Abstract
The invention relates to an electrically operable valve with an electrical coil and with several spring tongues, which are movable by means of a magnetic field generated by the coil between a first switch position and a second switch position each and with several first valve openings, which are opened when the spring tongues are in the first switch position and which are closed by means of the spring tongues when the spring tongues are in the second switch position.
Claims
1. An electrically operable valve, the valve comprising: an electrical coil; a plurality of spring tongues that are movable by a magnetic field generated by the electrical coil between a first switch position and a second switch position; and a plurality of valve openings which are open when the plurality of spring tongues are in the first switch position and which are closed when the spring tongues are in the second switch position.
2. The valve of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of valve openings is assigned to one of the plurality of spring tongues; wherein the valve further comprises a closure arranged on each of the plurality of spring tongues; and wherein the closure closes the assigned valve opening when the assigned spring tongue is in the second switch position.
3. The valve of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of valve openings is assigned to one of the plurality of springs tongue; and wherein the valve is executed such that at least two of the plurality of spring tongues open and close the assigned valve openings of the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues with different magnetic field strengths.
4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues have different spring constants; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues in an initial position, are pre-stressed differently against the assigned valve openings; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues in the initial position, are spaced differently from the assigned valve openings; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues have different geometric shapes; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues comprise different magnetically effective materials; and/or the valve further comprising a plurality of pole shoes, against which the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues place themselves against in actuated condition when the coil generates a magnetic field to operate the valve, are formed having different geometric shapes, so that the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues open or close the assigned valve openings with different magnetic field strengths.
5. The valve of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of second valve openings, which are assigned to one of the plurality of spring tongues and to one of the plurality first valve openings such that each of the plurality of first valve openings is opened in the first switch position and each of the plurality of second valve openings is closed by the spring tongue, and that each of the plurality of second valve openings is opened in the second switch position and each of the plurality of first valve openings is closed by the spring tongue.
6. The valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged on a joint carrier element.
7. The valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged in a longitudinal axis of the coil.
8. The valve of claim 7, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are ring-shaped and the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of spring tongues is arranged coaxially or in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil.
9. The valve of claim 8, wherein the plurality of valve openings that run radially to the longitudinal axis of the coil.
10. The valve of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged radially outside or inside the coil.
11. The valve of claim 2, wherein the valve is executed such that at least two of the plurality of spring tongues open and close the assigned valve openings with different magnetic field strengths.
12. The valve of claim 11, wherein the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues have different spring constants; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues in an initial position are pre-stressed differently against the assigned valve openings; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues in the initial position are spaced differently from the assigned valve openings; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues have different geometric shapes; and/or the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues comprise different magnetically effective materials; and/or the valve further comprising a plurality of pole shoes, against which the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues place themselves against in actuated condition when the coil generates a magnetic field to operate the valve, are formed having different geometric shapes, so that the at least two of the plurality of spring tongues open or close the assigned valve openings with different magnetic field strengths.
13. The valve of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of second valve openings, which are assigned to one of the plurality of spring tongues and to one of the plurality first valve openings such that each of the plurality of first valve openings is opened in the first switch position and each of the plurality of second valve openings is closed by the spring tongue, and that each of the plurality of second valve openings is opened in the second switch position and each of the plurality of first valve openings is closed by the spring tongue.
14. The valve of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of second valve openings, which are assigned to one of the plurality of spring tongues and to one of the plurality first valve openings such that each of the plurality of first valve openings is opened in the first switch position and each of the plurality of second valve openings is closed by the spring tongue, and that each of the plurality of second valve openings is opened in the second switch position and each of the plurality of first valve openings is closed by the spring tongue.
15. The valve of claim 2, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged on a joint carrier element.
16. The valve of claim 3, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged on a joint carrier element.
17. The valve of claim 2, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the coil.
18. The valve of claim 3, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the coil.
19. The valve of claim 2, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged radially outside or inside the coil.
20. The valve of claim 3, wherein the plurality of spring tongues are arranged radially outside or inside the coil.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] In the following, the invention is clarified by means of figures that further preferred embodiments of the invention may be taken from. The figures show in schematic representation:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a valve in a closed position,
[0033] FIG. 2 is the first realization of the valve in an open position,
[0034] FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of a valve in an open position,
[0035] FIG. 4 is the second embodiment of the valve in a closed position,
[0036] FIGS. 5a to 5c is a third embodiment of a valve in different open and closed positions,
[0037] FIGS. 6a to 6c is a fourth embodiment of a valve in different open and closed positions,
[0038] FIG. 7 is a spring tongue ring,
[0039] FIGS. 8a and 8b are closures and valve openings of a valve,
[0040] FIGS. 9a and 9b is a fifth embodiment of a valve in different open and closed positions
[0041] FIGS. 10a and 10b is a sixth embodiment of a valve in different open and closed positions.
