the rotation-limiting device preferably being completely accommodated in the cover sleeve. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the valve drive device is sealed off from the outside and protected within the cover sleeve. The deep-drawn cover sleeve is particularly simple to manufacture and easy to install.

[0024] To further simplify assembly of the valve drive device and to prevent the stop sleeve from rotating during operation of the valve drive device, the cover sleeve has a sleeve extension for engaging the stop sleeve, wherein the sleeve extension is designed to fix the stop sleeve at least rotationally fixed relative to the cover sleeve. The firm connection of the cover sleeve to the base part indirectly ensures that the cover sleeve is secured against rotation relative to the base part. For example, the sleeve extension can be an integral part of the cover sleeve. The sleeve extension can therefore be taken into account when deep drawing the cover sleeve and manufactured in the same work step. For example, the sleeve extension is designed in the shape of a trihedron in its longitudinal cross-section to ensure that the stop sleeve is secured against rotation.Alternatively, any other suitable cross-sectional shape is conceivable to fulfil the tasks of the positive rotation lock.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the base element comprises a guide means, wherein the guide means is designed to guide the lifting rod axially along a longitudinal contour. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that a purely translational movement of the lifting rod can be ensured. Due to the purely translational movement of the lifting rod, no rotational decoupling between the valve body and the lifting rod is required. In addition, a sliding disk is no longer required because the extent of wear is reduced due to the absence of relative movement between the components. Overall, the service life of the valve drive device and thus the service life of the entire valve is further extended. In addition, contamination from the output is avoided.For example, the guide means comprises a guide disc, which can be arranged within the base element and installed in a rotationally secure manner relative to the base element. The lifting rod extends through the guide disc, and the longitudinal contour of the lifting rod lies in a radially arranged guide notch in the guide disc. Alternatively, the guide notch can also be referred to as a guide nose.

[0026] According to an alternative of the present invention, the solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 11. The alternative solution comprises a valve for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids. The valve comprises a valve body that is designed to be transferable within a valve housing between a fully closed position and a fully open position. Additionally, the valve comprises a valve drive device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the valve body is controllable by the lifting rod of the valve drive device.

[0027] The advantages of this alternative are comparable to those of the previous embodiment. In particular, it achieves the technical advantage that the lifting rod is designed to move exclusively in a translational and completely non-rotational manner, eliminating the need for a rotary decoupling device between the valve body and the lifting rod. Likewise, a sliding disk is not required, as the extent of wear is significantly reduced. A further advantage lies in the closed sleeve, which improves robustness and reduces the number of components. In other words, the service life of the valve can be extended.

[0028] Different valve types can be combined with the valve drive device. For example, the valve can also have two closed end positions.

[0029] In an exemplary development, the valve has a sealing element. The sealing element can be arranged on and / or at least partially in the valve body. Preferably, the sealing element is designed to be brought into fluid-tight contact with a sealing seat of the valve housing. This can be the case in particular when the valve body is in the fully closed position. The sealing element can, for example, be a sealing ring. If the sealing element is in fluid-tight contact with the sealing seat, preferably no or at least only a negligible fluid flow is possible between the sealing element and the sealing seat. The valve, in particular the valve body, can also have multiple sealing elements.

[0030] A sealing element advantageously ensures that fluid flow can be prevented particularly effectively when the valve body is in the fully closed position.

[0031] In a further exemplary embodiment of the valve, the valve housing has a first sealing seat and a second sealing seat, in particular a second sealing seat different from the first sealing seat. For example, the first sealing seat can be spaced axially from the second sealing seat with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve. Preferably, the first sealing seat and the second sealing seat are arranged opposite one another. The two sealing seats can be identical or each have a different shape. Preferably, the valve body can be transferred between the first sealing seat and the second sealing seat, in particular can be transferred back and forth.

[0032] An embodiment of the valve with a first sealing seat and a second sealing seat advantageously ensures that the valve, in particular the valve body of the valve, can be transferred between two different fully closed positions, in particular between a first fully closed position and a second fully closed position. Preferably, the valve body can assume the fully open position between the two fully closed positions. This has the advantage that the valve can be designed as a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, the valve may include a spring element. The spring element is preferably a coil spring. The spring element may be arranged axially between the lifting rod and the valve body relative to the longitudinal axis. This allows a spring force from the spring element to act on the lifting rod and / or the valve body.

