ELECTROMAGNETICALLY OPERATED VALVE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a magnetically actuated valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve is particularly intended for hygiene-sensitive applications in the food industry.

[0002] Electromagnetically actuated valves are generally known. In particular, electromagnetically actuated valves are known in which a valve body is moved translationally by the magnetic field of an electromagnet to enable fluid flow through the valve. The valve body is reset via a return spring, which itself is surrounded by fluid flow. The fluid channel of such electromagnetically actuated valves often runs through the valve body itself, i.e., a passage is formed in the valve body through which the fluid must flow to reach the outlet.

[0003] A significant disadvantage of such valves is that they have fluid-contact dead spaces where there is no fluid flow or only a very low flow velocity, allowing deposits to form. Such fluid-contact dead spaces are particularly common in the area of ​​the return spring. The use of such valves in hygiene-sensitive areas is therefore disadvantageous, as hygiene requirements must be met through complex flushing. In addition, the known valves exhibit high flow losses, which further limits their applications.

[0004] EP 1 277 694 A2 discloses a fluid valve for dispensing liquid media. The fluid valve comprises an electromagnetically actuated valve body with fluid flowing around its circumference.

[0005] The document US 2020 / 0018417 A1 discloses a bistable valve having an inlet, an outlet and an exhaust opening to the atmosphere.

[0006] Based on this, it is the object of the invention to provide a valve which is designed with little dead space and has low flow losses.

[0007] The object is achieved by a valve having the features of independent patent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0008] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a valve for controlling a fluid flow. The fluid is, in particular, a liquid. The valve comprises a valve housing with a fluid channel, which has an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat. Furthermore, a valve body movable within the valve housing for opening and closing the valve, as well as a permanent magnet, are provided. Furthermore, an electrical coil is arranged on the valve housing and is designed to generate a magnetic field acting on the valve body.

[0009] The valve body is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel in the valve housing. The fluid channel of the valve housing preferably forms a sliding guide for the valve body. The valve body has a first free end facing the inlet and a second free end facing the outlet. The valve body interacts with its second free end with the valve seat to open or close the valve.

[0010] The valve body is made at least partially from a ferrite material and forms an armature which interacts with the permanent magnet on the one hand and with the electric coil on the other. The permanent magnet is designed to apply a force to the valve body in the direction of the valve seat and thus close the valve. When electric current is applied to the coil, the valve body can be lifted from the valve seat by the magnetic field generated by the electric coil in order to open the valve. The valve body is designed to taper towards the first free end and the fluid flowing through the fluid channel flows around its outside. The valve body is preferably only flowed around on its outside, i.e. it does not have an opening or internal channel through which the fluid must flow to reach the outlet.