[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] In the figures, the same or at least similarly functional components/ elements are provided with the same reference signs.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows an electrically operable valve by means of which a fluid flow can be enabled (valve opened) and prevented (valve closed). For this purpose, the valve has several first valve openings 1 by means of which the fluid can flow through the valve in the opened state. The valve furthermore comprises an electrical coil 2 that can be powered with an electrical current (voltage U, current I). Depending on the supplied current strength, a magnetic field forms in the area of the coil 2 in a familiar way.
[0045] The coil 2 is embedded in a magnet yoke 3. In the area of an axial front of the coil 2, the magnet yoke 3 has one or several pole shoes 4. The magnet yoke is intended to conduct the magnetic field as well as for the magnetic shielding of the surroundings of the coil 2. Furthermore, the valve has elastic valve piston segments 5, hereinafter referred to as “spring tongues”. The spring tongues 5 are movable by means of the magnetic field generated by the coil between a first switch position (here, by way of example: open position), and a second switch position (here, by way of example: closed position). The spring tongues 5 bend in the process. One of these two switch positions preferably corresponds to a starting position of the spring tongues 5, if the coil 2 is not powered. In this starting position, the spring tongue 5 preferably moves back autonomously as soon as there is no longer a magnetic field.
[0046] Each of the first valve openings 1 has a spring tongue 5 assigned to it. The first valve opening 1 is mainly open (fluid-conducting) when the respective spring tongue 5 is in the first switch position. Then again, the first valve opening 1 is closed by means of the respective spring tongue 5 (impermeable to fluids) when this spring tongue 5 is in the second switch position. This closed position is represented in FIG. 1. In the embodiment represented in FIG. 1, the spring tongues 5 lie against the respectively assigned first valve openings 1 in their initial position (i.e. coil 2 unpowered) so that these are closed. Here, they can particularly be pre-stressed against the valve opening 1. There is therefore a first pressure pB in an inside area of the valve, while a second pressure pA that is different from the first pressure pB is located in an outside area of the valve.
[0047] To open the valve, the coil 2 is electrically powered. As explained, a magnetic field thus forms in the area of the coil 2 which acts on the spring tongues 5. With a sufficiently high electrical current by the coil, the magnetic force thereby forming in the spring tongues 5 lifts it off the valve openings 1. The spring tongues 5 then place themselves against the respective pole shoe or shoes 4. This is represented in FIG. 2. The valve openings 1 are released accordingly so that fluid can flow through the valve, which is represented by respective arrows in FIG. 2. The result is therefore an adjustment of pressure pA and pB.
[0048] As is visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spring tongues 5 are preferably arranged in longitudinal direction L of the coil 2. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the coil surrounds a valve core 6, in which the first valve openings are intended. The valve core 6 is preferably executed cylindrically, especially like the shape of a hollow cylinder. The valve core 6 is preferably arranged coaxially to the coil 2. The spring tongues 5 are preferably arranged radially between the coil and the valve core 6. The valve openings 1 are preferably executed right-angled to the longitudinal axis L of the coil and as cylindrical openings such as bores, for example. The spring tongues 5 are preferably fastened to or arranged on a joint carrier element. One unit consisting of a carrier element and spring tongue 5 is represented in FIG. 7 by way of example.
[0049] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the suggested valve is executed simply and with few components. Compared to conventional closing elements of a valve, such as a valve gate, for example, the spring tongues 5 are executed very light. A high valve dynamic (quick closing and opening times) can hereby be achieved. The valve is very insensitive to contamination as the spring tongues 5 work as seat valves with the respectively assigned first valve openings. There is therefore virtually no mechanical friction in the inside of the valve when activating the valve. The valve can therefore be operated particularly energy-efficient. It is furthermore low-wear because of it. Elements that are usually in valves such as magnet armature, return spring and valve piston present in common valves are not required here. The valve is therefore also particularly light. It should be noted that the spring tongues 5 can usually comprise a closure such as is shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b to close the respective assigned valve opening 1.
[0050] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second preferred embodiment of the valve. The coil 2 is also carried through the magnet yoke 3 here as well. The spring tongues 5 are however arranged radially outside the coil 2. The magnet yoke 3 simultaneously forms the valve core 6, in which the first valve openings 1 are arranged. The spring tongues 5 are pre-stressed so that they protrude from the valve openings 1 in their initial position when the coil is not powered. A fluid flow through the first valve openings 1 and therefore the valve is thereby possible, the valve is open.
