Valve, use of the valve, and suction appliance having such a valve
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023801419
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-15
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing valve technologies for filter cleaning in suction devices require high energy to achieve dynamic opening and closing, leading to short battery life in battery-operated devices and increased costs for larger magnets, while also being complex and prone to errors.
A valve design with independently moving armature areas, where the second armature area is raised when the first moves upwards, utilizing a structural coupling mechanism without additional components, allowing for energy-efficient operation by reducing the magnetic force required for opening and closing.
The valve achieves energy-efficient operation, extending battery life in battery-operated suction devices and enabling effective filter cleaning with simpler, more robust construction, using smaller and cost-effective magnets.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] VALVE, USE OF THE VALVE AND SUCTION DEVICE WITH SUCH A VALVE
[0002] The present invention relates to a valve for opening or closing at least one opening, wherein the valve has a valve element which closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, wherein the valve element can be moved from the closed position to the open position by a magnet. The valve has a first armature region and a second armature region, wherein the armature regions can be lifted at different times relative to one another and the valve element can be moved from the closed to the open position by the staggered lifting of the armature regions. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a use of the proposed valve for carrying out filter cleaning in a vacuum cleaner, as well as to a vacuum cleaner having a proposed valve.The invention enables a particularly energy-saving opening and closing of a valve, so that, for example, when the valve is used in a battery-operated vacuum cleaner, a longer battery life can be achieved despite regular filter cleaning.
[0003] Background of the invention:
[0004] There are construction vacuum cleaners on the market with various methods for cleaning the filter, with backwashing or mechanical shaking of the filter being the most common.
[0005] A key component of cleaning technology is the valve technology, which depends on high and powerful dynamics. To ensure this dynamic performance, holding magnets are used as cost-effective and robust actuators. They operate with disc-shaped armatures. The disadvantage of these holding magnets is their distance-dependent force curve. This means that with increasing distance, the magnetic force decreases almost exponentially.
[0006] A larger magnet with a longer range is expensive and doesn't always achieve the necessary dynamic range. A large valve stroke, on the other hand, is an important parameter for the amount of backwash air per unit time and thus for the quality of filter cleaning in a vacuum cleaner, such as a construction vacuum cleaner.
[0007] For example, DE 10 2017 201 470 A1 discloses an electromagnetic valve that can be used in slip-controlled motor vehicle braking systems.
[0008] DE 10 2008 011 573 A1 describes an electromagnetic actuator and a valve. This involves a two-part armature, with different drive forces acting on the armatures.
[0009] EP 4 039 352 A1 describes a cleaning unit for a filter in a vacuum cleaner, wherein a valve of the cleaning unit comprises two valve components that can be opened at different times from one another.
[0010] The object underlying the present invention is to overcome the above-described deficiencies, disadvantages, and conflicting objectives of the prior art and to provide a valve that, on the one hand, can be opened and closed in an energy-saving manner and, on the other hand, can be opened with such dynamism that effective and powerful cleaning of a filter in a vacuum cleaner can be enabled. The energy-saving operation of the valve to be provided is particularly desirable in order to preserve the battery and its running time, for example in a battery-operated vacuum cleaner. However, an energy-efficient valve would also offer an ecological and economic advantage for mains-powered vacuum cleaners in that such a valve would not have to be operated continuously and, in particular, that smaller and cost-effective magnets can be used.
[0011] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims can be found in the dependent claims.
[0012] Description of the invention:
[0013] According to the invention, a valve is provided for opening or closing at least one opening, wherein the valve has a valve element which closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, wherein the valve element can be moved from the closed position to the open position by a magnet. The valve has a first armature region and a second armature region, wherein the armature regions can be lifted at staggered times relative to one another and the valve element can be moved from the closed to the open position by the staggered lifting of the armature regions. A coupling of the movements of the armature regions is achieved by a structural design of the armature regions. It has been shown that a particularly energy-saving opening of the valve or lifting of the valve element can be achieved by staggered lifting of the armature regions.If the valve is used, for example, in a suction device such as a vacuum cleaner, the invention can particularly effectively support filter cleaning and energy-efficient operation of the vacuum cleaner. This significant advantage of the invention can be achieved in particular by advantageously raising the anchor areas offset from one another.
