USE OF SOLENOID VALVES IN DISPENSING SYSTEMS FOR CARBONATE DRINKS

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an electromechanical valve arrangement of a dispensing system for carbonated beverages. State of the art

[0002] Electromechanical valves are used, among other things, to regulate fluid flows, for example in dispensing systems. Often, the flow resistance and pressure of these valves can only be adjusted with considerable effort or imprecisely. This can result in a beverage being dispensed at either too high or too low a pressure. Both lead to a loss of quality, beverage waste, and reduced beverage output per unit of time.

[0003] US 4,835,426 A relates to an electromechanical valve arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] JP S 59 47577 A concerns a valve with a bypass path.

[0005] DE 10 2006 003543 A1 concerns a normally closed solenoid valve. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a cost-effective, reliable, easily adjustable and controllable valve arrangement for carbonated beverages.

[0007] This problem is solved by a valve arrangement according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The valve arrangement has an electromechanical switching valve, which, for the sole purpose of linguistic distinction, shall also be referred to herein as "first valve" The first valve is connected in series with a control valve in the valve arrangement.

[0008] The control valve is also referred to here as "second valve" designated.

[0009] The first valve has a first valve body with a first valve sleeve, a first fixed armature, a first inlet port, and a first outlet port. The first valve sleeve defines a first valve axis. The first valve axis can correspond to the longitudinal axis of the valve sleeve. A first flow path connects the first inlet port to the first outlet port. As is generally known, a flow path is a connection that allows a fluid to flow from a first point to a second point.

[0010] The first valve sleeve has a first valve seat that surrounds a first valve seat opening and divides the first flow path into a first section and a further section.

[0011] The first valve has a first movable armature. The first movable armature is preferably slidably mounted along the first valve axis in the first valve housing between a first closed position and a first open position. Alternatively or additionally, the first movable armature can have an angle of 30° to 90°, particularly 60° to 90°, with respect to the first valve axis. An angle of 90° is particularly preferred, with deviations of ±15° or ±10°, or ±5° or ±2.5° or ±1° being permissible, and smaller deviations being preferred. In the first closed position, the first movable armature closes the first valve seat opening, and in the first open position, the first flow path through the first valve seat opening is released. A first electromechanical actuator is operatively connected to the first movable armature.The first electromechanical actuator can therefore move the first movable armature between the first open position and the first closed position. For example, the first movable armature can be supported, at least indirectly, by an elastic preload element against the first fixed armature. Alternatively or additionally, the first armature can be paramagnetic or ferromagnetic. By applying a magnetic field (e.g., by energizing an optional primary electromagnet mounted on the valve housing – hereinafter referred to simply as "electromagnet," to be distinguished from a subsequent secondary electromagnet), the first movable armature can be moved against a restoring force exerted by the preload element in the direction of the first fixed armature into a so-called end position (e.g., its open position, or alternatively, its closed position).When the primary electromagnet is switched off, the first movable armature can be moved back to its starting position by the restoring force exerted on it by the preload element and / or an actuator.

[0012] Other drive types are also possible; for example, the actuator can be a secondary electromagnetic drive. The actuator can be connected to a controller that actuates it, for instance, so that the actuator applies a force, adjustable by the controller, to the second armature in the direction of the corresponding starting position. The actuator can also be a secondary electromagnet. The secondary electromagnet can be located on the second armature. It can be positioned on an outer surface of the second armature, in a first section, or in a second section of the second armature. Furthermore, the secondary electromagnet can be located inside the second armature, in a first section or in a second section, or on an inner wall of the second armature.

[0013] In a normally closed solenoid valve, the valve seat is located on the side of the valve body facing away from the first moving armature; that is, the position of the first moving armature, referred to above as the initial position, is its closed position. The electromechanical actuator can therefore exert a force on the first armature in the direction of the valve seat. The end position when the solenoid is energized is then the open position of the first moving armature. In a normally open solenoid valve, the valve seat is located on the first fixed armature or between the first fixed armature and the first moving armature, so that the valve seat is closed by the first moving armature in its end position. Therefore, in a normally open solenoid valve, the end position is the closed position and the initial position is the open position. In this case, the electromechanical actuator exerts a force on the first moving armature pointing away from the valve seat.

[0014] The term "magnetic" here refers to both soft magnetic fields – in which case the electromagnet can be powered by alternating current – ​​and hard magnetic fields, in which case the electromagnet is powered by direct current and is ferromagnetic.

[0015] The invention is explained below using the example of a normally closed solenoid valve. However, the invention also demonstrates its effectiveness with normally open solenoid valves.

[0016] Electromechanical valves have a preferred flow direction, which, for the purposes of this application, is referred to simply as the flow direction. Solely to simplify the description of the invention, we assume in the following that the flow direction runs parallel to the valve axis from an inlet on the side of the first fixed armature facing away from the valve sleeve, through the armature, to an outlet opening on the side of the valve sleeve facing away from the first fixed armature. This is not intended to restrict the flow direction, but merely to allow for reference in the following description.

[0017] Thus, the valve housing has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve axis, where the terms inlet port and outlet port, as well as inlet-side and outlet-side, are defined by the preferred flow direction of a fluid through the valve as defined above. The valve axis corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the first valve. A fluid is understood to be a liquid. To reduce flow resistance and prevent deposits, the inlet port and the outlet port are preferably coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0018] The switching valve has at least one bypass channel which, parallel to the first valve seat opening, connects the first section of the flow path with the subsequent section of the flow path. The designation "parallel"This refers to the arrangement of the at least one bypass channel relative to the first valve seat opening in a flow diagram and does not restrict the spatial arrangement of the bypass channel. The at least one bypass channel can, for example, connect the first inlet opening with the first outlet opening, bypassing the valve seat opening and thus running parallel to each other. The bypass channel therefore preferably remains open even when the first movable armature is in its closed position.

[0019] As usual, "at least one bypass channel" means that the switching valve can have two, three, four, or more generally, n bypass channels, where n can be any natural number greater than 0. There is no theoretical limit, but in practice, small natural numbers are preferred, e.g., 1 ≤ n ≤ n max , where n max 6 {100, 75, 50, 25, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1}..

[0020] Moving the first movable armature from the open to the closed position does not completely close the valve, but only reduces the flow resistance of the first valve. The first valve therefore functions as a switchable throttle. Closing the first valve opening causes a pressure drop at the bypass channel outlet. This causes dissolved gases in the liquid to bubble out, at least partially. In other words, when the first movable armature is in the closed position, the valve releases a higher proportion of foam than when the first movable armature is in the open position. At the start of a dispensing process, it is preferable to hold the first movable armature in the open position. Then, with the pressure differential (or flow rate) correctly set, virtually no foam escapes from the first valve and consequently from any downstream tap outlet.Once the glass is at least partially filled, the first movable armature can be moved into the closed position by the first electromagnetic drive. At this point, at least a substantial amount of foam emerges from the tap spout, creating a foamy head on top of the dispensed liquid. The beverage has the appearance and taste expected by the consumer, insofar as the taste is influenced by the foam. This process can be fully automated by a control system. Furthermore, the foam / no-foam ratio is adjustable over a very wide range.

[0021] The at least one bypass channel can, for example, be or have a through-hole. The through-hole can, for instance, extend axially through an annular web of the valve sleeve next to the valve seat opening, i.e., connect the two end faces of the annular web.

[0022] For example, at least one bypass channel can branch off from a section of the first flow path located on the inlet side of the first valve seat and have a bypass opening that leads into the further section of the flow path.