[0051] In contrast to the design of the valve according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the version according to FIGS. 3 and 4 is therefore executed normally-opened. In comparison, the variant according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is executed normally-closed. As is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the magnet yoke 3 can be arranged in a valve housing 7 together with the coil 2 and the spring tongues 5. The spring tongues 5 also extend in longitudinal direction L of the coil 2 in the design according to FIGS. 3 and 4. The spring tongues 5 are preferably attached to a joint carrier element here as well.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows the valve from FIG. 3 in an actuated state, therefore when the coil 2 is powered sufficiently strong. The spring tongues 5 then place themselves against the corresponding pole shoe 4 each and thereby close the respective first valve opening 1. A fluid flow through the first valve openings 1 and the valve is thereby interrupted, the valve is closed.
[0053] The valve is preferably designed such that the fluid flow or the flow cross-section of the valve adjusts in dependence of the electrical current strength supplied to the coil 2. Simply a specific pressure or a specific volume flow of the flowing fluid can thus be set with the valve. The FIGS. 5a to 5c show a slight variation of the valve according to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which this is possible. In contrast, the FIGS. 6a to 6c show a slight variation of the valve according to FIGS. 3 and 4, in which this is possible.
[0054] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the longitudinal axis of the valve core 6 is slightly offset towards the longitudinal axis of the coil 2. This results in different pre-stressing of the spring tongues 5 to the respectively assigned first valve openings 1. Instead of shifting the valve core 6 inside the valve, this can also be effectuated by a different spring stiffness of the spring tongues 5. It is also possible that the spring tongues 5 have different spring constants, or that the at least two of the spring tongues 5 are shaped different geometrically or that the at least two of the spring tongues 5 consist of different magnetically effective materials, or that the pole shoes 4 are shaped different geometrically. A combination of these possibilities is however also conceivable.
[0055] FIG. 5a shows the valve in an unpowered state. The spring tongues 5 are there in their initial position, in which they lie against the respective first valve opening 1 and which thereby close these.
[0056] The valve is represented in FIG. 5b, when it is powered with a first (low) electrical current. The magnetic field thus generated in the coil 2 is sufficiently strong to at least lift one of the spring tongues 5 (the left spring tongue 5 in FIG. 5b) from the respective first valve opening 1 and to place it against the respective pole shoe 4). The magnetic field is however not strong enough to lift at least one of the other spring tongues 5 (the right spring tongue in FIG. 5b) from the respective first valve opening. A part of the valve openings 1 thus remains closed during the powering of the valve shown in FIG. 5b, while another part of the valve openings 1 is already opened.
[0057] In FIG. 5c, the valve is powered with a second (relatively strong) electrical current. A respectively strong magnetic field has thus formed in the coil 2. This one is sufficient to lift all the spring tongues 5 from the respective assigned first valve openings 1 and to place them against the respective pole shoe 4. The first valve openings 1 are therefore all fully opened. The valve is therefore in the maximum opened position overall.
[0058] By using a multitude of spring elements 5 and respective assigned first valve openings 1, an almost current-proportional opening or closing of the valve can thus be achieved.
[0059] In accordance with the embodiment according to FIG. 6a to FIG. 6c, a current-proportional opening or closing of the valve is achieved by that the spring tongues 5 are spaced differently far from the respective first valve opening 1 in their initial position, when the coil 2 doesn't generate a magnetic field. This can naturally also be combined with the measures described above or the measures described above may also be used individually here or in combination.
[0060] As can be seen from FIG. 6a, when the valve is in unpowered condition, there is at least one spring element 5 (the left spring element 5 in FIG. 6a) that is closer to the respective valve opening 1 than a second of the spring elements 5 (the right spring element 5 in FIG. 6a). Both valve openings 1 are therefore in opened condition in this valve position.
[0061] According to FIG. 6b, the coil 2 is powered with a first (relatively weak) electrical current. The magnetic field hereby generated by means of the coil 2 is strong enough to place the valve tongue 5 that is closer to the respective vale opening 1 against the respective pole shoe 4 and the valve opening 1. At least one of the valve openings 1 is thus closed. In contrast, the magnetic field is not strong enough to pull in the spring element 5 that is distanced further away from the respective valve opening 1 and to thereby place it against this valve opening. Correspondingly, this valve opening is still opened. The valve is hereby partially closed/opened.
