Valve device, pressure- and / or quantity-control valve and method

Abstract

The invention is based on a valve device (60a-n), in particular for a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases, having a valve-tappet unit (10a-n) which at one axial end (12a-n) forms a preferably encircling sealing contour (14a-n), which is intended to sit sealingly on a valve seat (16a-n). It is proposed that the valve-tappet unit (10a-n) has a geometric flow-optimizing unit (20a-n) in an end-surface region (18a-n) forming the axial end (12a-n).

Description

[0001] Valve device, pressure and / or flow control valve and method

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a valve device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a pressure and / or quantity control valve according to claim 19.

[0004] A valve device for a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases has already been proposed, featuring a valve tappet unit that forms a sealing contour at one axial end, designed to seal against a valve seat. Known valve devices exhibit nonlinear characteristics (force-stroke characteristic and / or flow-current characteristic), which can significantly complicate precise control of a gas flow. For example, the flow behavior and compressibility of the gases involved can lead to an unfavorable regressive slope in the force-stroke characteristic. Local flow effects, such as stagnation pressures or gas flow separation effects, can also introduce further instabilities into the force-stroke characteristic. Conversely, changes in the slope of the force-stroke characteristic lead to unfavorable inflection points and nonlinearities in the flow-current characteristic.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device which enables the achievement of advantageous flow-current characteristics, preferably linearized flow-current characteristics, for pressure and / or quantity control valves. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent and dependent claims, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases, with a valve tappet unit which forms a sealing contour at an axial end, preferably circumferential, which is intended to seal against a valve seat.

[0008] It is proposed that the valve tappet unit incorporate a geometric flow optimization unit in an end surface region forming the axial end. This allows for advantageous flow-current characteristics for pressure and / or flow control valves. Advantageously, linearized flow-current characteristics can be achieved. Advantageously, this optimizes the control behavior of the valve tappet unit, particularly the pressure and / or flow control valve. Advantageously, it enables particularly precise and easily adjustable control of the gas flow, which can be adapted by the valve tappet unit.

[0009] In particular, the valve device, preferably the pressure and / or flow control valve, and more preferably the pressure-opening proportional valve, is designed to influence a gas flow that contains hydrogen gas or is at least predominantly composed of hydrogen gas. Alternatively, the valve device, preferably the pressure and / or flow control valve, and more preferably the pressure-opening proportional valve, can also be designed to influence other gas flows, such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, natural gas, LPG, etc. "Designed" is understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The phrase "designed" means, in particular, that an object is intended for a specific function and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition.The valve tappet assembly forms, in particular, at least one valve tappet of the pressure and / or flow control valve. The valve tappet assembly can be composed of multiple parts. It is conceivable that the valve tappet assembly interacts with a separate valve armature, which actuates the valve tappet assembly. However, it is also conceivable that the valve tappet assembly integrally incorporates a valve armature. In particular, the valve tappet assembly is designed to translate a setting of the pressure and / or flow control valve into a function of the pressure and / or flow control valve, e.g., a position of a sealing element or the sealing contour of the pressure and / or flow control valve. The valve tappet assembly is movably mounted in the pressure and / or flow control valve, in particular along an axial direction.In particular, the axial position of the valve tappet assembly determines the gas flow through the pressure and / or flow control valve. The pressure and / or flow control valve may, for example, include an electromagnet to generate the actuating movement and / or to adjust the position of the valve tappet assembly. The current required for a specific tappet assembly setting determines the flow-current characteristic curve of the pressure and / or flow control valve.

[0010] The axial end closes off the valve tappet assembly on a side facing the axial direction (or away from the axial direction). The valve tappet assembly preferably includes a sealing element. The sealing element is designed, in particular, to seal a nozzle of the pressure and / or flow control valve, preferably in a gas-tight, and preferably hydrogen-gas-tight manner. The sealing element comprises the sealing contour of the valve tappet assembly. The sealing contour is preferably a closed sealing contour. The sealing contour preferably overlaps with an opening contour of the nozzle. To close the nozzle, the sealing element, with its sealing contour, contacts the opening contour of the nozzle. The pressure and / or flow control valve preferably includes the valve seat. The valve seat is, in particular, a part of the nozzle. The valve seat preferably comprises the opening contour of the nozzle.The end surface area of ​​the valve tappet unit preferably closes off the valve tappet unit on a side facing the valve seat. The end surface area of ​​the valve tappet unit is particularly distinct from a cylindrical shell area of ​​the valve tappet unit, which is specifically designed to guide the valve tappet unit in a guide element of the pressure and / or flow control valve.

[0011] The geometric flow optimization unit is specifically designed as an axial end geometry of the valve tappet unit that differs from a flat seat / planar surface. In particular, the geometric flow optimization unit is intended for the targeted influencing / guiding of the gas flow exiting the nozzle containing the valve seat when the pressure and / or flow control valve is open.