[0023] In the closed position of the first valve, at least one bypass channel connects the inlet and outlet ports. The bypass opening can connect to the outlet side of the first flow path, thus defining a section of the first flow path extending from the outlet side of the bypass opening.

[0024] Preferably, the flow resistance for water through the at least one bypass channel is less than the flow resistance through the section of the first flow path extending towards the outlet of the bypass opening. The flow resistance of the at least one bypass channel decreases with increasing cross-sectional area and increases with increasing length. For a bypass channel with a non-constant cross-sectional area, it makes sense to consider it as a series of bypass channel sections with constant cross-sectional areas.

[0025] The at least one bypass channel can preferably have a smaller minimum cross-sectional area (where the cross-sectional area is to be determined transversely (i.e., orthogonally) to the flow direction) than the section of the first flow path extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening. In a bypass channel section that also extends geometrically parallel to the longitudinal axis, the cross-sectional area is defined by a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, at least in one bypass channel section, the longitudinal axis of the bypass channel is parallel to the valve axis.

[0026] In a bypass channel section with a circular cross-sectional area, the minimum cross-sectional area is the area where the bypass channel has the smallest diameter. This is preferably at the inlet end of the bypass channel. By changing the cross-sectional area, the flow resistance in the bypass channel can be reduced and the pressure within the bypass channel can be lowered. The cross-section of the at least one bypass channel can be selected depending on the type of fluid flowing.

[0027] The bypass channel preferably includes an adjustable throttle. This allows the pressure drop in the bypass channel to be adapted to the specific liquid, its viscosity, and its pressure level. For example, when dispensing beer or any other carbonated beverage, the amount of foam poured into a container can be regulated. For instance, in the open position of the valve, the beverage, such as beer, can flow through the first valve without significant foam formation. When the valve is closed during dispensing, the beverage, such as beer, flows through the at least one bypass channel. The change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass channel causes a pressure drop, resulting in foam formation. In this way, the desired amount of foam can be adjusted during pouring.

[0028] As already evident, the switching valve is part of an electromechanical valve assembly (or simply "valve assembly"). This valve assembly also includes the aforementioned control valve ("second valve"). The control valve can regulate the fluid flow in or out of the valve assembly; that is, it can open or close the fluid flow. The switching valve, on the other hand, serves to switch (adjust) the pressure drop when the second valve is open, thus enabling the system to switch between dispensing foam and "no foam."

[0029] The second valve has an inlet and an outlet. The first valve is connected to the second valve to form a valve assembly. "Connected" here does not refer to a mechanical connection, but rather to fluid communication between the first and second valves; that is, the valves are fluid-conducting. Preferably, the first and second valves are connected coaxially. The first and second valves can be connected in series along the flow direction. Preferably, the second valve is located upstream of the first valve in the flow direction. The first inlet (the inlet of the switching valve) is connected to a second outlet (the outlet of the control valve). Of course, the first and second valves can also be mechanically fastened to each other. For example, the first valve can be threaded to the second valve.Alternatively or additionally, the first and second valves can be pressed, clamped, and / or glued together. For example, the first valve can be attached to the second valve, or vice versa. The first fixed anchor can be attached to the intake side of an exhaust-side area of ​​the second valve sleeve.

[0030] The second valve has a second valve body. The second valve body has a second valve outlet. Furthermore, the second valve has a second fixed armature and a second inlet port. The second valve sleeve can define a second valve axis. The second valve axis can be the longitudinal axis of the second valve sleeve. Preferably, the first and second valves share a common axis, i.e., the first and second valve axes can be identical. However, it is also possible for the first and second valve axes to be arranged at an obtuse or acute angle to each other.

[0031] The second valve has a second flow path. This second flow path connects the second inlet port to the second outlet port. Furthermore, the second valve has a second valve seat. This second valve seat can radially limit at least a portion of the second flow path. The second valve seat can enclose a second valve seat opening. The second flow path can pass through the second valve seat opening.

[0032] The second valve has a second movable armature. This second movable armature can be slidably mounted along the second valve axis in the second valve housing between a second closed position and a second open position. Alternatively or additionally, the second movable armature can have an angle of 30° to 90°, particularly 60° to 90°, with respect to the second valve axis. An angle of 90° is particularly preferred, with deviations of ±15° or ±10°, or ±5° or ±2.5° or ±1° being permissible, and smaller deviations being preferred. In the first closed position, the second movable armature can close the second valve seat opening, and in the first open position, it can open the second flow path through the second valve seat opening. A second electromechanical actuator acts on the second movable armature to move it between the second open position and the second closed position.The second electromechanical actuator can be designed similarly to the first electromechanical actuator. When the second valve seat opening is closed, there is no fluid connection between the second inlet and the second outlet. The valve sleeve of the electromechanical switching valve (first valve) has a first sleeve body that corresponds to the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve may have a sleeve axis. The sleeve body has an inwardly extending annular rib. The annular rib divides the valve sleeve into a first sleeve section and a second sleeve section. The annular rib forms the valve seat. The valve seat may surround, encompass, and / or delimit a first valve seat opening. Furthermore, the valve seat opening can connect the first sleeve section and the second sleeve section, i.e., form a fluid connection between the two sleeve sections. The valve sleeve may include the bypass channel.The at least one bypass channel connects the first sleeve section and the further sleeve section to each other parallel to the valve seat opening, so that when the valve seat opening is closed the first sleeve section and the further sleeve section are connected to each other.

[0033] The at least one bypass channel can branch off from the first sleeve section and have a bypass opening that opens into the further sleeve section. The flow resistance for water through the bypass channel can be lower than the flow resistance through the further sleeve section extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening. Furthermore, the bypass channel can have a smaller minimum cross-sectional area than the further sleeve section extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening. Preferably, the cross-sectional area at the bypass opening is increased discontinuously. This results in a sudden (or at least nearly discontinuous) drop in flow resistance and pressure. This produces the effect already described for the first valve.

[0034] The first and / or second fixed armature can each have two end faces and a first and / or second through-channel connecting the end faces along the first and / or second valve axis. In the example of a normally closed solenoid valve, the opening of the first and / or second through-channel facing away from the first and / or second movable armature can form the inlet opening of the valve housing. The opening of the corresponding through-channel facing towards the first and / or second movable armature can form the outlet opening of the through-channel. The through-channel can be bounded radially by a channel wall and can be flowed through when the valve is open. Furthermore, the first and / or second fixed armature can have a first and / or second circumferential surface connecting the two end faces. The first and / or second circumferential surface is preferably circular-cylindrical, at least in one section.

[0035] The first and / or second valve sleeve can have a first and / or second inner wall, a first and / or second outer wall, and a first and / or second through-hole on its end face facing away from the first or second fixed anchor. In the preferred flow direction assumed here, the through-hole would be the outlet. In a normally closed valve, the through-hole can also be the valve seat opening. The first and / or second through-hole is preferably coaxial with the first or second valve axis. The first and / or second valve seat and the first and / or second valve sleeve can each be formed in one piece. For large production runs, it is alternatively advantageous to manufacture the valve sleeve from a tube (e.g., a seamless drawn tube) and attach the valve seat to it, e.g., by press-fitting, screwing, welding, crimping, or the like.

[0036] The first and / or second fixed anchor can engage with the first or second valve sleeve on the inlet side. This means that a valve sleeve-side portion of the first and / or second fixed anchor engages with an anchor-side portion (relative to the first and / or second fixed anchor) of the corresponding valve sleeve. Preferably, the first and / or second valve sleeve (each) can have a first thread, and the first and / or second fixed anchor (each) can have a complementary second thread. In the assembled state, the corresponding first and second threads then mesh with each other. For example, the first and / or second valve sleeve can have an internal thread, and the first and / or second fixed anchor (each) can have an external thread.It is also possible for the first and / or second fixed anchor to have an internal thread and the first and / or second valve sleeve to have an external thread (in which case the valve sleeve engages with the anchor). Alternatively or additionally, a connection by gluing, welding, or clamping is possible.

