Actuating valve, in particular for a ventilation device, method for operating an actuating valve and ventilation device with an actuating valve

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control valve, in particular for a ventilation device, comprising a flow channel formed in a valve housing of the control valve, wherein a valve element for adjusting a flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is arranged in the flow channel. The invention further relates to a method for operating a control valve for a ventilation device and to a ventilation device having a control valve.

[0002] For example, the prior art discloses DE 195 28 302 C2. This relates to a closure device for a ventilation system, in particular for a fan, comprising a plurality of louvers arranged such that they can pivot about their longitudinal axes and comprising an actuating device for pivoting the louvers from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The louvers are arranged such that, in the closed position, they form a surface curved relative to the longitudinal axes, preferably convexly curved outwards. The actuating device interlaces the louvers with varying degrees of play in their open position, such that, in the open position, they have the same or approximately the same opening angle relative to a common reference plane. WO 81 / 01606 A1 also discloses a control valve according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to propose a control valve which has advantages over known control valves, in particular enabling precise adjustment of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel and at the same time reliably protecting an actuator used for this purpose from external influences, for example from a fluid flowing in the flow channel.

[0004] This is achieved according to the invention with a control valve for a ventilation device having the features of claim 1. It is provided that the valve element is axially displaceable with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the flow channel and cooperates with a valve seat in a first axial position for setting a first flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel and in a second axial position for setting a second flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel that is different from the first flow cross-sectional area, wherein the valve element is fixed in the circumferential direction with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the flow channel by means of a guide device and is drivable in the axial direction by means of an actuator having an electric servomotor, wherein the actuator is connected to the valve element in a contactless manner via a magnetic connection device.wherein the magnetic connection device comprises a first magnetic connection device connected to the actuator in terms of drive technology, and a second magnetic connection device magnetically cooperating with the first magnetic connection device and connected to the valve element in terms of drive technology, such that the first magnetic connection device is only indirectly connected to the valve element in terms of drive technology via the second magnetic connection device, and wherein the actuator is arranged in an actuator receptacle of a drive housing present in the flow channel, wherein the first magnetic connection device is arranged on one side of a wall and the second magnetic connection device is arranged on the other side of the wall, such that a magnetic connection extending through the wall is present between the magnetic connection devices.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The control valve is preferably a component of the ventilation device, but can also be separate from it. The ventilation device serves in particular to ventilate a room, preferably an interior space of a building. Ventilation can be understood as ventilation and / or venting. Ventilation refers to the supply of fluid, in particular air, into the room, whereas venting describes the removal of the fluid from the room. To ventilate the room, the ventilation device preferably has a fan which is provided and designed to convey the fluid or a fluid flow from the fluid through the flow channel. The fan is, for example, electrically driven or drivable and is coupled to an electric motor for this purpose.

[0007] Of course, the control valve can also be used in other applications. In this respect, the control valve is generally understood as an adjustable valve by means of which the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel and thus the fluid flow rate through the control valve can be adjusted. Fluid flow rate is understood to be a fluid quantity per unit of time, preferably a fluid mass flow or a fluid volume flow. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid other than air can be used, for example, a gaseous fluid other than air.

[0008] The control valve comprises, as essential components, the flow channel formed in the valve housing and the valve element for adjusting the flow cross-section or the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel. The valve element is movable relative to the valve housing in order to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel. Different values ​​for the flow cross-sectional area exist in the different axial positions of the valve element relative to the valve housing. In a first axial position, a flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel corresponds to the first flow cross-sectional area, and in a second axial position, it corresponds to the second flow cross-sectional area.In other words, the flow cross-sectional area has a first flow cross-sectional area in the first axial position and a second flow cross-sectional area different from the first flow cross-sectional area in the second axial position.

[0009] To enable a particularly simple design and reliable adjustment of the flow cross-sectional area, the valve element is axially displaceable, namely relative to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel. Instead of the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel, a longitudinal center axis of the control valve or the ventilation device can also be used. The valve element can be arranged in different axial positions, namely at least the first axial position and the second axial position. Preferably, the valve element is mounted on the valve housing in such a way that axial displaceability is ensured. In other words, the valve element is mounted on the valve housing so that it can be displaced in the axial direction.

[0010] In the different axial positions, the valve element interacts with the valve seat to adjust the different flow cross-sectional areas. Preferably, the valve element is positioned at different distances from the valve seat in the different axial positions. The respective flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is established between the valve element and the valve seat. In the first axial position, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel corresponds to the first flow cross-sectional area, and in the second axial position of the valve element, it corresponds to the second flow cross-sectional area.

[0011] For example, the first flow cross-sectional area is smaller than the second flow cross-sectional area. Particularly preferably, the first flow cross-sectional area is zero, so that in the first axial position the valve element interacts with the valve seat to close the flow channel. For this purpose, the valve element preferably rests continuously and uninterruptedly against the valve seat, in particular along an imaginary and continuous line or along an imaginary circle. The second flow cross-sectional area preferably corresponds to a maximum adjustable flow cross-sectional area during normal operation of the control valve. At least, however, the second flow cross-sectional area is larger than the first flow cross-sectional area, so that the flow channel is at least partially fluidically open in the second axial position of the valve element.

[0012] The displacement of the valve element in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel can, in principle, be realized in any desired manner. Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that the displacement of the valve element takes place by means of the actuator, which for this purpose has the electric servomotor. In other words, the valve element can be driven in the axial direction using the actuator. In order to achieve a reliable drive connection of the actuator to the valve element, the valve element is fixed in the circumferential direction using the guide device. The guide device serves to mount the valve element so that it can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel, while simultaneously fixing it in the circumferential direction.

