Valve and method for producing an actuator housing for an actuator unit for such a valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (1) having a base unit (2) with a base housing (3) delimiting a receiving area (4), which is open on one side and is enclosed by a coil assembly (5) of the base unit, the coil assembly being provided in the base housing, and having an actuator unit (7) which is provided in the receiving area of the base unit, the actuator unit having a multi-part actuator housing (10), which accommodates a valve member (9) of the actuator unit, the valve member being axially adjustable along an adjustment axis (8), and a rotor device (32) of the actuator unit, the rotor device being mounted on the valve member and interacting electromagnetically with the coil assembly. It is essential to the invention that two housing parts of the actuator housing are coaxially centered relative to one another and / or secured to one another via a conical connection. The invention further relates to a method for producing an actuator housing for an actuator unit for such a valve.

Description

[0001] M24070 INV

[0002] December 10, 2025

[0003] 1

[0004] Valve and method for manufacturing an actuator housing for an actuator unit for such a valve

[0005] The present invention relates to a valve according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to an actuator unit, an actuator housing and a method for manufacturing an actuator housing for an actuator unit of such a valve.

[0006] A valve of the type mentioned above is described in German patent application DE 10 2019 111 207 A1. The manufacture of the known valve is relatively expensive due to a complex and therefore relatively time-consuming valve assembly process, as well as comparatively high storage and logistics costs.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of a valve. In particular, it aims to demonstrate a way in which a valve can be provided more cost-effectively.

[0008] In the present invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0009] The aforementioned problem is solved by a valve, in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve, or a shut-off valve, comprising a base unit with a base housing that defines a receptacle open on one side, which is enclosed by a coil assembly of the base unit arranged in the base housing. The valve further comprises an actuator unit arranged in the receptacle of the base unit, which incorporates a multi-part M24070 INV

[0010] 10.12.2025

[0011] 2

[0012] The actuator housing comprises a rotor assembly that interacts electromagnetically with the coil assembly and a valve element that is axially adjustable along an actuating axis on the rotor assembly. Crucially, two housing parts of the actuator housing are coaxially centered and / or fixed to one another via a conical connection. This conical connection has a conical surface formed by a first housing part of the two housing parts, which circumferentially surrounds a central axis of the actuator housing, and a contact surface formed by a second housing part of the two housing parts, which also circumferentially surrounds the central axis and rests against the conical surface of the first housing part. The conical connection is thus formed by the contact surface resting, in particular centrally, against the conical surface. Furthermore, it is provided that the contact surface cylindrically and / or coaxially surrounds the central axis.

[0013] In other words, the contact surface of the second housing part is specifically not conical or free of cones. This measure simplifies the manufacturing of the second housing part, as it eliminates the need to create a complementary (i.e., conical) mating surface to the conical surface, thus making it more cost-effective than before.

[0014] According to the invention, the terms "conical" and "cone-shaped" can be used synonymously. The fact that the contact surface cylindrically encloses the central axis can mean that the contact surface is circularly cylindrical. In this case, i.e., with a circularly cylindrical design of the contact surface, all points that can be arranged on the contact surface are equidistant from the central axis. However, the contact surface could also have a non-circular cylindrical shape, for example, an elliptical-cylindrical shape or a prismatic-cylindrical shape. M24070 INV

[0015] December 10, 2025

[0016] 3

[0017] The term "axial" refers to the actuating axis of the valve element within a given actuator unit. An "axial direction" can be parallel or substantially parallel to the actuating axis of the valve element.

[0018] The coil arrangement can, for example, consist of at least one coil that can be activated by current. Preferably, the coil arrangement can comprise two coils axially spaced apart from each other, each of which can be activated by current.

[0019] Furthermore, the base housing may contain a circuit board electrically connected to the coil assembly, which has electrically conductive conductor tracks and / or at least one electronic component for controlling the coil assembly.

[0020] It can be provided that the aforementioned rotor assembly is mounted coaxially to the central axis of the actuator housing and is rotatable in a circumferential direction about the central axis of the actuator housing. Advantageously, the valve element is mounted in the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly advantageously comprises a first component that electromagnetically interacts with the coil arrangement of the base unit to generate the rotary motion of the rotor assembly, and a second component fixed to the first component that translates the rotary motion of the rotor assembly into an axial positioning motion of the valve element, for example, in the manner of a spindle drive.Furthermore, the first cooperation partner may have a permanent magnet arrangement consisting of at least one or more permanent magnets, and / or the second cooperation partner may have an internal thread that meshes with an external thread of the valve element that is designed complementary to the internal thread. M24070 INV.