[0011] The technical advantage of the valve is that it is designed with minimal dead space, making it suitable for use in hygiene-sensitive applications. Furthermore, the fluid valve features a flow-optimized geometry due to the valve body, which is longitudinally surrounded by flow on the outside and its tapered first free end, thus avoiding areas with low fluid flow velocities, which is advantageous for hygiene-sensitive applications.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the valve body has a surface contour on the outside and / or the inner surface of the valve housing in the fluid channel region in which the valve body is moved, by means of which a plurality of fluid channel regions are formed circumferentially distributed around the valve body. When the valve is open, the fluid can flow through these fluid channel regions from the inlet to the outlet. The fluid channel regions enable a local concentration of the fluid flow at a high flow velocity, which in turn is advantageous for avoiding dead spaces and creating a flow-optimized valve.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the surface contouring on the outside of the valve body is formed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed notches extending between the first and second ends of the valve body. The interaction of the valve housing with the valve body forms a plurality of fluid channel regions distributed circumferentially within the fluid channel. Alternatively or additionally, the inner surface of the valve housing can have a plurality of notches or grooves in the fluid channel region in which the valve body is moved, which, in interaction with the valve body, form fluid channel regions.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the valve housing has a nozzle structure or inner surface contouring in the inlet region, which ensures a circumferentially distributed introduction of the fluid flowing in via the inlet around the valve body. The nozzle structure or inner surface contouring ensures that the fluid flow is expanded from the inlet to flow around the valve body on the circumference, thereby further reducing the flow resistance of the valve.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the nozzle structure or inner surface contouring is designed such that, at least when the valve is open, it allows fluid to flow into the fluid channel regions formed between the valve housing and the valve body, which are distributed circumferentially within the fluid channel. This allows the fluid flow to be advantageously distributed among the fluid channel regions by the nozzle structure or inner surface contouring, thereby further reducing flow resistance.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the nozzle structure or the inner surface contour has one or more stop regions against which the valve body rests in the region of the first free end when the valve is open. The at least one stop region can be formed, for example, between a pair of nozzles or notches in the nozzle structure or the inner surface contour. Thus, the section of the valve housing that has the nozzle structure or the inner surface contour can also be used to limit the displacement of the valve body.In the event that the section of the valve housing having the nozzle structure or the inner surface contouring is formed from a ferrite material, the magnetic flux into the valve body can be optimized when the valve body rests against the at least one stop region, since the magnetic circuit between the valve body and the section of the valve housing having the nozzle structure or the inner surface contouring is directly closed.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the valve housing, in particular a lower valve housing section of the valve housing, is designed as an injection-molded part. A housing section forming the inlet is inserted into the lower valve housing section, which has the nozzle structure or the inner surface contour and forms the upper valve housing section. This allows for a simple and cost-effective valve design, since the valve body can first be inserted into the fluid channel of the lower valve housing section, and then the housing section forming the upper valve housing section can be inserted and connected to the lower valve housing section. The connection can be force-fitting, material-fitting, and / or positive-fitting.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the housing section forming the valve housing upper part is made of a ferrite material, or the housing section at least partially comprises a ferrite material. The housing section can be manufactured, in particular, using an MIM (Metal Injection Molding) process. Manufacturing by machining the ferrite material is also possible in principle. This can significantly improve the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet into the valve body.

[0019] According to one exemplary embodiment, the valve housing has a wall region in the region in which the valve body is introduced into the fluid channel, which wall region directly surrounds the electrical coil on the outside. The wall region is in particular sleeve-shaped and has a wall thickness that is smaller than the radius of the fluid channel, which is delimited by the wall region. The radius of the fluid channel is preferably at least twice, in particular at least three times as large as the wall thickness of the wall region. In particular, the wall region is directly wound with the electrical conductor of the electrical coil. This allows the valve to be manufactured cost-effectively, and also allows the electrical coil to be placed very close to the valve body to be moved, which is advantageous for introducing the magnetic field into the valve body.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the valve housing is designed as an injection-molded part, wherein the injection-molded part has a circumferentially extending recess on the outside, which is laterally delimited along the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel by a pair of wall sections and into which the winding of the electrical coil is introduced. The valve housing can in particular be a plastic injection-molded part. Alternatively, the valve housing can also be produced from a metal by machining or a metal injection-molding process. Radially inward, the recess is delimited by the wall region within which the fluid channel is formed. This design of the valve housing offers the advantage that the conductor of the electrical coil can be locally delimited and introduced directly into the recess of the valve housing, which is advantageous for the manufacture of the valve and the introduction of the magnetic field generated by the electrical coil into the valve body.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the valve body is manufactured using a metal injection molding (MIM) process. This allows the complex-shaped valve body to be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the permanent magnet has an internal opening and is mounted on the valve housing, so that the valve housing penetrates the permanent magnet. The valve housing can have a cylindrical section onto which the permanent magnet can be slid. This allows the permanent magnet to be arranged on the valve housing in a technically simple manner, specifically in such a way that, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, it is located directly below the electrical coil.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the permanent magnet is provided in the region of the valve seat, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel. The permanent magnet preferably surrounds the valve housing and the fluid channel formed therein circumferentially at the level of the valve seat. This allows the permanent magnet to advantageously transmit force into the valve body to press it against the sealing seat.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the valve seat is planar with an annular sealing edge. The sealing edge forms a raised portion that protrudes from the planar valve seat toward the valve body. The sealing edge is preferably located in the immediate vicinity of the opening formed in the region of the valve seat and surrounds it on the outer circumference. This can significantly improve the valve's sealing properties.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the valve body is designed to taper toward the second free end. This allows the fluid to flow around the valve body at its second free end with low flow resistance and be directed to the outlet.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the fluid channel is designed to taper toward the outlet in a region located directly upstream of the valve seat in the direction of fluid flow. This allows the fluid to be directed to the opening formed in the valve seat or to the outlet at a high flow velocity.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the valve body has a recess in the region of the second free end, into which a plug-shaped seal is inserted. This allows a seal made of solid material, for example a disc-like seal, to be inserted into the underside of the valve body. The seal can be designed such that, after insertion into the recess, it protrudes beyond the free end of the valve body. The protruding portion of the seal can have a chamfer or bevel. This further improves the flow around the valve body and the seal inserted therein.

