Flow control valve with flow guide skirt

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow control valve comprising a valve body (20), a valve seat (25), and a valve element. A central portion (50) of the valve element is at least axially fixed with respect to a sliding portion (31) of the valve element and has a sealing section (51) for abutting the valve seat (25) in a closed state of the flow control valve. The valve body comprises a guiding chamber (21) for guiding the sliding portion (31) allowing movement of the valve element with respect to the valve seat. A circumventing flow passage (26, 46) allows a main fluid flow to pass alongside the central portion (50) in a main flow direction (MFD) to the valve seat (25). In order to improve the efficiency and reliability, the flow control valve includes a flow guide skirt (41) which is, in a lateral direction (LD), interposed between the central portion and the valve body and which is configured to shield a laterally outer space (23, 24) between the flow guide skirt and the valve body from a main fluid flow space (46) between the flow guide skirt and the central portion.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Flow control valve with flow guide skirt

[0003] The present invention relates to a flow control valve comprising a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve element including a laterally outer sliding portion and a laterally inner central portion, wherein the central portion is at least axially fixed with respect to the sliding portion and has a sealing section for abutting the valve seat in a closed state of the flow control valve.

[0004] In such a flow control valve, the valve body comprises a guiding chamber for guiding the sliding portion. This allows movement of the valve element along an axial direction and / or an intended main flow direction with respect to the valve seat. In this way, the sealing section can be brought into abutment with the valve seat for closing the flow control valve. The flow control valve can be opened by moving the valve element - and in particular the sealing section - away from the valve seat. Within the flow control valve, a circumventing flow passage is formed around the central portion. When the flow control valve is open, a main fluid flow through the flow control valve (and in particular through the valve seat) passes alongside the central portion through the valve seat.

[0005] A free space around the central portion at a downstream side of the guiding chamber changes depending on an opening degree of the flow control valve. Said free space is used both for forming part of the circumventing flow passage (for passing the main fluid flow alongside the central portion) and as a displacement space for the sliding portion. The displacement space is needed for accommodating a downstream end of the sliding portion when the flow control valve is closed. For opening the flow control valve, the sliding portion slides away from the valve seat. Accordingly, the downstream end of the sliding portion gradually vacates the displacement space. In particular, the displacement space and hence the free space are maximized in a fully open state of the flow control valve and minimized when the flow control valve is closed.

[0006] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0007] At least when the flow control valve is not closed, a flow cross-section around the central portion suddenly increases in a lateral direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction, at the downstream end of the sliding portion. The downstream end of the sliding portion forms a step in the circumventing flow passage. This can cause turbulences in the flow of a fluid, e.g. a refrigerant, alongside the central portion. As a result, an efficiency of the flow control valve is decreased. A further problem is that the fluid used in the fluid circuit (e.g. a refrigerant circuit) may carry particles with it, e.g. originating from contaminations, leftovers of brazing, leftovers of material of elements of the fluid circuit, or the like. The particles tend to accumulate in such regions with turbulences and / or suddenly increased flow cross-section, especially in the displacement space. There is a high risk that such particles will then enter an engagement area at the sliding portion, i.e. an area where an outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion slides against the inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber. The particles within said engagement area can increase a friction for moving the sliding portion (and hence the valve element) with respect to the guiding portion. In other words, they can impair the mobility of the valve element with respect to the valve seat. The particles may induce unnecessary wear and friction at the engagement area. The opening and closing characteristics of the flow control valve can deteriorate. Finally, proper opening and closing of the flow control valve may not be ensured any longer. Apart from that, the particles entering the engagement may alter the sealing characteristics of the engagement area.

[0008] Furthermore, as the central portion moves within the guiding chamber, together with the sliding portion, with respect to the valve body, a geometry of the free space laterally around the central portion changes depending on an opening degree of the flow control valve. This facilitates to find a design ensuring a smooth main fluid flow for all opening degrees of the flow control valve.

[0009] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0010] The object underlying the invention is to improve the efficiency and reliability of a flow control valve.

[0011] This object is solved by a flow control valve with the features according to claim 1 .

[0012] The flow control valve comprises: a valve body; a valve seat; and a valve element including a laterally outer sliding portion and a laterally inner central portion, wherein the central portion is (at least axially) fixed with respect to the sliding portion and has a sealing section for abutting the valve seat in a closed state of the flow control valve.

[0013] The valve body comprises a guiding chamber for guiding the sliding portion allowing movement of the valve element along an axial direction and / or an intended main flow direction with respect to the valve seat, wherein an outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion engages an inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber.

[0014] The flow control valve includes a circumventing flow passage for allowing a main fluid flow to pass alongside the central portion in a main flow direction to the valve seat (when the flow control valve is open).

[0015] The flow control valve includes a flow guide skirt wherein the flow guide skirt is, in a lateral direction, interposed between the central portion and the valve body and is configured to shield a laterally outer space between the flow guide skirt and the valve body from a main fluid flow space between the flow guide skirt and the central portion.

[0016] The flow guide skirt shields the laterally outer space from direct impact of the main fluid flow.

[0017] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0018] The flow guide skirt separates, at least sectionally along the axial direction, the laterally outer space from the inner main fluid flow space between the flow guide skirt and the central portion. The inner main fluid flow space is located laterally inwardly with respect to the laterally outer space. The flow guide skirts (at least sectionally) subdivides the free space between that extends along the lateral direction between the central portion and the valve body.

[0019] Hence, the flow guide skirt reduces the risk of turbulences in a region around the central portion. This improves the flow characteristics and hence the efficiency of the flow control valve.

[0020] In addition, the flow guide skirt prevents particles from directly entering the outer space. Hence, a risk that functions and / or characteristics of the flow control valve are impaired due to particles entering an engagement area between the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion and the inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber are significantly reduced.

[0021] The flow guide skirt can be configured to guide the main fluid flow in the circumventing flow passage, at least sectionally along the axial direction, directly adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the central portion. This helps to obtain a smooth and / or laminar main flow alongside the central portion.

[0022] The fluid guide skirt may, at least sectionally along the axial direction, form a laterally outer boundary of the circumventing flow passage. Therefore, the shape and the flow cross-section of the circumventing flow passage can be precisely tailored by the design of the flow guide skirt. This helps to achieve good flow characteristics and efficiency.