[0034] The spring element advantageously ensures that the valve body can be pushed and / or pulled into the fully closed position with a predefined force, in particular a predefined spring force of the spring element. This allows a particularly high sealing effect to be achieved.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the spring element can be arranged within a spring chamber of the valve body. The spring chamber can be a cavity within the valve body. Preferably, the lifting rod extends at least partially into the spring chamber of the valve body. Such a valve design advantageously allows the valve drive device and the valve to have a particularly compact design.

[0036] In an advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment of the valve, the spring element is designed to press the valve body into the first sealing seat. Preferably, the spring element is also designed to press the valve body into the second sealing seat. Such a development advantageously ensures that the valve body always rests against the first sealing seat or the second sealing seat with a predefined force. This allows a particularly high sealing effect to be achieved. The stroke ends when the end stop in the gate is reached. Depending on the tolerance position, the spring is preloaded slightly more or less, but the force level varies within a very small range. As a result, the closing force of the sealing seat is defined and varies only within very small limits.

[0037] In a further exemplary embodiment, the valve has a force transmission means. The force transmission means is preferably designed and / or arranged such that the spring element is connected in a force-transmitting manner either to the lifting rod or to the valve body, depending on the position of the lifting rod. For example, the lifting rod can exert a compressive force on the spring element via the force transmission means when the lifting rod is in the first end position. When the lifting rod is in the second end position, the spring element can exert a compressive force on the valve body via the force transmission means. The force transmission means is preferably provided within the spring chamber of the valve body.

[0038] In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, the valve can have several, in particular two, force transmission means. For example, a first force transmission means can be provided at a first end of the spring element and a second force transmission means at a second end of the spring element. Both force transmission means can be arranged within the spring chamber of the valve body.

[0039] When the lifting rod is in the first end position, the lifting rod can exert a first compressive force on the spring element via the first force transmission means. This first compressive force preferably causes the spring element to exert a first spring force on the second force transmission means, which is transmitted to the valve body by the second force transmission means. Accordingly, the valve body then advantageously moves in the direction of the first compressive force.

[0040] When the lifting rod is in the second end position, the lifting rod can exert a second compressive force on the spring element via the second force transmission means. The second compressive force is preferably directed opposite to the first compressive force. The second compressive force preferably causes the spring element to exert a second spring force on the first force transmission means, opposite to the first spring force, which is transmitted to the valve body by the first force transmission means. Accordingly, the valve body then advantageously moves in the direction of the second compressive force.

[0041] An embodiment with a force transmission means ensures, in particular, that the control movement of the lifting rod can be transmitted particularly well, for example, particularly evenly, to the spring element and / or that the spring element can transmit its spring force particularly well, for example, particularly evenly, to the valve body. This has the advantage that the probability of the valve body jamming in the valve housing—and thus of unwanted wear or failure of the valve—can be significantly reduced.

[0042] According to an additional embodiment, the lifting rod is preloaded in the axial direction. This provides the technical advantage, for example, that the stroke of the lifting rod can be adjusted with particular precision. This ensures, for example, that the valve body presses against the sealing seat with a predefined force in the fully closed end position.

[0043] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the claims. Short description of the drawings

[0044] The various exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, provided this is technically reasonable and suitable. Further combinable features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a valve according to the invention for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of a valve according to the invention for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids according to a further embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a valve according to the invention for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids according to an additional embodiment, and Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the valve for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids. Ways to implement the invention

[0045] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve 24 according to the invention for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids. The valve 24 comprises a valve body 26 which is designed to be transferable within a valve housing 25 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The valve body 26 is translated back and forth between the fully closed position and the fully open position by a lifting rod 6. In the fully closed position, the valve body 26 rests against the sealing seat 27, whereby fluid flow through the fluid housing 25 is not possible. In the fully open position, the valve body 26 is arranged away from the sealing seat 27, whereby fluid flow through the fluid housing 25 is possible.

