Valve, use of valve, and suction device having such a valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve (10) for opening and closing at least one orifice (38). The valve has a valve element (12) that closes the at least one orifice in a closed position and opens the at least one orifice in an open position, and the valve element can be moved from the closed position to the open position by a magnet (14). The valve has a first armature region (22) and a second armature region (24), the armature regions being capable of lifting asynchronously relative to one another, and the valve element can be moved from the closed position to the open position as a result of the asynchronous lifting of the armature regions. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the proposed valve for performing filter cleaning in a suction appliance, and to a suction appliance having the valve. The present invention, in particular, allows the valve to be opened and closed in an energy-saving manner, thereby achieving a longer battery life, even if the filter is periodically cleaned, for example, when the valve is used in a battery-powered suction appliance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for opening and closing at least one opening, the valve having a valve element that closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, the valve element being movable from the closed position to the open position by a magnet. The valve has a first armature region and a second armature region, the armature regions being movable with a time offset relative to each other, the valve element being movable from the closed position to the open position by the time offset lifting of the armature regions. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the proposed valve for filter cleaning in a suction device, and to a suction device having the proposed valve. The present invention allows for particularly energy-efficient opening and closing of the valve, thus enabling, for example, a longer battery life when the valve is used in a battery-operated suction device, even if filter cleaning is performed periodically. [Background technology]

[0002] Construction grade suction equipment is commercially available that employs a variety of methods to clean the filters, with backflushing or mechanical shaking of the filters being the most widely used methods.

[0003] One important component of cleaning technology is the valve system, which relies on high and powerful powers. To ensure these powers, adhesion or holding magnets are used as an economical and robust operating system, interacting with what is called an armature in the form of a disk. The drawback of these holding magnets is their stroke-dependent force curve, which means that the magnetic force decreases almost exponentially with increasing distance.

[0004] Larger magnets with greater range are expensive and do not necessarily provide the required power.

[0005] On the other hand, the large stroke of the valve is an important parameter for the amount of backflushing air per unit time and therefore for the quality of filter cleaning in suction devices such as construction-grade suction devices.

[0006] For example, DE 10 2017 201470 A1 discloses a solenoid valve that can be used in slip-controlled automotive braking systems.

[0007] DE 10 2008 011 573 A1 describes an electromagnetic actuator and valve, for which a two-part armature is described, on which driving forces of different magnitudes are assumed to act.

[0008] EP 4039352 A1 describes a cleaning unit for a filter in a suction device, the valve of which comprises two valve components which can be opened with a time offset relative to each other. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The underlying object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies, drawbacks and conflicting aims of the prior art and to provide a valve that can be opened and closed in an energy-saving manner on the one hand, and that can be opened with power, so as to enable effective and powerful cleaning of the filter in the suction device on the other hand. Energy-saving operation of the provided valve is particularly desirable, for example, to save batteries and their lifespan in battery-operated suction devices. However, even in the case of mains-operated suction devices, a valve operated in an energy-efficient manner offers ecological and economic advantages, since such a valve does not have to be operated continuously, and in particular it will be possible to use smaller, cheaper magnets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the present invention, a valve for opening and closing at least one opening is provided, the valve having a valve element that closes the at least one opening in a closed position and opens the at least one opening in an open position, the valve element being movable from the closed position to the open position by a magnet. The valve has a first armature region and a second armature region, the armature regions being movable in a time-offset manner relative to each other, and the valve element being movable from the closed position to the open position by the time-offset lifting of the armature regions. The coupling of the movements of the armature regions is provided by the structural configuration of the armature regions. It has been found that lifting the armature regions in an offset manner allows the opening of the valve or the lifting of the valve element to be realized in a particularly energy-efficient manner. When the valve is used in a suction device, such as a vacuum cleaner, the cleaning of the filter and the energy-efficient operation of the suction device can be supported in a particularly effective manner by the present invention. This essential advantage of the present invention can be realized, inter alia, by the fact that the armature regions can advantageously be lifted in an offset manner relative to each other.

[0012] The ability to move the armature regions of the proposed valve offset in time relative to one another to move the valve element from a closed position to an open position can be realized, inter alia, by the fact that the armature regions can move, at least to some extent, independently of one another. For purposes of the present invention, the armature regions are preferably configured such that, due to their structural configuration, when the first armature region moves upward by the travel distance Δs1, the second armature region rises. As a feature of the structural configuration, the armature regions can have elements or protrusions that engage or interact with one another so that when the first armature region moves upward by the travel distance Δs1, the second armature region follows the stroke movement of the first armature region.