[0023] The flow control valve may include a fluid inlet (at least one inlet) and a fluid outlet (at least one fluid outlet).

[0024] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0025] The flow control valve can be configured to control the (main fluid) flow of the fluid, especially along the main fluid flow direction, from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

[0026] The valve seat may be arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet along the main fluid flow direction.

[0027] The fluid may be a refrigerant. The flow control valve may be suitable for a refrigerant circuit.

[0028] The circumventing flow passage forms part of a main flow passage through the flow control valve. Fluid can flow through the main flow passage (including the circumventing flow passage at the central portion) along the main flow direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. This is the main fluid flow. When the flow control valve is in the closed state, the main flow passage is blocked (at the valve seat).

[0029] In one embodiment, the laterally outer space includes a displacement space, wherein the displacement space is located laterally between the flow guide skirt and the inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber and wherein the displacement space increases with increased displacement of the valve element along the axial direction and / or the main flow direction away from abutting the valve seat. The flow guide skirt shields the displacement space from direct impact of the main fluid flow. It covers the displacement space from the main fluid flow. This prevents that the displacement space causes turbulences. It also reduces the risk that particles entrained by the main fluid flow enter the displacement space.

[0030] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0031] According to one aspect, the terms "lateral direction", "lateral", and "laterally" used in this disclosures might be replaced by "radial direction", "radial", and "radially". A radial direction may be defined with respect to a central axis of the valve element and / or the valve seat.

[0032] The intended main flow direction can be (at least substantially) parallel to the central axis. In particular, the main flow direction can be (at least substantially) coaxial to the central axis.

[0033] An inlet-pressure zone within the flow control valve may include all spaces for accommodating / receiving the fluid to which unimpaired pressure-propagation (within the valve) of an inlet pressure (i.e. a pressure of the fluid at the inlet port) is possible even when the flow control valve is closed. Additionally or alternatively, the inlet-pressure zone within the flow control valve may include all spaces for accommodating the fluid that have an unimpaired fluid communication (within the flow control valve) to the inlet port even when the flow control valve is closed. In this context, a fluid bleed may be considered to impair the pressure-propagation and / or to impair the fluid communication. A space for accommodating the fluid to which fluid communication and / or pressure-propagation from the inlet port is possible via at least one fluid bleed only (i.e. a space for which fluid supply from the inlet port inevitably requires passing through one or more fluid bleeds) may be considered not forming part of the inlet-pressure zone.

[0034] The engagement area (between the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion and the inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber) may form part in delimiting the inlet-pressure zone within the flow control valve.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the engagement area can include a fluid bleed. The fluid bleed may include a labyrinth seal and / or a piston ring. The fluid bleed may

[0036] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO be configured for bleeding fluid from the inlet-pressure zone towards a pilot valve of the flow control valve.

[0037] The displacement space may form part of the inlet-pressure zone. The downstream end of the sliding portion may be subjected to the inlet pressure even when the flow control valve is closed. This helps to open the flow control valve.

[0038] The engagement area may directly adjoin the displacement space.

[0039] In one embodiment, the flow control valve includes an equalization opening for fluidly connecting the laterally outer space with the main fluid flow, wherein the equalization opening opens to the main fluid flow upstream of the valve seat. This allows propagation of the inlet pressure to the laterally outer space although the outer space is shielded from direct impact of the main fluid flow by the flow guide skirt. Especially, the outer space can form part of the inlet-pressure zone. The outer space, for example the displacement chamber, can be used as starting point for bleeding fluid from the inlet-pressure zone. Furthermore, the high pressure in the outer space can help to displace the valve element away from abutting the valve seat, i.e. in opening the flow control valve.

[0040] In one embodiment, the equalization opening is formed between an upstream end of the skirt and the valve body. For example, the equalization opening may be an annular opening between the upstream end of the skirt and the valve body.

[0041] According to one aspect, a flow cross-section of the equalization opening is smaller than a (smallest) flow cross-section of the circumventing flow passage when the flow control valve is fully open and / or a (smallest) flow cross-section of the inner main fluid flow space. The equalization may be used for pressure-propagation into the outer space and / or for branching off fluid from the main fluid flow, e.g. for supplying fluid to the high-pressure side of the bleed in the engagement

[0042] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO area. However, this requires only a small amount of fluid flow to the outer space. Hence, even a comparatively small flow cross-section of the equalization opening can ensure sufficiently unimpaired pressure-propagation and fluid communication from the main fluid flow upstream of the valve seat (and hence from the inlet port) to the outer space.

[0043] According to one aspect, the flow control valve includes an additional pilot valve. The engagement between the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion and the inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber may allow for limited flow of fluid from the laterally outer space to the pilot valve, e.g. by the fluid bleed as describe above.

[0044] Bleeding fluid from the outer space that is shielded against direct impact of the main fluid flow has the advantage of a reduced risk that particles entrained in the main fluid flow can enter the bleed and impair the bleed or even reach the pilot valve.

[0045] The flow control valve may comprise a housing including the valve body

[0046] Additionally of alternatively, the flow control valve may include another fluid bleed. Similarly, the fluid bleed may be configured for bleeding fluid from the inlet-pressure zone towards a pilot valve of the flow control valve. For example, this (additional or alternative) fluid bleed and be arranged between an outer circumferential surface of an upstream end portion of the valve element engaging an inner circumferential surface of an inlet connector.

[0047] In one embodiment, the flow guide skirt is (at least axially) fixed to the sliding portion, for example by a spreading ring. The flow guide portion is hence axially fixed with regard to the central portion as well. An axial position of the flow guide skirt relative to the central portion is fixed. Therefore, a geometry / shape of the

[0048] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO main fluid flow section (between the flow guide skirt and the central portion) is independent of an opening degree of the flow control valve. This facilitates to obtain good flow characteristics for the main fluid flow section for all opening degrees.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, an annular free tip of the flow guide skirt faces in the axial direction and / or the main fluid flow direction away from the sliding portion. Hence, the free tip is located at a downstream end of the flow guide skirt. This is beneficial for a good shielding of the outer space against direct impact of the flow valve and for the reliability of the flow guide skirt.