[0014] The fact that the armature regions of the proposed valve can be moved at different times in order to bring the valve element from the closed to the open position can be achieved in particular by the armature regions being able to move independently of one another - at least to a certain extent. In the sense of the invention, it is preferred that the armature regions are designed by their structural configuration so that the second armature region is raised when the first armature region has moved upwards by a distance delta s1. The armature regions can have protruding elements or lugs as a structural configuration which interlock or interact with one another in such a way that the second armature region follows a lifting movement of the first armature region when the first armature region has moved upwards by a distance delta s1.
[0015] The fact that the coupling of the movements of the armature regions is effected by a structural design of the armature regions preferably means, within the meaning of the invention, that the coupling of the movements of the armature regions is brought about solely by the structural design of the armature regions. Advantageously, no additional components are required within the proposed valve for the coordinated movement of the armature regions. The coupling of the movements of the armature regions based solely on the structural design of the armature regions represents a significant advantage of the invention over conventional valves known from the prior art. This is because valves can be very complex and comprise a multitude of, sometimes very small, components.With the invention, an additional driving or transmission device that transmits the movement of one armature region to the other armature region can be deliberately dispensed with. As a result, the number of parts or components of the proposed valve can be kept comparatively small and a valve with a comparatively simple structure can be provided. This can advantageously result in the valve being particularly robust and less prone to failure. The magnet within the proposed valve can preferably be designed as an electromagnet. However, within the meaning of the invention, it can also be preferred to use a permanent magnet that is designed to be pushed translationally over the armature in order to achieve a similar effect to the electromagnet. The invention is explained below in particular with reference to an electromagnet.
[0016] In the sense of the invention, it is preferred that the valve element is designed as a valve disk or is referred to as a “sealing element”. The valve element, which is preferably designed as a valve disk, is preferably a movable component of the proposed valve, which in an open position is lifted off and separated from a valve seat and in a closed position is arranged on the valve seat. In the sense of the invention, it is preferred that the valve disk seals the valve seat in the closed position, so that fluid passage through the valve is prevented in the closed position. In the open position of the valve, fluid passage through the valve is possible. In the sense of the invention, the open position is also referred to as the open position, while the closed position is referred to as the closed position of the valve.In the following, the invention is explained in particular with reference to a valve element preferably designed as a valve plate.
[0017] The armature disk of the proposed valve is preferably designed in two parts, such that the armature disk has at least a first and a second armature region. According to the invention, it is preferred that the first armature region and the second armature region form the armature disk. The invention can, in particular, provide a so-called stepped armature for electromagnet applications to optimize a magnetic force range in a valve. A two- or multi-stage magnetic armature can be used to increase the attraction range of an electromagnet. The armature disk can have at least two armature regions. For example, the armature disk can be composed of two, three, four or more armature regions, with the outer armature regions preferably being annular.
[0018] According to the invention, it is preferred that the valve comprises an electromagnet which is arranged in an upper region of the valve, i.e. above the valve disk. The valve disk rests on a valve seat, wherein the valve seat comprises openings which are closed by the valve disk when the valve is in the closed position. In the closed position, a distance between the armature disk and the electromagnet has the value "s1". In other words, the armature disk and the electromagnet are spaced apart by a distance s1. Preferably, the at least one opening which can be closed by the valve disk is formed by the valve seat. When the valve is in the open position, the openings are open and permeable to air flow.For example, a backwash air stream or a stream of compressed air can flow through this opening when the proposed valve is used in a vacuum cleaner to enable the filters in the vacuum cleaner to be cleaned. In other words, the invention can enable very effective cleaning of the filters of a vacuum cleaner. The electromagnet is designed to exert an electromagnetic force on the valve disk and, in particular, to attract the valve disk in order to move it from a closed position to an open position. In order to be attracted by the electromagnet, an armature disk is present on the valve disk - preferably on its upper side facing the electromagnet. The armature disk preferably comprises a magnetic material, preferably a magnetic or ferromagnetic metal, or the armature disk is formed from such a magnetic or ferromagnetic material or metal.According to the invention, it is preferred that the first armature region of the armature disk be ferromagnetic or comprise a ferromagnetic material. This advantageously ensures that the first armature region, in particular, is attracted and lifted by the electromagnet. Surprisingly, the second armature region does not have to be ferromagnetic or comprise a ferromagnetic material. It has been shown that the inertial or acceleration forces in the proposed valve can be utilized to enable the valve disk to move particularly dynamically.