[0013] For example, the guide device comprises a first guide device on the valve element and a second guide device that is stationary relative to the valve housing, wherein the two guide devices engage with each other in a form-fitting manner to implement the mounting of the valve element relative to the valve housing. The first guide device is in the form of a guide projection, for example, and the second guide device is in the form of a guide recess, wherein the guide projection engages with a form-fitting manner in the guide recess. Of course, a configuration is also possible in which the first guide device is designed as a guide recess and the second guide device is designed as a guide projection engaging in the guide recess.

[0014] The actuator is coupled to the valve element in a drive-related manner for displacing the valve element. The actuator can, in principle, be designed in any desired manner, provided it is intended and configured to drive the valve element in the axial direction. In this case, the actuator comprises the electric servomotor or is present as such. The electric servomotor can also be referred to as an electric motor or an electric actuator. The actuator is coupled to the valve element in a drive-related manner in such a way that a rotary movement of the electric servomotor is converted into the axial displacement of the valve element. The coupling between the servomotor and the valve element is preferably via a rack and pinion drive.

[0015] To decouple the actuator from the fluid present in the flow channel and thus ensure particularly good protection of the actuator from the fluid, the actuator is connected to the valve element via the magnetic connection device without contact. The drive connection between the actuator and the valve element is established exclusively via the magnetic connection device. This means that the drive connection between the valve element and the actuator is, at least in some areas, exclusively magnetic and, at most, partially mechanical.

[0016] The magnetic connection device has a plurality of magnetic connection devices, namely at least the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device. The two magnetic connection devices cooperate in terms of drive technology to couple the actuator to the valve element. The first magnetic connection device is assigned to the actuator, and the second magnetic connection device is assigned to the valve element. This means that the first connection device is preferably rigidly and permanently connected to the actuator, whereas the second magnetic connection device is preferably rigidly and permanently connected to the valve element. For example, the second magnetic connection device is attached to the valve element or forms a component thereof.

[0017] Ultimately, there is only an indirect drive connection between the actuator and the valve element, namely via the magnetic connection device. The first magnetic connection device is only indirectly connected to the valve element via the second magnetic connection device, and conversely, the second magnetic connection device is only indirectly connected to the actuator via the first magnetic connection device. Such a design of the control valve enables particularly effective encapsulation of the actuator to protect it from external environmental influences or from the influence of the fluid. Accordingly, a particularly durable and long-lasting design of the control valve is realized.

[0018] To protect it from influences by the fluid, the actuator is arranged in the actuator receptacle of the drive housing, which is preferably fluid-tight or at least fluid-resistant. The drive housing is provided and designed to accommodate the actuator. Accordingly, the drive housing has the actuator receptacle in which the actuator is arranged or at least can be arranged. The drive housing is located in the flow channel, so that the drive housing is acted upon by the fluid in the flow channel. For example, the fluid is at least partially in contact with the drive housing wall of the drive housing, which delimits the actuator receptacle. In particular, the drive housing wall delimits the actuator receptacle from the flow channel.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the drive housing wall and the drive housing are designed to be fluid-tight or at least fluid-resistant, so that the fluid from the flow channel cannot flow into the actuator receptacle and, conversely, fluid present in the actuator receptacle cannot enter the flow channel. In other words, the drive housing, in particular the drive housing wall, separates the flow channel and the actuator receptacle from one another in terms of flow. Accordingly, the actuator is arranged so as to be protected from the influence of the fluid. The fluid-tight drive housing is preferably completely sealed against the fluid under the respective ambient conditions, at least as far as this is structurally possible. The fluid-resistant drive housing is designed for permanent use under the respective ambient conditions, but does not guarantee complete tightness.

[0020] The control valve, in particular the drive housing, is preferably designed such that the actuator is reliably protected against liquid precipitating from the fluid in the fan. The precipitating liquid is, for example, condensate, in particular condensing water. In addition, the drive housing can be designed to protect the actuator against liquid entering the fan in addition to the fluid. For example, the control valve or the drive housing is designed such that the control valve as a whole achieves at least protection class IPX2, at least protection class IPX3 or at least protection class IPX4. Preferably, at least protection class IPX5 is achieved. It is important that the actuator does not come into contact with the fluid and / or liquid during normal operation of the control valve, or at most only to a minimal and unavoidable extent.

[0021] Such a control valve configuration is made possible, in particular, by the magnetic connection device, via which the actuator and the valve element are connected to one another in a contactless drive-related manner. This is achieved by means of the magnetic connection, which exists between the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device. The magnetic connection is understood to be a magnetic connection via which a force and / or torque can be transmitted between the magnetic connection devices. Furthermore, the magnetic connection is understood to be a connection that ensures reliable and reproducible displacement of the valve element by means of the actuator.

[0022] The magnetic connection devices are arranged on opposite sides of the wall, namely in such a way that the magnetic connection, via which the actuator is drive-coupled to the valve element, is present between them. This means that the magnetic connection runs through the wall. Particularly preferably, the magnetic connection devices are arranged on opposite sides of the wall, opposite one another or overlapping one another. A straight line perpendicular to the wall, which can also be referred to as a surface normal, preferably runs through the first magnetic connection device on one side of the wall and through the second magnetic connection device on the other side of the wall, so that the magnetic connection devices are arranged opposite one another on different sides of the wall.This achieves particularly effective force transmission or torque transmission between the magnetic connection devices.

[0023] The wall is preferably the drive housing wall of the drive housing and / or a receiving element wall of a receiving element. However, the receiving element wall can also be considered part of the drive housing wall. Preferably, the drive housing wall and the receiving element wall jointly, i.e. each partially, delimit the actuator receptacle. The receiving element is provided and designed to receive the drive housing and, to this extent, to hold the drive housing relative to the valve housing. For example, the receiving element is connected to the valve housing or is designed as a single piece and / or from the same material. To this extent, the receiving element can be manufactured together with the valve housing as an injection-molded part. Preferably, the drive housing is attached to the valve housing exclusively via the receiving element.For example, the receiving element has a receptacle for the actuator housing, into which the valve housing is or will be inserted. In particular, the actuator housing is attached to the valve housing in a force-fitting, form-fitting, and / or material-fitting manner. The receiving element will be discussed in more detail below.