[0050] Further, additionally or alternatively, the sliding portion may be made of brass. In addition, the valve body and / or the inlet connector may be made of aluminum. Surprisingly it was found that using different materials for the sliding portion as well as the valve body and / or the inlet connector improves friction properties when these two components slide over each other compared to using aluminum for both components.

[0051] The flow guide skirt can circumferentially surround the central portion, at least partially along the axial direction and / or the main fluid flow direction. In other words, the flow guide skirt circumferentially surrounds the central portion (at least) sectionally along the axial direction and / or the main flow direction. This is a particularly cost-efficient implementation. Furthermore, completely surrounding the central portion (at least sectionally along the axial direction and / or the main flow direction) exhibits particularly good shielding of the outer space against the direct impact of the main fluid flow and particularly high reduction of the risk of particles entering the outer space.

[0052] According to one aspect, a flow cross-section between the flow guide skirt and the central portion (i.e. a flow cross-section of the main fluid flow space) can be

[0053] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO constant along the main flow direction. This is beneficial for the flow characteristics through the open flow control valve and hence improves the efficiency.

[0054] In one embodiment, the flow guide skirt is a sleeve-like element. This facilitates a cost-efficient production.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, a circumferential inner surface of the flow guide skirt can be tapered such that an inner diameter of the flow guide skirt increases along the main flow direction. This can help in obtaining good flow characteristics.

[0056] A wall thickness of the flow guide skirt in the lateral direction may decrease along the main flow direction, at least sectionally along the axial direction and / or the main flow direction. This allows for improving the packing (space needed for the flow guide skirt) while still ensuring good reliability and flow characteristics.

[0057] In one embodiment, the central portion includes a sealing head and a sealing head holder, wherein the sealing head is (at least axially) fixed to the sealing head holder. This allows for a specific selection of the individual material to meet the individual requirements. The sealing head includes the sealing section.

[0058] In one aspect, the sealing head may have a bulbous shape.

[0059] The central portion may further comprise fixation means fixing the sealing head to the sealing holder. Said fixation means may include (especially consist of) at least one screw. The sealing head may include a threaded bore. The sealing head holder may include a through-hole extending along the axial direction, maybe along the central axis, for the screw. It is also possible that a threaded engagement, bayonet engagement, or the like is formed directly between the sealing head holder and the sealing head.

[0060] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0061] The sealing head holder can be made of fiber-reinforced plastics, e.g. fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone. This ensures good mechanical stability and ruggedness of the sealing head holder. The fibers may include (and especially consist of) carbon-fibers. The fibers may be long (carbon-)fibers.

[0062] Alternatively, the sealing head holder can be provided by metal injection molding. In one aspect, the sealing head holder is made of stainless steel, and wherein the sealing head holder is provided by metal injection molding.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the flow guide skirt can be made of fiber-reinforced plastics, e.g. of fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone, for example carbon fiber- reinforced polyether ether ketone. The reinforcement with carbon fibers ensures particularly good dimensional accuracy. This is advantageous for ensuring a precise shape of the main fluid flow section and for reducing a risk of spatial distortions of the flow guide skirt and especially its downstream end, e.g. due to aging, temperature changes, or the like. Such distortions might result in collision of the downstream end of the flow guide skirt with the valve body when the flow control valve closes.

[0064] Alternatively, the flow guide skirt can be provided by metal injection molding. Further, the flow guide skirt may be made of stainless steel and may for example be provided by metal injection molding.

[0065] The use of metal injection molding for the seal head holder and / or the flow guide skirt provides better strength for the seal head holder or the flow guide skirt compared to the use of, for example, fiber-reinforced plastics, such as fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone. At the same time, using metal injection molding allows to improve manufacturing of the sealing head holder and the flow guide skirt respectively.

[0066] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0067] According to one aspect, the sealing head is made of plastics, e.g. of virgin polyether ether ketone. Virgin polyether ether ketone is more ductile and hence ensures better particularly proper sealing abutment against the valve seat when the flow control valve is closed.

[0068] The flow guide skirt can form part of the valve element. For example, the sliding portion, the flow guide skirt, and the central portion can form one unit.

[0069] In one embodiment, the flow guide skirt and at least a part of the central portion, for example the sealing head holder, are formed integrally. This increases the ruggedness and reduces the assembly steps. Furthermore, it is particularly easy to ensure smooth surfaces delimiting the main fluid flow space (e.g. without edges and / or slits that could impair the flow characteristics for the main fluid flow).

[0070] At least one radial strut may be formed between the flow guide skirt and the central portion. Especially, at least three radial struts may be formed between the flow guide skirt and the central portion. A width of the individual strut in a circumferential direction may be smaller than a length of the strut along the axial direction and / or than a length of the strut along the lateral (radial) direction. Additionally or alternatively, a cross-sectional area of the struts limiting the flow cross-section of the main fluid flow section may be less than 20 % (compared to the a flow crosssection of the main fluid flow section in a hypothetical case that there were no struts). This is beneficial for the good flow characteristics of the flow control valve.

[0071] In one embodiment, the flow control valve is an axial flow control valve. The main fluid flow may be not deflected within the flow control valve (apart from being guided alongside the central portion). The main fluid flow at the inlet port may be coaxial with the main fluid flow at the outlet port (when the flow control valve is open).

[0072] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0073] Additional features, advantages and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings. All the features described and / or illustrated graphically here form the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any desired combination, regardless of how they are combined in the claims or in their references back to preceding claims.

[0074] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment of a flow control valve according to the present invention in a closed state;

[0076] Fig. 2 shows a magnified section of Fig. 1 ;

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the flow control valve of Fig. 1 in fully open state;

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a magnified section of Fig. 3;

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a further embodiment of a flow control valve according to the present invention in a closed state; and

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a magnified section of Fig. 5.

[0081] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a flow control valve 1 for controlling a flow of a fluid, e.g. a refrigerant in a closed state. Fig. 3 shows the same longitudinal cross-section of the flow control valve 1 in a fully open state. Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a further embodiment of a flow control valve 1 in a closed state.

[0082] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0083] The flow control valve 1 comprises a housing. The housing includes an inlet connector 10 with an inlet port 11 , a (main), valve body 20 with a guiding chamber 21 having an (inner) circumferential surface 22, and an outlet connector 80 with an outlet port 83. The inlet connector 10 is fixed to the valve body 20, e.g. by a threaded engagement. The outlet connector 80 is fixed to the valve body 20, e.g. by a threaded engagement.