[0028] The terms "approximately", "substantially" or "about" mean, in the sense of the invention, deviations from the exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0029] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally part of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 shows an example of a longitudinal section through a valve along its longitudinal axis in the closed state, in which the valve body rests against the valve seat; Fig. 2 shows an example of a longitudinal section through a valve along its longitudinal axis in the Fig. 4shown sectional plane AA in the open state in which the valve body is lifted from the valve seat; Fig. 3 shows an example of a longitudinal section through a valve along its longitudinal axis in the Fig. 4 shown section plane BB in the open state, in which the valve body is lifted from the valve seat; Fig. 4 shows an example of a cross-sectional view through a valve in the region of the valve body in the Fig.3 shown section plane CC; and Fig. 5 shows an example of a cross-sectional view through a valve in the region of the valve body in the Fig. 3 shown section plane DD.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 each show sectional views of an electromagnetically actuated valve 1 for controlling a fluid flow, in particular a liquid flow. Figure 1 shows the valve in the closed position along the Fig. 4 shown section line AA, Fig. 2 the valve in the open position also along the Fig. 4 shown section line AA and Fig. 3 the valve in the open position along the Fig. 4 shown section line BB.

[0032] The valve 1 comprises a valve housing 2 in which a fluid channel 2.1 is formed. The valve housing 2 has an inlet 2.2, an outlet 2.3, and a valve seat 2.4. The flow direction FR of the fluid is from the inlet 2.2 via the valve seat 2.4 to the outlet 2.3.

[0033] A valve body 3 is movable in the valve housing 2, in particular translationally displaceable, in order to be able to bring the valve 1 into a closed or an open state. The valve housing 2, in particular the fluid channel 2.1 formed in the valve housing 2, forms a sliding guide for the valve body 3. In the closed state, a seal 7 provided on the valve body 3 rests on the valve seat 2.4, so that the fluid flow through the valve 1 is interrupted. In the open state, the valve body 3 is lifted off the valve seat 2.4, so that the fluid can flow through the valve 1 from the inlet 2.2 to the outlet 2.3. The valve body 3 is guided, in particular, slidingly in the fluid channel 2.1 in order to perform the previously described translational movement.

[0034] To move the valve body 3, the valve 1 has an electrical coil 5. The electrical coil 5 is located on the outside of the valve housing 2 and surrounds the fluid channel 2.1. When an electrical current flows through this electrical coil 5, the coil 5 generates a magnetic field that lifts the valve body 3 from the valve seat 2.4, thereby opening the valve 1.

[0035] The valve 1 also has a permanent magnet 4. The permanent magnet 4 is also arranged on the valve housing 2 and is designed to return the valve body 3 to the closed position. In other words, the valve body 3 is held in the closed position by the permanent magnet 4 when no current flows through the coil 5, so that the valve body 3 is lifted from the valve seat 2.4. This eliminates the need for a spring to return the valve body 3.