[0024] The described design of the control valve has the advantage that the flow cross-sectional area can be adjusted reliably and with high precision. Furthermore, the actuator used to drive the valve element is encapsulated, so that it is fluidically separated from the flow channel. This ensures good protection of the actuator from external influences, in particular from the fluid and / or the liquid contained in the fluid, thus achieving a long service life of the control valve.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the drive housing is arranged in the flow channel via at least one retaining web in such a way that the flow channel completely and in particular continuously surrounds the drive housing in the circumferential direction. The flow channel is delimited by a valve housing wall of the valve housing. The valve housing wall preferably continuously and completely surrounds the flow channel in the circumferential direction with respect to its longitudinal center axis. Viewed in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis, the drive housing is arranged at least partially in overlap with the valve housing wall. The drive housing is arranged in the flow channel in such a way that it is continuously spaced from the channel wall in the circumferential direction, so that the flow channel completely surrounds the drive housing in the circumferential direction.For example, the drive housing is arranged centrally in the flow channel, so that the distance between the drive housing and the valve housing wall is constant throughout the circumferential direction.

[0026] Such an arrangement of the drive housing is achieved by means of at least one retaining web. The retaining web engages on the one hand on the drive housing and on the other hand on the valve housing or the valve housing wall. Of course, only a single retaining web can be present. However, the drive housing is particularly preferably fastened by means of several retaining webs, each of which engages on the valve housing or the valve housing wall on its side facing away from the drive housing in order to hold the drive housing in the flow channel. The several retaining webs are particularly preferably arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction, i.e. evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. For example, there are at least two retaining webs, at least three retaining webs or at least four retaining webs. This enables reliable and stable fastening of the drive housing in the valve housing.

[0027] A further development of the invention provides that the at least one retaining web carries a receiving element in which the drive housing is arranged, wherein the drive housing is closed with a cover fastened to the receiving element. Preferably, the receiving element is formed in one piece and of the same material as the at least one retaining web and the valve housing, whereas the drive housing is present as an insert part that can be inserted into the receiving element during assembly of the control valve. The receiving element, the at least one retaining web and the valve housing are here, for example, available as an injection-molded part or the like and are manufactured together. The drive housing, on the other hand, is manufactured separately from the valve housing and only subsequently inserted into the receiving element during assembly of the control valve.The receiving element is preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder which is fastened to the valve housing via the at least one retaining web.

[0028] In addition to the receiving element, there is a cover which is fastened to the receiving element and serves to close the actuator housing. When assembling the control valve, the actuator housing is first inserted into the receiving element and then the cover is arranged and fastened to the receiving element. For this purpose, the actuator housing is closed, namely by means of the cover. Particularly preferably, the cover closes the actuator housing in a fluid-tight manner, so that the cover prevents fluid from the flow channel from penetrating into the actuator housing. The cover is fastened at least to the receiving element. For example, after it has been installed, the cover is supported on the receiving element. In addition, the cover can be fastened to the actuator housing. It can also be provided that the cover is only indirectly fastened to the receiving element, namely via the actuator housing.For this purpose, the drive housing is first attached to the receiving element and finally the cover is attached to the drive housing, namely directly in each case.

[0029] It is particularly preferably provided that the cover is positively connected to the receiving element, the drive housing or both the receiving element and the drive housing, for example in each case by means of a snap-in connection. In this respect, a positive connection or a snap-in connection can exist between the cover and the receiving element or between the cover and the drive housing. However, it can also be provided that the cover is fastened to the receiving element via a first positive connection or snap-in connection and to the drive housing via a second positive connection or snap-in connection, preferably directly in each case. This achieves reliable fastening of the cover and the drive housing to the receiving element. The cover preferably has a cover wall, which can be regarded as part of the drive housing wall.

[0030] A further development of the invention provides that the at least one retaining web and the cover jointly define a cable duct, which opens into the drive housing on the one hand and into a cable receptacle formed in the valve housing away from the flow channel on the other. The cable duct is located between the retaining web and the cover and, viewed in section, is completely encompassed by them. The cable duct is thus protected by the retaining web and the cover from the influence of the fluid from the flow channel.

[0031] The cable duct connects the actuator housing to the cable receptacle formed in the valve housing. Preferably, at least one electrical cable is arranged in the cable duct, via which the actuator is electrically connected to a power connection of the control valve. The power connection is provided, for example, as a plug-in connection or a clamp connection on the valve housing and enables an electrical connection of the control valve or actuator to a power source located away from the control valve. This design of the control valve ensures a reliable electrical connection of the actuator.

[0032] A further development of the invention provides that the retaining web has a valve element receptacle into which the valve element engages in at least one axial position. The valve element receptacle is in the form of a recess in the retaining web and is open in the direction of the valve element. The valve element receptacle only partially extends through the retaining web, in particular in the axial direction. The valve element receptacle is thus delimited in the axial direction in the direction facing away from the valve element by a base which also serves as an end stop for the valve element. In at least one axial position of the valve element, the valve element engages in the valve element receptacle; in particular, in this axial position it rests against the base delimiting the valve element receptacle. This is preferably the case in the second axial position.

[0033] Preferably, the valve element receptacle is delimited radially outwardly at least on one side by an inlet slope. This slope is oriented such that the valve element can be easily moved into the valve element receptacle even when the valve element is deflected in the radial direction. The inlet slope thus centers the valve element as it moves into the valve element receptacle, particularly before the valve element comes into contact with the base or the end stop.