[0037] By orienting the first and / or second valve sleeve coaxially to the first and / or second fixed armature, the first and / or second valve can be assembled from simple turned parts that can be manufactured cost-effectively even in small quantities. Furthermore, the coaxial orientation results in low flow resistance for the first and / or second valve, thus reducing deposits within the valve.

[0038] The first and / or second movable armature preferably has (each) at least one first and / or second lateral surface, an end face facing away from the first and / or second valve seat, a side facing the first and / or second valve seat, and an inner wall. For the sake of clarity, the first and / or second lateral surface of the first and / or second movable armature is referred to below as the first and / or second "outer surface" only, in contrast to the lateral surface of the first and / or second fixed armature. In the example of a normally closed solenoid valve, the first and / or second end face facing away from the first and / or second valve seat would be the inlet-side first and / or second end face, where "inlet-side" refers to the respective fluid inlet of the first or second valve body. The first or second end face facing the first or second valve seat would accordingly be the outlet-side first or second end face.The second end face of the first or second fixed armature. Accordingly, the end faces of the first and / or second fixed armature and other elements of the valve are named with reference to the inlet or outlet opening of the corresponding valve body. If the electromechanical actuator incorporates an elastic preload element, this preload element can be a spring, for example, a coil spring. As already described, the electromechanical actuator can include an actuator.

[0039] Preferably, the first and / or second valve has a first or second coil seat. The respective coil seat can be formed, for example, by at least one segment of the corresponding outer wall of the first or second valve sleeve and at least one segment of the outer surface of the first or second fixed armature. A first or second magnet, for example, an electromagnet, can be mounted on this coil seat. When the electromagnet is energized, the first or second movable armature is displaced in the direction of the first or second fixed armature against a force, for example, a preload element, parallel to the valve axis, when the first or second solenoid valve is normally closed. This releases the otherwise closed outlet of the valve seat. The valve can now be flowed through coaxially by the fluid to be controlled.

[0040] Preferably, a first and / or second valve seat seal is attached to the first and / or second movable armature. In the closed position, this seal rests against the first or second valve seat, thereby sealing the corresponding valve seat opening. In the open position, a gap is formed between the first or second valve seat seal and the corresponding valve seat, through which the fluid can flow into or out of the corresponding valve seat opening. At least one of the valve seat seals can, for example, have the shape of a circular cylinder, with the top surface of the cylinder resting against the first armature and the base surface resting against the valve seat in the closed position. Preferably, the radius of this cylinder is smaller than its height.Of course, the valve seat seal can also have other shapes; for example, the valve seat seal can be an elliptical cylinder or any other shape, provided that a seal of the valve seat opening is ensured.

[0041] Preferably, the outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature and the first and / or second inner wall of the first or second valve sleeve form a sliding bearing. This optional first and / or second sliding bearing restricts the degree of freedom of the first or second movable armature orthogonally to the first or second valve axis, thereby ensuring particularly reliable guidance of the first and / or second movable armature within the first or second valve sleeve. This guarantees reliable opening and closing of the valve. The outer surface can be tapered on a section facing the first and / or second valve seat, i.e., it can enclose a smaller cross-sectional area. This creates a space between the inner wall of the first and / or second valve sleeve and the tapered outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature. At least one fluid line can open into the tapered outer surface.

[0042] For example, the first and / or the second movable armature may have a smaller diameter on its side facing the first and / or the second valve seat than in the adjacent area of ​​the first and / or the second movable armature.

[0043] The first and / or second movable armature may have a blind hole extending parallel to the valve axis in an end face facing away from the first and / or second valve seat. In this case, with "parallel"The term "blind hole" refers to the spatial arrangement of the blind hole. The blind hole can be a blind bore extending from the inlet-side end face of the first and / or second movable armature and coaxial with its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the blind hole is cylindrical. Of course, the blind hole can also be milled and need not be cylindrical. As is customary, a blind hole is understood to be a recess coaxial with the valve axis that does not completely penetrate the workpiece like a through hole and consequently has a specific depth. Alternatively, the blind hole can also be designed as a through hole that is closed on the valve seat side by the valve seat seal. In the following, the term "blind hole" includes this possibility.

[0044] The blind hole is connected via at least one fluid line to a free space on the side of the first and / or second movable armature facing the first and / or second valve seat. Two or more fluid lines can also branch off from the blind hole, connecting it to the free space. In other words, the free space on the side of the first movable armature facing the first and / or second valve seat can, for example, be formed by a tapered outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature in the region of the first and / or second valve seat, and the fluid lines can open from the blind hole into recesses in the tapered outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature. The at least one fluid line can open into at least one (e.g., annular groove-shaped) recess on the tapered outer surface.If multiple fluid lines are provided, they preferably terminate in the same annular groove. The angle between the axes of the recesses and the axis of the blind bore is particularly preferably between 90° and 165°, and especially between 105° and 155°. The fluid line can have an angle of 30° to 90°, and particularly between 30° and 45°, with respect to the first and / or second valve axis in the direction of the outlet opening. An angle of 30° is particularly preferred, with deviations of ±15° or ±10°, or ±5° or ±2.5° or ±1° being permissible, and smaller deviations being preferred.

[0045] At least one bypass channel can connect the free space on the side of the first movable armature facing the first valve seat to the outlet opening.

[0046] The opposing end faces of the first and / or second fixed armature and the first and / or second movable armature preferably define a cavity enclosed in the axial direction by the inner wall of the first and / or second valve sleeve. The cavity can be at least approximately cylindrical, preferably at least approximately circular. In a normally closed solenoid valve, the cavity connects the outlet-side opening of the through-channel with the inlet-side opening of the blind hole, allowing a fluid to flow from the inlet through the through-channel, across the cavity, and into the blind hole. From the blind hole, the fluid flows via the at least one connecting line, for example, a fluid line, into the free space formed on the outlet side of the first movable armature.

[0047] Preferably, the first and / or second fixed anchor engages with its end face facing the second anchor in the valve sleeve.

[0048] A section of the first and / or second fixed anchor can engage with a section of the valve sleeve facing it. The section of the fixed anchor engaging with the valve sleeve can preferably be tapered. This allows the section of the first and / or second fixed anchor adjacent to the section engaging with the valve sleeve to form an axial stop. The stop can abut an end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve (relative to the fixed anchor) on the anchor side.

[0049] The first and / or second fixed anchor can have an inlet-side section (facing away from the movable anchor) with a first diameter, a middle section with a second diameter, and a valve sleeve-side section with a third diameter. The diameter of the first and / or second fixed anchor corresponds to the distance between the points where a straight line perpendicular to the valve axis intersects the lateral surface of the first and / or second fixed anchor. The diameter of the middle section can be larger than the diameter of the valve sleeve-side section of the first and / or second fixed anchor. The diameter of the inlet-side section of the first and / or second fixed anchor can be less than or equal to the diameter of the middle section. Preferably, the diameters of the sleeve-side and inlet-side sections can be approximately the same.At the transition between the middle section and the valve sleeve-side section of the first and / or second fixed armature, a radially extending shoulder can form due to the different diameters. This shoulder can serve to limit the axial movement of the first and / or second fixed armature along the valve axis. For example, the shoulder can be circumferential and form an axial stop, such as for the armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve.