[0019] The armature disk is constructed in two parts in the sense that the armature disk has an outer armature disk ring, which in the sense of the invention is preferably referred to as the “first armature region”. The first armature region or the outer armature disk ring is preferably constructed to be movable with respect to the valve plate, i.e. the first armature region can preferably move independently or separately from the valve plate. The second armature region can be formed by an inner region of the armature disk, wherein the second armature region is preferably firmly or rigidly connected to the valve plate. Of course, the armature disk can also comprise more than two armature regions and thus be constructed in several parts.
[0020] It is preferred according to the invention that the anchor regions of the anchor disk can move separately from one another. This means that a movement or lifting of the first anchor region does not automatically lead to a movement of the second anchor region. Rather, it is preferred according to the invention that the anchor regions can move independently of one another, at least within a certain range. This range, within which the anchor regions can move independently of one another, is determined in particular by the structural design of the anchor regions. The anchor regions preferably have protruding elements or lugs that can interlock or interact with one another in such a way that the second anchor region is raised when the first anchor region moves upward by a distance delta s1.
[0021] Since the second armature region is preferably firmly connected to the valve disk, the entire valve disk is also lifted and lifted from the valve seat by this movement of the second armature region or by its lifting if the distance traveled by the first armature region exceeds the distance delta s1. This distance, which exceeds the distance delta s1, is referred to as the distance delta s2 in the sense of the invention. The distance delta s1 can preferably be referred to as the first distance in the sense of the invention, while the distance delta s2 can preferably be referred to as the second distance. By lifting the valve disk from the valve seat, the valve or the valve disk can be moved from the closed position to the open position. The sequence of such an opening of the valve can be seen in Figures 1 to 4.
[0022] A characteristic of the proposed valve is therefore that the armature regions of the valve can move independently of one another over a distance delta s1, wherein subsequently, i.e. after the first distance delta s1 has been exceeded, a coupling between the armature regions begins to take effect, wherein this coupling of the movements of the armature regions is preferably brought about by the structural design of the armature regions. As a result of the interlocking of the protruding elements of the armature regions, the second armature region is also lifted by a progressive lifting of the first armature region beyond the distance delta s1. Because the second armature region - unlike the first armature region - is firmly connected to the valve disk, the valve disk is also lifted by this lifting of the second armature region and the valve is thus opened.
[0023] In other words, the first armature region initially moves alone and independently of the second armature region over a distance delta s1, the first armature region taking the second armature region with it during a (lifting) movement exceeding the distance delta s due to the structural design of the armature region and lifting it, i.e. the second armature region, as well. Due to the rigid connection between the second armature region and the valve plate, the valve plate is also lifted and the valve opens. Within the meaning of the invention, it is preferred that the electromagnet functions as an actuator for the first armature region. In other words, the first armature region can be attracted and lifted by the electromagnet. In the context of the present invention, this is made possible in particular by the fact that the first armature region is ferromagnetic or comprises a ferromagnetic material.
[0024] The (lifting) movement of the first anchor area exceeding the distance delta s is referred to in the sense of the invention as the distance delta s2 or as the second distance.