[0034] If multiple retaining webs are present, such a valve element receptacle is preferably provided in each of these retaining webs. The described embodiment of the control valve ensures reliable radial locking of the valve element, particularly when the control valve is fully open. Accordingly, vibration of the valve element in the radial direction induced by the fluid flowing through the flow channel is reliably prevented, thus avoiding any resulting noise.

[0035] A further development of the invention provides that the cover is overlapped by a cover of the control valve, which cover is flush with the retaining web and / or valve housing or projects beyond it. The cover is arranged on the valve housing, in particular is fastened to it. Preferably, the cover, together with the valve housing, delimits a further flow channel which adjoins the flow channel. While the flow channel runs in the axial direction with regard to its longitudinal central axis or has its largest dimensions in this direction, the further flow channel extends outwards in the radial direction or has its largest dimensions in this direction. For example, the further flow channel starts radially inwards from the flow channel and opens radially outwards into an external environment of the control valve.

[0036] The further flow channel is preferably continuous or at least almost continuous in the circumferential direction. In particular, the further flow channel lies between the retaining webs in the circumferential direction, i.e., is merely interrupted by them. The cover deflects the fluid from the axial direction to the radial direction or vice versa, depending on the direction of flow of the fluid. The cover preferably completely overlaps the retaining web and / or the valve housing, in particular, it is flush with them or even projects beyond them. This creates a good visual impression of the control valve, particularly if it is used as part of the ventilation system, namely by visually concealing the retaining web and / or the valve housing.

[0037] A further development of the invention provides that the actuator has a motor shaft rotatable about a motor axis of rotation, wherein the motor axis of rotation is angled with respect to a plane parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel. The motor shaft is a component of the actuator; in particular, it is directly coupled to a rotor of the actuator. The motor shaft protrudes from a motor housing of the actuator to enable the drive connection of the actuator to the valve element. The motor shaft rotates about the motor axis of rotation during operation of the actuator.

[0038] The servo motor is arranged or aligned such that the motor rotation axis is angled with respect to the imaginary plane that runs parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel. In this case, it can be provided that the plane includes the longitudinal center axis. However, it can also be provided that the plane is spaced parallel to the longitudinal center axis. The motor rotation axis is angled with respect to the plane. This means that it intersects the plane at an angle that is greater than 0° and less than 180°. Particularly preferably, the angle is at least 60° and at most 120°, at least 75° and at most 105°, or approximately or exactly 90°. The motor rotation axis is therefore preferably perpendicular to the plane parallel to the longitudinal center axis. This results in a compact design of the control valve, since a deflection gear or the like can be dispensed with. Furthermore, cost-effective production of the control valve is possible.

[0039] A further development of the invention provides that the motor shaft of the servo motor is coupled to a gear that engages with a rack of the first magnetic connection device. This means that the first magnetic connection device is drive-connected to the motor shaft via the rack and the gear. The gear is preferably seated directly on the motor shaft and is directly attached to the motor shaft. The gear engages or meshes with the rack. As a result, the rotary movement of the motor shaft is converted into a linear movement of the rack and thus of the first magnetic connection device. The rack forms a component of the first magnetic connection device. The described embodiment once again enables an extremely cost-effective implementation of the control valve.

[0040] A further development of the invention provides that the first magnetic connection device is mounted in a guide recess so as to be linearly displaceable. The guide recess is delimited, for example, by guide rails, between which the first magnetic connection device is located. In particular, the magnetic connection device engages behind the guide rails so that it is displaceable exclusively in the axial direction. The guide recess or the guide rails are preferably arranged in the drive housing; preferably, they are configured on the drive housing wall and / or the receiving element wall. For example, the guide recess or the guide rails are formed during the manufacture of the drive housing and / or the receiving element, preferably during production of the drive housing or the receiving element by injection molding.Again, this serves to realize a particularly cost-effective design of the control valve.

[0041] A further development of the invention provides that the first magnetic connection device has a receiving pocket in which at least one magnetic connection element is arranged. The receiving pocket is intended and designed to completely accommodate the magnetic connection element. The magnetic connection element is therefore located completely within the receiving pocket and does not protrude from it. The receiving pocket is arranged, for example, in overlap with the toothed rack; in particular, the receiving pocket is located between the toothed rack and the drive housing wall. The receiving pocket is delimited by the first magnetic connection device both in the direction of the toothed rack and in the direction of the drive housing wall, so that the magnetic connection element is always spaced apart from the drive housing wall. The described embodiment of the first magnetic connection device is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0042] A further development of the invention provides that the valve element has a cylindrical guide region adjacent to the drive housing and / or the receiving element, and a valve region inclined away from the guide region, which cooperates with the valve seat to adjust the different flow cross-sectional areas of the flow channel. The valve element is therefore composed of the guide region and the valve region. The guide region serves to guide the valve element by being in contact with the drive housing and / or the receiving element on the outside. The guide region is generally cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical, to ensure uniform and low-friction guidance of the valve element.

[0043] The valve area extends from the guide area and is inclined away from it. Preferably, the valve area extends from a circumferential surface of the guide area, for example, approximately centrally as viewed in the axial direction. This reliably prevents tilting of the valve element relative to the drive housing or the receiving element. Preferably, the receiving element has an annular collar that engages between the guide area and the valve area in at least one axial position of the valve element. Such a design of the control valve ensures reliable guidance of the valve element relative to the valve housing.

[0044] A further development of the invention provides that the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device each have a plurality of magnetically interacting magnetic connection elements. It can be provided that the magnetic connection elements of one of the magnetic connection devices are designed as permanent magnets, whereas the magnetic connection elements of the other magnetic connection device consist of a magnetizable material, or vice versa. However, the magnetic connection elements of both magnetic connection devices are particularly preferably designed as permanent magnets in order to achieve a reliable magnetic connection between the magnetic connection devices.