[0084] A main flow passage through the flow control valve 1 extends along an intended main flow direction MFD from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 83. The flow control valve 1 is an axial flow control valve. The main flow direction MFD is parallel to an axial direction AD. The main fluid flow may be even coaxial with a central axis CA.

[0085] A valve element 30 is inserted into the housing. The valve element 30 is axially movable within the housing along the axial direction AD and along the main flow direction MFD.

[0086] When the flow control valve 1 is closed as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a sealing section 51 of a central portion 50 of the valve element 30 sealingly abuts a valve seat 25 in the valve body 20. Thereby, a main flow passage is closed. The valve element 30 is in a most downstream position along the axal direction AD.

[0087] Figs. 3 and 4 show the flow control valve 1 in a fully open state. The valve element 30 is axially moved away from abutting the valve seat 25 by a maximum displacement. The main flow passage is fully open and the fluid (e.g. the refrigerant) easily flow from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 83 through the main flow passage.

[0088] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may refer to the axial direction AD in view of the intended main flow direction MFD if not stated otherwise.

[0089] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0090] The valve element 30 includes a sliding portion 31 , a flow guide skirt 41 , and a central portion 50.

[0091] The valve body 20 can be made, as an example, of aluminum or an aluminum- based alloy. The valve seat 25 may be formed integrally with the valve body 20.

[0092] The inlet connector 10 and / or the outlet connector 80 can be made of the same or other material(s) than the valve body 20. For example, the inlet connector 10 and / or the outlet connector 80 can be made copper-plated steel (including the case of copper-plated stainless steel), brass, copper and / or of bronze.

[0093] The sliding portion 31 can be made of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy. Alternatively the sliding portion 31 can be made of brass.

[0094] Preferably, the sliding portion 31 is made of brass and the valve body 20 and / or the inlet connector 10 are made of aluminum. Using different materials for the sliding portion 31 and the valve body 20 and / or the inlet connector 10 improves friction properties when these two components slide over each other.

[0095] The valve body 20 and the sliding portion 31 can be made of the same material.

[0096] In more detail, the valve element 30 includes an insert element 40 that includes the flow guide skirt 41 , a sealing head holder 48 forming part of the central portion 50, and several lateral struts 47. The struts 47 fix the sealing head holder 48 to the flow guide skirt 41 . Seen along a lateral direction LD (which is perpendicular the axial direction AD), the sealing head holder 48 forms an inner part of the insert element 40, the flow guide skirt 41 forms an outer part of the insert element 40, and the struts 47 connects the inner part with said outer part.

[0097] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0098] Actually, in this embodiment, the lateral direction LD is a radial direction. Correspondingly, for example, the struts 47 can be also referred to as "radial" struts 47.

[0099] In this exemplary embodiment, the insert element 40 includes four struts 47. Due to the perspective, only one of the struts 47 can be seen in the figures, especially in Figs. 2 and 4.

[0100] In general, the struts 47 can be formed integrally with the flow guide skirt 41 and / or the sealing head holder 48.

[0101] Especially, the insert element 40 can be formed in one piece. In other words, the flow guide skirt 41 , the struts 47, and the sealing head holder 48 are formed in one part. The insert element 40 can be formed by injection molding. There may be, for example, four injection points for the injection molding. Additionally or alternatively, a number of the injection points can correspond to a number of the struts 47.

[0102] The insert element 40 can be made of fiber-reinforced plastics, e.g. from polyether ether ketone reinforced with long carbon fibers.

[0103] In this embodiment, the central portion 50 includes the sealing head holder 48, a sealing head 52 including the sealing section 51 , and a screw 53 fixing the sealing head 52 to the sealing head holder 48. The screw 53 can be a metal screw.

[0104] In more detail, a threaded engagement 54 is formed between the sealing head and the screw 53. A screw-head 55 of the screw 53 is arranged at an upstream end of the central portion 50. A shaft of the screw 53 is inserted through a central hole of the sealing head holder 48 for allowing the threaded engagement 54 between a downstream portion of the screw 53 and the sealing head 52.

[0105] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0106] At an outer circumferential surface 50A of the central portion 50, there is a smooth transition from the sealing head holder 48 to the sealing head 52. This improves the flow characteristics.

[0107] The flow guide skirt 41 (and hence the insert element 40 and with it the whole central portion 50) are secured to the sliding portion 31 of the valve element 30.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment, the insert element 40 includes an annular flange formed at an upstream end 42 of the flow guide skirt 41. Said flange protrudes laterally outward from an outer circumferential surface of the flow guide skirt 41 .

[0109] The sliding portion 31 includes a mount 33 for mounting the insert element 40, in particular for receiving the annular flange. The upstream end of the flow guide skirt 41 axially abuts an annular upstream end face of the mount 33. Further, an outer circumference of the flange of the flow guide skirt 41 laterally circumvented by an annular wall of the mount 33 that protrudes downstream with respect to the annular upstream end face of the mount 33.

[0110] In this exemplary embodiment, said mount 33 also include an annular groove 34 that is formed in an inner circumferential surface of the annular wall. A spring ring (expanding ring) 39 is snapped into the annular groove 34. It secures the annular flange at the flow guide skirt 41 within the mount 33.

[0111] The sliding portion 31 - and hence the rest of the valve element 30 that is axially secured to the sliding portion 31 - is guided within the guiding chamber 21. An outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 31 engages the inner circumferential surface 22 of the guiding chamber 21 .

[0112] In addition, an upstream portion 35 of the sliding portion 31 protrudes into the inlet connector 10. The upstream portion 35 has a reduced outer diameter. A part of

[0113] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO an outer circumference of the upstream portion 35 engages an inner circumferential surface 13 of a guiding chamber 12 in the inlet connector 10. When the flow control valve 1 is fully open, said part (and an axial overlap between the upstream portion 35 and the guiding chamber 21 ) is larger since the upstream portion 35 is moved farther into the inlet connector 10 compared to the case when the flow control valve 1 is closed.