[0050] The first and / or second valve sleeve can have a stop surface complementary to the shoulder. The complementary stop surface can be an armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve. The armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve can correspond to an intake-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve. The armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve can, for example, be a stop. The armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve can correspond to an end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve facing away from the valve seat. As is customary, a stop is understood to be a support that limits movement.The stop defines the endpoint of the axial movement of the first and / or second valve sleeve relative to the first and / or second fixed armature when the valve sleeve-side section of the first and / or second fixed armature is inserted into the first and / or second valve sleeve. The outlet-side surface of the shoulder can abut the armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve. The outlet-side end face of the shoulder, together with the armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve, can form half of a positive fit, meaning the first and / or second fixed armature, the abutting body, can disengage from the first and / or second valve sleeve, the stop, in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the first and / or second valve sleeve can be defined as the abutting body and the first and / or second fixed armature as the stop.

[0051] The blind hole of the first and / or second valve can, for example, be an axially stepped bore. The blind hole can have a first inlet-side section with a first diameter and a second section adjoining it on the outlet side, which has a second diameter. The first and second sections can have different diameters. Preferably, the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. This creates a bearing surface at the transition from the larger first diameter to the smaller second diameter. If the electromechanical actuator is, for example, an elastic preload element such as a spring, the elastic preload element is supported on the outlet side by the bearing surface.On the inlet side, the preloading element can preferably bear against the outlet-side end face of the first and / or second fixed armature, so that the preloading element preloads the first and / or second movable armature in the direction of the valve outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the electromechanical drive can be an actuator. The actuator can be arranged on the first and / or second movable armature. The actuator can be arranged on the outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature, in the first section or in the second section of the first and / or second movable armature. The actuator can also be arranged inside the first and / or second movable armature, in the first section or in the second section of the first and / or second movable armature, and on the inner wall of the first and / or second movable armature.

[0052] If the electromechanical actuator includes, for example, an elastic preload element, the elastic preload element is preferably located between the first and / or second fixed armature and the first and / or second movable armature. The electromechanical actuator can bear at least indirectly against the first and / or second valve housing on the side facing away from the first and / or second movable armature; that is, for example, an axial displacement of a preload element in the direction of the first and / or second movable fixed armature can be blocked by it, or another abutment connected to the valve housing can be prevented. The side of the preload element and / or the actuator facing away from the first and / or second fixed armature preferably bears against the end face of the first and / or second movable armature facing the first and / or second fixed armature.As a result, the pretensioning element and / or the actuator exerts a force axially directed away from the first and / or second fixed anchor onto the first and / or second movable anchor.

[0053] The first and / or second valve may also have an inlet-side fitting attached to the first and / or second fixed armature. The fitting may be connected to the first and / or second fixed armature by friction, positive locking, or material connection. For example, the fitting may be connected to the first and / or second fixed armature by screwing, soldering, or welding. Of course, the fitting and the first and / or second fixed armature may also be formed as a single piece. The fitting may have a flange, a through-hole, an armature-side end face, and an end face facing away from the first and / or second fixed armature. The fitting may have an armature-side end face with a through-hole. The through-hole may be coaxial with the first and / or second valve axis.

[0054] The fluid can flow through the fitting's passage, also called the fitting channel, into the inlet of the first and / or second valve body. The fitting channel has a wall that defines its radial boundaries. The fitting channel can open into the armature-side end face of the fitting. The fitting channel can be coaxial with the first and / or second valve axis. Preferably, the fitting channel can be coaxial with the through-channel. Preferably, the fitting is connected to the second valve.

[0055] A magnet, for example an electromagnet, can be arranged on the coil seat of the first and / or second valve.

[0056] The magnet, along with pole plates, can be coaxially slid onto the first and / or second valve body and the first and / or second fixed armature. This facilitates easy magnet installation. Furthermore, the magnet can be cooled if a cold fluid flows through the valve. The first and / or second valve can have a connection point. This connection point can supply power to the magnets.

[0057] The magnet can be secured against unintentional axial displacement on the first and / or second valve body. The first and / or second valve sleeve can have a flange on the outlet side against which the magnet is supported. On the inlet side, the magnet can be fixed either by a nut or another flange. Preferably, the first and / or second valve body has a flange with wrench flats, and the first and / or second fixed armature has an external thread onto which the fitting can be screwed. Thus, at the end of the valve assembly, the magnet can be pushed onto the first and / or second valve body until it reaches the stop against the flange of the first and / or second valve body and secured against slippage with the fitting.

[0058] Preferably, the first and / or second valve sleeve and the first and / or second fixed armature can each have an internal and / or external thread on the side facing away from the electromagnet, onto which commercially available fittings can be screwed. If the outer surface of the first and / or second fixed armature and / or the outer wall of the first and / or second valve housing is tapered at its end facing away from the magnet, a sealing ring can be slid onto it, which is then engaged by the thread of a fitting, for example, the aforementioned fitting.

[0059] The first valve and / or the second valve may have a first and / or second valve housing. The respective valve housing may at least partially enclose or surround the first and / or second valve.

[0060] The first and / or second valve sleeve, the first and / or second fixed armatures, the first and / or second movable armatures, and the fitting can all be manufactured as turned parts, meaning the valve bodies no longer need to be cast or forged. This simplifies manufacturing and increases flexibility in meeting customer requirements.

[0061] The first and / or second valve can be either a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) valve. Description of the drawings

[0062] The invention is described below by way of example, without limiting the general concept of the invention, with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a valve arrangement Figure 2 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a valve arrangement Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of a valve arrangement Figure 4shows a rear view of an embodiment of the first valve. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a cutaway valve arrangement Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a valve sleeve Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a cut valve sleeve

[0063] Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 show different views of an embodiment of a valve arrangement 100. Figure 1 shows a side view Figure 2 a bottom view and Figure 3 A top view of the valve arrangement 100. The valve arrangement 100 can have a first valve 200 and a second valve 300.

[0064] The first valve is connected in series with a control valve in a valve arrangement. The control valve is also referred to here as... "second valve"The first valve 200 is connected to the second valve 300 to form a valve arrangement 100. "Connected" here does not refer to a mechanical connection, but rather to the fluid communication between the first valve 200 and the second valve 300; the valves are thus fluid-conducting. Preferably, the first valve 200 and the second valve 300 are connected coaxially. Of course, the first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can also be mechanically connected. For example, the first valve 200 can be threaded to the second valve 300. Alternatively or additionally, the first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can be crimped and / or bonded. For example, the first valve 200 can be attached to the second valve 300, or vice versa. The first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can be connected in series along the flow direction 400.Preferably, the second valve 300 is located upstream of the first valve 200, in the flow direction 400. The valve sleeve 310 of the second valve 300 can be connected to the first valve 200. A flange 318 can serve as an assembly aid. The first valve 200 and the second valve can have a first and / or second valve housing 280, 380. The corresponding valve housing 280, 380 can at least partially enclose or surround the first and / or second valve 200, 300. A fitting 330 can be mounted on the inlet side of the first valve 300. The fitting 300 can be the connection of the valve assembly 100. The first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can have valve axes L1, L2. The valve axes can form a common axis of the valve assembly. The fitting 310, the second valve sleeve 310 and the first valve sleeve 210 can be arranged in the direction of flow along the common valve axis L 1 ,L 2.The first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can each have a connection 275, 375. Electromagnets inside the valve housings 275, 375 can be supplied with energy via these connections 275, 375.

[0065] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a rear view of the first valve 100 looking into the first valve sleeve 210 against the flow direction 400. The valve sleeve 210 can have an outlet opening 213. At least one bypass channel 230 can open into the outlet opening 213 via a bypass opening 232.