[0021] December 10, 2025

[0022] 4

[0023] An advantageous way to fix the first housing part to the second housing part is to secure the first housing part to the contact surface of the second housing part via its conical surface, preferably by means of an interference fit, creating a force-fit and positive connection. More generally, the first housing part is pushed onto the second housing part via its conical surface, applying a pressing force between the two housing parts. The first housing part can advantageously be joined to the second housing part by applying force (i.e., by interference fit). This permanently and inseparably fixes the two housing parts to one another. The actuator housing can thus be produced cost-effectively, since neither additional joining methods nor the necessary auxiliary or additive materials are required to achieve the proposed fixation.

[0024] In particular, it can be provided that a butt gap formed during the assembly of the actuator housing between the first housing part and the second housing part is sealed fluid-tight by a material-bonded connection between the first and second housing parts, preferably achieved by bonding or welding, especially laser welding. During assembly of the actuator housing, the first housing part can, for example, be loosely pre-fixed to the second housing part by generating the pressing force through sliding or by press fit. In this process, the two pre-fixed components define a butt gap or at least a groove circumferentially around the central axis in a boundary region (butt area), which is then sealed fluid-tight, preferably by bonding or welding, especially laser welding.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a conical angle α is formed between the conical surface and the central axis. M24070 INV

[0026] December 10, 2025

[0027] 5 is clamped, with a cone angle between 3° and 5°, preferably between 3.7° and 4.3°, and particularly preferably 4°. The specified cone angle α ensures sufficient centering of the first and second housing parts relative to each other. Furthermore, the specified cone angle prevents damage to the two housing parts during pressing, particularly when achieving the aforementioned press fit. It is conceivable that the cone angle changes along the axial extent of the conical surface. However, it is preferred that the cone angle remains constant along the axial extent of the conical surface.

[0028] In particular, it can be provided that the conical surface is oriented radially outwards (i.e. radially away from the central axis).

[0029] Furthermore, in particular, it can be provided that the first housing part is formed by a pot-shaped housing base of the actuator housing and that the conical surface is arranged on an annular projection of the housing base which runs ring-shaped around the central axis.

[0030] Advantageously, the second housing part can be formed by a hollow cylindrical sleeve body of the actuator housing. The contact surface can preferably be formed by a radially inward (i.e., radially towards the central axis) oriented section of an inner surface of the sleeve body, arranged at a first axial end of the sleeve body. The sleeve body is preferably made of metal, in particular sheet metal.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to provide that the second housing part and a third housing part of the actuator housing are coaxially centered and / or fixed to each other, particularly via a further conical connection. In this context, it is conceivable that the further conical connection is formed by the third housing part and follows the central axis of the M24070 INV.

[0032] December 10, 2025

[0033] 6

[0034] The actuator housing has a further conical surface running around the central axis, as well as a further contact surface formed by the second housing part, which runs around the central axis and rests against the further conical surface. This further contact surface surrounds the central axis cylindrically and / or coaxially. The further conical connection is thus formed by the, in particular, central contact of the further contact surface against the further conical surface. In other words, the further contact surface of the second housing part is also not conical or cone-free. This measure further simplifies the manufacture of the second housing part, as it eliminates the need for a further counter surface complementary to the conical surface (i.e., conical).

[0035] The further contact surface can preferably be formed by a further surface section of the inner surface of the sleeve body, arranged at a second axial end of the sleeve body and oriented radially inwards (i.e. radially towards the central axis).

[0036] In particular, the first housing part and the third housing part are coaxially centered and / or fixed to each other via the second housing part.

[0037] It is generally advantageous that the first housing part and the third housing part are centered and / or fixed relative to each other via the second housing part, such that a first housing part center axis of the first housing part, which coincides with the center axis of the actuator housing, and a third housing part center axis of the third housing part run in substantially the same direction as the first housing part center axis. This minimizes deviations from a coaxial arrangement of the first housing part relative to the third housing part. In particular, a second housing part center axis of the second housing part also runs in substantially the same direction as the first housing part center axis and the third housing part center axis. In particular, the angle between the first housing part center axis and the third housing part center axis is 0° to 1°, more specifically 0° to 0.5°, more specifically 0° to 0.1°. M24070 INV

[0038] December 10, 2025

[0039] 7

[0040] In particular, the minimum distance between the first housing part center axis and the third housing center axis is 0 mm to 0.01 mm, more preferably 0 mm to 0.001 mm. The first housing part and the third housing part are particularly preferably arranged coaxially. More generally, the center axis of the actuator housing coincides with the first housing center axis and at least one, more preferably both, of the third housing center axis and the second housing center axis.