[0114] The main flow passage can be explained best referring to Fig. 3 where the flow control valve 1 is fully open. The main flow passage extends from the inlet port 11 along the main flow direction MFD (which coincidences with the central axis CA) to the outlet port 83. Firstly, it extends along the central axis CA from the inlet port 11 through the inlet connector 10 up to the upstream portion 35. Then, it extends along the central axis CA through the sliding element 31 .

[0115] The central portion 50 of the valve element 30 is inserted into the main flow passage.

[0116] The main flow passage includes a circumventing flow passage for passing the fluid alongside the central portion 50. The circumventing flow passage includes a main fluid flow section space 46 formed between the flow guide skirt 41 and an outer circumferential surface 50A of the central portion 50, and further a flow space 26 that is formed between the central portion 50 and the valve body 20 downstream of the flow guide skirt 41 .

[0117] In cross-sections perpendicular to the central axis CA (and the main flow direction MFD), the circumventing flow passage is substantially annularly around the outer circumference 50A of the central portion 50, locally interrupted by the struts 47.

[0118] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0119] When the flow control valve 1 is open, the main flow passage "reunites" downstream of the central portion 50. The valve seat 25 is arranged at the main flow passage such that the latter is blocked when the flow control valve 1 is closed.

[0120] Downstream of the valve seat 25, the main flow passage may include a diffuser portion 82.

[0121] The main flow passage ends at the outlet port 83.

[0122] A downstream end portion of the guiding chamber 21 is used as displacement space 23 for the sliding portion 31. When comparing Fig. 2 showing the valve element 30 when the flow control valve 1 is closed and Fig. 4 showing the valve element 30 when the flow control valve 1 is fully open, it appears that the sliding portion 31 partly occupies the displacement space 23 in Fig. 2.

[0123] The flow guide skirt 41 shields a laterally outer space between the flow guide skirt 41 and the valve body 20 from the main fluid flow section space 46 that is defined between the flow guide skirt 41 and the central portion 50.

[0124] In more detail, the flow guide skirt 41 shields the laterally outer space between the outer circumferential surface of the flow guide skirt 41 and an inner circumferential surface of the valve body 20 from the main fluid flow section space 46 that is defined between an inner circumferential surface 44 of the flow guide skirt 41 and the outer circumferential surface 50A of the central portion 50.

[0125] The laterally outer space includes the displacement space 23. In the exemplary embodiment, the flow guide skirt 41 shields the complete displacement space 23 from direct impact of the main fluid flow independently of an (axial) position of the valve element 30 (i.e. in any opening degree of the flow control valve 1 ).

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[0127] At least when the flow control valve 1 is closed, a downstream end of the flow guide skirt 41 , here in the form of a free annular tip 43, may protrude into an inner space of the valve body 20 between the guiding chamber 21 and the valve seat 25. Said inner space might be referred to as intermediate space 26. The "laterally outer space" shielded by the flow guide skirt 41 hence includes (in addition to the displacement space 23) an outer channel 24 formed between the outer circumferential surface of the flow guide skirt 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 20 in the intermediate space 26. The outer channel 24 is, in this embodiment, annular.

[0128] According to one aspect, a downstream end of the flow guide skirt 41 (e.g. the annular tip 43) protrudes over a downstream end of the guiding chamber 21 even when the flow control valve 1 is fully open.

[0129] The flow guide skirt 41 hence helps to ensure a smooth flow of the fluid (refrigerant) alongside the central portion 50, especially adjacently alongside the outer circumferential surface 50A of the central portion 50. In addition, it reduces the risk that particles entrained by the main fluid flow accumulate in the displacement space 23 and finally enter into the engagement area between the inner circumferential surface 22 of the guiding chamber 21 and the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 31 .

[0130] In this embodiment, the shielding of the flow guide skirt 41 covers both the downstream end of the sliding portion 31 and the downstream end of the guiding chamber 21 , respectively even when the flow control valve 1 is fully open. This allows particularly low flow resistance for the fluid when the flow control valve 1 is fully open.

[0131] According to one aspect, a lateral step (i.e. a step in the lateral direction LD) from the inner circumferential surface 44 of the flow guide skirt 41 to the inner

[0132] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO circumferential surface of the valve body 20 at the downstream end (the tip 43) of the flow guide skirt 41 may correspond to less than 12 % of a radius of the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 20 at this axial position, may be even in any axial position of the valve element 30. A widening of the main flow passage in the lateral direction LD at the downstream end of the flow guide skirt 41 is particularly small. This helps in reducing turbulences of the main fluid flow.

[0133] The flow control valve 1 includes an equalization opening 45 that allows the inlet pressure and some fluid to propagate from the flow passage (in this embodiment from the intermediate space 26) to the displacement space 23. The equalization opening 45 opens to the main fluid passage upstream of the valve seat 25.

[0134] With respect to the main flow direction MFD, the equalization opening 45 is located downstream of the guiding chamber 21 (even when the flow control valve 1 is fully open). Especially, the equalization opening 45 is always located downstream the displacement space 23.

[0135] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the equalization opening 45 is formed between the downstream end of the flow guide skirt 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 20. In other words, the equalization opening 45 fluidly connects the part of the intermediate space 26 that forms part of the main flow passage with the part of the intermediate space 26 shielded by the flow guide skirt 41 (i.e. the outer channel 24).

[0136] A flow cross-section of the equalization opening 45 is smaller than a (smallest) flow cross-section of the circumventing flow passage when the flow control valve 1 is fully open and / or a (smallest) flow cross-section of the inner main fluid flow space 46.

[0137] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0138] An inlet-pressure zone within the flow control valve 1 includes all spaces for ac- commodating / receiving the fluid to which unimpaired pressure-propagation (within the flow control valve 1 ) of the inlet pressure is possible even when the flow control valve 1 is closed. Additionally or alternatively, the inlet-pressure zone within the flow control valve 1 may include all spaces for accommodating the fluid that have an unimpaired fluid communication (within the flow control valve 1 ) to the inlet port 11 even when the flow control valve 1 is closed. In this embodiment, the inlet-pressure zone includes the inlet port 11 itself, an interior of the inlet connector 10 upstream of the sliding portion 31 , an interior of the sliding portion 31 (including the interior of its upstream portion 35), the main fluid flow space 46, the intermediate section 26, the equalization opening 45, the outer channel 24, and the displacement space 23.