[0066] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a cutaway exemplary valve assembly 100. The valve assembly 100 has a first valve 200 and a second valve 300. The first valve 200 has a first valve body with a first valve sleeve 210, a first fixed armature 220, a first inlet port 223, and a first outlet port 213. The first valve sleeve 210 defines a first valve axis L1. The first valve axis L1 can correspond to the longitudinal axis of the valve sleeve 210. The first valve sleeve 210 has a first valve seat 212, which surrounds a first valve seat opening 214 and divides a first flow path into a first section 210a and a further section 210b. The first valve 200 has a first movable armature 240. The first movable armature 240 is slidably mounted along the first valve axis L 1 in the first valve housing between a first closed position and a first open position.Alternatively or additionally, the first movable armature 240 can have an angle of 30° to 90°, particularly 60° to 90°, with respect to the first valve axis L1. An angle of 90° is particularly preferred, with deviations of ±15° or ±10°, or ±5° or ±2.5° or ±1° being permissible, and smaller deviations being preferred. In the first closed position, the first movable armature 240 closes the first valve seat opening 214, and in the first open position, the first flow path through the first valve seat opening 214 is released. A first electromechanical actuator 250 is operatively connected to the first movable armature 240. The electromechanical actuator can therefore move the first movable armature 240 between the first open position and the first closed position. For example, the first movable armature can be supported at least indirectly on the first fixed armature via an elastic preload element.

[0067] Figure 5 This shows an example of a normally closed solenoid valve. Fig. 5 The first valve seat 212 is located on the side of the valve housing facing away from the first movable armature 240. Figure 5 The valve is in an open position.

[0068] Electromechanical valves have a preferred flow direction 400, which is referred to simply as the flow direction in this application. The flow direction can run parallel to the valve axis from an inlet 223 on the side of the first fixed armature 220 facing away from the valve sleeve 210, through the armature 220, to an outlet opening 213 on the side of the valve sleeve 210 facing away from the first fixed armature 220.

[0069] The first valve 200 has at least one bypass channel 230. The bypass channel 230 connects, parallel to the first valve seat opening 214, a first section 210a of the first flow path and a further section 210b of the flow path. The designation "parallel" This refers to the arrangement of the at least one bypass channel 230 relative to the first valve seat opening 214 in a flow diagram, and does not restrict the spatial arrangement of the bypass channel 230. Figure 5 Two bypass channels 230 are shown as an example. The switching valve can also have two, three, four, or n bypass channels, where n can be any natural number greater than 0. There is no theoretical limit, but in practice small natural numbers are preferred, e.g., 1 ≤ n ≤ n max , where n max∈ {100, 75, 50, 25, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1}. The at least one bypass channel 230 can connect the first inlet port 223 to the first outlet port 213. The at least one bypass channel 230 branches off from a section 210a of the first flow path located on the inlet side of the first valve seat 212 and has a bypass opening 232 that opens into the further section of the flow path. The bypass inlet 231 can be located in the valve seat 212. The at least one bypass channel 230 makes it possible for the inlet port 223 to be connected to the outlet port 213 when the first valve 200 is closed. The bypass outlet 232 can open into an outlet-side section 210b of the first flow path.The at least one bypass channel 230 can have a smaller minimum cross-sectional area than the section 210b of the first flow path extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening 232. The at least one bypass channel 230 can be, for example, a through-bore. The through-bore can, for example, extend axially through an annular web 219 of the valve sleeve 210 next to the valve seat opening 214, i.e., connect the two end faces of the annular web 219.

[0070] The switching valve 200 is part of an electromechanical valve assembly 100 (referred to as "valve assembly"). This valve assembly 100 also includes a control valve 300. For the sake of clarity, the control valve 300 is also referred to here as the second valve 300. The control valve 300 can control the flow or discharge of a valve assembly, i.e., it can allow or block the fluid flow. The switching valve, on the other hand, serves to switch (adjust) the pressure drop when the second valve is open, thus enabling the switching between the dispensing of foam or "no foam". The second valve 300 has, as usual, an inlet port 323 and an outlet port 313. The first valve 200 is connected to the second valve 200 to form a valve assembly 100. The term "connected" here does not refer to a mechanical connection, but rather to the fact that there is fluid communication between the first valve 200 and the second valve 300, i.e., the valves are fluid-conductingly connected.Preferably, the first valve 200 and the second valve 300 are connected coaxially. The first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can be connected in series along the flow direction 400. As shown in . Figure 5 As an example, the second valve 300 can be arranged upstream of the first valve 200, in the flow direction 400. The first inlet 213 (the inlet of the switching valve) is connected to a second outlet 313 (the outlet of the control valve). Of course, the first valve 200 and the second valve 300 can also be mechanically fastened to each other. As shown in Figure 5 As an example, the second valve can be attached to the first valve. In this case, the outlet end of the second valve sleeve 310 is attached to the inlet end of the first fixed armature 220 and, for example, clamped in place. Alternatively, the first valve 200 can also be connected to the second valve 300 via a threaded connection.

[0071] The second valve 300 has a second valve housing 380. The second valve housing 380 has a second outlet port 313. Furthermore, the second valve 300 has a second fixed armature 320 and a second inlet port 323. The second valve sleeve 300 defines a second valve axis L2. Preferably, the first valve 200 and the second valve 300 share a common axis. However, it is also possible for the first valve axis and the second valve axis to be arranged at an obtuse or acute angle to each other.

[0072] The second valve 300 has a second flow path. This flow path connects the second inlet port 323 with the second outlet port 314. Furthermore, the second valve 300 has a second valve seat 312. The second valve seat 312 can radially limit at least a section of the second flow path. The second valve seat 312 can enclose a second valve seat opening 314. The second flow path can pass through the second valve seat opening 314.

[0073] The second valve 300 has a second movable armature 340. The second movable armature 340 is slidably mounted along the second valve axis L2 in the second valve housing 380 between a second closed position and a second open position. Alternatively or additionally, the second movable armature 340 can have an angle of 30° to 90°, particularly 60° to 90°, with respect to the second valve axis L2. An angle of 90° is particularly preferred, with deviations of ±15° or ±10°, or ±5° or ±2.5° or ±1° being permissible, and smaller deviations being preferred. In the first closed position, the second movable armature 340 can close the second valve seat opening 314, and in the first open position, it can open the second flow path through the second valve seat opening 314. Figure 5An example of the open position of the second valve 300 is shown. A second electromechanical actuator 350 acts on the second movable armature 340 to move it between the second open position and the second closed position. The second electromechanical actuator 350 can be designed similarly to the first electromechanical actuator 250. When the second valve seat opening 314 is closed, no fluid connection can exist between the second inlet opening 323 and the second outlet opening 313.

[0074] The first and / or the second fixed armature 220, 320 can have two end faces 226, 227, 326, 327 and a first and / or second through-channel 221, 321 connecting the end faces along the first and / or second valve axis L1, L2. In the example of a normally closed valve, the opening of the corresponding through-channel 221, 321 facing away from the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 can form the inlet opening 223 of the valve body. In the example of a normally closed valve, the opening of the corresponding through-channel 221, 321 facing towards the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 can form the outlet opening 224, 324 of the through-channel 221, 321. The first and / or second through-channel 221, 321 can be limited in a radial direction by a corresponding channel wall 222, 322 and can be flowed through when the valve is open.Furthermore, the first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320 can have a first and / or second lateral surface 225, 325 that connects the two end faces 226, 227, 326, 327. The lateral surface 225, 325 is preferably circular-cylindrical, at least in one section.