[0046] The valve body 26 is driven by means of the valve drive device 1. The valve drive device 1 comprises a base element 2, which serves, for example, to fasten the valve 24 in an installation space. For example, the base element 2 is made of a suitable metal such as aluminum or a rigid plastic. A lifting rod 6 for transmitting the drive of the valve body 26 is mounted within the base element 2. The lifting rod 6 is mounted so as to be movable exclusively in translation with respect to the base element 2 along its longitudinal axis L. In other words, the lifting rod 6 is movable in translation between a first end position, in which the valve body 26 is arranged completely away from the sealing seat 27 and maximum fluid flow is possible, and a second end position, in which the valve body 26 rests completely against the sealing seat 27 and no fluid flow is possible.The movement between the first end position and the second end position is completely rotationless and exclusively translational.

[0047] A spring element 28 is located between a control end 7 of the lifting rod 6 and the valve body 26. The spring element 28 enables the valve body 26 to be pressed into the sealing seat 27 with a defined preload force.

[0048] A rotor 3, which can rotate about the longitudinal axis L, is arranged around the lifting rod 6 and serves to drive the lifting rod 6. The rotor 3 comprises one or more permanent magnets 5 in its circumferential direction and is set in rotation by means of a stator 23. A transmission device 8 is arranged at an end of the lifting rod 6 opposite the control end 7. The transmission device 8 is firmly connected to the rotor 3 by means of an external thread 20 and serves to transmit the rotation of the rotor 3 to the lifting rod 6. By transmitting the rotation of the rotor 3 via the transmission device 8 to the lifting rod 6, the lifting rod 6 is moved exclusively in a translational manner and without any rotational movement component. As a result, it is not necessary to arrange a rotational decoupling between the lifting rod 6 and the valve body 26.Additionally, no sliding disk is required because the purely translational movement significantly reduces wear and tear, and there is no relative movement between the components. A rotation-limiting device 9 is located in a cavity 18 of the rotor 3. The rotation-limiting device 9 serves to limit the rotation of the rotor 3 between a first end stop and a second end stop. The lifting rod 6 is in the fully open end position when the rotor 3 has rotated to the first end stop. Accordingly, the lifting rod 6 is in the fully closed end position when the rotor 3 has rotated to the second end stop. The rotation-limiting device 9 is arranged, at least in sections, radially between the lifting rod 6 and the rotor 3. The rotation-limiting device 9 comprises a stop sleeve 13 and a driver 10.The driver 10 is arranged between the stop sleeve 13 and the rotor 3, wherein the driver 10 is connected to the rotor 3 so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0049] This enables torque transmission from the rotor 3 to the driver 10. The stop sleeve 13 comprises a radially oriented guide track 14 for guiding the driver 10. The driver 10 comprises a first projection 11 which engages in the guide track 14. Thus, a torque is transmitted from the stator 23 to the rotor 3 and thus directly to the driver 10, with the driver 10 sliding through the guide track 14 of the stop sleeve 13. Consequently, the rotational movement of the rotor 3 is converted into a rotational movement of the driver 10 around the stop sleeve 13, and the driver 10 is moved within the guide track 14.

[0050] The axial movement of the lifting rod is effected by the transmission device 8, while the rotation limiting device 9 with the driver 10 and the stop sleeve 13 define the first end position and the second end position of the lifting rod 6, whereby the rotor 3 always remains in an axially unchanged position.

[0051] The guide track 14 has a first guide track end 15 and a second guide track end 16. The first guide track end 15 corresponds to the first end stop for the rotor 3. The second guide track end 16 corresponds accordingly to the second end stop for the rotor 3. The specific arrangement of the first guide track end 15 thus defines the fully extended position of the lifting rod 6 and thus the fully closed valve position. Due to the rotation of the rotor 3, the driver 10 slides through the guide track 14 of the stop sleeve 13 and strikes the first guide track end 15. This prevents the rotation of the rotor 3 from continuing. Accordingly, the rotation of the rotor 3 in the opposite direction of rotation is blocked when the driver 10 slides through the guide track 14 of the stop sleeve 13 and strikes the second guide track end 16.Thus, the specific arrangement of the second end of the guide track 16 defines the fully retracted position of the lifting rod 6 and thus the fully open valve position. Upon reaching the first end stop, the valve 24 is fully closed, whereby the valve body 26 rests completely in the sealing seat 27. Upon reaching the second end stop, the valve 24 is fully open, and the lifting rod 6 cannot be retracted any further. The end stops each prevent further axial movement of the lifting rod 6 by means of a mechanical stop, despite the applied torque.