[0036] The valve 1 is designed as a direct-acting valve, i.e. the valve body 3, which is moved, in particular translationally, to open and close the valve 1, directly forms the armature of the electromagnetic drive of the valve 1. The valve 1 is in particular a monostable valve, i.e. the valve body 3 is reset by means of the permanent magnet 4, in such a way that the force applied to the valve body 3 by means of the permanent magnet 4, after the current flow through the coil 5 of the electromagnet has been reduced or switched off, presses this valve body 3 onto the valve seat 2.4. When current is applied to the coil 5, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 4 on the valve body 3 is overcome, so that the valve body 3 is lifted from the valve seat 2.4. The valve 1 therefore has no spring for returning the valve body 3 to the closed position, which is advantageous for hygiene-sensitive applications.

[0037] Valve 1 is flow-optimized and designed to be free of dead spaces, making it particularly suitable for use in hygiene-sensitive applications.

[0038] To achieve improved flow and eliminate dead space in the valve, the valve body 3 is arranged directly in the fluid channel 2.1, such that the longitudinal axis of the valve body 3 coincides with the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1. This ensures that the valve 1 can be opened and closed by a translational movement of the valve body 3 along the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1, and the flow around the valve body 3 along its outer surface.

[0039] The valve body 3 has no channels or openings through which the fluid flows on its flow path from the inlet to the outlet. Fluid only flows around the outside of the valve body 3.

[0040] To optimize flow, the valve body 3 has a first free end 3.1 facing the inlet, which is tapered. The tip of the valve body 3 in the region of the first free end 3.1 is preferably rounded. In particular, the first free end 3.1 has a tapered, in particular conical, shape. As a result, the fluid impinging on the first free end 3.1 is guided through the beveled surfaces along the outer wall of the valve body 3, resulting in advantageous flow around the valve body 3.

[0041] Preferably, the valve body 3 has notches 3.3 on its outer side, which extend along its longitudinal axis, i.e., from the first free end 3.1 to the second free end 3.2. Preferably, a plurality of notches 3.3 are provided circumferentially distributed around the valve body 3. These notches 3.3 form fluid channel regions on the outer surface of the valve body 3, in and along which the fluid can flow toward the outlet 2.3.

[0042] Preferably, the notches 3.3 and the wall region 2.5 of the valve housing 2 surrounding the valve body 3 form channels through which the fluid can flow toward the outlet 2.3. The circumferential regions of the valve body 3 located between a pair of notches 3.3 serve to guide the valve body 3 within the valve housing 2.

[0043] Alternatively or in addition to the notches 3.3 in the valve body 3, notches can be formed on the inner surface of the wall region 2.5, which surrounds the valve body 3 and in which the valve body 3 is slidably guided, by means of which notches a plurality of fluid channel regions are formed distributed circumferentially around the valve body 3.

[0044] Preferably, the conversion area 2.5 of the valve housing 2 has a circular or substantially circular inner cross-section, so that the valve body 3 can rotate freely in the fluid channel around its longitudinal axis.

[0045] The valve housing 2 has a housing section 6, by means of which the fluid is fed to the valve body 3. The housing section 6 forms, for example, the inlet 2.2 of the valve 1. The housing section 6 can have an inner surface contour 6.1 or a nozzle structure, by means of which the inflowing fluid is fanned out and fed to the channels formed between the valve body 3 and the wall region 2.5 of the valve housing 2. This ensures that the fluid is directed in a targeted manner to the areas where the fluid can flow along the outside of the valve body 3 toward the outlet 2.3.

[0046] As shown in the sectional views of the Figures 4 and 5As can be seen, the inner surface contour 6.1 can have several grooves or notches, the number of which corresponds to the number of notches 3.3 provided on the valve body 3. This allows for targeted introduction into the channels. In the event that the valve body 3 is freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis in the fluid channel 2.1, its rotational position is aligned such that the notches 3.3 of the valve body 3 coincide with the notches of the inner surface contour 6.1. This improves the flow around the valve body 3 and reduces the flow resistance of the valve 1.