[0075] The first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can have a first and / or second inner wall 215, 315, a first and / or second outer wall 211, 311, and a first and / or second through-hole on its end face facing away from the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320. In the preferred flow direction assumed here, the through-hole would be the outlet. In a normally closed valve, the through-hole can simultaneously be the valve seat opening 214, 314. The through-hole is preferably coaxial with the corresponding valve axis. The first and / or second valve seat 212, 312 and the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can be formed in one piece. For large quantities, it is alternatively possible to manufacture the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 from a (e.g. seamless drawn) tube and to attach the corresponding valve seat 212, 312 to it, e.g. by pressing in, screwing, welding, crimping or the like.

[0076] The first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320 can engage the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 on the inlet side. This means that a valve sleeve-side region of the first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320 engages an anchor-side region (relative to the first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320) of the valve sleeve 210, 310. Preferably, the first and / or the second valve sleeve 210, 310 can have a first thread and the first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320 can have a complementary second thread. In the assembled state, the first thread and the second thread then mesh with each other. For example, the first and / or the second valve sleeve 210, 310 can have an internal thread and the first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320 can have an external thread.It is also possible that the first and / or the second fixed anchor 220, 320 has an internal thread and the first and / or the second valve sleeve 210, 310 has an external thread (in which case the valve sleeve engages with the anchor). Alternatively or additionally, a connection by gluing, welding, or clamping is possible.

[0077] The first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 preferably has at least one corresponding outer surface 243, 343, an end face 245, 345 facing away from the first and / or the second valve seat 212, 312, a side 246, 346 facing the first and / or the second valve seat 212, 312, and a corresponding inner wall. The first and / or second outer surface 243, 343 of the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 is hereinafter referred to as the "outer surface" only for the sake of linguistic distinction from the outer surface of the first and / or the second fixed armature 220, 320. In the example of a normally closed valve, as in Figure 5By way of example, the corresponding end face 245, 345 facing away from the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312 would be the inlet-side end face, with "inlet-side" referring to the fluid inlet of the valve housing. The end face 246, 346 facing towards the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312 would accordingly be the outlet-side end face of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320. Similarly, the end faces 226, 227, 326, 327 of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 and other elements of the valve are named with reference to the inlet or outlet opening of the valve housing. If the electromechanical actuator 250, 350 incorporates an elastic preload element, this preload element can be a spring, for example, a coil spring. As already described, the electromechanical drive can include an actuator.

[0078] Preferably, the first and / or second valve 200, 300 has a first and / or second coil seat. The first and / or second coil seat can be formed, for example, by at least one segment of the first and / or second outer wall 211, 311 of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 and at least one segment of the first and / or second outer surface 225, 325 of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320. A first and / or second magnet, for example an electromagnet 270, 370, can be mounted on this coil seat. When the corresponding electromagnet 270, 370 is energized, the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 of a normally closed solenoid valve is displaced in the direction of the first and / or the second fixed armature 220, 320 against a force, for example of a first and / or second preloading element, parallel to the valve axis, thereby releasing the otherwise closed outlet of the valve seat 212, 312.The valve can now be flowed through coaxially by the fluid to be controlled.

[0079] A first and / or second valve seat seal 260, 360 can be attached to the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340. In the closed position, the seal rests against the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312, thereby sealing the first and / or second valve seat opening 214, 314. In the open position, a gap can form between the valve seat seal 260, 360 and the valve seat 212, 312, through which fluid can flow into or out of the valve seat opening 214, 314. The valve seat seal 260, 360 can, for example, have the shape of a circular cylinder, with the top surface of the cylinder resting against the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 and the base surface resting against the valve seat 212, 312 in the closed position. Preferably, the radius of this cylinder is smaller than its height.Of course, the valve seat seal 260, 360 can also have other shapes, for example the valve seat seal 260, 360 can be an elliptical cylinder or have any other shape, provided that a seal of the valve seat opening 214, 314 is ensured.

[0080] Preferably, the outer surface 243, 343 of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 and the inner wall 215, 315 of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 form a sliding bearing. This optional sliding bearing restricts the degree of freedom of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 orthogonally to the first and / or second valve axis L1, L2, thereby ensuring particularly reliable guidance of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 within the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310. This guarantees reliable opening and closing of the first and / or second valve 200, 300. The outer surface can be tapered on a section facing the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312, i.e., enclosing a smaller cross-sectional area.This creates a free space between the inner wall 215, 315, the first and / or the second valve sleeve 210, 310, and the tapered outer surface of the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340. At least one fluid line 242, 342 can open into the tapered outer surface.

[0081] For example, the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 may have a smaller diameter on its side facing the first and / or the second valve seat 212, 312 than in the adjoining area of ​​the first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340.

[0082] The first and / or the second movable armature 240, 340 can have a first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 extending parallel to the valve axis in an end face 245, 345 facing away from the first and / or the second valve seat 212, 312. In this case, with "parallel"The spatial arrangement of the first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 is meant. The corresponding blind hole 241, 341 can be a blind bore extending from the first and / or second inlet-side end face 245, 345 of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 and coaxial with its longitudinal axis, which is the corresponding valve axis L1, L2. Preferably, the first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 is cylindrical. Of course, the first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 can also be milled and need not be cylindrical. As usual, a blind hole is understood to be a recess coaxial with the valve axis, which does not completely penetrate the workpiece like a through hole and consequently has a certain depth. Alternatively, the first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 can also be designed as a through hole, which is closed on the valve seat side by the first and / or second valve seat seal 260, 360.In the following, the term "blind spot" includes this possibility.

[0083] The first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 is connected via at least one fluid line 242, 342 to a free space on the side of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 facing the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312. Two or more fluid lines 242, 342 can also branch off from the first and / or second blind hole 241, 341, connecting the corresponding blind hole 241, 341 to the free space.In other words, the free space on the side of the first movable armature 240, 340 facing the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312 can be formed, for example, by a tapered outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 in the region of the first and / or second valve seat 212, 312, and the corresponding fluid lines 242, 342 can open from the blind hole 241, 341 into recesses in the tapered outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340. The at least one fluid line 242, 342 can open into at least one (e.g., annular groove-shaped) recess on the tapered outer surface. If several fluid lines 242, 342 are provided, they preferably open into the same annular groove. Particularly preferably, the angle between the axes of the recesses and the axis of the blind bore is between 90° and 165°, especially between 105° and 155°.The fluid line 242, 342 can have an angle of 30° to 90°, particularly 30° to 45°, with respect to the first and / or second valve axis in the direction of the outlet opening. An angle of 30° is particularly preferred, with deviations of ±15° or ±10°, or ±5° or ±2.5° or ±1° being permissible, and smaller deviations being preferred.

[0084] At least one bypass channel 230 can connect the free space on the side of the first movable armature 240 facing the first valve seat 212 to the outlet opening.

[0085] The opposing end faces 226, 227, 326, 327 of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 and of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 preferably define a cavity enclosed by the inner wall of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 in the axial direction. The cavity can be at least approximately cylindrical, preferably at least approximately circular. In a normally closed solenoid valve, the cavity connects the outlet-side opening 224, 324 of the through-channel 221, 321 with the inlet-side opening of the blind hole 241, 341, allowing a fluid to flow from the inlet through the through-channel 221, 321 via the cavity into the blind hole 241, 341. From the blind hole 241, 341, the fluid passes via at least one connecting line, for example a fluid line, into the free space formed on the outlet side of the first and / or second movable anchor 240, 340.

[0086] Preferably, the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 engages with its end face 227, 327 facing the first and / or second movable anchor in the valve sleeve 210, 310.