[0045] The invention further relates to a method for operating a control valve, in particular a control valve according to the embodiments within the scope of this description, wherein the control valve has a flow channel formed in a valve housing of the control valve, in which a valve element is arranged for adjusting a flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel. It is provided that the valve element is at least temporarily axially displaced relative to a longitudinal center axis of the flow channel and cooperates with a valve seat in a first axial position for adjusting a first flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel and in a second axial position for adjusting a second flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel that is different from the first flow cross-sectional area.wherein the valve element is fixed in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel by means of a guide device and is driven in the axial direction at least temporarily by means of an actuator having an electric servomotor, wherein the actuator is drive-connected to the valve element in a contactless manner via a magnetic connection device, wherein the magnetic connection device has a first magnetic connection device drive-connected to the actuator and a second magnetic connection device magnetically cooperating with the first magnetic connection device and drive-connected to the valve element, so that the first magnetic connection device is drive-connected to the valve element only indirectly via the second magnetic connection device,and wherein the actuator is arranged in an actuator receptacle of a drive housing present in the flow channel, wherein the first magnetic connection device is arranged on the one hand on a wall and the second magnetic connection device is arranged on the other hand on the wall, so that a magnetic connection extending through the wall is present between the magnetic connection devices.

[0046] The advantages of such a procedure or such a control valve design have already been pointed out. Both the control valve and the method for its operation can be further developed according to the explanations in this description, so reference is made to these in this regard.

[0047] The invention also relates to a ventilation device with a control valve, in particular a control valve according to the embodiments within the scope of this description, wherein the control valve has a flow channel formed in a valve housing of the control valve, in which a valve element is arranged for adjusting a flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel. It is provided that the valve element is axially displaceable with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the flow channel and cooperates with a valve seat in a first axial position for adjusting a first flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel and in a second axial position for adjusting a second flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel that is different from the first flow cross-sectional area.wherein the valve element is fixed in the circumferential direction relative to a longitudinal center axis of the flow channel by means of a guide device and is drivable in the axial direction by means of an actuator having an electric actuator motor, wherein the actuator is drive-connected to the valve element in a contactless manner via a magnetic connection device, wherein the magnetic connection device has a first magnetic connection device drive-connected to the actuator and a second magnetic connection device magnetically cooperating with the first magnetic connection device and drive-connected to the valve element, so that the first magnetic connection device is drive-connected to the valve element only indirectly via the second magnetic connection device, and wherein the actuator is arranged in an actuator receptacle of a drive housing present in the flow channel,wherein the first magnetic connection device is arranged on one side of a wall and the second magnetic connection device is arranged on the other side of the wall, so that a magnetic connection extending through the wall is present between the magnetic connection devices.

[0048] With regard to the advantages and possible further developments of the ventilation system, assumed valves, reference is again made to the explanations in this description.

[0049] A further development of the invention provides a fan designed and configured to convey a fluid flow through the flow channel. The ventilation device thus has the fan in addition to the control valve. The fan is particularly preferably electrically driven, namely by means of an electric fan drive. The fan drive is particularly preferably arranged in the drive housing, in particular together with the actuator, which serves to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel. The fan is preferably arranged on the side of the drive housing opposite the valve element in the axial direction.

[0050] The fan preferably has an impeller and a guide vane. The impeller is arranged in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the flow duct between the guide vane and the drive housing. The impeller preferably has a plurality of impeller blades which are arranged radially on the outside of a cup-shaped base body of the impeller. During assembly of the ventilation device, the base body is arranged such that it radially surrounds the outside of the drive housing and / or the receiving element, at least in regions, in particular continuously and uninterruptedly in the circumferential direction. For example, the base body rests against the gear housing and / or the receiving element, so that the impeller is rotatably mounted or a plain bearing is formed for the impeller.

[0051] Preferably, a gear is formed on the base body, which meshes with a gear of the fan drive. The impeller or the base body of the impeller can, of course, also be directly coupled to the fan drive and, for this purpose, engage directly with a shaft of the fan drive.

[0052] The features and feature combinations described in the description, in particular the features and feature combinations described in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which follow from or can be derived from the explained embodiments.

[0053] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, without limiting the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a ventilation device with a control valve and a fan, Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the ventilation device, and Figure 3 is a further sectional view of the ventilation device.

[0054] The Figure 1 shows a schematic and sectional exploded view of a ventilation device 1, which is preferably intended and configured for ventilating an interior space of a building. The ventilation device 1 has a control valve 2 and a fan 3. The fan 3 is intended and configured to convey a fluid, in particular air, through a flow channel 4, either toward the interior space or away from the interior space. The flow channel 4 is formed in a valve housing 5 of the control valve 2.

[0055] For example, the valve housing 5 has a wall attachment 6, which can be mounted on a wall delimiting the interior space. A valve housing wall 7 extends from the wall attachment 6, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, is partially hollow-cylindrical, in particular hollow-circular-cylindrical, preferably on its side facing the fan 3. On the side facing away from the fan 3, the flow channel 4 widens out, in particular in a cup-like manner, with the valve housing wall 7 being funnel-shaped, for example. The wall attachment 6 is preferably provided with a cover 8, which is arranged at a distance from the wall attachment 6, such that between the cover 8 and the wall attachment 6 there is a further channel, via which the flow channel 4 is in flow connection with the interior space. The further channel can be designed as an outflow channel or inflow channel.