[0139] In the exemplary embodiment, the flow control valve 1 further includes a pilot valve 63. The pilot valve 63 is configured to induce opening and closing of the flow control valve 1 .

[0140] The flow control valve 1 includes a pilot fluid supply for limited fluid supply of the fluid (e.g. the refrigerant) from the inlet-pressure zone to the pilot valve 63. For example, the pilot fluid supply can include at least one fluid bleed 32, 36 from the inlet-pressure zone, an annular bleed-collection chamber 36, and at least one bleed fluid channel 28 for passing fluid from the annular bleed-collection chamber 36 towards the pilot valve 63. The exemplary embodiment shown includes two bleed fluid channels 28, wherein only one is visible in the Figs. 1 to 4 due to the perspective.

[0141] In more detail, a fluid bleed 32 from the inlet-pressure zone is formed in the engagement area between the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion 31 and the inner circumferential surface 22 of the guiding chamber 21 (also referred to as downstream fluid bleed 32). In the figures, the downstream fluid bleed 32

[0142] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO includes a labyrinth seal. However, the downstream fluid bleed 32 can alternatively or additionally include one or more piston rings.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, a fluid bleed 36 is formed in an engagement area between the outer circumferential surface of the upstream portion 35 and the inner circumferential surface of the guiding chamber 12 in the inlet connector 10 (also referred to as upstream fluid bleed 36). In the figures, the upstream fluid bleed 36 includes a labyrinth seal. However, the upstream fluid bleed 32 can alternatively or additionally include one or more piston rings.

[0144] Both the upstream fluid bleed 36 and the downstream fluid bleed 32 are configured to bleed fluid from the inlet-pressure zone into the bleed-collection chamber 27. A maximum amount of fluid provided by the fluid bleeds 32, 36 is limited.

[0145] For opening the flow control valve 1 starting from the situation shown in Figs. 1 and 2, initially the pilot valve 63 is opened. A fluid connection from the bleedcollection chamber 27 to the main fluid passage downstream of the valve seat 25 is opened. In operation, an outlet pressure in the main fluid passage downstream of the valve seat 25 is lower than the inlet pressure while the flow control valve 1 is closed. As a consequence, a pressure in the bleed-collection chamber 27 decreases. An axial force applied to the sliding portion 31 at a side facing the bleedcollection chamber 27 that forces the valve element 30 towards abutting the valve seat 25 decreases. A downstream side of the valve element 30 (including the downstream end of the sliding portion 31 facing the displacement chamber 23) is - except an area encircled by the valve seat 25 - still subjected to the higher inletpressure. A resilient force of a resilient element, e.g. a spring 29, that biases the valve element 30 towards abutting the valve seat 25 is overcome. The spring 29 may be a conical spring as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 or a cylindrical spring as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The valve element 30 displaces away from abutting the valve seat 25 to a fully open position as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0146] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0147] In the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the spring 29 is positioned between a chamfer 14 on the inlet connector 10 and a chamfer 37 on the mount 33. In addition, a recess 33A of the mount 33 is provided. The recess 33A reduces the weight and the material required for the mount 33 compared to the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4. At the same time, the spring 29 can be arranged partially inside the recess 33A and held in place by the chamfers 14 and 37, thereby achieving improved guidance of the spring 29.

[0148] For closing the flow control valve 1 starting from the situation shown in Figs. 3 and 4, initially the pilot valve 63 is closed. Due to the fluid bleeds 32, 36, the pressure in the bleed-collection chamber 27 increases until it reaches the inlet pressure. The increased pressure in the bleed-collection chamber 27 and the resilient element (the spring 29) push the valve element 30 axially back into abutment with the valve seat 25 and the flow control valve 1 is closed.

[0149] Due to arrangement with the pilot valve 63, only a small actuation force is needed to induce opening of the flow control valve 1 . The actuation force has to be sufficient to open the smaller pilot valve 63 only. The forces for opening and closing the main valve (with the valve element 30 and the valve seat 25) are provided by the pressure differences of the refrigerant that are influenced by switching the pilot valve 63 between the open state and the closed state of the pilot valve 63. Accordingly, the requirements for the power of the actuator lower. The actuator can be less powerful. It can be smaller and cheaper. The pilot valve arrangement allows opening of a large orifice (i.e. at the valve seat 25), which is subjected to a large pressure differential, with a minimum actuator force and hence a minimum energy consumption.

[0150] In general, the pilot valve 63 can be of any type. According to one aspect, the pilot valve 63 can be configured to open in at least two stages. For example, the pilot

[0151] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO valve 63 shown in Figs. 1 and 3 is configured to open in two stages (i.e. the pilot valve 63 is a two-stage opening pilot valve). In other words, the flow control valve 1 opens in three stages, wherein the third stage is that the valve element 30 lifts off from the valve seat 25.

[0152] In this embodiment, the pilot valve 63 includes a larger valve seat 69 and a corresponding larger sealing section as well as a smaller valve seat 65 and a corresponding smaller sealing section. The smaller sealing section is formed on a member that is movable by an actuator, in this example on a movable armature member 64. The larger sealing section and the smaller valve seat 65 are formed at opposite sides of a valve member 66 along a longitudinal axis LAP of the pilot valve 63. The smaller valve seat 65 is located on a side facing an the movable armature member 64 (an actuator-side). The larger sealing section is located on the opposite side (a lower side).

[0153] The larger valve seat 69 is formed around an inlet of a discharge passage 70 for discharging fluid from the pilot valve 63.

[0154] The valve member 66 is movable along the longitudinal axis LAP of the pilot valve 63 (into abutment and out of abutment on the larger valve seat 69). The valve member 66 includes an inner fluid channel extending from the smaller valve seat 65 to the lower side. In other words, the smaller valve seat 65 is formed around a first opening of the inner fluid channel and a second opening of the inner fluid channel faces towards the inlet of the discharge passage 70.

[0155] The flow control valve 1 may include the actuator for actuating the pilot valve 63. In general, all kinds of actuators are feasible. The actuator can, for example, comprise an electromagnetic actuator (e.g. including a permanent magnet), a wax actuator, a shape memory alloy actuator, and / or a solenoid actuator.