[0087] A section of the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 can engage with a section of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 facing it. The section of the first or second fixed anchor 220, 320 engaging with the respective valve sleeve 210, 310 can preferably be tapered. This allows the section of the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 engaging with the respective valve sleeve 210, 310 to form an axial stop. The stop can abut an end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 on the anchor side (relative to the fixed anchor 220, 320).

[0088] The first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 can have an inlet-side section (facing away from the corresponding movable armature 240, 340) with a first diameter, a middle section with a second diameter, and a valve-sleeve-side section with a third diameter. The diameter of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 corresponds to the distance between the points of intersection of a straight line perpendicular to the valve axis with the first and / or second lateral surface 225, 325 of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320. The diameter of the middle section can be larger than the diameter of the valve-sleeve-side section of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320. The diameter of the inlet-side section of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 can be less than or equal to the diameter of the middle section.Preferably, the diameter of the sleeve-side and inlet-side sections can be approximately the same. At the transition from the middle section to the valve sleeve-side section of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320, a radially extending shoulder can form due to the different diameters. The shoulder can serve to limit the axial movement of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 along the corresponding valve axis L1, L2. The shoulder can, for example, be a circumferential shoulder and form an axial stop, e.g., for the armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310.

[0089] The first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can have a stop surface complementary to the shoulder. The corresponding complementary stop surface can be an armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310. The armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can correspond to an intake-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310. The armature-side end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can, for example, be a stop. The armature-side first and / or second end face 216, 316 of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can correspond to an end face of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 facing away from the corresponding valve seat 212, 312. As is customary, a stop is understood to be a support that limits movement.The corresponding stop defines the endpoint of the axial movement of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 relative to the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 when the valve sleeve-side section of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 is inserted into the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310. The outlet-side surface of the shoulder can abut the armature-side end face 216, 316 of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310. The outlet-side end face of the shoulder can, together with the anchor-side end face 216, 316 of the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310, form half of a positive fit, i.e., the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320, the striking body, can leave the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310, the stop, in the opposite direction.Of course, the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can also be defined as the striking body and the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 as the stop.

[0090] The first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 of the first and / or second valve 200, 300 can, for example, be an axially stepped bore. The first and / or second blind hole 241, 341 can have a first inlet-side section with a first diameter and a second section adjoining it on the outlet side, which has a second diameter. The first and second sections can have different diameters. Preferably, the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. This creates a bearing surface at the transition from the larger first diameter to the smaller second diameter. If the first and / or second electromechanical actuator 250, 350 is, for example, an elastic preload element, such as a spring, the elastic preload element is supported on the abutment surface on the outlet side.On the inlet side, the preloading element can preferably bear against the corresponding outlet-side end face 227, 327 of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320, so that the preloading element preloads the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340 in the direction of the valve outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the electromechanical drive can be an actuator. The actuator can be arranged on the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340. The actuator can be arranged on the outer surface of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340, in the first section or in the second section of the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340. The actuator can also be arranged within the first and / or second movable anchor 240, 340, in the first section or in the second section of the first and / or second movable anchor 240, 340 and on the inner wall of the first and / or second movable anchor 240, 340.

[0091] If the electromechanical drive 250, 350 includes, for example, an elastic preload element, the elastic preload element is preferably located between the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 and the first and / or second movable armature 240, 340.

[0092] The first and / or second valve can also have an inlet-side fitting 330 attached to the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320. The fitting 330 can be connected to the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 by frictional, positive, or material connection. For example, the fitting 330 can be connected to the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 by screwing, soldering, or welding. Of course, the fitting 330 and the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320 can also be formed in one piece. The fitting 330 can have a flange, a passage 331 (the fitting channel), an anchor-side end face 332, and an end face facing away from the first and / or second fixed anchor 220, 320. The fitting 330 can have an anchor-side end face 332 with a passage 331. The passage can be coaxial to the first and / or second valve axis.Fitting 300 can be located on the front valve if the valves are arranged in series along the flow direction.

[0093] The fluid can flow through the passage 331 of the fitting 330, also called the fitting channel, into the inlet of the first and / or second valve body. The fitting channel 331 has a fitting channel wall that limits the channel in the radial direction. The fitting channel 331 can open into the armature-side end face of the fitting. The fitting channel 331 can be coaxial with the first and / or second valve axis L1, L2. Preferably, the fitting channel 331 can be coaxial with the through-channel 221, 321. Preferably, the fitting 330 is connected to the second valve 300.

[0094] A first and / or second magnet 270, 370, for example an electromagnet, can be arranged on the coil seat of the first and / or second valve 200, 300.

[0095] The magnet 270, 370, together with pole plates, can be coaxially slid onto the first and / or second valve housing 200, 300 and the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320. This facilitates easy installation of the corresponding magnet 270, 370. Furthermore, the magnet 270, 370 can be cooled if the valve 200, 300 is subjected to a cold fluid flow. The first valve 200 and / or the second valve 300 can have a port 275, 375. The port 275, 375 can supply power to the magnets 270, 370.

[0096] The first and / or second magnet 270, 370 can be secured against unintentional axial displacement. The first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 can have a flange 218, 318 on the outlet side, against which the magnet 270, 370 is supported. On the inlet side, the magnet can be fixed either by a nut or another flange. Preferably, the first and / or second valve body has a flange with wrench flats, and the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 has an external thread onto which the fitting 330 can be screwed. Thus, at the end of the valve assembly, the magnet can be pushed onto the first and / or second valve body until it reaches the stop against the flange of the first and / or second valve body and secured against slippage with the fitting.

[0097] Preferably, the first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310 and the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 can each have an internal and / or external thread on the side facing away from the electromagnet 270, 370, onto which commercially available fittings can be screwed. If the first and / or second outer surface 225, 325 of the first and / or second fixed armature 220, 320 and / or the corresponding outer wall 211, 311 of the first and / or second valve housing is tapered at its end facing away from the magnet, a sealing ring can be slid onto it, which is engaged by the thread of a fitting, for example, the aforementioned fitting.

[0098] The first and / or second valve sleeve 210, 310, the first and / or second fixed armatures 220, 320, the first and / or second movable armatures 240, 340, and the fitting 330 can all be manufactured as turned parts, meaning the valve bodies no longer need to be cast or forged. This simplifies manufacturing and increases flexibility in meeting customer requirements.

[0099] The first and / or second valve 200, 300 can be either a direct current (DC) or an alternating current (AC) valve. In an AC valve, additional phase-shift rings are pressed into the first and / or second fixed armatures 220, 320, which are absent in a DC valve. Due to the absence of the phase-shift ring, a DC valve has the advantage of ensuring higher hygienic standards even with aggressive media.

[0100] Figure 6Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a valve sleeve 210 of the second valve 200. The valve necks can have a flange 218, a first outlet opening 213 and an outer wall 211.