[0062] According to FIG. 6c the valve is powered with a second (relatively strong) electrical current. The magnetic field generated by means of the coil 2 is therefore strong enough to place all spring tongues 5 against the respectively appropriate first valve openings 1 and the pole shoe/shoes. The valve is hereby completely closed. Accordingly, an almost current-proportional operation of the valve is also possible with this embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of spring tongues 5 for the proposed valve. The spring tongues 5 are hereby formed in one piece with a joint carrier element. The spring tongues 5 are hereby arranged ring-shaped or tubular. The carrier element 8 also forms a closed ring. Spring elements 5 that are designed that way may be arranged radially inside or outside of a coil 2 to operate a valve (e.g. in the versions according to FIG. 1/2 or FIG. 3/4), for example. Such spring tongues 5 can be made, for example by that a closed ring is provided with several longitudinal slots that start at a front of the ring. The ring may be made from spring steel, for instance, or another magnetically effective and sufficiently elastic material. Such a ring made from spring elements 5 is therefore particularly easy to produce.
[0064] FIGS. 8a and 8b show an example of one spring element 5 each with a closure 9 that is attached to it or executed or stamped as well as the valve opening 1 that is part of the spring tongue 5 and that corresponds with the closure 9. As is shown in FIG. 8a, the closure 9 can be executed conical, for example, in the shape of a frustum of a cone, in particular. The closure 9 can also be executed hemispherical or in some kind of a hemisphere or rounded as is portrayed in FIG. 8b. Accordingly, the valve seats in the valve openings 1 are executed correspondingly conical or hemispherical, etc. By means of such a closure 9, the sealing effect can be increased significantly. The closure 9 may, for instance, be an extra component applied onto the respective spring tongue 5. Alternatively, the closure 9 may also be formed by the respective spring tongue 5 itself, for example, by stamping a respective shape into the spring tongue 5 or by being extruded from it otherwise.
[0065] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b show a variant of the valve from FIGS. 1 and 2 in different switch positions, whereby the valve is executed as a 3/2 valve. As is visible in FIG. 9a, beside the first valve openings 1, the valve also has second valve openings 1′. Each first valve opening 1 thereby comprises a spring tongue 5 and a second valve opening 1′ assigned to it. The spring tongues 5 reciprocally either close the respective first or second valve opening 1, 1′.
[0066] In the initial position of the valve shown in FIG. 9a, the spring tongue 5 closes the first valve openings 1. Accordingly, the second valve openings 1′ are opened. During a sufficiently strong powering of the coil 2, the spring tongues 5 lift themselves up from the first valve openings 1 and thereby open these and place themselves against the pole shoes 4 and the respectively assigned second valve openings 1′. The second valve openings 1′ are hereby closed. This valve position is shown in FIG. 9b. A fluid flow can hereby be lead through the first or second valve openings 1, 1′ optionally depending on the powering of the valve. Intermediate positions are also possible, in which the valve openings 1, 1′ are opened at the same time (partially) depending on the position of the spring tongues 5.
[0067] FIGS. 10a and 10 b show a variant of the valve represented in FIGS. 3 and 4 in a 3/2 valve design. Analog to FIGS. 9a and 9b, this valve also has two valve openings 1′. These are each assigned to one of the spring tongues 5 and one of the first valve openings 1 here as well. The respective spring tongue 5 therefore closes the respective assigned first and second valve opening 1, 1′ reciprocally. In the initial position according to FIG. 10a, the two valve openings 1 a are closed by means of the spring elements 5. In powered condition of the valve, the spring tongues 5 place themselves against the pole shoes 4 and the first valve openings 1, whereby these are closed. By contrast, the second valve openings 1′ are opened. This is shown in FIG. 10b. A fluid flow can optionally be lead through the first or second valve openings 1, 1′ hereby as well. Intermediate positions are also possible here, in which, depending on the position of the spring tongues 5, the valve openings are opened (partially) at the same time.
[0068] The 3/2 valves created this way have the same advantages as the valves (FIGS. 1 to 6c) explained above. A current-proportional opening or closing of the valve openings 1, 1′ can also be achieved with the valves according to FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 10a, 10b by taking the measures explained above (e.g. FIGS. 5a to 5c, and FIGS. 6a to 6c).
[0069] The valves suggested can be used, in particular, for the regulation or control of a pressure or a volume flow, for instance in hydraulics or in pneumatics.
REFERENCES SIGNS
[0070] 1, 1′ Valve opening
[0071] 2 Coil
[0072] 3 Magnet yoke
[0073] 4 Pole shoe
[0074] 5 elastic valve piston segment, spring tongue
[0075] 6 Valve core
[0076] 7 Valve housing
[0077] 8 Carrier element
[0078] 9 Closure
[0079] L Longitudinal axis
[0080] pA Pressure
[0081] pB Pressure
[0082] pC Pressure