[0012] In particular, the geometric flow optimization unit comprises at least one surface element specifically designed to influence the flow. Specifically, the geometric flow optimization unit comprises at least one surface element whose surface normal is angled to the axial direction of the valve tappet unit and preferably to a perpendicular to the surface normal. In particular, the geometric flow optimization unit comprises at least one surface region inclined to the axial direction, which can come into contact with the flowing gas. Specifically, a single, at least substantially rectangular step or a plurality of at least substantially rectangular steps does not constitute a flow optimization unit within the meaning of this disclosure.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the flow optimization unit be designed, at least, to linearize and / or smooth the flow-current characteristic of the valve comprising the valve tappet unit, in particular the pressure and / or flow control valve. This advantageously optimizes the control behavior of the valve tappet unit, especially the pressure and / or flow control valve. Advantageously, this enables particularly precise and, in particular, easily adjustable control of the gas flow, which can be adapted by the valve tappet unit. The nozzle comprising the valve seat can advantageously be free of geometric flow optimization units.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the flow optimization unit is designed to linearize and / or smooth the flow characteristic of a flow directed at least substantially parallel to an axial direction of the valve tappet unit towards the valve tappet unit through the valve comprising the valve tappet unit, in particular the pressure and / or flow control valve. This advantageously allows the control behavior of the valve tappet unit, in particular the pressure and / or flow control valve, to be optimized for flow directions directed towards the valve tappet unit. In particular, the geometric flow optimization unit is designed differently from the valve needle of a needle valve. In particular, the valve, in particular the pressure and / or flow control valve, is not a needle valve.Needle valves are particularly suitable only for flows directed away from the tip of a valve needle. In contrast to the valve assembly, needle valves are designed solely for linearizing a cross-section and not for linearizing the flow-current characteristic. In contrast to the valve assembly, needle valves are pressure-closing valves. However, in this case as well, the geometric flow optimization unit is fixed in the valve stem unit, particularly in the magnetic armature. "Substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°.Furthermore, it is proposed that the flow optimization unit incorporates a flow element designed as a cone geometry that tapers axially in the direction of the valve tappet unit. This advantageously allows for optimized flow characteristics for gases. Linearized flow-current characteristics can be achieved. The flow element can form only a (first) part of the flow optimization unit or the entire unit. The cone geometry of the flow element is rotationally symmetric. The cone geometry of the flow element can have a straight and / or constant slope. Alternatively, the cone geometry of the flow element can have a variable slope, e.g., one that flattens out in a direction away from the valve seat.The cone geometry of the flow element can comprise a single slope section, exactly two slope sections with two different slopes, exactly three slope sections with three different slopes, or more than three slope sections, each with a different slope. The slope sections can transition smoothly / continuously or abruptly / discontinuously into one another. The cone geometry tapers, in particular, in a direction away from the center of gravity of the valve tappet assembly. The cone geometry also tapers, in particular, in a direction towards the nozzle with the valve seat. The cone geometry preferably forms flow flanks designed to deflect the gas flow. Advantageously, a specific characteristic curve can be set by selecting the slope(s) of the cone geometry.Advantageously, the cone geometry can be individually adapted to different nozzle diameters by selecting the appropriate slope(s). In particular, at least with smaller strokes of the valve tappet assembly, the cone geometry, in conjunction with the nozzle opening contour, forms a conical / annular gap opening that axially limits the flow through the nozzle. Specifically, a minimum opening cross-section is always formed between the cone geometry / cone and a radius of the nozzle. Thus, the flow is limited both axially and radially. The cone geometry fulfills several main functions: reducing the flow cross-section at the nozzle's nominal diameter, linearizing the flow-current characteristic and therefore the mass flow through the pressure and / or quantity control valve, and linearizing the force-stroke / force-current curve of a pneumatic force acting on the valve tappet assembly.In particular, the immersion of the cone geometry into the nominal diameter of the nozzle maintains pneumatic forces acting on the valve plunger unit over a larger stroke range, resulting in a linear decrease in pneumatic force. Specifically, the flow-current characteristic is proportional to the flow-stroke characteristic of the pressure and / or flow control valve.

[0015] If the cone geometry has a flattened or rounded cone tip, simple manufacturing, particularly from an elastomer material, is advantageously possible. Furthermore, the cone geometry can be advantageously designed to ensure the most precise possible rotational symmetry. In particular, the cone geometry forms a pointless cone shape. A flow-optimizing section of the cone geometry, featuring a slope relative to the axial direction and relative to the perpendicular to the axial direction, can connect directly to the flattened or rounded cone tip or transition to it via a connecting section that is only of minor importance for flow optimization, for example, one with a slope curve. Alternatively, tapered cone geometries are also conceivable.

[0016] Additionally, it is proposed that the flow element extends radially beyond a portion of the end surface area enclosed by the sealing contour, the sealing contour being designed, in particular, as a conical seat sealing contour. This allows for advantageous flow characteristics. Advantageously, self-centering of the sealing contour in the nozzle can be achieved. Advantageously, the risk of the sealing element sticking to the valve seat, which could potentially lead to instabilities in the characteristic curves, can be reduced. In particular, the sealing contour is arranged in a sloped region of the end surface area, preferably a portion of the end surface area, which has a normal vector angled to the axial direction.In this case, the transverse extent of the cone geometry is particularly greater than the transverse extent of the valve seat opening contour and / or the nominal nozzle diameter. Specifically, the transverse extent of the cone geometry is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, and particularly preferably about 20% greater than the transverse extent of the valve seat opening contour and / or the nominal nozzle diameter. In particular, the transverse extent of the cone geometry is at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, more preferably at most 30%, and particularly preferably about 20% greater than the transverse extent of the valve seat opening contour and / or the nominal nozzle diameter. In particular, at least in this case, the sealing contour is arranged on the cone geometry.

[0017] If the cone geometry in the immediate vicinity of the sealing contour has a constant cone angle between 25° and 60°, preferably between 30° and 60°, and preferably approximately 45°, a linearization of the valve device's characteristic curves can be advantageously achieved. The term "immediate vicinity of the sealing contour" is understood to mean, in particular, a partial region of the end surface area that extends radially by approximately 15%, preferably approximately 10%, and preferably approximately 5% of the total radial diameter of the end surface area (measured perpendicular to a stroke axis of the valve tappet unit) on both sides of the sealing contour. The immediate vicinity of the sealing contour thus has an annular shape.