[0041] An advantageous way to fix the third housing part to the second housing part is to secure the third housing part to the further conical surface of the second housing part, preferably by means of an interference fit, using both force and form-fitting action. More generally, the first housing part is slid onto the second housing part, applying a pressing force between the first and second housing parts, via its conical surface against the contact surface of the second housing part. The third housing part can then be advantageously joined to the second housing part by applying force (i.e., by interference fit). This preferably results in the two housing parts being permanently and inseparably fixed to one another. This allows for a cost-effective production of the actuator housing.In particular, the first housing part, the second housing part and the third housing part can be fixed to each other simultaneously in a common joining process (for example, press fit), thus enabling fast and effective production of the actuator housing.

[0042] Preferably, the conical surface is spaced from a maximum axial end of the first housing part, which in particular points towards the third housing part, by a maximum of 50%, and in particular a maximum of 30%, of the axial extent of the conical surface. In particular, the further conical surface is spaced from a maximum axial end of the third housing part, which in particular points towards the first housing part, by a maximum of 50%, and in particular a maximum of 30%, of the axial extent of the further conical surface. M24070 INV

[0043] December 10, 2025

[0044] 8 spaces apart. This ensures that contact with the respective conical surface is made as early as possible during the production of the respective cone connection, further simplifying the provision of the respective cone connection.

[0045] Furthermore, it can be provided that a butt gap formed during the assembly of the actuator housing between the third housing part and the second housing part is sealed, particularly fluid-tight, by a material-bonded connection between the third and second housing parts, preferably achieved by bonding or welding, especially laser welding. Additionally, during the assembly of the actuator housing, the third housing part can be loosely pre-fixed to the second housing part, for example, by press fit. In this case, the two pre-fixed components define a butt gap or at least a groove circumferentially around the central axis in a boundary region (butt area), which is then sealed, preferably by bonding or welding, especially laser welding, in a fluid-tight manner.

[0046] Advantageously, a cone angle β is defined between the further conical surface and the central axis, measuring between 3° and 5°, preferably between 3.7° and 4.3°, and preferably 4°. This cone angle β ensures sufficient centering of the third housing part relative to the second housing part. Furthermore, the cone angle β prevents damage to the two housing parts during pressing, particularly when creating the aforementioned press fit. It is conceivable that the cone angle β is constant over the axial extent of the further conical surface or that it changes over the axial extent of the further conical surface.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that the further conical surface is oriented radially outwards (i.e., radially away from the central axis). M24070 INV

[0048] December 10, 2025

[0049] 9

[0050] It may be provided that the third housing part is formed by an annular housing cover of the actuator housing and that the further conical surface is arranged on an annular projection of the housing cover that circumferentially around the central axis.

[0051] The aforementioned problem is also solved by an actuator unit comprising a multi-part actuator housing. This housing contains a rotor assembly designed for electromagnetic interaction with a coil arrangement and a valve element axially adjustable along an actuating axis on the rotor assembly. Crucially, two housing parts of the actuator housing are coaxially centered and / or fixed to one another via a conical connection. This conical connection comprises a conical surface formed by a first housing part of the two housing parts, circumscribing a central axis of the actuator housing, and a contact surface formed by a second housing part of the two housing parts, also circumscribing the central axis and abutting the conical surface of the first housing part. Furthermore, the contact surface is designed to cylindrically and / or coaxially enclose the central axis.The actuator unit may have features in embodiments that are described above in connection with the valve.