[0101] Figure 7Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cutaway valve sleeve 210 of the second valve 200. The valve sleeve 210 can also be referred to as the sleeve body. The valve sleeve 210 can have an outer wall 211, a valve seat 212, an outlet opening 213, an inner wall 215, an end face 216, a contact surface 217, and a flange 218. The valve sleeve 210 has an inwardly extending annular web 219. The annular web 219 can extend in the direction of the sleeve axis L3. The annular web 219 divides the valve sleeve 210 into a first sleeve section 210a and a further sleeve section 210b. The annular web 219 also forms a valve seat 212. The valve seat 212 can surround, encompass, and / or delimit a valve seat opening 214. The valve sleeve 210 can connect the first sleeve section 210a and the further sleeve section 210b together.Furthermore, the valve seat opening 214 can connect the first sleeve section 210a and the further sleeve section 210b in a communicative manner, i.e., form a fluid connection between the two sleeve sections. The valve sleeve 210 has at least one bypass channel 230, which connects the first sleeve section 210a and the further sleeve section 210b parallel to the valve seat opening 214, so that when the valve seat opening 214 is closed, the first sleeve section 210a and the further sleeve section 210b are connected. The at least one bypass channel 230 can, for example, be or have a through-bore. The through-bore can, for example, extend axially through an annular web 219 of the valve sleeve 210 next to the valve seat opening, i.e., connect the two end faces of the annular web 219. The bypass channel 230 can have an inlet 231 and a bypass outlet 323.The bypass inlet 231 can be located at the valve seat 212. The bypass opening 232 can be located in the outlet opening 213. The at least one bypass channel 230 can branch off from the first sleeve section 210a. The bypass opening 232 can open into the further sleeve section 210b. The flow resistance for water through the bypass channel 310 can be less than the flow resistance through the further sleeve section 210b extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening 323. Furthermore, the bypass channel 320 can have a smaller minimum cross-sectional area (where the cross-sectional area is to be determined perpendicular (i.e., orthogonal) to the flow direction) than the further sleeve section 210b extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening 232. For a bypass channel section with a circular cross-sectional area, the minimum cross-sectional area is the area where the bypass channel has the smallest diameter.

[0102] In a bypass channel section extending geometrically parallel to the sleeve axis L3, the cross-sectional area is defined by a plane orthogonal to the sleeve axis L3. Preferably, the cross-sectional area is increased discontinuously at the bypass opening. This results in a sudden (or at least nearly discontinuous) drop in flow resistance and pressure. This produces the effect already described for the first valve. The sleeve axis L3 can correspond to the first valve axis L1. Preferably, at least in one bypass channel section, the longitudinal axis of the bypass channel is parallel to the sleeve axis L3. The flow resistance of the at least one bypass channel 230 decreases with increasing cross-sectional area and increases with increasing length. For a bypass channel 230 with a non-constant cross-sectional area, it makes sense to consider it as a series of bypass channel sections with constant cross-sectional areas. Reference symbol list

[0103] 100 Valve arrangement 200 Switching valve / first valve 210 First valve sleeve 210a First section / first sleeve section 210b Further section / further sleeve section 211 Outer wall of the first valve sleeve 212 First valve seat 213 First outlet port 214 First valve seat port 215 Inner wall of the first valve sleeve 216 Stem-side end face / inlet-side end face of the valve sleeve / the first fixed armature 220 Face facing 217 Bearing surface 218 Flange 219 Ring web L 3 Sleeve axis 220 First fixed armature 221 Through channel 222 Channel wall 223 Inlet port 224 Outlet port 225 Sleeve surface of the first fixed armature 226 Inlet-side end face of the first fixed armature 227 Outlet-side end face of the first fixed armature 230 Bypass channel 231 Bypass channel inlet 232 Bypass opening 240 First movable armature 241 Blind hole 242 Fluid line 243 Outer surface of the first movable armature 245 Valve seat far-facing end face / inlet-side end face 246 Valve seat near-facingSide / exhaust-side end face 247 bearing surface 250 first electromechanical actuator 260 valve seat seal / through-seal 270 first electromagnet 275 connection first electromagnet 280 first valve casing L 1 first valve axis 300 control valve / second valve 310 second valve sleeve 311 outer wall of the second valve sleeve 312 second valve seat 313 second exhaust port 314 second valve seat port 315 inner wall of the second valve sleeve 316 armature-side end face / inlet-side end face of the valve sleeve / the second fixed armature 320 facing end face 317 bearing surface 318 flange 320 second fixed armature 321 through-channel 322 channel wall 323 inlet port 324 exhaust-side port 325 outer surface of the second fixed armature 326 inlet-side end face of the second fixed armature 327 Outlet-side end face of the second fixed anchor 330 Fitting 331 Fitting channel 332 Anchor-side end face 340 Second movable anchor 341 Blind hole 342 Fluid line 343 Outer surface of the secondmovable armature 345 Valve seat opposite end face / inlet-side end face 346 Valve seat facing side / outlet-side end face 347 Bearing surface 350 Second electromechanical actuator 360 Valve seat seal / flow seal 370 Second electromagnet 375 Connection of second electromagnet 380 Second valve housing L 2 Second valve axis 400 Preferred flow direction

Claims

1. An electromechanical valve arrangement (100) with an electromechanical switching valve (200) and a control valve (300), wherein the switching valve (200) comprises - a first valve housing having a first valve sleeve (210), a first fixed armature (220), a first inlet opening (223) and a first outlet opening (213), wherein the first valve sleeve (210) defines a first valve axis (L1), - a first flow path connecting the first inlet opening (223) to the first outlet opening (213), - a first valve seat (212) surrounding a first valve seat opening (214) and dividing the first flow path into a first section (210a) and a further section (210b), - a first movable armature (240), wherein the first movable armature (240) is supported in a displaceable manner along the first valve axis (L1) or at an angle to the first valve axis (L1) in the first valve housing between a first closed position and a first open position, wherein the first movable armature (240) closes the first valve seat opening (212) in the first closed position and releases the first flow path through the first valve seat opening (212) in the first open position, - a first electromechanical drive (250) acting on the first movable armature (240) to displace it between the first open position and the first closed position, and - at least one bypass channel (230) which connects the first section (210a) and the further section (210b) parallel to the first valve seat opening (214), characterized in that - the first valve sleeve comprises an inwardly extending annular web (219), wherein the annular web (219) forms the valve seat (212) and divides the first valve sleeve (210) into a first sleeve section and a further sleeve section, - the first inlet opening (223) is connected to a second outlet opening (313), wherein the second outlet opening (313) is the outlet of the control valve (300), - the control valve (300) comprises a second valve housing, wherein the second valve housing comprises the second valve outlet (313) as well as a second fixed armature (320), a second inlet opening (323), wherein the second valve sleeve (310) defines a second valve axis (L2), - the control valve (300) has a second flow path, and the flow path connects the second inlet opening (323) with the second outlet opening (313), - a second valve seat (312) delimits at least a section of the second flow path radially, - the control valve (300) comprises a second movable armature (340), wherein the second movable armature (340) is mounted in a displaceable manner along the second valve axis (L2) or at an angle to the second valve axis (L2) in the second valve housing between a second closed position and a second open position, - the second movable armature (340) closes the second valve seat opening (314) in the second closed position and releases the second flow path through a second valve seat opening (314) in the second open position, - a second electromechanical drive (350) acts on the second movable armature (340) to move it between the second open position and the second closed position, and - when the second valve seat opening (314) is closed, there is no fluid connection between the second inlet opening (323) and the second outlet opening (313).

2. Electromechanical valve arrangement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bypass channel (230) branches off from a section of the first flow path arranged on the inlet side of the first valve seat (212) and has a bypass opening (232) which opens on the outlet side of the first flow path into an outlet-side section of the first flow path and thereby defines a section of the first flow path extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening (232).

3. The electromechanical valve arrangement (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow resistance for water through the bypass channel (230) is smaller than the flow resistance through the section of the first flow path extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening (232)4. The electromechanical valve arrangement (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the bypass channel (230) has a smaller minimum cross-sectional surface than the section of the first flow path extending on the outlet side of the bypass opening (232).

5. The electromechanical valve arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first valve seat (212) encloses a first valve seat opening (214) through which the first flow path extends.

6. The electromechanical valve arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second valve seat (312) encloses the second valve seat opening (314) through which the second flow path extends.