[0025] With the aid of the invention, in particular by staggering or sequentially lifting the armature regions of the two-part armature disk, a step-by-step reduction of the air gap or the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disk can advantageously be achieved. A key advantage of the invention is that the individual movement stages of the armature regions coincide extremely cleverly and appropriately with the force and pressure conditions in the suction device, resulting in synergistic effects that significantly exceed what would be expected when using a valve to support filter cleaning. A considerable amount of energy must be applied to initially lift the first armature region by the distance delta s1, since the distance between the armature disk or first armature region and the electromagnet is still very large, or more precisely, maximum, in the closed position of the valve.This not insignificant amount of energy for lifting the first anchor area by a distance delta s1 preferably corresponds to a first force F1, wherein the first force F1 and the amount of energy E are determined via the relations.
[0026] Energy E = force F1 times distance delta s1
[0027] E = F1 • As1 are linked together. The force F1 is advantageously sufficiently large to lift the first armature region. After the first lifting of the first armature region, the distance between the first armature disk, in particular the first armature region, and the electromagnet is "only" s2, whereby the original distance s1 between the armature disk and the electromagnet is greater than the reduced distance s2 between the first armature region and the electromagnet after the first lifting of the first armature region: s1 > s2.
[0028] By lifting the first armature area, the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disk is advantageously reduced, so that the armature disk is increasingly attracted to the electromagnet, making each further movement of the armature disk in the direction of the electromagnet easier and therefore requiring less energy. In other words, the armature disk is increasingly attracted to the electromagnet as the armature disk moves ever closer to the electromagnet. It was completely surprising that the force F2 that now develops, which acts in the area of the distance delta s2, is sufficiently large to lift the second armature area and thus also the entire valve disk. The force F2 preferably represents the electromagnetic force that emanates from the electromagnet and acts on the armature disk. Due to the smaller distance caused by lifting the first armature area, the force F2 is greater than the force F1.In particular, the force F2 is sufficiently large to allow both the second armature area and the entire valve plate to be lifted. The travel distance delta s2 preferably corresponds to the distance s2 between the first armature area and the electromagnet.
[0029] The lifting of the second anchor region is achieved in particular by the anchor regions having protruding elements that mediate the coupling between the anchor regions. Possible embodiments of the protruding elements are depicted in the figures. Within the meaning of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the at least one protruding element of the first anchor region is arranged in the region of an underside of the first anchor region and / or the at least one protruding element of the second anchor region is arranged in the region of an upper side of the second anchor region. As a result, the protruding element of the first anchor region can press from below against the protruding element of the second anchor region and thus lift the second anchor region as well. Of course, the arrangement of the anchor regions and / or the protruding elements can also be reversed.For example, the protruding elements of the first armature region can be arranged in the region of an upper side of the first armature region and / or the protruding elements of the second armature region can be arranged in the region of an underside of the second armature region. The contact surfaces are then correspondingly reversed to the above description. It may also be preferred within the meaning of the invention for the movable armature region to be arranged inside the armature disk and for the stationary armature region to represent an outer ring of the armature disk.
[0030] It is preferred within the meaning of the invention that the protruding elements of the armature regions form overlapping armature zones which enable an entrainment effect of the armature regions. The term “entrainment effect” within the meaning of the invention preferably means that the second armature region and the valve plate connected to the second armature region are also lifted by the first armature region, in particular when the first armature region is attracted to the electromagnet due to its short distance s2. By further lifting the armature disk, the first armature region can come into contact with the electromagnet. By lifting the valve plate, the valve opens slightly. This first opening of the valve is brought about in particular by lifting the valve plate by a first stroke h1. By slightly lifting the valve plate and opening the openings in the valve seat, a fluid exchange orPressure equalization between the previously separate valve areas so that a force FV, which previously held the valve closed and which coincides with gravity S, is minimized. As a result, the attractive force of the electromagnet, which in this phase is referred to as the third force F3, is so great that the second armature area and the valve plate connected to it can be further attracted or raised until the second armature area also comes into contact with the electromagnet. By further lifting the second armature area and the valve plate, the valve can be opened further, by a second stroke h2. When the valve plate has been raised by the total stroke h1 + h2, the transition of the valve from the closed position to the open position is complete. The further lifting of the valve plate by the second stroke h2 is advantageously promoted by the force and pressure conditions in the suction device.