[0052] The aforementioned problem is further solved by a method for manufacturing an actuator housing for an actuator unit for a valve designed according to the preceding description. It is provided that a hollow cylindrical sleeve body of the actuator housing, a pot-shaped housing base of the actuator housing having an annular projection with a conical surface, and an annular housing cover of the actuator housing are provided, the latter (i.e., the housing cover) having an annular projection with a further conical surface. In step A, the sleeve body is placed coaxially onto the annular projection of the housing base, such that the conical surface of the annular projection M24070 INV

[0053] 10.12.2025

[0054] 10 of the housing base comes into contact with a radially inward (i.e., radially towards the central axis) contact surface of an inner surface of the sleeve body, located at a first axial end of the sleeve body. Then, in step B, the sleeve body and the housing base are centered and / or fixed to each other by pressing the sleeve body onto the annular projection of the housing base (or vice versa). Subsequently, in step C, the sleeve body (i.e., the assembly formed by the housing base and the sleeve body) is placed coaxially onto the annular projection of the housing cover, so that the further conical surface of the annular projection of the housing cover comes into contact with a further radially inward (i.e., radially towards the central axis) contact surface of the inner surface of the sleeve body, located at a second axial end of the sleeve body. Then, in step D, the sleeve body (i.e.,the assembly formed from the housing base and the sleeve body) and the housing cover are centered and / or fixed to each other by pressing the sleeve body onto the ring projection of the housing cover (or vice versa).

[0055] This provides a method for the cost-effective production of an actuator housing. A further cost advantage can be achieved by performing at least steps B and D simultaneously in a single operation. It is understood that the outer diameter of the annular projection of the housing base and the outer diameter of the annular projection of the housing cover are adapted to an inner diameter of the sleeve body, so that the housing base, with its annular projection, and the housing cover, with its annular projection, can be inserted into a volume bounded by the sleeve body.

[0056] The invention further relates to an actuator housing for an actuator unit according to the invention, wherein in particular the actuator housing is manufactured according to the method described above. The actuator housing comprises at least two housing parts which are connected coaxially to each other via a conical connection. M24070 INV

[0057] December 10, 2025

[0058] 11 are centered and / or fixed to one another. The conical connection has a conical surface formed by a first housing part of the two housing parts, circumscribing a central axis of the actuator housing, and a contact surface formed by a second housing part of the two housing parts, circumscribing the central axis and abutting the conical surface of the first housing part. Furthermore, it is provided that the contact surface cylindrically and / or coaxially surrounds the central axis. The housing parts are aligned and fixed to one another in such a way that a rotor assembly designed for electromagnetic interaction with a coil arrangement and, at least partially, a valve element axially adjustable along an actuating axis on the rotor assembly can be arranged in the actuator housing. In embodiments, the actuator housing may have features that are described above in connection with the valve.

[0059] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0060] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description, where identical reference numerals refer to identical, similar, or functionally equivalent components. M24070 INV

[0062] December 10, 2025

[0063] 12

[0064] Each of these shows, schematically,

[0065] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a valve according to the invention.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows the valve from Fig. 1 in a sectional view,

[0067] Fig. 3 shows the actuator unit of the valve from Fig. 2 in an enlarged sectional view, so that a housing base, a sleeve body and a housing cover of the actuator unit are more clearly visible.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows the housing base and a section of the sleeve body of the actuator unit from Fig. 3 in an enlarged sectional view.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows the housing cover and another section of the sleeve body of the actuator unit from Fig. 3 in an enlarged sectional view.

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a valve 1 designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1, for example an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve (HGV for short) or a shut-off valve, which can be used in automotive engineering and / or in air conditioning systems.

[0071] The valve 1 comprises a base unit 2, shown only in Figures 1 and 2, which has a base housing designated as a whole by reference numeral 3, and an actuator unit 7, which is rod-shaped overall and is mounted in a receptacle 4 of the base unit 2 that is open on one side and bounded by the base housing 3. The actuator unit 7 has a valve element 9 that is axially adjustable along an actuating axis 8 for controlling a fluid flow (not illustrated).

[0072] The base housing 3 shown in Fig. 1 is multi-part and made, for example, of a plastic. The base housing 3 defines an internal volume and limits the aforementioned, one-sided open receptacle 4, which houses a coil assembly 5 of the M24070 INV that is completely enclosed within the internal volume of the base housing 3.

[0073] December 10, 2025

[0074] 13

[0075] The base unit 2 is enclosed, see Fig. 2. The coil arrangement 5 is formed by two coils 60, each of which can be activated by current. Furthermore, a printed circuit board 6 of the base unit 2 is received in the base housing 3 of the base unit 2. This circuit board is electrically connected to the coil arrangement 5 and to a connector interface 51 integrated into the base housing 3, which can be coupled to an external power source (not shown). This connection allows the coil arrangement 5 and the printed circuit board 6 to be supplied with electrical energy. The printed circuit board 6 has a plate-like base body 52 and, as electronic components, electrically conductive conductor tracks 53 and several electronic components 54, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, semiconductor chips, or sensors, the latter being particularly suitable for controlling the coil arrangement 5 of the base unit 2.