[0013] For the purposes of the present invention, the statement that the coupling of the movement of the armature regions is achieved by the structural configuration of the armature regions preferably means that the coupling of the movement of the armature regions is achieved solely by the structural configuration of the armature regions. Advantageously, no additional components are required in the proposed valve for the coordinated movement of the armature regions. The coupling of the movement of the armature regions solely based on the structural configuration of the armature regions represents a significant advantage of the present invention over conventional valves of the type known from the prior art. This is because valves can have very complex structures, sometimes including many very small components. The present invention intentionally allows for the omission of additional entrainment or transmission devices for transmitting the movement of one armature region to another. As a result, the number of components or parts of the proposed valve can be kept relatively low, making it possible to provide a valve with a relatively simple structure. This can advantageously have the consequence that the valve is particularly robust and rarely fails.

[0014] The magnet in the proposed valve can preferably be designed as an electromagnet. However, for the purposes of the present invention, it is also preferred to use a permanent magnet that is configured to be pushed in translation on an armature to achieve an effect similar to that of an electromagnet. The present invention will be described below with particular reference to an electromagnet.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the valve element is designed as a valve plate or indicated as a "sealing element." The valve element, preferably designed as a valve plate, is preferably a movable design component of the proposed valve, which is raised and separated from the valve seat in the open setting or open position and is placed on the valve seat in the closed setting or closed position. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the valve plate seals the valve seat in the closed position and thus prevents the passage of fluid through the valve in the closed position. When the valve is in the open position, fluid can pass through the valve. For the purposes of the present invention, the open position is also referred to as the open position, while the closed position is also referred to as the closed position of the valve. The present invention will be described below in particular with reference to a valve element, preferably designed as a valve plate.

[0016] The armature disk of the proposed valve is preferably a two-piece design, meaning that the armature disk has at least one first armature region and one second armature region. For purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first and second armature regions form the armature disk. This invention makes it possible to provide a so-called "stage-type armature" for electromagnet applications, particularly to optimize the magnetic field range within the valve. In this case, a two-stage or multi-stage magnetic armature can be used to increase the attractive range of the electromagnet. The armature disk can have at least two armature regions. For example, the armature disk can be assembled from two, three, four, or more armature regions, with the outer armature region preferably being annular in design.

[0017] For purposes of the present invention, the valve preferably includes an electromagnet located in the upper region of the valve, i.e., above the valve plate. The valve plate rests on a valve seat, which includes an opening that is closed by the valve plate in the closed position of the valve. In the closed position, the distance between the armature disk and the electromagnet has a value "s1." In other words, the armature disk and the electromagnet are spaced s1 from each other. At least one opening that can be closed by the valve plate is preferably formed by the valve seat. When the valve is in the open position, the opening is open and allows airflow to pass through. When the proposed valve is used in a suction device, for example, a backflush airflow or a compressed airflow can flow through this opening to enable cleaning of the filter in the suction device. In other words, the present invention enables highly effective cleaning of the filter of the suction device. The electromagnet is configured to exert an electromagnetic force on the valve plate, particularly to attract the valve plate, to move the valve plate from the closed position to the open position. To allow the valve plate to be attracted by the electromagnet, an armature disk is provided on the valve plate, preferably on its upper side facing the electromagnet. The armature disk preferably comprises a magnetic material, preferably a magnetic or ferromagnetic metal, or is formed from such a material. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first armature region of the armature disk is of ferromagnetic design or comprises ferromagnetic material. This advantageously ensures that the first armature region is attracted by the electromagnet and rises. Surprisingly, the second armature region does not need to be of ferromagnetic design or comprise ferromagnetic material. It has been found that the inertial and acceleration forces of the proposed valve can be utilized to allow the valve plate to be moved in a particularly dynamic manner.

[0018] The armature disc preferably has an outer armature disc ring, which for the purposes of the present invention is designated as the "first armature region," so that the armature disc is of a two-piece design. The first armature region or outer armature disc ring is preferably of a design that is movable relative 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 disc, which is preferably firmly or rigidly connected to the valve plate. Of course, the armature disc may also have more than two armature regions, resulting in a multi-piece design.