[0056] With the help of the cover 8, fluid flowing through the flow channel 4 is redirected toward the cover 8 or toward the interior space. While it flows through the flow channel 4 essentially in an axial direction relative to a longitudinal center axis of the flow channel 4, it is redirected by the cover 8 so that it flows outward in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal center axis and reaches the interior space. Conversely, if the fluid is conveyed out of the interior space, it initially flows radially into the ventilation device 1 and is subsequently redirected so that it again flows through the flow channel 4 in an axial direction.

[0057] A valve element 9 is assigned to the flow channel 4, by means of which a flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 4 can be adjusted. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 4 is adjusted by displacing the valve element 9 in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel 4. In a first axial position of the valve element 9 with respect to the valve housing 5, a first distance exists between the valve element 9 and the valve housing 5, at which a first flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 4 or a first flow cross-sectional area is given.In a second axial position, however, there is a second distance between the valve element 9 and the valve housing 5 which is different from the first distance, so that a second flow cross-sectional area or a second flow cross-sectional area content is established which is different from the first flow cross-sectional area or the second flow cross-sectional area content.

[0058] The displacement of the valve element 9 in the axial direction is effected via a gear device 10 by means of an actuator 11. In other words, the valve element 9 is drive-connected to the actuator 11 via the gear device 10. The actuator 11 is in the form of an electric actuator 12 or at least has one. The gear device 10 is provided and designed to convert a rotary movement of the actuator 12 into the axial displacement of the valve element 9. The actuator 11 is arranged in a drive housing 13. The drive housing 13 is held in the flow channel 4 by means of at least one holding web 14 (in the exemplary embodiment shown here, by means of several holding webs 14). Specifically, a receiving element 15 is arranged in the flow channel 4 by means of the at least one holding web 14, which receives and holds the drive housing 13.The receiving element 15 is, for example, U-shaped in cross-section, at least in some areas, and is provided and designed to accommodate the drive housing 13. A drive motor 16 (only indicated here) is also arranged in the drive housing 13, by means of which the fan 3 is driven at least temporarily.

[0059] A cover 17 is arranged on the receiving element 15 and closes the drive housing 13, preferably in a fluid-tight manner. The cover 17 has at least one arm 18, preferably as many arms 18 as there are retaining webs 14. The arms 18 are arranged on the cover 17 in such a way that, after the cover 7 has been arranged on the receiving element 15, they overlap the retaining webs 14. In this way, the at least one retaining web 14 and the cover 17 or its respective arm 18 together define a cable duct 19. The cable duct 19 connects the drive housing 13 to a cable receptacle 20 formed in the valve housing 5. It is not necessary for each retaining web 14 to form such a cable duct 19 together with the cover 17. It can also be provided that only a single cable duct 19 or at least fewer cable ducts 19 are present than retaining webs 14.In any case, however, the cover 17 overlaps the retaining web 14 or each of the retaining webs 14, particularly to create an attractive appearance. Furthermore, such a design of the ventilation device 1 serves to reliably and permanently attach the cover 17 to the valve housing 5 or the wall attachment 6.

[0060] The valve element 9 is driven in the axial direction by means of the actuator 11 or the servo motor 12 with the aid of a magnetic connection device 21. With the aid of the magnetic connection device 21, a contactless force or torque transmission between the actuator 11 and the valve element 9 is achieved. The magnetic connection device 21 has a first magnetic connection device 22 and a second magnetic connection device 23. The first magnetic connection device 22 is connected to the actuator 11 for drive purposes, whereas the second magnetic coupling device 23 is assigned to the valve element 9 and is preferably fastened thereto.

[0061] A magnetic connection exists between the magnetic connection devices 22 and 23, which extends through a wall, in particular through a drive housing wall 24 of the drive housing 13 and / or a receiving element wall 24' of the receiving element 15. For this purpose, the magnetic connection devices 22 and 23 are arranged on opposite sides of the respective wall after assembly of the control valve 2 or the ventilation device 1, namely the first magnetic coupling device 22 on the inside in the radial direction and the second magnetic connection device 23 on the outside in the radial direction of the wall. In this context, it should be noted that the receiving element wall 24' of the receiving element 15 can also be regarded as part of the drive housing wall 24, since it preferably also delimits a space delimited outwards in the radial direction by the drive housing wall 24 in some regions.

[0062] The first magnetic connection device 22 has a base body 25 on which a rack 26 is formed. This rack 26 meshes with a gear 27, which is non-rotatably coupled to the servomotor 12 or a motor shaft 28 of the servomotor 12. The motor shaft 28 or a rotational axis of the motor shaft 28 is angled with respect to an imaginary plane that runs parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel 4. This means that the motor shaft 28 or its rotational axis forms an angle with the imaginary plane that is greater than 0° and less than 180°. Preferably, the angle is approximately or exactly 90°, so that a perpendicular arrangement of the motor shaft 28 and the imaginary plane is present. The imaginary plane can accommodate the longitudinal center axis or be parallel to it at a distance.

[0063] A receiving pocket 29 is formed in the base body 25 of the first magnetic connection device 22. One or more magnetic connection elements 30 of the first magnetic connection device 22 are arranged in this pocket. The second magnetic coupling device 23 also has one or more magnetic connection elements 31. These are arranged in a receiving pocket 32 ​​which is formed in the valve element 9 itself. In particular, the receiving pocket 32 ​​has its largest dimensions in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel 4. The receiving pocket 32 ​​is preferably delimited in the radial direction, both inwardly and outwardly, by the valve element 9. In addition, the receiving pocket 32 ​​is also delimited in the axial direction, on the one hand, by the valve element 9. On the other hand, however, the receiving pocket 32 ​​is open, so that, viewed in cross-section, the receiving pocket 32 ​​is delimited by a U-shaped boundary formed by the valve element 9.The magnetic connecting element 31 arranged in the receiving pocket 32 ​​is firmly connected to the valve element 9. For example, it is pressed into the receiving pocket 32 ​​with a force fit and / or is firmly connected to the valve element 9, for example by means of an adhesive.