[0076] The said actuator unit 7 has, in addition to the valve element 9, a multi-part actuator housing 10 which is inserted at least partially or only partially into the receptacle 4 of the base housing 3 and in which the valve element 9 is received.

[0077] The valve element 9 of the actuator unit 7 has a cylindrical valve element shaft 41, which has a first shaft end 42 arranged in the actuator housing 10 and a second shaft end 43 opposite the first shaft end 42, projecting from the actuator housing 10 and the receptacle 4. The first shaft end 42 is equipped with an actuation section formed by or having an external thread 38 of the valve element 9. A functional section is provided at the second shaft end 43, which in this case is defined by or has a valve element head 44, for example, forming a closing element. The valve element head 44 is considered in this case to be that part of the valve element 9 which directly interacts with a fluid flow to be controlled by the valve 1 for the purpose of controlling the fluid flow, i.e., in particular, is directly wetted by the fluid.The valve stem 21 is further equipped with a circumferential stop 45 M24070 INV. formed by a flat surface of the valve stem 41.

[0078] December 10, 2025

[0079] 14 equipped, which positively locks an unwanted rotational movement of the valve element 9 around the actuating axis 8 by contacting a flat, not shown, counter surface of the actuator housing 10.

[0080] Figures 2 and 3 further show that the actuator unit 7 is equipped with a rotor assembly 32, which is mounted coaxially to a central axis 11 of the actuator housing 10 and is rotatable in a circumferential direction 30 about the central axis 11 of the actuator housing 10 in a rotary motion 31. The aforementioned drive section of the valve element 9 is mounted in the rotor assembly. The central axis 11 and the actuating axis 8 are coincident. The rotor assembly 32 has two cooperating components 33 and 34. The first cooperating component 33 of the two cooperating components 33 and 34 interacts electromagnetically with the coil arrangement 5 of the base unit 2 to generate the rotary motion 31 of the rotor assembly 32. The second cooperation partner 34 of the two cooperation partners 33, 34 is fixed to the first cooperation partner 33 and is designed to convert the rotary movement 31 of the rotor device 32 into a, in Fig.2 and 3 to translate the axial (i.e. linear) actuating movement 35 of the valve element 9 indicated by a double arrow.

[0081] By way of example, the first cooperation partner 33 has a permanent magnet arrangement 36 consisting of several permanent magnets. The second cooperation partner 34 is formed in this case by a gear sleeve 46 with a cylindrical gear sleeve body 47. The gear sleeve body 47 has a central sleeve opening 48, an inner circumference 49 limiting the sleeve opening 48, and an outer circumference 50 oriented opposite to the inner circumference 49. The first cooperation partner 33, i.e., the permanent magnet arrangement 36 consisting of permanent magnets, is fixed to the outer circumference 50 of the gear sleeve body 47. Furthermore, the gear sleeve body 47 is rotatably arranged on the actuator housing 10, for example by means of a sliding bearing arrangement, which preferably includes at least one sliding bearing or, more preferably, two axially oriented sliding bearings.

[0082] December 10, 2025

[0083] The assembly comprises 15 spaced-apart sliding bearings. In order to translate the rotary movement 31 of the rotor assembly 32 into the axial positioning movement 35 of the valve element 9, it is provided that the gear sleeve body 47 of the gear sleeve 46 of the second cooperation partner 34 has an internal thread 37 on its inner circumference 49, which meshes with the external thread 38 of the valve element 9, which is designed complementary to the internal thread 37.

[0084] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5, it should be explained that the actuator housing 10 of the actuator unit 7 comprises several housing parts 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 that are fixed to one another. In the embodiment of the valve 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the actuator housing 10 is specifically designed in three parts. A first housing part 10.1 of the actuator housing 10 is formed by a pot-shaped housing base 17, indicated in Figure 4; a second housing part 10.2 of the actuator housing 10 is formed by a hollow cylindrical sleeve body 21, shown in Figures 2 to 5; and a third housing part 10.3 of the actuator housing 10 is formed by an annular housing cover 19, shown in particular in Figure 5.