[0052] The stop sleeve 13 is connected to the base element 2 in a rotationally fixed manner. This is achieved by means of an anti-twist device 17 between the lifting rod 6 and the stop sleeve 13. The anti-twist device 17 has a finger 19 that engages precisely in the axial direction in a recess in the base element 2. The lifting rod 6 and the stop sleeve 13 are connected to each other via an anti-twist device 17. This creates the anti-twist device 17 between the lifting rod 6 and the stop sleeve 13.

[0053] The rotor 3 comprises a guide element 4 in the form of an axially aligned groove. The driver 10 is guided, on the one hand, radially inwardly by means of the first projection 11 in the guide track 14 of the stop sleeve 13, and, on the other hand, radially outwardly by means of the second projection 12 in the guide element 4 of the rotor 3. Thus, the driver 10 is movable relative to the rotor 3 exclusively in the longitudinal direction, whereby only a torque transmission from the rotor 3 to the driver 10 is possible.

[0054] Due to the rotation limiting device 9, no axial movement of the rotor 3 relative to the stator 2 occurs while the valve drive device 1 moves between the first end stop and the second end stop. This results in improved torque transmission between the stator 23 and the rotor 3, enabling a particularly compact design of the valve drive device 1.

[0055] In an axial direction, a loose bearing element 29 is located between the permanent magnet 5 of the rotor 3 and the cover element 30. The bearing element 29 is formed in the circumferential direction and, on the one hand, serves as a bearing between the rotor 3 and the cover element 30. On the other hand, the loose bearing element 29 is designed to compensate for linear expansion of the rotor due to temperature differences. If, for example, no different linear expansions are to be accommodated, the bearing element can also be designed as a single piece with the rotor.

[0056] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve according to the invention for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids according to a further embodiment. As in the previous embodiment, the valve 24 comprises a valve body 26 which is designed to be transferable within a valve housing 25 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. In this embodiment, too, the valve body 26 is translated back and forth between the fully closed position and the fully open position by a lifting rod 6. In the fully closed position, the valve body 26 rests against the sealing seat 27, whereby fluid flow through the fluid housing 25 is not possible. In the fully open position, the valve body 26 is arranged away from the sealing seat 27, whereby fluid flow through the fluid housing 25 is possible.

[0057] The valve body 26 is driven by means of the valve drive device 1, which comprises a base element 2. A lifting rod 6 for transmitting the drive of the valve body 26 is mounted within the base element 2. The lifting rod 6 is mounted so as to be movable exclusively in translation with respect to the base element 2 along its longitudinal axis L. Thus, the lifting rod 6 is movable exclusively in translation between a first end position, in which the valve body 26 is arranged completely away from the sealing seat 27 and maximum fluid flow is possible, and a second end position, in which the valve body 26 rests completely against the sealing seat 27 and no fluid flow is possible. In this embodiment, the movement between the first end position and the second end position is also completely rotationless and exclusively in translation.

[0058] A spring element 28 is located between a control end 7 of the lifting rod 6 and the valve body 26. The spring element 28 enables the valve body 26 to be pressed into the sealing seat 27 with a defined preload force.

[0059] A rotor 3, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L, is arranged around the lifting rod 6 and serves to drive the lifting rod 6. The rotor 3 comprises one or more permanent magnets 5 in its circumferential direction and is rotated by means of a stator 23.