[0031] This results in a highly ingenious and effective interplay of mechanical and pneumatic processes, resulting in an extremely energy-efficient way to open a valve. If the proposed valve is used in a battery-operated vacuum cleaner, such as a cordless vacuum cleaner, to perform or assist filter cleaning, the battery life can be extended, thus delaying the need to replace the battery or accumulator.
[0032] According to the invention, it is preferred that the armature regions be movable at least partially separately or independently of one another. In the context of the present invention, this makes it possible for the armature regions to move "upward" in a spatial direction, i.e., toward the electromagnet, at a time offset from one another. The essentially separate or independent mobility of the armature regions exists particularly in the region of the first travel distance delta s1.
[0033] According to the invention, it is preferred that the anchor regions can be moved separately and / or independently of one another over a distance delta s1, and that a movement of the first anchor region over a distance delta s2 is coupled to a movement of the second anchor region. The coupling of the movements of the anchor regions over the distance delta s2 can preferably be achieved by a structural design of the anchor region. According to the invention, it is preferred that the anchor regions have protruding elements that mediate the coupling between the anchor regions. In other words, the protruding elements of the anchor regions can be designed to mediate the coupling between the anchor regions. According to the invention, it is preferred that the protruding elements characterize the structural design of the anchor regions.Preferably, the projecting elements for establishing a coupling between the anchor regions may be lateral projecting elements.
[0034] According to the invention, it is preferred that the first armature region is movable relative to the valve plate, and that the second armature region is connected to the valve plate. Preferably, the armature disk is arranged on an upper side of the valve plate, with the upper side of the valve plate facing the electromagnet. Preferably, the electromagnet is arranged above the valve plate, so that the valve plate is lifted counter to gravity, while the valve plate returns to the valve seat preferably in the direction of gravity, if the valve is aligned accordingly or integrated in an electrical device, such as a vacuum cleaner.It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the valve is opened by lifting the valve plate, so that the valve is transferred from a closed to an open position against the force of gravity, while a (re-)closing of the valve preferably takes place in the direction of the force of gravity.
[0035] According to the invention, it is preferred that the attractive effect of the electromagnet on the valve plate is mediated by an armature disk, which is preferably arranged on an upper side of the valve plate. The upper side of the valve plate preferably represents the side of the valve plate facing the electromagnet. In other words, the attractive magnetic force of the electromagnet acts in particular on the multi-part armature disk or its components. According to the invention, this preferably means that the armature disk or its components can be attracted or repelled by the electromagnet.
[0036] According to the invention, it is preferred that at least one of the anchor regions has at least one upwardly projecting element. According to the invention, the projecting elements for establishing a coupling between the anchor regions are lateral projecting elements. Furthermore, the first and / or the second anchor region can have projecting elements that project upwards beyond an upper side of the anchor disk, giving the anchor regions the appearance of a crown. According to the invention, it is preferred to refer to a crown-like design of the anchor regions when the anchor regions have upwardly projecting elements. Possible embodiments of the upwardly projecting elements are depicted in the figures.
[0037] It has been shown that the crown-like design of the armature disk reduces the air gap between the electromagnet and the armature disk when the valve is closed. The crown-like design of the armature disk is particularly advantageous when the armature disk comprises more than two armature regions. Each armature region can preferably comprise an upwardly projecting element, although the armature regions can of course also comprise more than one or a different number of upwardly projecting elements. Advantageously, with the aid of the at least one upwardly projecting element, the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disk can be reduced, which distance must be overcome by the electromagnetic force in order to attract or lift the first, i.e. movable, armature region. This advantageously also reduces the force that must be applied to lift the movable armature region and open the valve.