[0019] For purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions of the armature disk be able to move independently of one another. For purposes of the present invention, this preferably means that movement or lifting of a first armature region does not automatically result in movement of a second armature region. Rather, for purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions be able to move independently of one another, at least to some extent. The extent to which the armature regions can move independently of one another is determined, inter alia, by the structural configuration of the armature regions. The armature regions preferably have protruding elements or protrusions that can engage with or interact with one another such that when the first armature region moves upward by the travel distance Δs1, the second armature region lifts.

[0020] Because the second armature region is preferably securely connected to the valve plate, the entire valve plate also rises with this movement of the second armature region or lift of the valve plate, lifting it from the valve seat when the travel distance of the first armature region exceeds the travel distance Δs1. For purposes of this invention, this travel distance exceeding the travel distance Δs1 is referred to as the travel distance Δs2. For purposes of this invention, the travel distance Δs1 can preferably be referred to as the first travel distance, while the travel distance Δs2 can preferably be referred to as the second travel distance. By lifting the valve plate from the valve seat, the valve or valve plate can be transitioned from a closed position to an open position. The sequence of such valve openings can be as shown in Figures 1-4.

[0021] The valve's armature regions are therefore capable of moving independently of one another over the Δs1 travel distance. This connection, preferably achieved through the structural design of the armature regions, becomes effective after the first Δs1 travel distance is exceeded. Due to the interlocking of the protruding elements of the armature regions, the second armature region rises simultaneously with the gradual rise of the first armature region beyond Δs1. Due to the fact that the second armature region, unlike the first armature region, is securely connected to the valve plate, the valve plate also rises simultaneously with this rise of the second armature region, thus opening the valve.

[0022] In other words, in the region of the travel distance Δs1, the first armature region initially moves independently of the second armature region. However, during the stroke beyond the travel distance Δs, the first armature region simultaneously lifts the second armature region, due to the structural configuration of the armature region. Due to the rigid connection between the second armature region and the valve plate, the valve plate also lifts, opening the valve. For the purposes of the present invention, an electromagnet preferably serves as the 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 of ferromagnetic design or comprises a ferromagnetic material.

[0023] For purposes of the present invention, the (stroke) movement of the first armature region that goes beyond the travel distance Δs is designated as the travel distance Δs2, or as the second travel distance.

[0024] The present invention advantageously achieves a gradual reduction in the air gap or clearance between the electromagnet and the armature disk, particularly through offset or sequential lifting of the armature region of the two-part armature disk. An important advantage of the present invention is that the individual steps of movement of the armature region are very conveniently and adaptively matched to the force and pressure conditions of the suction device, resulting in synergistic effects that far exceed the range expected when using the valve to assist filter cleaning. Indeed, since the distance between the armature disk or first armature region and the electromagnet is still very large, or more precisely, at its maximum, in the closed position of the valve, a considerable amount of energy must be used for the initial lifting of the first armature region by the travel distance Δs1. This considerable amount of energy, which lifts the first armature region by the travel distance Δs1, preferably corresponds to a first force F1, and the first force F1 and the amount of energy E are related by the following relationship: Energy E = force F1 x distance traveled Δs1 E=F1·Δs1

[0025] The force F1 is advantageously large enough to lift the first armature region, such that after the initial 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, and 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 initial lifting of the first armature region, i.e., s1>s2.

[0026] The lifting of the first armature region advantageously reduces the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disc, which results in the armature disc being more strongly attracted by the electromagnet, making further movement of the armature disc toward the electromagnet easier and, as a result, requiring less energy. In other words, the armature disc is closer to the electromagnet, so the armature disc is more strongly attracted by the electromagnet. It was quite surprising that the force F2 formed here and acting in the region of the movement distance Δs2 is large enough to lift the second armature region, and thus the entire valve plate. Force F2 preferably represents the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnet and acting on the armature disc. Because the distance caused by the lifting of the first armature region is smaller, force F2 is greater than force F1. In particular, force F2 is so large that it can lift the second armature region and the entire valve plate. The travel distance Δs2 preferably corresponds to the distance s2 between the first armature region and the electromagnet.