[0085] The first housing part 10.1, the third housing part 10.3, and especially the second housing part 10.2 are coaxially aligned such that their respective housing part center axes run in substantially the same direction and thus coincide with the center axis 11. In this way, the first housing part and the third housing part are centered relative to each other via the second housing part.

[0086] The cup-shaped housing base 17 of the first housing part 10.1 has a flat, round base 55, from which an annular projection 18 of the housing base 17, circumferentially surrounding the central axis 11, projects axially. The annular projection 18 of the housing base 17 has a radially outwardly oriented, conical surface 13 on its outer circumference 56. The conical surface 13 forms a conical angle α of between 3° and 5°, preferably 4°, with the central axis 11 or an auxiliary axis parallel to the central axis 11. The M24070 INV

[0087] December 10, 2025

[0088] 16

[0089] The base of the housing 17 is monolithic. It can be made of a plastic material or a metal material, for example steel.

[0090] The hollow cylindrical sleeve body 21 of the second housing part 10.2 has a radially outwardly oriented outer surface 57, an opposing inner surface 24, a first axial end 22, and an opposing second axial end 23. The sleeve body 21 is monolithic. It can be made of a plastic material or a metal material, for example, steel. In a cost-effective embodiment, the sleeve body 21 of the second housing part 10.2 can have a hollow circular cylindrical shape, i.e., be formed by a hollow cylinder with an annular base.

[0091] The housing cover 19 of the third housing part 10.3 has an annular base body 58 from which an annular projection 20 of the housing cover 19, circumferentially around the central axis 11, projects axially. The annular projection 20 of the housing cover 19 has a further conical surface 28 on its outer circumference 59, oriented radially outwards. This further conical surface 28 forms a conical angle β between 3° and 5°, preferably 4°, with the central axis 11. The base body 58 is monolithic. It can be made of a plastic material or a metal material, for example, steel.

[0092] The first housing part 10.1 and / or the second housing part 10.2 and / or the third housing part 10.3 can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the central axis 11. Preferably, the first housing part 10.1 and / or the second housing part 10.2 and / or the third housing part 10.3 can be designed as turned parts. The first housing part 10.1 and the third housing part 10.3 can each have a sliding bearing for the rotatable mounting of the rotor assembly 32. M24070 INV

[0093] December 10, 2025

[0094] 17

[0095] The actuator housing 10 of the actuator unit 7 can be manufactured cost-effectively, in particular, by providing two conical connections 12, 27 on the actuator housing 10, via which the aforementioned housing parts 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 of the actuator housing 10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 are coaxially centered and / or fixed to one another. In the present case, a (first) conical connection 12 of the two conical connections 12, 27, shown in Fig. 4, comprises, on the one hand, the aforementioned conical surface 13 of the first housing part 10.1 and, on the other hand, a contact surface 14 formed by the second housing part 10.2, which surrounds the central axis 11 and abuts the conical surface 13 of the first housing part 10.1, and which cylindrically and coaxially surrounds the central axis 11. The contact surface 14 is arranged at the first axial end 22 of the sleeve body 21, pointing radially inwards (i.e.The first surface section 25 of the inner surface 24 of the sleeve body 21 is formed oriented towards the central axis 11.

[0096] The further (second) conical connection 27 of the two conical connections 12, 27, shown in Fig. 5, comprises the further conical surface 28 of the housing cover 19 of the third housing part 10.3 and a further contact surface 29 formed by the second housing part 10.2, which surrounds the central axis 11 and abuts the further conical surface 28 of the third housing part 10.3, and which cylindrically and coaxially surrounds the central axis 11. The further contact surface 29 is formed by a second surface section 26 of the inner surface 24 of the sleeve body 21, arranged at the second axial end 23 of the sleeve body 21 and oriented radially inwards (i.e., towards the central axis 11).

[0097] In other words, the contact surfaces 25, 26 of the second housing part 10.2 for the first housing part 10.1 and for the third housing part 10.3 are neither conical nor cone-free. This measure makes the manufacture of the second housing part 10.2 comparatively inexpensive, since the formation of complementary (i.e., conical) mating surfaces to the conical surfaces 13, 28 can be omitted. M24070 INV