[0047] As particularly in the Figures 3 and 5As can be seen, the housing section 6 has stop areas 6.2 against which the valve body 3 comes into contact in its open position. The stop areas 6.2 run, for example, obliquely to the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1 and serve to limit the displacement path of the valve body 3, as shown in Fig. 3 can be seen. The stop regions 6.2 are provided, for example, between a pair of grooves or notches of the inner surface contour 6.1 or a pair of nozzles of the nozzle structure and protrude relative to them in the direction of the valve body 3.

[0048] To improve the flow around the valve body 3 in the area of ​​its second free end 3.2, the fluid channel 2.1 has a tapered area 2.1.1 directly in front of the valve seat 2.4. This allows the fluid to be directed toward the outlet 2.3 with optimized flow. The tapered area 2.1.1 can, for example, have rounded or concavely curved areas to improve the flow of the fluid toward the outlet 2.3.

[0049] The valve body 3 has a recess in the region of its second free end 3.2, into which the seal 7 is inserted. The seal 7 can, for example, be formed from a solid material and have a plug-like configuration. A first section of the seal 7 is inserted into the recess, and a second section protrudes beyond the second free end 3.2 of the valve body 3. When the valve 1 is closed, this seal 7 comes into contact with the valve seat 2.4 and thus seals the opening provided in the region of the valve seat 2.4 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0050] The second section of the seal 7, which protrudes beyond the second free end 3.2 of the valve body 3, has a bevel 7.1 or chamfer on its circumference. This bevel or chamfer improves the flow around the valve body 3 toward the outlet 2.3.

[0051] The valve housing 2 has a valve housing lower part 2a and a valve housing upper part 2b. The valve housing lower part 2a can be partially formed as a plastic injection-molded part. Alternatively, the valve housing lower part 2a can also be made of metal and manufactured by machining or, alternatively, by a metal injection molding process. The valve housing lower part 2a preferably forms part of the fluid channel 2.1, in particular the part that forms the sliding guide for the valve body 3 and the outlet 2.3.

[0052] The valve housing upper part 2b has the inlet 2.2, the inner surface contour 6.1 or the nozzle structure, and the stop areas 6.2. The valve housing upper part 2b is preferably formed by the previously described, separate housing section 6. The valve housing upper part 2b is inserted in sections into an opening formed on the valve housing lower part 2a and is firmly connected to this valve housing lower part 2a. The valve housing 2 is formed by assembling the valve housing lower part 2a with the valve housing upper part 2b.

[0053] The valve housing lower part 2a has a wall region 2.5, which is designed, for example, like a round tube and which delimits the fluid channel 2.1 on its inner surface and forms the sliding guide for the valve body 3. On the outside of this wall region 2.5, a coil receptacle is provided, which is formed integrally with the latter and is designed for direct winding with the electrical conductor of the electrical coil 5. The coil receptacle has, for example, a recess 2.6, which is preferably formed circumferentially on the valve housing 2. It is preferably delimited on the inside by the wall region 2.5, as viewed in the radial direction ("radial" with respect to the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1 formed in the valve housing 2), and on the top and bottom sides by a pair of wall sections 2.7, as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1. The recess 2.6 preferably runs in a ring-like manner around the fluid channel 2.1. This allows the wall region 2.5, through which the fluid channel 2.1 is limited in the radial direction, is wound directly with the conductor of the electrical coil 5. This is advantageous for the introduction of the magnetic field into the valve body 3 designed as an armature, since the radial distance of the coil 5 from the armature can be reduced.

[0054] The valve housing 2 also has a receptacle for the permanent magnet 4. Preferably, the valve housing 2, in particular the valve housing lower part 2a, has a cylindrical housing section on the outside, onto which an annular permanent magnet 4 with its circular inner opening can be pushed. This allows the permanent magnet 4 to be advantageously connected to the valve housing 2. Alternatively, the permanent magnet 4 can also have a circumferential contour deviating from the circular ring shape, for example, be square or rectangular. Furthermore alternatively, the permanent magnet 4 can also be formed by one or more bar magnets that are inserted into one or more recesses formed on the valve housing 2.

[0055] The receptacle for the permanent magnet 4 is preferably provided on the valve housing 2 at a height (as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1) at which the valve seat 2.4 is located. As a result, the permanent magnet 4 is arranged very close to the valve body 3, which enables advantageous force introduction for resetting and pressing the valve body 3 against the valve seat 2.4.