[0038] According to the invention, it is preferred that the at least one opening that can be closed with the valve disk is formed by the valve seat, wherein the valve seat preferably represents a counter-contour to the valve disk. When the valve is closed, the valve seat and valve disk are connected to one another so that no fluid can pass between the valve seat and valve disk, whereas when the valve is open, the valve seat and valve disk are separated from one another so that fluid can pass between the valve seat and valve disk and, for example, an air stream can flow between the previously separated areas. The fluid passage or the air stream can enable pressure equalization between the area below the valve and the area above the valve.The area below the valve can, for example, include the dust collection container if the valve is located in a vacuum cleaner, while the area above the valve can, for example, include the turbine if the valve is located in a vacuum cleaner. A filter to be cleaned can, for example, be located in the area below the valve within the vacuum cleaner.
[0039] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a use of the proposed valve for carrying out filter cleaning in a vacuum cleaner. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a proposed valve. The terms, definitions, and technical advantages introduced for the valve preferably apply analogously to the use of the valve and the vacuum cleaner. Within the meaning of the invention, it is preferred that the vacuum cleaner is a battery-operated vacuum cleaner. Of course, the vacuum cleaner can also be a mains vacuum cleaner with a power cable. While the invention can conserve the battery in battery-operated vacuum cleaners and extend their running time, the invention enables the use of smaller and therefore less expensive magnets in mains vacuum cleaners, which can also be operated more energy-efficiently.Thus, the invention can bring significant advantages in both the area of mains-powered and battery-powered vacuum cleaners.
[0040] Further advantages emerge from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations. In the figures, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals.
[0041] They show:
[0042] Fig. 1 to 4: Views of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve at different times of an opening process of the valve
[0043] Fig. 5 and 6: Views of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve, wherein each anchor region is crown-shaped and has at least one upwardly projecting element
[0044] Implementation examples and figure descriptions:
[0045] Figures 1 to 4 show views of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve 10 at different times during an opening process of the valve 10. The valve 10 comprises an electromagnet 14 and a valve element 12, wherein the valve element 12 is preferably designed as a valve disk 12 and, in a closed position, closes openings 38 of a valve seat 36. The valve seat 36 preferably represents a counter-contour of the valve disk 12. So that the valve disk 12 is magnetically attracted to the electromagnet 14, the valve disk 12 has an armature disk 20 on its upper side 34, which armature disk is made of a ferromagnetic material or comprises a ferromagnetic material. The armature disk 20 can, in particular, be made of a magnetic metal or a magnetic alloy or comprise a magnetic metal or a magnetic alloy.Preferably, the second armature region 24 is not made, or not made, entirely of a ferromagnetic material, since it has been shown that inertial forces can also be advantageously utilized to move, i.e., lift, the second armature region 24 and the valve plate 12. The armature disk 20 is constructed in two parts and comprises a first armature region 22 and a second armature region 24. If the armature disk 20 is disk-shaped, i.e., has a substantially circular basic shape, the first armature region 22 can be formed by an outer ring of the armature disk 20, while the second armature region 24 is formed by an inner component of the armature disk 20. Figures 1 to 6 show, in particular, a section through a proposed valve 10, so that a preferred circular configuration of the armature disk 20 is only indicated in the figures.In Figure 1, the valve 10 is shown in the closed position, wherein in the closed position the valve disk 12 is sealingly arranged on the valve seat 36 and closes the openings 38 of the valve 10.
[0046] The electromagnet 14 is arranged above the valve plate 12 such that an upper side 34 of the valve plate 12 faces the electromagnet 14. In a first step for opening the valve 10, the first armature region 22, which is preferably designed to be movable with respect to the valve plate 12, can be attracted by the electromagnet 14 and thereby raised by a distance delta s1. This lifting movement of the first armature region 22 preferably counteracts the force of gravity S. In order to execute the lifting movement, an amount of energy E corresponding to a force F1 must be applied. The amount of energy E is required in particular to energize the electromagnet 14 so that a magnetic field is generated with which the first armature region 22 of the armature disk 20 can be attracted and raised.The reference symbol FV denotes the valve force, which preferably represents a product of the negative pressure below the valve plate 12 and the opening area 38.