[0156] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0157] In this exemplary embodiment, the flow control valve 1 includes a solenoid actuator. There is a coil 90, the movable armature member 64, and a static armature member 68. By applying an electric current to the coil 90, the movable armature member 64 can be drawn along the longitudinal axis LAP of the pilot valve 63 in a direction away from the larger valve seat 69. In other words, by applying the electric current to the coil 90, the movable armature member 64 can be moved towards the static armature member 68. The static armature member 68 is fixed with respect to the valve body 20 via a pilot valve housing 61 .

[0158] When the pilot valve 63 is closed as in Fig. 1 , the larger sealing section of the valve member 66 sealingly abuts the larger valve seat 69 and the smaller sealing section sealingly abuts the smaller valve seat 65. A fluid bleed allows for a limited flow of fluid from an outlet of the bleed fluid channels 28 to a fluid space at the actuator-side of the valve member 66. Both a fluid space at the lower side of the valve member 66 and the fluid space at the actuator-side are subject to the inlet pressure. However, at the lower side of the valve member 66, a first central section encircled by the larger sealing section is not subject to the inlet pressure in this situation. Further, at the actuator-side of the valve member 66, a second central section encircled by the smaller valve seat 63 is not subject to the inlet pressure in this situation. As noted above, in operation, the outlet pressure in the main fluid passage downstream of the valve seat 25 is lower than the inlet pressure while the flow control valve 1 is closed. Further, in Fig. 1 , the discharge passage 70 and the inner channel of the valve member 66 are in fluid connection with part of the main fluid passage downstream of the valve seat 25. As the second central section is smaller than the first central section, the inlet pressure keeps the valve member 66 (in particular the larger sealing section) in abutment with the larger valve seat 69.

[0159] Furthermore, a resilient element (e.g. a pilot valve spring 67) keeps the movable armature member 64 into abutment with the smaller valve seat 65. Additionally or

[0160] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO alternatively, the inlet pressure may propagate to a longitudinal end face of the movable armature member 64 facing away from the valve member 66. Since the second central section is not subjected to the inlet pressure in this state, the inlet pressure also keeps the movable armature member 64 into abutment with the smaller valve seat 65.

[0161] Opening of the pilot valve 63 occurs in two stages. In a first stage, an actuator retracts the movable armature member 64 away from abutting the smaller valve seat 65. Fluid escapes from the fluid space at the actuator-side of the valve member 66 through the inner fluid channel. It flows further through the discharge passage 70 and is discharged through a discharge outlet 81 into the main flow passage (downstream of the valve seat 25 with regard to the main flow direction MFD). As only limited fluid flow to the fluid space at the actuator-side is possible, the pressure in said fluid space decreases.

[0162] Accordingly, in a second stage, the high inlet pressure at its lower side pushes the valve member 66 away from abutting the larger valve seat 69 such that the pilot valve 63 is completely open. Fluid provided to the pilot valve 63 (via the pilot fluid supply) passes between the larger sealing section and the larger valve seat 69 into the discharge passage 70.

[0163] For closing the pilot valve 63, the coil 90 is not powered (supplied with electrical current) anymore and the fluid pressure in the fluid space at the actuator-side of the valve member 66 pushes the valve member 66 (together with the movable armature member 64) back towards abutting the larger valve seat 69.

[0164] The (larger) valve seat 69 of the pilot valve 63 can be formed integrally with the valve body 20. A pilot valve assembly 60 may be fixed to the valve body 20, e.g. via a union nut 62. The pilot valve assembly 60 forms together with the (larger) valve seat 69 the (two-stage) pilot valve 63.

[0165] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0166] The pilot valve assembly 60 can include at least one of, several of, or all of the following: The pilot valve housing 61 , the valve member 66, the movable armature member 64, the (optional) resilient element of the pilot valve 63 (e.g. the pilot valve spring 67), the static armature member 68, and the coil 90.

[0167] The movable armature member 64 can be (at least partly) made of a metal material that is configured to be moved by an electromagnetic force generated by the actuator.

[0168] According to an aspect, the discharge outlet 81 can be located between the valve seat 25 and the diffuser portion 82. The annular discharge outlet 81 is configured to discharge a pilot fluid flow from the discharge outlet 81 into the main flow passage (at least substantially) symmetrically with respect to a main flow axis (which may correspond to the central axis CA as shown in the figures). The discharge outlet 81 can be formed annularly. It can be formed around the main flow direction MFD and / or the central axis CA, especially it can be coaxially with the central axis CA. The discharge outlet 81 is the end of the discharge passage 70 extending from the pilot valve 63 to the main flow passage. Fluid passing through the pilot valve 63 can be discharged into the main flow passage via the discharge passage 70.

[0169] Especially the discharge outlet 81 can be formed at an interface between the valve body 20 and the outlet connector 80.

[0170] The fluid bleeds 32, 36, the bleed-collection chamber 27, the bleed fluid channels) 28, the pilot valve 63, and the discharge passage 70 with its discharge outlet 81 form part of a fluid bypass for bypassing the valve seat 25 when the pilot valve 63 is open.

[0171] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0172] It is noted that the flow guide skirt 41 of the shown embodiment synergistic effects: It improves the flow characteristics of the main flow passage (when the flow control valve 1 is open), it reduces the risk that particles are accumulated in the displacement space, and it supports the central portion 50. It can be easily installed during manufacturing because it is secured to the sealing member 31 by the spring ring 39 only.

[0173] Further, in the embodiment depicted in Figs. 5 and 6 the insert element 40 comprises a cavity 40A. Due to cavity 40A, the main fluid flow space 46 has a more uniform diameter and narrows less in the axial direction AD or the main flow direction MFD. In addition, the cavity 40A allows to provide the sealing head holder 48 with a more uniform thickness along the axial direction AD or the main flow direction MFD. The sealing head holder 48 can thus be manufactured more easily. In particular, manufacturing using metal injection molding is facilitated for the embodiment depicted in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0174] Similarly, the change in shape of the flow guide skirt 41 in Figs. 5 and 6 compared to the previous embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 permits easier manufacturing through metal injection molding. Further, in the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the sealing head 52 has a bulbous shape in order to ensure a sufficient diameter in the area of the valve seat 25.

[0175] In summary, the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 is optimized in terms of weight and functionality with regard to partial production by metal injection molding, without having a different working principle than the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4.