[0064] It can be seen that the fan 3 has an impeller 33. In addition, a guide wheel (not shown here) can be present, which is preferably arranged on the side of the impeller 33 facing away from the control valve 2. The impeller 33 has a plurality of impeller blades 34, of which only a few are identified here. The impeller blades 34 extend from a base body 35 of the impeller 33, which is essentially pot-shaped and, after assembly of the ventilation device 1, encompasses the receiving element 15 for supporting the impeller 33. It can be seen that an adapter 36 is arranged on the drive motor 16 or is rigidly connected to a motor shaft of the drive motor 16. A drive connection is established between the drive motor 16 and the impeller 33 via the adapter 36. For this purpose, the adapter 36 engages in a form-fitting manner in an adapter receptacle 37 of the impeller 33.The adapter receptacle 37 is located on an end wall 38 of the impeller 33, from which the at least partially cylindrical base body 35 extends. The base body 35 is preferably circular-cylindrical or hollow-circular-cylindrical.

[0065] The Figure 2 shows a schematic detailed representation of the ventilation device 1, namely, among other things, the actuator 11 arranged in the drive housing 13. The actuator motor 12 of the actuator 11 is preferably a servomotor, in particular a model-making servomotor. This has, for example, a nominal torque of at most 100 Ncm, at most 75 Ncm, at most 50 Ncm, or at most 25 Ncm. However, the nominal torque of the actuator 11 or the servomotor is particularly preferably lower, in particular, it is at most 15 Ncm, at most 10 Ncm, or at most 5 Ncm.

[0066] At least one recess 39 is formed in the drive housing wall 24. The first magnetic connection device 22 is arranged in the recess 39 for longitudinal displacement. In particular, the first magnetic connection device 22 extends through the recess 39, so that at least a portion of the rack 26 protrudes through the recess 39 into the drive housing 13. The first magnetic coupling device 22 or its base body 25 is preferably mounted in a guide recess 40 for longitudinal displacement, namely preferably in the axial direction or parallel to the longitudinal center axis.

[0067] The guide recess 40 is delimited on opposite sides by two guide rails 41 and 42, which accommodate the first magnetic connection device 22 between them. The guide rails 41 and 42 are preferably designed such that the first magnetic coupling device 22 is held between them with a rear engagement, so that the first magnetic coupling device 22 is held both in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction by the guide rails 41 and 42, in particular in cooperation with the receiving element wall 24', and the guide rails 41 and 42, preferably together with the receiving element wall 24', allow a displacement of the first magnetic connection device 92 only in the axial direction. It can be provided that the guide rails 41 and 42 are also arranged in the recess 39 or extend at least partially or even completely through it.

[0068] The valve element 9 is shown here in an at least partially open axial position of the control valve 2. In this axial position, it engages, for example, in an annular recess 43 which is radially delimited outwardly by an annular collar 44 of the receiving element 15. As seen in the radial direction, the annular recess 43 is located between the receiving element wall 24' and the annular collar 44. In addition to or alternatively to the annular recess 43, a valve element receptacle 44 is formed in the retaining web 14, in particular in all retaining webs 14, into which the valve element 9 engages in at least one axial position, in particular in the at least partially open axial position shown here.The valve element receptacle 45 is delimited in the radial direction at least on one side by an inlet slope 46, which ensures centering of the valve element 9 with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel 4 when the valve element 9 is arranged in the valve element receptacle 45.

[0069] The valve element 9 has a guide region 47 and a valve region 48. The valve region 47 is essentially cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical in shape and rests with its inner circumferential surface against an outer circumferential surface of the receiving element 15 or its receiving element wall 24' in order to implement reliable mounting of the valve element 9 with respect to the valve housing 5. The mounting is designed such that it only permits displacement of the valve element 9 in the axial direction, thus preventing displacement of the valve element 9 in the radial direction and / or in the circumferential direction. The valve region 48 extends from the guide region 47 in the radial direction outwards. It preferably starts approximately centrally from the guide region 47 in order to reliably prevent tilting of the valve element 9.The valve area 48 interacts with an area of ​​the valve housing 5 or the valve housing wall 7, which serves as a valve seat in order to adjust the desired flow cross-sectional area.

[0070] The Figure 3shows a further schematic sectional view of the ventilation device 1, wherein in particular the actuator 11 in the drive housing 13, the valve element 9 and the magnetic connection device 21 with the two magnetic connection devices 22 and 23 can be seen. Control electronics 49, which serves to control and / or supply energy to the actuator motor 12, are also arranged in the drive housing 13. Furthermore, the drive motor 16 for driving the fan 3 is also arranged in the drive housing 13. The actuator motor 12 and drive motor 16 are arranged such that their shafts are arranged skewed to one another or intersect one another at a specific angle. In any case, they do not have axes of rotation that lie within one another or are arranged parallel to one another.In the embodiment illustrated here, the axis of rotation of the motor shaft 28 is perpendicular to an imaginary plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive motor 16. This ultimately means that the axis of rotation of the drive motor 16 is preferably arranged parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the flow channel 4 or coincides with it.