[0018] Alternatively, if the cone geometry in the immediate vicinity of the sealing contour has a constant cone angle greater than 60°, for example 65°, at least two different cone angles or an area with a continuously changing cone slope (“curved cone”), progressive characteristic curves can be advantageously achieved.

[0019] Alternatively, it is proposed that the flow-through element be limited to a portion of the end surface area enclosed by the sealing contour, the sealing contour being designed, in particular, as a flat-seat sealing contour. This advantageously achieves a high degree of tightness of the valve assembly when the valve tappet assembly is seated on the valve seat. Advantageously, this also makes the device suitable for hydrogen gas. In particular, the flow-through element / cone geometry is arranged completely within the circumferentially closed sealing contour. In particular, at least in this case, the sealing contour is arranged separately from the cone geometry. In particular, a portion of the end surface area extending radially beyond the flow-through element is, at least to a large extent, flat.In particular, at least a large portion of the end surface area extending radially beyond the deflecting element has a normal vector that runs at least substantially parallel to the axial direction. "Large portion" shall be understood to mean, in particular, 70%, preferably 80%, preferably 90%, and most preferably 95%. In this case, the transverse extent of the cone geometry corresponds to, or is smaller than, the transverse extent of the opening contour of the valve seat and / or the nominal diameter of the nozzle.

[0020] If the axial length of the flow element corresponds approximately to or exceeds the maximum intended axial stroke of the valve tappet unit, optimization / linearization of the characteristic curves can advantageously be achieved across the entire operating range of the valve device. The axial length of the flow element corresponds, in particular, to a distance measured parallel to the axial direction between the cone tip and the sealing contour. The maximum intended axial stroke of the valve tappet unit can be determined by the pressure and / or flow control valve, especially by its electromagnet.

[0021] Alternatively, if the axial length of the flow element is smaller than the maximum intended axial stroke of the valve tappet unit, advantageously degressive characteristic curves can be achieved.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the valve tappet assembly has at least one support element, particularly an axially projecting one, in a radially outer edge region of the end surface area. This support element provides a support surface spatially separated from and distinct from the sealing contour for axial support of the valve tappet assembly, particularly against a component containing the valve seat. This advantageously reduces stress and / or wear on the sealing element in the area of ​​the sealing contour, especially in the case of a conical seat. In particular, the support element lies completely or at least predominantly within a radially outer third, preferably a quarter, preferably a fifth, of the end surface area. The valve tappet assembly can, in particular, have multiple support elements.Preferably, the support elements are arranged regularly or irregularly around the sealing contour. The support element preferably projects axially from the end surface area, at least over its immediate vicinity. A fundamental function of the support surfaces is that they preferably never come into play during normal sealing operation, because the seal is achieved solely via the conical seat. The support surfaces are particularly useful when the valve tappet assembly dynamically impacts the nozzle during a full stroke, and without support surfaces, a very high elongation could occur in the conical seat. Alternatively, however, conical seat designs without the support elements and support surfaces are also conceivable.If the support element is designed as a rib extending radially outwards from the flow element over at least a portion of the end surface area, loads during a dynamic impact on the conical seat can be advantageously reduced, thus particularly improving the service life of the sealing element. Specifically, several ribs are arranged radially and regularly around the flow element. The ribs can extend to an edge of the end surface area or the sealing element, or terminate before the edge of the end surface area or the sealing element. Alternatively, the support element could also be designed as a localized and axially projecting knob.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the flow optimization unit forms a flow separation element in the region of a radial boundary area of ​​the end surface area. This element is designed to generate turbulent flow separation of a flow flowing from a central region of the end surface area to the radial boundary area, preferably a flow directed at least substantially parallel to an axial direction of the valve tappet unit towards the valve tappet unit, through a valve comprising the valve tappet unit. This could result in advantageous flow characteristics. The flow separation element can be designed as a flow edge, which can form a second part of the flow optimization unit.

[0024] It is conceivable that the flow separation element includes at least one flow edge that circumferentially, either partially or completely, in the radial boundary region. In that case, the partially or completely circumferential flow edge, viewed from an axial direction towards the end surface region, could form a regular or irregular radial crown geometry with a plurality of edge segments offset radially inwards. These inwardly offset edge segments could have partially different shapes or all be identical. For example, round - angular - round - angular - etc.Consequently, it would also be conceivable that one or more of the inwardly offset edge sections of the radial crown geometry, viewed from the axial direction towards the end surface area, form semicircular, preferably semicircular, or oval edge contours, and / or that one or more of the inwardly offset edge sections of the radial crown geometry, viewed from the axial direction towards the end surface area, form polygonal edge contours. The polygonal edge contour could then be a triangular serration contour.