[0176] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0177] Reference signs:

[0178] 1 Flow control valve

[0179] 10 inlet connector

[0180] 11 inlet port

[0181] 12 guiding chamber (in the inlet connector)

[0182] 13 inner circumferential surface

[0183] 14 chamfer (on the inlet connector)

[0184] 20 valve body

[0185] 21 guiding chamber (in the valve body)

[0186] 22 inner circumferential surface

[0187] 23 displacement space

[0188] 24 annular outer channel

[0189] 25 valve seat

[0190] 26 intermediate space

[0191] 27 bleed-collection chamber

[0192] 28 bleed fluid channel

[0193] 29 spring

[0194] 30 valve element

[0195] 31 sliding portion

[0196] 32, 36 fluid bleed

[0197] 33 mount

[0198] 33A recess (of the mount)

[0199] 34 annular groove

[0200] 35 upstream portion

[0201] 37 chamfer (on the mount)

[0202] 40 insert element

[0203] 40A cavity (of the insert element)

[0204] 41 flow guide skirt

[0205] 42 upstream end

[0206] 43 annular tip

[0207] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0208] 44 inner circumferential surface

[0209] 45 equalization opening

[0210] 46 main fluid flow space

[0211] 47 strut

[0212] 48 sealing head holder

[0213] 50 central portion

[0214] 50A outer circumferential surface

[0215] 51 sealing section

[0216] 52 sealing head

[0217] 53 screw

[0218] 54 threaded engagement

[0219] 55 screw-head

[0220] 60 pilot valve assembly

[0221] 61 pilot valve housing

[0222] 62 union nut

[0223] 63 pilot valve

[0224] 64 movable armature member

[0225] 65 smaller valve seat

[0226] 66 valve member

[0227] 67 pilot valve spring

[0228] 68 static armature member

[0229] 69 larger valve seat

[0230] 70 discharge passage

[0231] 80 outlet connector

[0232] 81 discharge outlet

[0233] 82 diffuser portion

[0234] 83 outlet port

[0235] 90 coil

[0236] AD axial direction

[0237] CA central axis

[0238] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

[0239] MFD main flow direction

[0240] LAP longitudinal axis (of the pilot valve)

[0241] LD lateral direction

[0242] October 1 , 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

Claims

Claims:

1. Flow control valve (1 ), comprising: a valve body (20); a valve seat (25); and a valve element (30) including a laterally outer sliding portion (31 ) and a laterally inner central portion (50), wherein the central portion (50) is at least axially fixed with respect to the sliding portion (31 ) and has a sealing section (51 ) for abutting the valve seat (25) in a closed state of the flow control valve (1 ); wherein the valve body (20) comprises a guiding chamber (21 ) for guiding the sliding portion (31 ) allowing movement of the valve element (30) along an axial direction (AD) and / or an intended main flow direction (MFD) with respect to the valve seat (25), wherein an outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion (31 ) engages an inner circumferential surface (22) of the guiding chamber (21 ); wherein the flow control valve (1 ) includes a circumventing flow passage (26, 46) for allowing a main fluid flow to pass alongside the central portion (50) in a main flow direction (MFD) to the valve seat (25), characterized in that the flow control valve (1 ) includes a flow guide skirt (41 ), wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) is, in a lateral direction (LD), interposed between the central portion (50) and the valve body (20) and is configured to shield a laterally outer space (23, 24) between the flow guide skirt (41 ) and the valve body (20) from a main fluid flow space (46) between the flow guide skirt (41 ) and the central portion (50).

2. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laterally outer space (23, 24) includes a displacement space (23), wherein the displacement space (23) is located laterally between the flow guide skirt (41 ) and the inner circumferential surface (22) of the guiding chamber (21 ) and wherein the displacement space (23) increases with increased displacementOctober 1, 2025 D 200 P 2648 WOof the valve element (30) along the axial direction (AD) and / or the main fluid flow direction (MFD) away from abutting the valve seat (25).

3. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow control valve (1 ) includes an equalization opening (45) for fluidly connecting the laterally outer space (23, 24) with the main fluid flow, wherein the equalization opening (45) opens to the main fluid flow upstream of the valve seat (25).

4. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow control valve (1 ) includes an additional pilot valve (63) and wherein the engagement between the outer circumferential surface of the sliding portion (31 ) and the inner circumferential surface (22) of the guiding chamber (21 ) allows for limited flow of fluid from the laterally outer space (23, 24) to the pilot valve (63).

5. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,• wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) is at least axially fixed to the sliding portion (31 ), for example by a spreading ring (39), and / or• wherein an annular free tip (43) of the flow guide skirt (41 ) faces in the axial direction (AD) and / or the main fluid flow direction (MFD) away from the sliding portion (31 ), and / or• wherein the sliding portion (31 ) is made of brass and the valve body (20) is made of aluminum.

6. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) circumferentially surrounds the centralOctober 1, 2025 D 200 P 2648 WOportion (50), at least partially along the axial direction (AD) and / or the main fluid flow direction (MFD).

7. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the fluid guide skirt (41 ) in the axial direction (AD) and / or the main fluid flow direction (MFD) is larger than a maximum axial displacement of the valve element (30) relative to the valve seat (25).

8. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow cross-section between the flow guide skirt (41 ) and the central portion (50) is constant along the main flow direction (MFD).

9. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) is a sleeve-like element and / or wherein a circumferential inner surface (44) of the flow guide skirt (41 ) is tapered such that an inner diameter of the flow guide skirt (41 ) increases along the main flow direction (MFD).

10. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion (50) includes a sealing head (52) and a sealing head holder (48), wherein the sealing head (52) is at least axially fixed to the sealing head holder (48).11 . Flow control valve (1 ) according to claim 10,• wherein the sealing head holder (48) is made of fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone, or• wherein the sealing head holder (48) is provided by metal injection molding and is preferably made of stainless steel.October 1, 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO12. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,• wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) is made of fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone or • wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) is provided by metal injection molding and is preferably made of stainless steel.

13. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow guide skirt (41 ) and at least a part of the central portion (50) are formed integrally.

14. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one lateral strut (47) is formed between the flow guide skirt (41 ) and the central portion (50).

15. Flow control valve (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow control valve (1 ) is an axial flow control valve.October 1, 2025 D 200 P 2648 WO

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