[0047] By raising the first armature region 22, the distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14 is shortened. The original distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14, as it exists, for example, in the closed position of the valve 10, is designated by the reference symbol "s1." The raising of the first armature region 22 is already indicated in Figure 1 by dashed lines.
[0048] Figure 2 shows a stage of the opening process of the valve 10 in which the first armature region 22 has already been raised by a distance delta s1. The new distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14 is designated by the reference symbol "s2", where the distance s2 corresponds to the second distance delta s2 by which the first armature region 22 must still be moved after the first lifting in order to get close to the electromagnet 14. It has been shown that it is sufficient if the first armature region 22 comes into the spatial proximity of the electromagnet 14. Preferably, an air gap or a separating layer remains between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14. It has been shown that this can significantly improve the dynamics of the valve 10.
[0049] In the stage of the opening process of the valve 10 shown in Figure 2, the protruding elements 26, 28 of the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20 come into contact with one another or into spatial proximity to one another. The at least one protruding element 26 of the first armature region 22 is preferably located in the region of a bottom side 30 of the first armature region 22, while the at least one protruding element 28 of the second armature region 24 is arranged in the region of a top side 32 of the second armature region 24. The preferably movable first armature region 22 is moved upwards in a spatial direction, i.e. in the direction of the electromagnet 14, by the attraction of the electromagnet 14, wherein the protruding element 26 of the first armature region 22 presses from below against the protruding element 28 of the second armature region 24 and thereby lifts the second armature region 24 or moves it upwards.Since the second armature region 24 is firmly connected to the valve plate 12, the movement of the second armature region 24 also moves the valve plate 12 upward in a spatial direction, so that the valve plate 12 separates from the valve seat 36. This opens the valve 10, i.e., moves it from the closed position to an open position. The closing of the valve 10 occurs analogously, preferably also in stages, i.e., by staggered downward movements of the armature regions 22, 24 of the proposed valve 10.
[0050] Figure 3 shows the progress of the further movement process within the valve 10. Figure 3 shows that a movement of the second armature region 24 is decoupled from a movement of the first armature region 22, so that the second armature region 24 can be moved into its end position by a force F3.
[0051] Due to the ever-shortening distances between the armature regions 22, 24 and the electromagnet 14, the magnetic force on the armature regions 22, 24 of the preferably magnetically designed armature disk 20 becomes increasingly greater until it is finally sufficient to lift the entire complex consisting of the second armature region 24 and the valve plate 12 and move it towards the electromagnet 14. As a result, the second armature region 24 can also come into contact with or into spatial proximity with the underside of the electromagnet 14, and the valve 10 is opened to its maximum. This situation is shown in Figure 4. This completes the opening process of the valve 10, in which the valve plate 12 is moved from a closed position to an open position. By opening the valve 10, in particular, a fluid exchange can be effected between the previously separate regions of the valve (above and below the valve plate 12).In addition, a pressure exchange can occur between the different areas of the valve 10. Particularly when the proposed valve 10 is used in a suction device, such as a vacuum cleaner (not shown), to assist filter cleaning, the pressure conditions during suction operation or during filter cleaning can favor the opening and closing of the valve 10. In this way, a surprising synergistic effect is achieved, which results in particularly energy-saving filter cleaning and can also significantly extend the battery life of the suction device if the suction device is battery-operated.The inventors have recognized this favorable and clever interplay of the pressure conditions in the vicinity of the valve 10 and, with the structural design of the valve 10, propose a particularly clever design of the armature regions 22, 24 and the valve plate 12, so that the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20 can be raised at staggered intervals relative to one another, and the valve plate 12 can be moved from the closed to the open position by the staggered lifting of the armature regions 22, 24. The staggered lifting of the armature regions 22, 24 is effected by the magnetic attraction of the electromagnet 14 and is particularly advantageously supported by the force conditions in the area of the valve 10. Figures 5 and 6 show crown-shaped armature regions 22, 24 of the proposed valve 10.In order to be crown-shaped, the armature regions 22, 24 can have upwardly projecting elements 16, which advantageously ensure that a distance between the armature disk 20 and the electromagnet 14 is reduced, so that a force for lifting the armature disk 20 and / or the valve element 12 is advantageously also reduced.