[0025] Furthermore, it would also be conceivable that the flow separation element comprises at least one radial or axial spoiler edge that circumferentially, either partially or completely, in the radial edge region. It would also be conceivable that the axial spoiler edge, viewed in a cross-sectional view parallel to the axial direction through the end surface region, forms a regular or irregular axial crown geometry with a plurality of axially projecting edge segments. Additionally, the flow separation element could comprise at least a plurality of spoiler nubs, each arranged in the radial edge region. The described geometries of flow separation elements could also be combined with one another as desired.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sealing contour be soft-sealing, in particular forming a soft-sealing seat, preferably a soft-sealing flat seat or a soft-sealing conical seat. This advantageously allows for a high degree of sealing. The soft-sealing seat can be achieved by using an elastomer (e.g., EPDM, FKM, etc.). Alternatively, the sealing seat could also be hard-sealing and / or made of a thermoplastic (e.g., PEEK or TPU). In particular, the sealing element can be made of the elastomer or the thermoplastic and integrally form the sealing seat. It is also proposed that a portion of the valve tappet unit comprising the sealing contour and the flow element, or the portion of the valve tappet unit comprising the sealing contour and the support element, be formed by a common elastomer component. This advantageously allows for a cost-effective and simple design.Furthermore, the behavior of the valve device can be advantageously optimized when the valve tappet unit strikes the component containing the nozzle. The elastomer component can be made from the aforementioned elastomer materials.

[0027] It is conceivable that only the part of the valve tappet unit comprising the sealing contour and the flow element, or only the part of the valve tappet unit comprising the sealing contour and the support element, are formed by the common elastomer component, while the flow element is formed by a different component, in particular an elastomer component or a non-elastomer component (e.g., a rigid plastic component). In this context, it is proposed that the flow element be formed from a material other than an elastomer, in particular a plastic other than an elastomer. This can advantageously simplify and / or refine the manufacturing and / or assembly of the flow element.

[0028] Alternatively, it is proposed that the sealing contour portion of the valve tappet unit, the flow element, and the support element be formed by a single elastomer component. This allows the number of parts to be kept as low as possible. A low number of parts can also have the advantage of achieving good coaxiality. The more components are mounted on top of each other, the more eccentric their position relative to the nozzle can be.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the elastomer component and / or the flow element formed from a material different from the elastomer be mounted to a magnetic armature via a material-bonded connection, such as vulcanization, welding, and / or bonding, and / or via a positive-locking connection, such as snapping, clipping, rolling, and / or riveting. This allows for an advantageous design of the valve tappet unit. Advantageously, the valve tappet unit, which includes the flow optimization unit, can be integrated into a magnetic armature. Advantageously, a compact design of the valve tappet unit, particularly of the pressure and / or flow control valve, can be achieved. Moreover, especially with vulcanization, a high degree of tooling simplicity can be achieved, which in turn enables particularly simple manufacturing.In particular, the magnetic armature is designed to experience a force in the magnetic field of the electromagnet and thereby be moved and / or adjusted in the axial direction. Specifically, the magnetic armature comprises a component, in particular a magnetic component, which is designed to interact with drive magnetic fields, and the valve tappet unit. Preferably, the elastomer component projects axially beyond the drive component and / or beyond the components of the magnetic armature that receive the elastomer component, which may also be designed as non-elastomeric materials, or is at least positioned axially flush with them.

[0030] Furthermore, the pressure and / or flow control valve, in particular a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases, is proposed with the electromagnet comprising the magnetic armature into which the valve device is integrated. This allows advantageous flow-current characteristics to be achieved for the pressure and / or flow control valve.

[0031] Furthermore, a method for operating the pressure and / or flow control valve is proposed, wherein the flow-current characteristic of the pressure and / or flow control valve is linearized and / or smoothed by means of the valve device according to the invention. This allows advantageous flow-current characteristics to be achieved for the pressure and / or flow control valve.

[0032] The valve device and the pressure and / or flow control valve according to the invention are not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the valve device and the pressure and / or flow control valve according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, and units than that specified herein.

[0033] Drawings

[0034] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate fourteen exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. It will be advantageous for those skilled in the art to also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0035] They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve with a valve device.

[0037] Fig. 2a shows a first detailed view of the valve device with a section through a valve tappet unit with a sealing element of the valve device,

[0038] Fig. 2b shows a second detailed view of the valve device with a bottom view of the sealing element,

[0039] Fig. 2c shows a schematic flowchart of a procedure for operating the valve,

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a first alternative valve device with a first alternative valve tappet unit, Fig. 4 shows a second alternative valve device with a second alternative valve tappet unit,

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a third alternative valve device with a third alternative valve tappet unit,

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a fourth alternative valve device with a fourth alternative valve tappet unit,

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a fifth alternative valve device with a fifth alternative valve tappet unit,

[0044] Fig. 8 shows a sixth alternative valve device with a sixth alternative valve tappet unit,

[0045] Fig. 9 shows a seventh alternative valve device with a seventh alternative valve tappet unit,

[0046] Fig. 10 shows an eighth alternative valve device with an eighth alternative valve tappet unit,

[0047] Fig. 11 shows a ninth alternative valve device with a ninth alternative valve tappet unit,

[0048] Fig. 12 shows a tenth alternative valve device with a tenth alternative valve tappet unit,

[0049] Fig. 13 shows an eleventh alternative valve device with an eleventh alternative valve tappet unit,

[0050] Fig. 14 shows a twelfth alternative valve device with a twelfth alternative valve tappet unit and

[0051] Fig. 15 shows an elastomer component forming a sealing element of a valve tappet unit of a thirteenth alternative valve device.