[0060] A transmission device 8 is located between the control end 7 of the lifting rod 6 and an end of the lifting rod 6 opposite the control end 7. The transmission device 8 is located directly between an end of the rotor 3 assigned to the base element 2 and the base element 2 itself. The lifting rod 6 extends only partially into the stop sleeve 13. The transmission device 8 is firmly connected to the rotor 3 by means of an external thread 20 and serves to transmit the rotation of the rotor 3 to the lifting rod 6. By transmitting the rotation of the rotor 3 via the transmission device 8 to the lifting rod 6, the lifting rod 6 is moved exclusively in a translational manner and without any rotational movement component. As a result, it is not necessary to arrange a rotational decoupling between the lifting rod 6 and the valve body 26.In addition, there is no need for a sliding disk because the extent of wear is significantly reduced by the purely translational movement and there is no relative movement of the components to one another.

[0061] In contrast to the first embodiment, the lifting rod 6 is significantly shorter, allowing the entire valve drive device 1 to be designed more compactly in the longitudinal direction. The lifting rod 6 is mounted only via the control end 7, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and tolerance specifications.

[0062] A rotation limiting device 9 is located in a cavity 18 of the rotor 3. The rotation limiting device 9 serves to limit the rotational movement of the rotor 3 between a first end stop and a second end stop and functions in the same way as in the first embodiment in Fig. 1. Here, the lifting rod 6 is in the fully open end position when the rotor 3 has rotated to the first end stop. Correspondingly, the lifting rod 6 is in the fully closed end position when the rotor 3 has rotated to the second end stop. The rotation limiting device 9 is arranged completely radially inside the rotor 3. The rotation limiting device 9 comprises a stop sleeve 13 and a driver 10. The driver 10 is arranged between the stop sleeve 13 and the rotor 3, wherein the driver 10 is connected to the rotor 3 so that it can be moved axially.

[0063] Thus, torque transmission from the rotor 3 to the driver 10 is also possible in this embodiment. The stop sleeve 13 comprises a radially oriented guide track 14 for guiding the driver 10. The driver 10 comprises a first projection 11 which engages in the guide track 14. Thus, a torque is transmitted from the stator 23 to the rotor 3 and thus directly to the driver 10, with the driver 10 sliding through the guide track 14 of the stop sleeve 13. Consequently, the rotational movement of the rotor 3 is converted into a rotational movement of the driver 10 around the stop sleeve 13, and the driver 10 is moved within the guide track 14.

[0064] A repeated description of the rotation limiting device is omitted and the description of Fig. 1.

[0065] On a side of the rotor 3 opposite the transmission device 8, the valve drive device 1 comprises a cover element 30, which is rotationally fixedly connected to the stop sleeve 13 via an engagement 31. The stop sleeve 13 is thus rotationally fixedly connected to the cover element 30. The engagement 31 is designed to be longitudinally movable, thereby enabling tolerance compensation in the longitudinal direction. For example, the engagement 31 can be implemented by means of a torque-transmitting plug connection to the cover element 30.

[0066] In an axial direction, a bearing element 29 is located between the rotor 3 and the cover element 30. The bearing element 29 is formed in the circumferential direction and, on the one hand, has a bearing function between the rotor 3 and the cover element 30. On the other hand, the bearing element 29 is designed to compensate for material stresses due to temperature differences.

[0067] The Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve 24 according to the invention for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids according to an additional embodiment. As in the previous embodiments, the valve 24 comprises a valve body 26 which is designed to be transferable within a valve housing 25 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. In this embodiment, too, the valve body 26 is translated back and forth between the fully closed position and the fully open position by a lifting rod 6. In the fully closed position, the valve body 26 rests against the sealing seat 27, whereby a fluid flow through the fluid housing 25 is not possible.The valve body 26 has an annular sealing element 37, which enables improved sealing between the valve body 26 and the sealing seat 27, thus meeting higher leakage requirements. In the fully open position, the valve body 26 is positioned away from the sealing seat 27, allowing fluid flow through the fluid housing 25.

[0068] In this embodiment, the valve body 26 is also driven by means of the valve drive device 1, which comprises a base element 2. A lifting rod 6 for transmitting the drive to the valve body 26 is mounted within the base element 2. The lifting rod 6 is movable exclusively translationally with respect to the base element 2 along its longitudinal axis L. A guide means 35 in the form of a guide disc is arranged within the base element 2. The lifting rod 6 extends through the guide disc, with a longitudinal contour 36 being arranged on the lifting rod 6. The longitudinal contour 36 lies in a radially arranged guide notch or guide nose of the guide disc.Thus, the lifting rod 6 is movable purely translationally between a first end position, in which the valve body 26 is arranged completely away from the sealing seat 27 and maximum fluid flow is possible, and a second end position, in which the valve body 26 rests completely against the sealing seat 27 and no fluid flow is possible. In this embodiment, the movement between the first end position and the second end position is also completely rotationless and exclusively translational.