[0056] The valve seat 2.4 preferably has a sealing edge 2.4.1 extending circumferentially around the opening formed in the valve seat 2.4. The sealing edge 2.4.1 can be formed, for example, by a ring-like protrusion. The sealing edge 2.4.1 improves the tightness of the valve 1 in the closed state, particularly when the valve body 3 is subjected to low contact pressures against the valve seat 2.4.

[0057] The valve 1 has further measures to improve the magnetic flux generated by the electric coil 5 into the valve body 3 to be moved.

[0058] The valve body 3 consists at least largely, in particular entirely, of a ferrite material. In particular, the valve body 3 can be manufactured using an MIM (Metal Injection Molding) process. This allows the complexly shaped valve body 3 to be advantageously manufactured.

[0059] Advantageously, the valve housing upper part 2b is also formed from a ferrite material. In particular, the valve housing upper part 2b can be manufactured using an MIM process (MIM: Metal Injection Molding). This ensures that the magnetic field generated by the electrical coil 5 is advantageously introduced into the valve body 3 through the valve housing upper part 2b, thereby reducing losses in the magnetic circuit. Preferably, the valve body 3, with its ferrite material, bears directly against the stop regions 6.2, which are also formed from ferrite material, so that the magnetic field is conducted from the valve housing upper part 2b into the valve body 3 without overcoming an air gap or a material region made of non-ferrite material.

[0060] Advantageously, the electrical coil 5 is surrounded at least in sections by a flux bracket 8. The flux bracket 8 bundles and spatially concentrates the magnetic field generated by the electrical coil 5. The flux bracket 8 can, for example, be applied to the outside of the valve housing 2.

[0061] The flux bridge 8 preferably has a first flux bridge section 8.1, which, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA of the fluid channel 2.1, is arranged between the permanent magnet 4 and the electrical coil 5. This first flux bridge section 8.1 preferably extends externally as far as the wall section 2.5 and thus provides an advantageous conducting effect of the magnetic field in the region of the second free end 3.2 of the valve body 3. Preferably, a metal insert can be integrated into the wall section 2.5 in the region of the wall section 2.5 to which the first flux bridge section 8.1 extends. This can be achieved, for example, by overmolding a metal part in the injection molding process used to produce the valve housing lower part 2a. This improves the magnetic flux from the first flux bridge section 8.1 through the wall section 2.5, which is made of a non-ferrite material, into the valve body 3.

[0062] The flux bracket 8 preferably has a second flux bracket section 8.2, which is provided in the region of the valve housing upper part 2b. The second flux bracket section 8.2 is preferably extended up to the second valve housing upper part 2b, so that the second flux bracket section 8.2 rests against the second valve housing upper part 2b. The connection between the second flux bracket section 8.2 and the second valve housing upper part 2b ensures that the magnetic field is guided from the second flux bracket section 8.2 into the valve housing upper part 2b without overcoming an air gap or a material region made of non-ferrite material.

[0063] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection defined by the patent claims. List of reference symbols

[0064] 1Valve 2Valve housing 2aValve housing lower section 2bValve housing upper section 2.1Fluid channel 2.1.1Tapered area of ​​the fluid channel 2.2Inlet 2.3Outlet 2.4Valve seat 2.4.1Sealing edge 2.5Wall area 2.6Recess 2.7Wall section 3Valve body 3.1First free end 3.2Second free end 3.3Notch 4Permanent magnet 5Electric coil 6Housing section 6.1Inner surface contouring 6.2Stop area 7Seal 7.1Bevel 8Flow bow 8.1First flow bow section 8.2Second flow bow section FRFlow direction LALongitudinal axis