[0098] December 10, 2025

[0099] 18

[0100] The first housing part 10.1 and the third housing part 10.3 can be fixed to the second housing part 10.2 preferably by an interference fit. This is achieved by placing the sleeve body 21 coaxially onto the annular projection 18 of the housing base 17, so that the conical surface 13 of the annular projection 18 of the housing base 17 comes into contact with the radially inwardly oriented contact surface 14 of the inner surface 24 of the sleeve body 21, which is located at the first axial end 22 of the sleeve body 21. The sleeve body 21 and the housing base 17 are centered and / or fixed to each other by pressing the sleeve body 21 onto the annular projection 18 of the housing base 17.Furthermore, this is achieved by placing the sleeve body 21 coaxially onto the annular projection 20 of the housing cover 19, so that the further conical surface 28 of the annular projection 20 of the housing cover 19 comes into contact with the radially inwardly oriented further contact surface 29 of the inner surface 24 of the sleeve body 21, which is arranged at the second axial end 23 of the sleeve body 21, wherein the sleeve body 21 and the housing cover 19 are centered and / or fixed to each other by pressing the sleeve body 21 onto the annular projection 20 of the housing cover 19.

[0101] During the assembly of the actuator housing 10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, a (first) butt gap 15.1 formed between the first housing part 10.1 and the second housing part 10.2 and a (second) butt gap 15.2 formed between the second housing part 10.2 and the third housing part 10.3 can each be sealed fluid-tight by a material-bonded connection 16.1, 16.2 between the first housing part 10.1 and the second housing part 10.2 and the second housing part 10.2 and the third housing part 10.3, respectively, preferably by gluing or welding, in particular laser welding. M24070 INV

[0102] December 10, 2025

[0103] 19

[0104] Reference symbol list

[0105] Valve 1

[0106] Basic Unit 2

[0107] Base housing 3

[0108] Recording 4

[0109] Coil arrangement 5

[0110] Circuit board 6

[0111] Actuator unit 7

[0112] Actuating axis 8

[0113] Valve element 9

[0114] Actuator housing 10 first housing part 10.1 second housing part 10.2 third housing part 10.3

[0115] Center axis 11

[0116] Conical connection 12 conical surface 13

[0117] Site area 14

[0118] (first) butt gap 15.1

[0119] (second) butt gap 15.2

[0120] (first) materially bonded connection 16.1

[0121] (second) material-bonded connection 16.2

[0122] Case base 17, its ring projection 18; ring-shaped case cover 19, its ring projection 20

[0123] Sleeve body 21 first axial end 22 M24070 INV

[0124] December 10, 2025

[0125] 20 second axial end 23

[0126] Inner surface of the sleeve body 24 First surface section 25 Second surface section 26 Further conical connection 27 Further conical surface 28 Further contact surface 29 Circumferential direction 30 Rotary movement 31 Rotor assembly 32 First cooperation partner 33 Second cooperation partner 34 Positioning movement 35 Permanent magnet arrangement 36 Internal thread 37 External thread 38 Valve link stem 41 First stem end 42 Second stem end 43 Valve head 44 Circumferential stop 45 Gear sleeve 46 Gear sleeve body 47 Sleeve opening 48 Inner circumference 49 Outer circumference 50 Connector interface 51 Base body 52 Conductor tracks 53 Electronic components 54 M24070 INV

[0127] December 10, 2025

[0128] 21

[0129] plate base 55

[0130] Outer circumference of the case base 56

[0131] Outer surface area 57

[0132] Base body 58 Outer circumference of the housing cover 59

[0133] Coils 60

Claims

M24070 INV December 10, 2025 22 Patent claims 1. Valve (1), in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve or a shut-off valve, comprising - a base unit (2) with a base housing (3) that defines a one-sided open receptacle (4) which is enclosed by a coil arrangement (5) of the base unit (2) arranged in the base housing (3), - an actuator unit (7) arranged in the receptacle (4) of the base unit (2), which has a multi-part actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2 , 10.3) in which a rotor assembly (32) which interacts electromagnetically with the coil assembly (5) and a valve element (9) arranged axially adjustable on the rotor assembly (32) along an actuating axis (8) are accommodated, - wherein two housing parts (10.1 , 10.2) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) are coaxially centered and / or fixed to each other via a conical connection (12), - wherein the conical connection (12) has a conical surface (13) formed by a first housing part (10.1) of the two housing parts (10.1, 10.2) and circumferencing a central axis (11) of the actuator housing (10), - wherein the conical connection (12) has a contact surface (14) formed by a second housing part (10.2) of the two housing parts (10.1 , 10.2), circumferentially around the central axis (11 ) and abutting the conical surface (13) of the first housing part (10.1 ), wherein - the mounting surface (14) cylindrically and / or coaxially surrounds the central axis (11).

2. Valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that M24070 INV December 10, 2025 23 - the first housing part (10.1 ) is fixed to the contact surface (14) of the second housing part (10.2) via the conical surface (13), preferably by means of a press fit.

3. Valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - a butt gap (15) formed during the assembly of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) between the first housing part (10.1 ) and the second housing part (10.2) is sealed fluid-tight by a material-bonded connection (16) between the first housing part (10.1 ) and the second housing part (10.2), preferably realized by gluing or by welding, in particular laser welding.

4. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a conical angle α is spanned between the conical surface (13) and the central axis (11), which is between 3° and 5°, preferably 4°.

5. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the conical surface (13) is oriented radially outwards.

6. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first housing part (10.1 ) is formed by a pot-shaped housing base (17) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) and the conical surface (13) is arranged on an annular projection (18) of the housing base (17) which surrounds the central axis (11 ). M24070 INV December 10, 2025 24 7. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the second housing part (10.2) is formed by a hollow cylindrical sleeve body (21) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3), - wherein the contact surface (14) is preferably formed by a first surface section (25) of an inner surface (24) of the sleeve body (21) arranged at a first axial end (22) of the sleeve body (21) and oriented radially inwards.

8. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the second housing part (10.2) and a third housing part (10.3) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) are centered and / or fixed coaxially to each other, in particular via a further conical connection (27).

9. Valve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that - the further conical connection (27) has a further conical surface (28) formed by the third housing part (10.3) and running around the central axis (11) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3), - the further conical connection (27) has a further contact surface (29) formed by the second housing part (10.2), circumferentially surrounding the central axis (11) and abutting the further conical surface (28), - wherein the further contact surface (29) cylindrically and / or coaxially surrounds the central axis (11).

10. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the third housing part (10.3) is formed by an annular housing cover (19) and the further conical surface (28) is attached to the central axis M24070 INV December 10, 2025 25 (11) is arranged in a ring-shaped circumferential ring projection (20) of the housing cover (19).

11. Actuator unit (7) for a valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - a multi-part actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) in which a rotor assembly (32) which interacts electromagnetically with the coil assembly (5) and a valve element (9) arranged axially adjustable on the rotor assembly (32) along an actuating axis (8) are accommodated, - wherein two housing parts (10.1 , 10.2) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) are coaxially centered and / or fixed to each other via a conical connection (12), - wherein the conical connection (12) has a conical surface (13) formed by a first housing part (10.1) of the two housing parts (10.1, 10.2) and circumferencing a central axis (11) of the actuator housing (10), - wherein the conical connection (12) has a contact surface (14) formed by a second housing part (10.2) of the two housing parts (10.1 , 10.2), circumferentially around the central axis (11 ) and abutting the conical surface (13) of the first housing part (10.1 ), wherein - the mounting surface (14) cylindrically and / or coaxially surrounds the central axis (11).

12. Method for manufacturing an actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) for an actuator unit (7) according to claim 11 , - wherein a hollow cylindrical sleeve body (21 ) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3 ), a pot-shaped housing base (17) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3) having an annular projection (18) of the housing base (17) with a conical surface (13 ), and an annular housing cover (19) of the actuator housing (10, 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3 ), M24070 INV December 10, 2025 26 which has an annular ring projection (20) of the housing cover (19) with a further conical surface (28), shall be provided, - wherein the sleeve body (21 ) is placed coaxially on the annular projection (18) of the housing base (17), so that the conical surface (13) of the annular projection (18) of the housing base (17) comes into contact with a radially inwardly oriented contact surface (14) of an inner surface (24) of the sleeve body (21 ) arranged at a first axial end (22) of the sleeve body (21 ), - wherein the sleeve body (21 ) and the housing base (17) are centered and / or fixed to each other by pressing the sleeve body (21 ) onto the ring projection (18) of the housing base (17), - wherein the sleeve body (21 ) is placed coaxially onto the annular projection (20) of the housing cover (19), so that the further conical surface (28) of the annular projection (20) of the housing cover (19) comes into contact with a further radially inwardly oriented contact surface (29) of the inner surface (24) of the sleeve body (21 ) arranged at a second axial end (23) of the sleeve body (21 ), - wherein the sleeve body (21 ) and the housing cover (19) are centered and / or fixed to each other by pressing the sleeve body (21 ) onto the ring projection (20) of the housing cover (19).

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