[0027] In particular, the lifting of the second armature region is achieved by the fact that the armature region has a protruding element that provides a connection between the armature regions. Possible embodiments of the protruding element are shown in the figures. For the purposes of the present invention, it is very particularly preferred that at least one protruding element of the first armature region is arranged in a lower region of the first armature region and / or that at least one protruding element of the second armature region is arranged in an upper region of the second armature region. As a result, the protruding element of the first armature region can press against the protruding element of the second armature region from below, thus simultaneously lifting the second armature region. Naturally, the arrangement of the armature regions and / or the protruding elements can be reversed. For example, the protruding element of the first armature region can be arranged in an upper region of the first armature region and / or the protruding element of the second armature region can be arranged in a lower region of the second armature region. In that case, the contact surfaces are correspondingly reversed in relation to the above explanation. For the purposes of the present invention, it may be preferred that the movable armature region is arranged within the armature disc and that the fixed armature region forms the outer ring of the armature disc.

[0028] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the protruding elements of the armature regions form overlapping armature zones that allow for a synchronizing effect of the armature regions. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "synchronizing effect" preferably means that the second armature region and the valve plate connected to the second armature region are simultaneously lifted by the first armature region, in particular when the first armature region is attracted by the electromagnet due to its small gap s2.

[0029] Further lifting of the armature disc allows the first armature region to come into contact with the electromagnet. The lifting of the valve plate slightly opens the valve. This initial opening of the valve is specifically achieved by the lifting of the valve plate by a first stroke h1. The slight lifting of the valve plate and the exposure of the valve seat opening lead to fluid exchange or pressure equalization between the previously separated valve regions, thus minimizing the force FV, which previously kept the valve closed and coincides with gravity S. As a result, the attractive force of the electromagnet, shown as the third force F3, becomes so large at this stage that the second armature region and the valve plate connected to it can be attracted, i.e., further lifted, until the second armature region also comes into contact with the electromagnet. Further lifting of the second armature region and the valve plate allows the valve to open further, i.e., by a second stroke h2. Once the valve plate has lifted 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 in only the second stroke h2 is advantageously facilitated by the force or pressure conditions in the suction device.

[0030] This results in a very convenient and advantageous blend of mechanical and pneumatic processes, which leads to a very energy-efficient way of opening the valve. If the proposed valve is used in a battery-operated suction device, for example a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, to perform or assist filter cleaning, the battery life can be extended, making it possible to postpone the replacement of the (rechargeable) battery.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions can be partially moved separately or independently of one another, whereby in the context of the present invention it is possible to make the armature regions movable in the "upward" spatial direction, i.e., in the direction of the electromagnet, with a time offset relative to one another. The substantially separate or independent mobility of the armature regions is present in particular in the region of the first movement distance Δs1.

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions can move separately and / or independently of one another in the region of the travel distance Δs1, and that the movement of the first armature region in the region of the travel distance Δs2 is coupled to the movement of the second armature region. The coupling of the movements of the armature regions in the region of the travel distance Δs2 can preferably be caused by the structural configuration of the armature regions. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the armature regions have protruding elements that provide a coupling between the armature regions. In other words, the protruding elements of the armature regions can be designed to provide a coupling between the armature regions. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the structural configuration of the armature regions is distinguished by the protruding elements.

[0033] The projecting elements forming the connections between the armature regions may preferably be laterally projecting elements.

[0034] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first armature region is designed to be movable relative to the valve plate, and that the second armature region is connected to the valve plate. The armature disk is preferably arranged on the upper side of the valve plate, which upper side faces the electromagnet. The electromagnet is preferably arranged above the valve plate, so that the lifting of the valve plate occurs against gravity, while when the valve is aligned or integrated accordingly in an electrical appliance such as a vacuum cleaner, the valve plate preferably returns to the valve seat in the direction of gravity. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the opening of the valve occurs by the lifting of the valve plate, so that the transition of the valve from the closed position to the open position occurs against gravity, while the (re)closing of the valve preferably occurs in the direction of gravity.

[0035] For the purposes of the present invention, the attractive effect of the electromagnet on the valve plate is preferably mediated by an armature disk, which is preferably arranged on the upper side of the valve plate. In this case, the upper side of the valve plate preferably forms the side of the valve plate facing the electromagnet. In other words, the attractive magnetic force of the electromagnet acts specifically on the multi-part armature disk or its components. For the purposes of the present invention, this preferably means that the armature disk or its components can be attracted or pushed back by the electromagnet.