[0069] A spring element 28 is located between the control end 7 of the lifting rod 6 and the valve body 26. The spring element 28 enables the valve body 26 to be pressed into the sealing seat 27 with a defined preload force. Coaxial with the lifting rod 6 is a rotor 3, which rotates about the longitudinal axis L and serves to drive the lifting rod 6. The rotor 3 comprises one or more permanent magnets 5 in its circumferential direction and is rotated by a stator 23.

[0070] At an end of the lifting rod 6 opposite the control end 7 of the lifting rod 6 there is a transmission device 8. The transmission device 8 is manufactured as a metallic component, with the rotor 3 being directly connected to the transmission device 8. A roller bearing 32 for supporting the rotor 3 relative to the base part 2 is arranged between a flange-like extension of the transmission device 8 and the base element 2. The transmission device 8 thus has a dual function. On the one hand, the transmission device 8 converts a rotational movement of the rotor 3 into a translational movement of the lifting rod 6. On the other hand, the transmission device 8 supports the rotor 3 on the base element 2 by means of a roller bearing 32. The bearing is provided both radially and radially.

[0071] In contrast to the first two embodiments, the lifting rod 6 is shorter, allowing the entire valve drive device 1 to be made even more compact in the longitudinal direction. The lifting rod 6 is mounted only via the control end 7, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and tolerance specifications.

[0072] A rotation limiting device 9 is located within the rotor 3. The rotation limiting device 9 serves to limit the rotational movement of the rotor 3 between a first end stop and a second end stop and functions in the same way as in the first two embodiments in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Here, the lifting rod 6 is in the fully open end position when the rotor 3 has rotated to the first end stop. Correspondingly, the lifting rod 6 is in the fully closed end position when the rotor 3 has rotated to the second end stop. The rotation limiting device 9 is arranged completely radially inside the rotor 3. The rotation limiting device 9 comprises a stop sleeve 13 and a driver 10. The driver 10 is arranged between the stop sleeve 13 and the rotor 3, wherein the driver 10 is connected to the rotor 3 so that it can be moved axially.

[0073] Thus, torque transmission from the rotor 3 to the driver 10 is also possible in this embodiment. The stop sleeve 13 comprises a radially oriented guide track 14 for guiding the driver 10. The driver 10 comprises a first projection 11 which engages in the guide track 14. Thus, a torque is transmitted from the stator 23 to the rotor 3 and thus directly to the driver 10, with the driver 10 sliding through the guide track 14 of the stop sleeve 13. The rotational movement of the rotor 3 is converted into a rotational movement of the driver 10 around the stop sleeve 13, and the driver 10 is moved within the guide track 14.

[0074] A repeated description of the rotation limiting device is omitted and the description of the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2.

[0075] The rotor 3, the permanent magnets 5, the rotation-limiting device 9, and the transmission device 8 are located within a cover sleeve 33. The cover sleeve 33 is preferably manufactured by a deep-drawing process. The cover sleeve 33 is firmly connected to the base element 2 and has an internal sleeve extension 34 at an end opposite the base element 2. The sleeve extension 34 engages axially in the stop sleeve 13, thereby securing the stop sleeve 13 against rotation relative to the cover sleeve 33 and thus relative to the base element 2.

[0076] An adapter 38 can be arranged between the sleeve extension 34 and the stop sleeve 13. The adapter 38 has teeth arranged radially on the outside, which enable easy engagement of the adapter 38 with the inner tooth contour 39 of the stop sleeve 13. In the present embodiment, the positive connection between the adapter 38 and the stop sleeve 13 is realized by means of 60 teeth arranged in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, fewer or more teeth could be used. With the aid of the adapter 38 and the inner tooth contour 39 of the stop sleeve, the valve control device 1 can be particularly easily assembled and the end stop can be precisely adjusted in relation to the valve seat, wherein the components within the cover sleeve 33 can be easily inserted and precisely arranged.