[0052] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve. The valve is a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases. The valve is designed as a pressure and / or flow control valve 22a. The valve is intended for controlling and / or regulating a gas flow. The valve is sealed externally. The valve has a flow-current characteristic. The flow-current characteristic is approximately proportional. The valve includes an electromagnet 58a. The valve includes a magnetic armature 56a. The electromagnet 58a is designed to generate a linear movement of the magnetic armature 56a. The valve includes a magnetic core 62a. The magnetic core 62a includes a core tube 64a. The magnetic armature 56a is received in the core tube 64a. The magnetic armature 56a is mounted in the core tube 64a so as to be linearly movable. The magnetic armature 56a is mounted in a linearly movable manner along two linear motion directions pointing in opposite directions.The magnetic armature 56a is movable along an axial direction 24a of the valve. The electromagnet 58a comprises a magnetic coil 66a. The magnetic coil 66a is designed to generate a magnetic field which can exert a force on the magnetic armature 56a that moves it.

[0054] The valve has a nozzle 68a. The nozzle 68a serves as an inlet for gas into the valve. The nozzle 68a has a valve seat 16a. The valve seat 16a surrounds an opening edge of an inner opening of the nozzle 68a. The valve seat 16a forms an opening contour of the nozzle 68a. The valve has a valve assembly 60a. The valve assembly 60a forms a pressure and / or flow control valve assembly. The valve assembly 60a has a valve tappet unit 10a. The valve tappet unit 10a is integrally formed with the magnetic armature 56a. Alternatively, the valve tappet unit 10a could also be formed separately from the magnetic armature 56a and be driven only by the magnetic armature 56a. The magnetic armature 56a is designed to be either seated on the valve seat 16a or raised from it (depending on the setting of the magnetic coils 66a). The valve assembly 60a has a gas outlet 72a.When the magnetic armature 56a rests on the valve seat 16a, the inlet of the nozzle 68a to the gas outlet 72a is closed. When the magnetic armature 56a is lifted from the valve seat 16a, the inlet of the nozzle 68a to the gas outlet 72a is open. In the illustrated case, activation of the magnetic field of the solenoid 66a causes the magnetic armature 56a to tend to close an air gap 74a to the magnetic core 62a, thus lifting the magnetic armature 56a from the valve seat 16a. When the magnetic field of the solenoid 66a is switched off, a spring element 76a of the valve generates a mechanical return deflection of the magnetic armature 56a towards the valve seat 16a.

[0055] The magnetic armature 56a has a sealing element 70a. The valve assembly 60a has the sealing element 70a. The sealing element 70a forms part of the valve tappet unit 10a. The sealing element 70a is formed by an elastomer component 54a. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the elastomer component 54a is attached to the magnetic armature 56a by means of a material bond such as vulcanization, welding, and / or bonding. The valve tappet unit 10a forms an axial end region of a magnetic armature assembly. The valve tappet unit 10a has an axial end 12a. The axial end 12a of the valve tappet unit 10a faces the nozzle 68a. Driven by the magnetic armature 56a, the sealing element 70a is movable along the axial direction 24a. This movement allows the sealing element 70a to be placed on the nozzle 68a in a sealing manner and to be lifted off the nozzle 68a.The valve tappet unit 10a, in particular the sealing element 70a, has a circumferential sealing contour 14a at its axial end 12a. The sealing contour 14a is designed to seal against the valve seat 16a.

[0056] The valve tappet unit 10a, in particular the sealing element 70a, has an end surface region 18a. The end surface region 18a forms the axial end 12a. The end surface region 18a is formed by the surface portion of the valve tappet unit 10a, in particular the magnetic armature 56a, which faces the nozzle 68a, in particular the component of the valve comprising the nozzle 68a, in the axial direction 24a. The valve tappet unit 10a has a geometric flow optimization unit 20a in an end surface region 18a forming the axial end 12a. The flow optimization unit 20a is designed to linearize the flow-current characteristic of the valve comprising the valve tappet unit 10a. The flow optimization unit 20a is designed to smooth the flow-current characteristic of the valve having the valve tappet unit 10a.The flow optimization unit 20a is designed to linearize and / or smooth the flow-current characteristic of a flow-current directed parallel to the axial direction 24a of the valve tappet unit 10a towards the valve tappet unit 10a through the valve having the valve tappet unit 10a.

[0057] The geometric flow optimization unit 20a is at least partially, preferably completely, formed by a flow element 26a. The flow element 26a is designed as a cone geometry 28a, which tapers in the axial direction 24a. The cone geometry 28a tapers in a direction pointing towards the nozzle 68a. The cone geometry 28a has a flattened cone tip 30a. Alternatively, the cone tip 30a could also be rounded. The cone tip 30a projects into a flow channel 78a formed by the nozzle 68a. The flow element 26a has an axial length 42a (see also Fig. 2a). The axial length 42a extends from the cone tip 30a to a (flat and / or horizontally extended) base 80a of the flow element 26a. The magnetic armature 56a and the valve tappet unit 10a have an axial stroke 44a. Due to the design, the axial stroke 44a in the valve is limited to a maximum.In the case shown in Figures 1 to 2b, the axial length 42a of the flow element 26a corresponds approximately to the maximum intended axial stroke 44a of the valve tappet unit 10a. Alternatively, to achieve at least essentially analogous functionality, it is also conceivable that the axial length 42a is greater than the maximum intended axial stroke 44a of the valve tappet unit 10a.

[0058] Figures 2a and 2b each show detailed views of the valve device 60a. Figure 2a schematically shows a section through the sealing element 70a. Figure 2b schematically shows a perspective view from below of the end surface region 18a of the sealing element 70a. The sealing contour 14a encloses a partial region 32a of the end surface region 18a. The flow element 26a extends radially beyond the partial region 32a of the end surface region 18a in a radial direction 82a. This results in the sealing contour 14a forming a conical seat sealing contour. The sealing contour 14a forms a soft-sealing sealing seat. The cone geometry 28a of the flow element 26a exhibits a constant cone angle 34a in a near-area 84a of the sealing contour 14a. The constant cone angle 34a lies between 25° and 60°. The constant cone angle 34a is approximately 45°.The cone geometry 28a of the flow element 26a extends from the base 80a to the cone tip 30a with the same cone angle 34a.