[0036] For purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that at least one of the armature regions has at least one upwardly protruding element. For purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the protruding element forming the connection between the armature regions is a laterally protruding element. Furthermore, the first armature region and / or the second armature region may have a protruding element that protrudes upward beyond the upper side of the armature disk, giving the armature region the appearance of a crown. For purposes of the present invention, it is preferred to use the term "crown design of the armature region" when the armature region has an upwardly protruding element. Possible embodiments of the upwardly protruding element are shown in the figures.

[0037] It has been found that the crowned design of the armature disk reduces the air gap between the electromagnet and the armature disk when the valve is in the closed state. The crowned design of the armature disk is particularly advantageous when the armature disk comprises more than two armature regions. Preferably, each armature region can comprise an upwardly protruding element, and the armature regions can, of course, comprise more than one or a different number of upwardly protruding elements. The presence of at least one upwardly protruding element advantageously reduces the distance between the electromagnet and the armature disk that the electromagnetic force must traverse 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] For the purposes of the present invention, the valve seat preferably defines at least one opening that can be closed by the valve plate, and the valve seat preferably defines a mating contour for the valve plate. When the valve is closed, the valve seat and the valve plate are connected to each other, ensuring that fluid cannot pass between them. When the valve is open, the valve seat and the valve plate are separated from each other, allowing fluid to pass between them, and for example, airflow between the previously separated regions. The passage of fluid or airflow can allow pressure equalization between the region below the valve and the region above the valve. If the valve is disposed in a suction device, the region below the valve can include, for example, a dust collection container, while if the valve is disposed in a suction device, the region above the valve can include, for example, a turbine. The filter to be cleaned can be located in the region below the valve in the suction device.

[0039] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the proposed valve for cleaning filters in a suction device. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a suction device having the proposed valve. The terms, definitions, and technical advantages introduced with respect to the valve preferably apply equally to the use of the valve and the suction device. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the suction device is a battery-operated suction device. Of course, the suction device can also be a mains-powered suction device with a power cable. The present invention allows for saving the battery of the battery-operated suction device and extending its lifespan, while the present invention allows for the use of smaller, and therefore less expensive, magnets for the mains-powered suction device, which can then operate more energy-efficiently. Thus, the present invention can offer considerable advantages in both the mains-powered and battery-operated suction device fields.

[0040] Further advantages can be seen from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description and the claims contain a number of feature combinations. Those skilled in the art will also consider the features individually, as appropriate, and combine them to form suitable further combinations.

[0041] In the figures, the same and similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 shows a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve at various points in the valve opening process. [Figure 2] 1 shows a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve at various points in the valve opening process. [Figure 3] 1 shows a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve at various points in the valve opening process. [Figure 4] 1 shows a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve at various points in the valve opening process. [Figure 5]The figures show preferred embodiments of the proposed valve, in which in each case one armature region is of coronal design and has at least one upwardly protruding element. [Figure 6] The figures show preferred embodiments of the proposed valve, in which in each case one armature region is of coronal design and has at least one upwardly protruding element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] 1 to 4 show views of a preferred embodiment of the proposed valve 10 at various times during the opening process of the valve 10. The valve 10 comprises an electromagnet 14 and a valve element 12, which is preferably designed as a valve plate 12 and which, in the closed position, closes an opening 38 in a valve seat 36. The valve seat 36 preferably forms a mating contour for the valve plate 12. To ensure that the valve plate 12 is magnetically attracted by the electromagnet 14, the valve plate 12 has, on its upper side 34, an armature disk 20 made from or comprising a ferromagnetic material. The armature disk 20 can, in particular, be made from or comprise a magnetic metal or a magnetic alloy. The second armature region 24 is preferably not formed, or is not formed entirely, of a ferromagnetic material, since it has been found that it is also possible to advantageously use inertial forces to move, i.e., lift, the second armature region 24 and the valve plate 12. The armature disc 20 is of a two-part design, comprising a first armature region 22 and a second armature region 24. If the armature disc 20 is of a disc-shaped design, i.e., has a substantially circular basic shape, the first armature region 22 can be formed by the outer ring of the armature disc 20, while the second armature region 24 is formed by the inner components of the armature disc 20. Figures 1-6 particularly show cross sections through the proposed valve 10, and therefore only the preferred circular configuration of the armature disc 20 is shown in the figures. FIG. 1 shows the valve 10 in a closed position in which the valve plate 12 is sealingly disposed on the valve seat 36 to close an opening 38 in the valve 10 .