[0071] The described design of the ventilation device 1 has the advantage that the actuator 11 is easily encapsulated against external influences. Furthermore, the use of the magnetic connection device 21 offers the advantage that jamming of the valve element 9 does not lead to damage to the actuator 11, since the magnetic connection device 21 functions as a type of overload clutch. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0072] 1 Ventilation device 2 Control valve 3 Fan 4 Flow duct 5 Valve housing 6 Wall attachment 7 Valve housing wall 8 Cover 9 Valve element 10 Gear device 11 Actuator 12 Actuator motor 13 Drive housing 14 Supporting web 15 Receptacle element 16 Drive motor 17 Cover 18 Arm 19 Cable duct 20 Cable receptacle 21 Magnetic connection device 22 First magnetic connection device 23 Second magnetic connection device 24 Drive housing wall 24 Receptacle element wall 25 Base body 26 Rack 27 Gear 28 Motor shaft 29 Receptacle pocket 30 Magnetic connection element 31 Magnetic connection element 32 Receptacle pocket 33 Impeller 34 Impeller blades 35 Base body 36 Adapter 37 Adapter receptacle 38 Wall 39 Recess 40Guide recess 41Guide rail 42Guide rail 43Ring recess 44Ring collar 45Valve element holder 46Inlet bevel 47Guide area 48Valve area 49Control electronics

Claims

1. Control valve (2), in particular for a ventilation device (1), with a flow channel (4) configured in a valve housing (5) of the control valve (2), wherein a valve element (9) for setting a flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4) is arranged in the flow channel (4), wherein - the valve element (9) is shiftable axially relative to a longitudinal central axis of the flow channel (4) and interacts with a valve seat in a first axial position for setting a first flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4) and in a second axial position for setting a second flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4) which differs from the first flow cross-sectional area, characterised in that - the valve element is fixed in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal central axis of the flow channel (4) by means of a guide device and is driveable in the axial direction by means of an actuator (11) comprising an electric actuator motor (12), wherein - the actuator (11) is propulsively connected to the valve element (9) in a contactless manner via a magnetic connection apparatus (21), wherein the magnetic connection apparatus (21) comprises a first magnetic connection device (22) propulsively connected to the actuator (11) and a second magnetic connection device (23), which interacts with the first magnetic connection device (21) and is propulsively connected to the valve element (9), so that the first magnetic connection device (22) is propulsively connected to the valve element (9) only indirectly via the second magnetic connection device (23), and wherein - the actuator (11) is arranged in an actuator receptacle of a drive housing (13) present in the flow channel (4), wherein the first magnetic connection device (22) is arranged on one side of a wall (24, 24') and the second magnetic connection device (23) is arranged on the other side of the wall (24, 24'), so that a magnetic connection passing through the wall (24, 24') is present between the magnetic connection devices (22, 23).

2. Control valve according to claim 1, characterised in that the drive housing (13) is arranged in the flow channel (4) via at least one retaining bar (14) in such a way that the flow channel (4) completely surrounds the drive housing (13) in the circumferential direction.

3. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one retaining bar (14) carries a receiving element (15) in which the drive housing (13) is arranged, wherein the drive housing (13) is closed with a lid (17) fastened to the receiving element (15).

4. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one retaining bar (14) and the lid (17) together delimit a cable duct (19) which opens into the drive housing (13) on one side and into a cable receptacle (20) configured in the valve housing (5) away from the flow channel (4) on the other side.

5. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining bar (14) comprises a valve element receptacle (45) into which the valve element (9) engages in at least one axial position.

6. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lid (17) is covered by a cover (8) of the control valve (2), which is flush with or protrudes above the retaining bar (14) and / or the valve housing (5).

7. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuator motor (12) comprises a motor shaft (28) rotatable about a motor axis of rotation, wherein the motor axis of rotation is angled relative to a plane parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the flow channel (4).

8. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the motor shaft (28) of the actuator motor (12) is coupled to a gear wheel (27) which engages with a gear rack (26) of the first magnetic connection device (22).

9. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first magnetic connection device (22) is mounted linearly shiftable in a guide recess (40).

10. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first magnetic connection device (22) comprises a receiving pocket (29) in which at least one magnetic connection element (30) is arranged.

11. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve element (9) has a cylindrical guide region (47) adjacent to the drive housing (13) and / or the receiving element (15) and a valve region (48) inclined away from the guide area (47), which interacts with the valve seat for setting the different flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4).

12. Control valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first magnetic connection device (22) and the second magnetic connection device (23) each comprise several magnetically interacting magnetic connection elements (30, 31).

13. Method for operating a control valve (2), in particular a control valve (2) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the control valve (2) has a flow channel (4) configured in a valve housing (5) of the control valve (2), in which a valve element (9) for setting a flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4) is arranged, wherein - the valve element (9) is at least temporarily shifted axially relative to a longitudinal central axis of the flow channel (4) and interacts with a valve seat in a first axial position for setting a first flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4) and in a second axial position for setting a second flow cross-sectional area of the flow channel (4) which differs from the first flow cross-sectional area, characterised in that - the valve element (9) is fixed in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal central axis of the flow channel (4) by means of a guide device and is driven in the axial direction at least temporarily by means of an actuator (11) comprising an electric actuator motor (12), wherein - the actuator (11) is propulsively connected to the valve element (9) in a contactless manner via a magnetic connection apparatus (21), wherein the magnetic connection apparatus (21) comprises a first magnetic connection device (22) propulsively connected to the actuator (11) and a second magnetic connection device (23), which interacts with the first magnetic connection device (21) and is propulsively connected to the valve element (9), so that the first magnetic connection device (22) is propulsively connected to the valve element (9) only indirectly via the second magnetic connection device (23), and wherein - the actuator (11) is arranged in an actuator receptacle of a drive housing (13) present in the flow channel (4), wherein the first magnetic connection device (22) is arranged on one side of a wall (24, 24') and the second magnetic connection device (23) is arranged on the other side of the wall (24, 24'), so that a magnetic connection passing through the wall (24, 24') is present between the magnetic connection devices (22, 23).

14. Ventilation device (1) with a control valve (2) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12.

15. Ventilation device according to claim 14, characterised by a fan (3) which is provided and configured to convey a fluid flow through the flow channel (4).