[0059] The valve tappet unit 10a has support elements 48a. The support elements 48a are arranged in a radially outer edge region 46a of the end surface region 18a. The support elements 48a are arranged on the base 80a of the sealing element 70a. The support elements 48a are spatially separated from the sealing contour 14a. The support elements 48a fulfill a different function than the sealing contour 14a. The support elements 48a do not create a sealing effect. The support elements 48a each provide a support surface 50a for axial support of the valve tappet unit 10a. The support elements 48a are designed to support the sealing element 70a on a component of the valve that includes the nozzle 68a. The support elements 48a are each designed as webs 52a, which extend radially outwards from the flow element 26a over at least a part of the end surface area 18a.Alternatively, designs without the support elements 48a are also conceivable, i.e., in particular designs with at least a substantially flat surface in the end surface area 18a. A part of the valve tappet unit 10a comprising the sealing contour 14a, the flow element 26a, and the support element 48a are formed by the common elastomer component 54a.

[0060] Figure 2c shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the valve. In at least one process step 96a, the flow-current characteristic of the valve is linearized and / or smoothed by means of the valve device 60a.

[0061] Figures 3 to 15 show thirteen further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby, with regard to identically designated components, particularly those with the same reference numerals, reference may also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, especially Figures 1 to 2b. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter "a" is appended to the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 2b. In the embodiments of Figures 3 to 15, the letter "a" is replaced by the letters "b" to "n".

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a first alternative valve device 60b with a first alternative valve tappet unit 10b. The valve tappet unit 10b has support elements 48b in a radially outer edge region 46b of an end surface region 18b. These support elements provide spatially separated and distinct support surfaces 50b for axial support of the valve tappet unit 10b, separated from a sealing contour 14b of the valve tappet unit 10b. The support elements 48b are designed as knobs separated from a conical geometry 28b of the valve tappet unit 10b, which forms a flow element 26b. A portion of the valve tappet unit 10b encompassing the sealing contour 14b, the flow element 26b, and the support element 48b are formed from a common elastomer component 54b.Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a second alternative valve device 60c with a second alternative valve tappet unit 10c. The valve tappet unit 10c includes a flow optimization unit 20c. The flow optimization unit 20c is designed as a sealing element 70c with a cone geometry 28c forming a flow element 26c. The cone geometry 28c has a flattened cone tip 30c. In the region of the cone tip 30c, there is a transition from a constant cone angle 34c of the cone geometry 28c to an almost cylindrical shape. The valve tappet unit 10c of Figure 4 is designed without support elements.

[0063] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a third alternative valve device 60d with a third alternative valve tappet unit 10d. The valve tappet unit 10d has a flow optimization unit 20d. The flow optimization unit 20d is designed as a sealing element 70d with a cone geometry 28d forming a flow element 26d. The cone geometry 28d has a constant cone angle 34d in a near region 84d of a sealing contour 14d of the valve tappet unit 10d. The constant cone angle 34d is greater than 60°.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth alternative valve device 60e with a fourth alternative valve tappet unit 10e. The valve tappet unit 10e includes a flow optimization unit 20e. The flow optimization unit 20e is designed as a sealing element 70e with a cone geometry 28e forming a flow element 26e. In a near region 84e of a sealing contour 14e of the valve tappet unit 10e, the cone geometry 28e has two different cone angles 34e, 36e. The two cone angles 34e, 36e are constant. For example, one of the cone angles 34e, 36e can be less than 60° and the other larger. Alternative cone angle combinations are also conceivable, as are more than two different cone angles 34e, 36e.In the case shown, a transition between the cone angles 34e, 36e is arranged in an actuating state in which the valve tappet unit 10e sits on a valve seat 16e within a flow channel 78e of a nozzle 68e of a valve.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view of a fifth alternative valve device 60f with a fifth alternative valve tappet unit 10f. The valve tappet unit 10f includes a flow optimization unit 20f. The flow optimization unit 20f is designed as a sealing element 70f with a cone geometry 28f forming a flow element 26f. In a region 84f near a sealing contour 14f of the valve tappet unit 10f, the cone geometry 28f has a continuously changing cone pitch. This creates a curved cone. In the illustrated case, the cone pitch increases from a base 80f of the flow element 26f to a cone apex 30f of the cone geometry 28f. Alternative curvatures, in particular cone pitches decreasing towards the cone apex 30f, are also conceivable, as are cone shapes with multiple different curvatures.

[0066] Figure 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a sixth alternative valve device 60g with a sixth alternative valve tappet unit 10g. The valve tappet unit 10g includes a flow optimization unit 20g. The flow optimization unit 20g is designed as a sealing element 70g with a conical geometry 28g forming a flow element 26g. The flow element 26g has an axial length of 42g. The axial length 42g of the flow element 26g is less than the maximum intended axial stroke 44g of the valve tappet unit 10g.

[0067] Figure 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a seventh alternative valve device 60h with a seventh alternative valve tappet unit 10h. The valve tappet unit 10h has a flow optimization unit 20h in an end surface region 18h. The flow optimization unit 20h is designed as a sealing element 70h with a conical geometry 28h forming a flow-through element 26h. The valve tappet unit 10h has a sealing contour 14h at an axial end 12h. The flow-through element 26h is limited to a partial region 40h of the end surface region 18h, which is enclosed by the sealing contour 14h. The sealing contour 14h forms a flat-seat sealing contour. The sealing contour 14h forms a soft-sealing sealing seat. The sealing contour 14h forms a soft-sealing flat sealing seat.