[0044] The electromagnet 14 is arranged above the valve plate 12, so that the upper side 34 of the valve plate 12 faces the electromagnet 14. In a first step to open the valve 10, the first armature region 22, which is preferably designed to be movable relative to the valve plate 12, can be attracted by the electromagnet 14 and thereby raised by a movement distance Δs1. This lifting movement of the first armature region 22 preferably acts against gravity S. To perform 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, which consequently generates a magnetic field that attracts and raises the first armature region 22 of the armature disk 20.

[0045] Reference character FV denotes valve force, which is preferably the product of reduced pressure below valve plate 12 and opening area 38 .

[0046] The lifting of the first armature region 22 reduces the distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14, and the original distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14, as shown, for example, in the closed position of the valve 10, is indicated by the reference character "s1." In Figure 1, the lifting of the first armature region 22 is already indicated by the dashed line.

[0047] 2 shows a stage in the opening process of the valve 10 in which the first armature region 22 has already risen by a distance Δs1. The new distance between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14 is indicated by the reference symbol "s2." This distance s2 corresponds to the second distance Δs2 that the first armature region 22 must travel after the initial rise in order to approach the electromagnet 14. It has been found that it is sufficient for the first armature region 22 to be in close spatial proximity to the electromagnet 14. Preferably, an air gap or separation layer remains between the first armature region 22 and the electromagnet 14. It has been found that this can significantly improve the dynamics of the valve 10.

[0048] 2, the protruding elements 26, 28 of the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disc 20 contact each other or reach spatial proximity to each other. At least one protruding element 26 of the first armature region 22 is preferably located in a region below 30 of the first armature region 22, while at least one protruding element 28 of the second armature region 24 is located in a region above 32 of the second armature region 24. The first armature region 22, preferably of a movable design, is moved upward by the attractive force of the electromagnet 14, i.e., toward the electromagnet 14, and the protruding elements 26 of the first armature region 22 are pressed against the protruding elements 28 of the second armature region 24 from below, thereby simultaneously lifting the second armature region 24 or simultaneously moving it upward. Since the second armature region 24 is rigidly connected to the valve plate 12, the movement of the second armature region 24 also moves the valve plate 12 upward, resulting in the valve plate 12 separating from the valve seat 36. As a result, the valve 10 is opened, i.e., transitions from a closed position to an open position. Closing of the valve 10 is performed in a similar manner, preferably in a similarly stepwise manner, i.e., by time-offset downward movements of the armature regions 22, 24 of the proposed valve 10.

[0049] Figure 3 shows the progression of the movement process further within the valve 10. Figure 3 shows that the movement of the second armature region 24 is decoupled from the movement of the first armature region 22, thus allowing the second armature region 24 to move to its end position due to force F3.

[0050] As the distance between the armature regions 22, 24 and the electromagnet 14 continually decreases, the magnetic force on the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20, preferably of magnetic design, becomes greater and greater until it is eventually sufficient to lift the entire complex consisting of the second armature region 24 and the valve plate 12 and move it toward the electromagnet 14. As a result, the second armature region 24 can contact or move into spatial proximity below the electromagnet 14, and the valve 10 is fully opened. This situation is shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the opening process of the valve 10 is completed, with the valve plate 12 moving from the closed position to the open position. By opening the valve 10, it is possible, among other things, to effect fluid exchange between previously separated regions of the valve (above and below the valve plate 12). Furthermore, pressure exchange can occur between different regions of the valve 10. In particular, when the proposed valve 10 is used with a suction device (not shown), such as a vacuum cleaner, to assist in filter cleaning, the pressure conditions during suction mode or filter cleaning can facilitate the opening and closing of the valve 10. In this way, a surprising synergistic effect is realized, which results in particularly energy-efficient filter cleaning and, if the suction device is a battery-operated suction device, can further significantly extend the battery life of the suction device. The inventors recognized this promising and advantageous interaction between the pressure conditions surrounding the valve 10 and proposed a particularly advantageous configuration of the armature regions 22, 24 and the valve plate 12, along with the structural configuration of the valve 10, whereby the armature regions 22, 24 of the armature disk 20 can be raised in a time-offset manner relative to one another, and the valve plate 12 can be moved from a closed position to an open position by the time-offset raising of the armature regions 22, 24. The time-offset raising of the armature regions 22, 24 is brought about by the magnetic attraction of the electromagnet 14 and is assisted in a particularly advantageous manner by the force conditions in the area of ​​the valve 10.