Claims

1. Valve for controlling a fluid flow, comprising: - a valve housing (2) with a fluid channel (2.1), the housing comprising an inlet (2.2), an outlet (2.3) and a valve seat (2.4); - a valve body (3) that can be moved in the valve housing (2) to open and close the valve (1); - a permanent magnet (4) provided at the valve housing (2); - an electric coil (5) arranged at the valve housing (2) for generating a magnetic field acting on the valve body (3); wherein the valve body (3) is slidable along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the fluid channel (2.1) in the valve housing (2), wherein the valve body (3) comprises a first free end (3.1) facing the inlet (2.2) and a second free end (3.2) facing the outlet (2.3), wherein the valve body (3) interacts with the valve seat (2.4) by means of its second free end (3.2) in order to open or close the valve (1), wherein the valve body (3) is made at least partially from a ferrite material and forms an armature which interacts with the permanent magnet (4) and the electric coil (5), wherein the permanent magnet (4) is configured to apply a force acting in the direction of the valve seat (2.4) to the valve body (3) so as to close the valve (1), wherein the valve body (3) can be lifted off the valve seat (2.4) when an electric current is applied to the coil (5) in order to open the valve (1), wherein the valve body (3) tapers towards the first free end, and wherein the fluid flowing through the fluid channel (2.1) flows around the outside of the valve body (3).

2. Valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, a surface contouring is provided on the outside of the valve body (3) and / or on the inner surface of the valve housing (2) in the fluid channel region in which the valve body (3) is moved, the surface contouring providing a plurality of fluid channel regions distributed around the circumference of the valve body (3), through which fluid channel regions the fluid can flow from the inlet (2.2) to the outlet (2.3) when the valve (1) is in the open state.

3. Valve according to claim 2, characterized in that the fluid channel regions are formed: - by a plurality of notches (3.3), which are arranged on the outside of the valve body (3) in such a way that they are distributed around the circumference and extend between the first and second end of the valve body (3); and / or - by a plurality of notches or grooves which are provided at the inner surface of the valve housing (2) in the fluid channel region in which the valve body (3) is moved.

4. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve housing (2) comprises, in the region of the inlet (2.2), a nozzle structure or inner surface contouring (6.1) which causes an introduction of the fluid flowing in via the inlet (2.2) circumferentially distributed around the valve body (3).

5. Valve according to claim 4, characterized in that the nozzle structure or inner surface contouring (6.1) is designed in such a way that, at least in the open state of the valve (3), it renders possible the fluid to flow into the fluid channel regions, which are formed between the valve housing (2) and the valve body (3) and which are arranged in such a way that they are circumferentially distributed in the fluid channel (2.1).

6. Valve according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the nozzle structure or the inner surface contouring (6.1) has one or more stop regions (6.2), at which the valve body (3) abuts in the region of the first free end (3.1) when the valve (1) is in the open state.

7. Valve according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the valve housing (2) is designed as an injection-moulded part, a housing portion (6) forming the inlet (2.2) being inserted into the injection-moulded part and this housing portion comprising the nozzle structure or the inner surface contouring (6.1).

8. Valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing portion (6) is made from a ferrite material or at least partially includes a ferrite material.

9. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve housing (2) comprises, in the region in which the valve body (3) is introduced into the fluid channel (2.1), a wall region (2.5), wherein the electric coil (5) is directly provided on the outside of the wall region.

10. Valve according to claim 9, characterized in that the valve housing (2) is designed as an injection-moulded part, the injection-moulded part comprising on the outside a circumferential recess (2.6) which is bounded laterally along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the fluid channel (2.1) by a pair of wall regions (2.7) and into which the winding of the electric coil (5) is introduced.

11. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (3) is made by means of a metal powder injection moulding process or by machining.

12. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the permanent magnet (4) has an inner opening and is placed on the valve housing (2) so that the valve housing (2) penetrates the permanent magnet (4).

13. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the permanent magnet (4) is provided in the region of the valve seat (2.4), when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel (2.1).

14. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve seat (2.4) is designed to be planar with an annular sealing edge (2.4.1).

15. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve body (3) tapers towards the second free end (3.2), and / or in that the fluid channel (2.1) tapers towards the outlet (2.3) in a region lying, when viewed in the direction of flow (FR) of the fluid, directly in front of the valve seat (2.4).