[0068] Figure 10 shows a schematic sectional view of an eighth alternative valve device 60i with an eighth alternative valve tappet unit 10i. The valve tappet unit 10i has a flow optimization unit 20i in an end surface region 18i. The flow optimization unit 20i is designed as a flow element 26i having a conical geometry 28i. The valve tappet unit 10i comprises a sealing element 70i forming a sealing contour 14i. The sealing contour 14i forms a soft-sealing seat. The part of the valve tappet unit 10i comprising the sealing contour 14i is formed by an elastomer component 54i. The flow element 26i is made of a material other than an elastomer, in particular a plastic other than an elastomer or a metal. For example, the flow element 26i is made of aluminum or a hard plastic.The valve tappet unit 10i comprises a base body 86i, which is designed to connect to a magnetic armature 56i of a valve. The base body 86i can also be considered part of the magnetic armature 56i. In the illustrated case, the flow element 26i is designed separately from the base body 86i. The flow element 26i is connected to the base body 86i by force-fit and / or form-fit. The base body 86i has a pin 88i, which is inserted into a recess 90i of the flow element 26i. The recess 90i is designed as a blind hole. As a result, the flow element 26i itself forms a conical tip 30i of the cone geometry 28i. The flow element 26i overlaps the sealing element 70i axially. The axial overlap of the flow element 26i creates a positive locking hold of the sealing element 70i in the base body 86i.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a ninth alternative valve device 60j with a ninth alternative valve tappet unit 10j. The ninth alternative valve device 60j corresponds essentially to the eighth alternative valve device 60i, with the sole difference that a recess 90j is designed not as a blind recess, but as a through-recess. Thus, it is not a flow element 26j itself that forms a cone tip 30j of a cone geometry 28j, but rather a pin 88j of a base body 86j of the valve tappet unit 10j.

[0070] Figure 12 shows a schematic sectional view of a tenth alternative valve device 60k with a tenth alternative valve tappet unit 10k. The tenth alternative valve device 60k corresponds essentially to the eighth alternative valve device 60i, with the sole difference being that a base body 86k of the valve tappet unit 10k has a recess 90k instead of a pin, and a flow element 26k, made of a different elastomer material, has a pin 88k instead of a recess. The pin 88k of the flow element 26k is inserted into the recess 90k of the base body 86k by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection for mounting the flow element 26k to the base body 86k.

[0071] Figure 13 shows a schematic sectional view of an eleventh alternative valve device 60I with an eleventh alternative valve tappet unit 101. The valve tappet unit 101 comprises a sealing element 701 at an axial end 121, which forms a sealing contour 141. The sealing element 701 also forms a geometric flow optimization unit 201. The flow optimization unit 201 forms a flow-around element 261, which has a conical geometry 281. The valve tappet unit 101 has a mounting element 921. The mounting element 921 is provided for mounting the sealing element 70I. The mounting element 921 is provided for mounting to a base body 86I of the valve tappet unit 101. The mounting element 921 is thus provided for mounting to a magnetic armature 561 of a valve. The mounting element 921 is designed as a turned part. Alternatively, the mounting element 921 could also be manufactured by forming.

[0072] Figure 14 shows a schematic sectional view of a twelfth alternative valve device 60m with a twelfth alternative valve tappet unit 10m. The valve tappet unit 10m comprises a sealing element 70m at one axial end 12m, which forms a sealing contour 14m. The sealing element 70m also forms a geometric flow optimization unit 20m. The flow optimization unit 20m forms a flow-around element 26m, which has a conical geometry 28m. The sealing element 70m is designed as an elastomer component 54m. The elastomer component 54m is mounted to a magnetic armature 56m / to a base body 86m of the valve tappet unit 10m via a positive-locking connection. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the elastomer component 54m is mounted to the magnetic armature 56m / to the base body 86m of the valve tappet unit 10m by rolling it in.Alternatively, the elastomer component 54m could also be attached to the magnetic armature 56m / to the base body 86m of the valve tappet unit 10m by snapping, clipping and / or riveting.

[0073] Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective view of an elastomeric component 54n forming a sealing element 70n of a valve tappet unit 10n of a thirteenth alternative valve device 60n. The elastomeric component 54n has flow separation elements 94n in a radial edge region 46n of an end surface region 18n. The flow separation elements 94n have the form of a semi-disc-shaped depression / notch. Alternatively, polygonal depressions / notches, e.g., triangular or quadrilateral depressions / notches, or depressions / notches of different shapes relative to each other are also conceivable. Reference numerals