[0052] Figure 5 shows a valve 10 in which the first armature region 22 has an upwardly projecting element 16, while in the valve 10 depicted in Figure 6, the second armature region 24 has an upwardly projecting element 16. The upwardly projecting elements 16 are preferably designed to reduce a distance between the armature disk 20 or the first armature region 22 on one side and the electromagnet 14 on the other side. This can reduce the force that must be applied by the electromagnet 14 to lift the armature disk 20 or the first armature region 22.
[0053] List of reference symbols
[0054] 10 Valve
[0055] 12 Valve element, in particular valve plate
[0056] 14 Magnet, especially electromagnet
[0057] 16 an upwardly projecting element
[0058] 20 anchor disc
[0059] 22 first anchor area
[0060] 24 second anchor area
[0061] 26 protruding element of the first anchor area
[0062] 28 protruding element of the second anchor area
[0063] 30 Bottom of the first anchor area
[0064] 32 Top of the second anchor area
[0065] 34 Top of the valve plate
[0066] 36 Valve seat
[0067] 38 Opening
[0068] S Gravity
[0069] F1 first force
[0070] F2 second force
[0071] F3 third force
[0072] FV valve force
Claims
Patent claims 1. Valve (10) for releasing or closing at least one opening (38), wherein the valve (10) has a valve element (12) which closes the at least one opening (38) in a closed position and releases the at least one opening (38) in an open position, wherein the valve element (12) can be brought from the closed position to the open position by a magnet (14), characterized in that the valve (10) comprises a first armature region (22) and a second armature region (24), wherein the armature regions (22, 24) can be lifted at different times relative to one another and the valve element (12) can be brought from the closed to the open position by the staggered lifting of the armature regions (22, 24), wherein a coupling of the movements of the armature regions (22, 24) is brought about by a structural design of the armature regions (22, 24).
2. Valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the armature regions (22, 24) are at least partially movable independently of one another.
3. Valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the armature regions (22, 24) are designed by their structural configuration so that the second armature region (24) is raised when the first armature region (22) has moved upwards by a distance delta s1.
4. Valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armature regions (22, 24) are movable independently of one another in the region of a travel distance delta s1 and a movement of the first armature region (22) in the region of a travel distance delta s2 is coupled to a movement of the second armature region (24).
5. Valve (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling of the movements of the armature regions (22, 24) in the region of the path delta s2 is effected by a structural design of the armature regions (22, 24).
6. Valve (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the armature regions (22, 24) have projecting elements (26, 28) which mediate the coupling between the armature regions (22, 24).
7. Valve (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one projecting element (26) of the first anchor region (22) is arranged in the region of a bottom side (30) of the first anchor region (22) and / or the at least one projecting element (28) of the second anchor region (24) is arranged in the region of a top side (32) of the second anchor region (24) 8. Valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first armature region (22) is designed to be movable with respect to the valve element (12) and the second armature region (24) is connected to the valve element (12).
9. Valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first armature region (22) and the second armature region (24) form an armature disk (20), wherein the armature disk (20) is arranged on an upper side (34) of the valve element (12) and wherein the upper side (34) of the valve element (12) faces the magnet (14).
10. Valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the armature regions (22, 24) has at least one upwardly projecting element (16). Valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one opening (38) that can be closed with the valve element (12) is formed by a valve seat (36). Valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first armature region (22) is ferromagnetic or comprises a ferromagnetic material, wherein the second armature region (24) is non-ferromagnetic and does not comprise a ferromagnetic material. Use of the valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims for carrying out filter cleaning in a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaner for sucking in dust and / or particles, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner has a valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner is a battery-operated vacuum cleaner.