[0051] 5 and 6 show the armature regions 22, 24 of the proposed valve 10, which are of a coronal design. To create armature regions 22, 24 of a coronal design, the armature regions 22, 24 can have upwardly protruding elements 16 that advantageously ensure a reduced distance between the armature disc 20 and the electromagnet 14, and as a result, the force to lift the armature disc 20 and / or valve element 12 is also advantageously reduced.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a valve 10 in which the first armature region 22 has an upwardly protruding element 16, while in the valve 10 shown in Figure 6, the second armature region 24 has an upwardly protruding element 16. The upwardly protruding element 16 is preferably configured to reduce the distance between the armature disk 20 or first armature region 22 on one side and the electromagnet 14 on the other side, thereby reducing the force that must be applied by the electromagnet 14 to raise the armature disk 20 or first armature region 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 valves 12 Valve elements, in particular valve plates 14 Magnets, especially electromagnets 16 Upward protruding element 20 armature disc 22 First Armature Region 24 Second Armature Region 26 first armature region protruding element 28 second armature region protruding element 30 Underside of the first armature area 32 Upper side of the second armature area 34 Upper side of valve plate 36 Valve seat 38 Opening S gravity F1 First Force F2 Second Power F3 The Third Force FV Valve force

Claims

1. A valve (10) for opening and closing at least one opening (38), said valve (10) having a valve element (12) that closes said at least one opening (38) in a closed position and opens said at least one opening (38) in an open position, said valve element (12) being movable from a closed position to an open position by a magnet (14), the valve (10) has a first armature region (22) and a second armature region (24), the armature regions (22, 24) being capable of being raised with a time offset relative to one another, the valve element (12) being movable from the closed position to the open position by the time offset raising of the armature regions (22, 24), and coupling of the movements of the armature regions (22, 24) being provided by a structural configuration of the armature regions (22, 24). Valve (10).

2. The armature regions (22, 24) are capable of moving at least partially independently of one another. characterized in that The valve (10) of claim 1.

3. The armature regions (22, 24) are configured such that, due to their structural configuration, when the first armature region (22) moves upward by a moving distance Δs1, the second armature region (24) rises. characterized in that A valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The armature regions (22, 24) can move independently of each other in a region of a travel distance Δs1, and the movement of the first armature region (22) is coupled to the movement of the second armature region (24) in a region of a travel distance Δs2. characterized in that A valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The coupling of the movements of the armature regions (22, 24) in the region of the movement distance Δs2 is provided by the structural configuration of the armature regions (22, 24). characterized in that A valve (10) according to claim 4.

6. The armature regions (22, 24) have protruding elements (26, 28) that provide the connection between the armature regions (22, 24). characterized in that A valve (10) according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The at least one protruding element (26) of the first armature region (22) is arranged in a region below (30) the first armature region (22), and / or the at least one protruding element (28) of the second armature region (24) is arranged in a region above (32) the second armature region (24). characterized in that A valve (10) according to claim 6.

8. The first armature region (22) is designed to be movable relative to the valve element (12), and the second armature region (24) is connected to the valve element (12). characterized in that A valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first armature region (22) and the second armature region (24) form an armature disk (20). It is characterized by the fact that The armature disc (20) is disposed on an upper side (34) of the valve element (12), and the upper side (34) of the valve element (12) faces the magnet (14). A valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. At least one of the armature regions (22, 24) has at least one upwardly projecting element (16). characterized in that A valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The at least one opening (38) that can be closed by the valve element (12) is formed by a valve seat (36). characterized in that A valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The first armature region (22) is of ferromagnetic design or comprises ferromagnetic material. It is characterized by the fact that the second armature region (24) is of non-ferromagnetic design and does not comprise any ferromagnetic material; A valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Use of a valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for filter cleaning in a suction device.

14. 1. A suction device for sucking dust and / or particles, comprising: The suction device comprises a valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. characterized in that Suction device.

15. The suction device is a battery-operated suction device. characterized in that 15. The suction device of claim 14.

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