[0077] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a valve 24 for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids. The valve drive device 1 of the Fig. 4 is analogous to the valve drive device 1 of the valve 24 shown in Fig. 3 shown valve 24.

[0078] In contrast to the Fig. The valve 24 shown in Figure 3 has Fig. 4, in particular the valve 24 shown in Fig. 4, the valve body 26 of the valve 24 has two sealing seats 27, namely a first sealing seat 27.1 and a second sealing seat 27.2. Also in the Fig. 4, the lifting rod 6 is in the second end position. This can be seen from the fact that the valve body 26 is completely shifted to the right and rests fluid-tight against the first sealing seat 27.1. In other words, the valve body 26 is in the illustration of Fig. 4 in a first, fully closed position.

[0079] When the valve drive device 1 drives the valve 24, in particular the valve body 26, the lifting rod 6 is moved by the Fig. 4 into the first end position. For this purpose, the lifting rod 6 moves axially to the left with respect to the longitudinal axis L. This movement of the lifting rod 6 causes the valve body 26 to also be moved axially to the left with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The valve body 26 moves to the left until the valve body 26 strikes the second sealing seat 27.2 with its sealing element 37 or rests fluid-tight against the second sealing seat 27.2. The valve body 26 is then in a second, fully closed position.

[0080] The valve body 26, together with a support ring 40, forms a cavity 42, which is also referred to below as the spring chamber 42. The support ring 40 is designed such that the support ring 40 has a passage for the lifting rod 6. In other words, the lifting rod 6 extends through the passage in the support ring 40 such that the lifting rod 6 protrudes into the spring chamber 42.

[0081] A spring element 28 is provided within the spring chamber 42. The spring element 28 is arranged axially between the lifting rod 6 and the valve body 26 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The left end of the spring element 28 rests on a left force transmission means 41, in particular on a first force transmission means 41. The right end of the spring element 28 rests on a right force transmission means 41, in particular on a second force transmission means 41.

[0082] In the Fig. 4, the lifting rod 6 presses with its control end 7 onto the left force transmission means 41 in such a way that the left force transmission means 41 is pushed to the right. This causes the spring element 28 to be compressed to the right. The resulting spring force of the spring element 28, in turn, presses the right force transmission means 41 against the valve body 26. As a consequence, the valve body 26 is pressed against the first sealing seat 27.1 by the spring force of the spring element 28. When the lifting rod 6, starting from the position shown in Fig.4, the lifting rod 6 will push the right force transmission means 41 to the left with its right end. This causes the spring element 28 to be compressed to the left. The resulting spring force of the spring element 28, in turn, pushes the left force transmission means 41 to the left. However, since the left force transmission means 41 can no longer be supported on the control end 7 of the lifting rod 6 (the control end 7 has then moved to the left with the lifting rod 6), the left force transmission means 41 is pressed against the support ring 40. The support ring 40 is, in turn, firmly connected to the valve body 26. Consequently, the valve body 26 is moved to the left due to the spring force of the spring element 28 until the valve body 26 is pressed against the second sealing seat 27.2. The stroke is ended when the end stop in the link is reached.Depending on the tolerance level, the spring is preloaded slightly more or less, but the force level varies within a very small range. The closing force of the sealing seat is defined and varies only within very small limits. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 100 58 441 A1