[0074] 10 valve tappet unit

[0075] 12 Axial end

[0076] 14 Sealing contour

[0077] 16 Valve seat

[0078] 18 End surface area

[0079] 20 Flow optimization unit

[0080] 22 Pressure and / or flow control valve

[0081] 24 Axial direction

[0082] 26 Flow element

[0083] 28 Cone geometry

[0084] 30 Cone tip

[0085] 32 Sub-area

[0086] 34 cone angles

[0087] 36 cone angles

[0088] 40 sub-area

[0089] 42 Axial length

[0090] 44 Axial stroke

[0091] 46 Edge area

[0092] 48 Support element

[0093] 50 support surface

[0094] 52 Bridge

[0095] 54 Elastomer component

[0096] 56 magnetic anchors

[0097] 58 Electromagnet

[0098] 60 Valve device

[0099] 62 magnetic core

[0100] 64 core tube

[0101] 66 Magnetic coil

[0102] 68 Nozzle sealing element

[0103] Gas outlet

[0104] air gap

[0105] spring element

[0106] Flow channel

[0107] base

[0108] radial direction

[0109] close range

[0110] basic body

[0111] Pin

[0112] Exclusion

[0113] Mounting element

[0114] Flow separation element

[0115] Procedure step

Claims

Claims 1. Valve device (60a-n), in particular for a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases, with a valve tappet unit (10a-n) which forms a sealing contour (14a-n) at an axial end (12a-n), preferably circumferential, which is provided for a sealing contact on a valve seat (16a-n), characterized in that the valve tappet unit (10a-n) has a geometric flow optimization unit (20a-n) in an end surface region (18a-n) forming the axial end (12a-n).

2. Valve device (60a-n) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow optimization unit (20a-n) is at least provided to linearize and / or smooth a flow-current characteristic of a valve having the valve tappet unit (10a-n), in particular a pressure and / or quantity control valve (22a-n).

3. Valve device (60a-n) according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow optimization unit (20a-n) is provided to linearize and / or smooth the flow-current characteristic of a flow-current directed at least substantially parallel to an axial direction (24a-n) of the valve tappet unit (10a-n) towards the valve tappet unit (10a-n) through the valve comprising the valve tappet unit (10a-n), in particular a pressure and / or quantity control valve (22a-n).

4. Valve device (60a-n) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow optimization unit (20a-n) forms a flow element (26a-n) which is designed as a cone geometry (28a-n) tapering in the axial direction (24a-n) of the valve tappet unit (10a-n).

5. Valve device (60a-g) according to claim 4, characterized in that the flow element (26a-g) extends radially beyond a partial area (32a-g) of the end surface area (18a-g) which is enclosed by the sealing contour (14a-g), wherein the sealing contour (14a-g) is in particular designed as a conical seat sealing contour.

6. Valve device (60a-c; 60g) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cone geometry (28a-c; 28g) has a constant cone angle (34a-c, 34g) between 25° and 60° in a near region (84a-c; 84g) of the sealing contour (14a-c; 14g).

7. Valve device (60d) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cone geometry (28d) in a near area (84d) of the sealing contour (14d) has a constant cone angle (34d) greater than 60°.

8. Valve device (60e-f) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cone geometry (28e-f) in a near area (84e-f) of the sealing contour (14e-f) has at least two different cone angles (34e, 36e) or an area with a continuously changing cone pitch.

9. Valve device (60h-n) according to claim 4, characterized in that the flow element (26h-n) is limited to a partial area (40h-n) of the end surface area (18h-n) which is enclosed by the sealing contour (14h-n), wherein the sealing contour (14h-n) is in particular designed as a flat seat sealing contour.

10. Valve device (60a-f; 60h-n) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that an axial length (42a-f; 42h-n) of the flow element (26a-f; 26h-n) corresponds approximately to or is greater than the maximum axial stroke (44a-f; 44h-n) of the valve tappet unit (1 Oa-f; 10h-n).

11. Valve device (60g) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that an axial length (42g) of the flow element (26g) is smaller than a maximum provided axial stroke (44g) of the valve tappet unit (10g).

12. Valve device (60a-b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve tappet unit (10a-b) has at least one support element (48a-b) in a radially outer edge region (46a-b) of the end surface region (18a-b), which provides a support surface (50a-b) spatially separated and distinct from the sealing contour (14a-b) for axial support of the valve tappet unit (10a-b).

13. Valve device (60a) according to claim 12, characterized in that the support element (48a) is designed as a web (52a) which extends radially outwards from the flow element (26a) over at least a part of the end surface area (18a).

14. Valve device (60a-n) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing contour (14a-n) forms a soft sealing seat, in particular a soft sealing flat sealing seat or a soft sealing conical seat.

15. Valve device (60a-h; 60I; 60m-n) according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that a part of the valve tappet unit (1 Oa-h; 10I; 10m-n) comprising the sealing contour (14a-h; 141; 14m-n) and the flow element (26a-h; 26I; 26m-n) or the part of the valve tappet unit (10a-b) comprising the sealing contour (14a-b) and the support element (48a-b) are formed by a common elastomer component (54a-h; 54I; 54m-n).

16. Valve device (60i-k) at least according to claim 4, characterized in that a part of the valve tappet unit (1 Oi-k) comprising the sealing contour (14i-k) is formed by an elastomer component (54i-k) and that the flow element (26i-k) is formed from a material other than an elastomer, in particular a plastic other than an elastomer.

17. Valve device (60a-b) at least according to claims 4 and 12, characterized in that a part of the valve tappet unit (10a-b) comprising the sealing contour (14a-b) and the flow element (26a-b) and the support element (48a-b) are formed by a common elastomer component (54a-b).

18. Valve device (60a-n) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the elastomer component (54a-n) and / or the flow element (26i-k) formed from a material different from the elastomer is mounted to a magnetic armature (56a-n) via a material bond, such as vulcanization, welding and / or bonding, and / or via a form-fit connection, such as snapping, clipping, rolling and / or crimping.

19. Pressure and / or quantity control valve (22a-n), in particular a pressure-opening proportional valve for gases, with an electromagnet (58a-n) comprising a magnetic armature (56a-n) in which the valve device (60a-n) according to one of the preceding claims is integrated.

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