[0003] US 5,060,910 A

[0003] WO 2004 / 038269 A1

[0003] JP 2021 001687 A

[0003] US 2021 / 172541 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Valve (24) for shutting off and / or controlling the flow of fluids, the valve (24) comprising: a valve housing (25) having a first sealing seat (27.1) and a second sealing seat (27.2), and a valve body (26) which is designed to be movable back and forth within the valve housing (25) along a longitudinal axis (L) between a first fully closed position, in which the valve body (26) provides a fluid connection between a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and a second fully closed position, in which the valve body (26) provides a fluid connection between the first fluid port and a third fluid port, wherein the position of the valve body (26) is controllable by a valve drive device (1), and wherein the valve body (26) has a through-opening which extends along the longitudinal axis (L) through the valve body (26). [2] Valve (24) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid connections are each connected to an inner volume of the valve housing (25) via at least one opening, and wherein the valve body (26) is in particular transferable back and forth between the first fully closed position and the second fully closed position in such a way that a fluid connection is enabled between the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection and / or between the first fluid connection and the third fluid connection. [3] Valve (24) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or two of the first to third fluid connections are designed such that they open into an associated flow channel, wherein the respective flow channel is designed to encircle the valve body (26) between an outer side of the valve body (26) and the valve housing (25). [4] Valve (24) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least two of the first to third fluid connections are arranged aligned in the radial direction to the valve body (26), and wherein the fluid connections aligned in the radial direction to the valve body (26) are designed to be spaced apart from one another, in particular in the axial direction. [5] Valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (26) is designed to bear fluid-tightly against the first sealing seat (27.1) in the first fully closed position, and / or wherein the valve body (26) is designed to bear fluid-tightly against the second sealing seat (27.2) in the second fully closed position. [6] Valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (24) is adapted to assume a fully open position between the first fully closed position and the second fully closed position. [7] Valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (26) is formed from at least two sections. [8] Valve (24) according to claim 7, wherein a first section and a second section of the valve body (26) are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) and are connected to one another via a third section, wherein the second section of the valve body (26) is in particular formed at least substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis (L) and is connected at a first end via the third section to the first section of the valve body (26). [9] Valve (24) according to claim 8, wherein the second portion of the valve body (26) has at least in some regions a larger diameter than the first portion of the valve body (26). [10] Valve (24) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second portion of the valve body (26) is designed to bear fluid-tightly against the first sealing seat (27.1) in the first fully closed position and / or fluid-tightly against the second sealing seat (27.2) in the second fully closed position. [11] Valve (24) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the second portion of the valve body (26) has at least one sealing element (37), wherein the sealing element (37) is designed to bear fluid-tightly against the second sealing seat (27.2) of the valve housing (25) when the valve body (26) is in the second fully closed position. [12] Valve (24) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the second portion of the valve body (26) is designed to bear fluid-tightly directly against the first sealing seat (27.2) of the valve housing (25) when the valve body (26) is in the second fully closed position. [13] Valve (24) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve drive device (1) comprises: a base element (2), a lifting rod (6) for driving the valve body (26), wherein the lifting rod (6) is movable translationally and non-rotationally with respect to the base element (2) along its longitudinal axis (L) between a first end position and a second end position deviating from the first end position, a rotor (3) rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) for driving the lifting rod (6), wherein a rotary movement of the rotor (3) can be converted by a transmission device (8) into the translational and rotation-free movement of the lifting rod (6), and a rotation limiting device (9) for limiting the rotational movement of the rotor (3) between a first end stop and a second end stop, wherein the lifting rod (6) is in the first end position when the rotor (3) has rotated to the first end stop, and the lifting rod (6) is in the second end position when the rotor (3) has rotated to the second end stop. [14] Valve (24) according to claim 13, wherein the rotation limiting device (9) comprises a stop sleeve (13) and a driver (10), wherein the driver (10) is arranged between the stop sleeve (13) and the rotor (3), the driver (10) is connected to the rotor (3) in a rotationally fixed and displaceable manner, and the stop sleeve (13) has a guide track (14) for guiding the driver (10). [15] Valve (24) according to claim 14, wherein a rotational movement of the rotor (3) causes a rotational movement of the driver (10) around the stop sleeve (13) and the driver (10) is moved within the guide track (14), and / or wherein the guide track (14) is designed as a helical groove (14) in the stop sleeve (13) and the driver (10) has a first projection (11) which is arranged to engage in the helical groove (14) of the stop sleeve (13), and / or wherein the slide track (14) has a first slide track end (15) which defines the first end stop for the rotor (3), and a second slide track end (16) which defines the second end stop for the rotor (3), and / or wherein the rotor (3) has a guide element (4) via which the driver (10) is connected to the rotor (3) in a rotationally fixed and displaceable manner.

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