WO2023144079A1

WO2023144079A1 - Fluid actuating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023144079A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/051532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Rathje; Siegfried Limmer
Original assignee: FutureE GmbH
Priority date: 2022-01-25
Filing date: 2023-01-23
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid actuating device (1) for fluid systems, comprising at least one actuator (2), at least one adapter element (3) and at least one fluid line section (4). It is proposed that the fluid line section (4) has at least one opening (5), into which the actuator (2) engages, wherein the actuator (2) is connected to the fluid line section (4) and sealed off by the adapter element (3), preferably by means of at least one sealing element (8).

Description

FLUID ADJUSTMENT DEVICE

The present invention relates to a fluid adjustment device for fluid systems comprising at least one adjustment actuator, at least one adapter element and at least one fluid line section.

STATE OF THE ART

Fluid control devices in the prior art are known for fluid systems, in particular for energy conversion systems such as fuel cell systems or internal combustion engines. They are usually used to throttle, regulate, divert, block or mix a flow of a fluid, for example supply air, exhaust air and coolants, in ducts or in pipelines in any way.

Based on the prior art, the problem arises that generic fluid control devices are usually interposed in a duct or pipeline, with additional connecting elements, such as flanges, having to be provided in order to attach the fluid control device to other system components, for example to a servomotor . This results in costly and complex manufacturing processes, as well as assembly work and interventions in the line routing.

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a fluid control device with a simple design, which simplifies a manufacturing and assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes interventions in a pipeline system or otherwise formed fluid channel.

This object is achieved by a fluid control device for fluid systems having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on a fluid control device for fluid systems, in particular for energy conversion systems such as fuel cell systems or internal combustion engines, with at least one control actuator, at least one adapter element and at least one fluid line section being included.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the fluid line section has at least one opening with which the control actuator can engage in the fluid line section, the control actuator being connected to the fluid line section in a sealed manner by the adapter element, preferably via at least one sealing element. The connection can be positive, non-positive and/or cohesive, for example by means of fastening means, by Ver most and/or gluing.

The fluid control device according to the invention advantageously enables simple assembly without significant intervention in the line routing and without the need for additional connecting elements such as flanges or the like. Rather, the control actuator can be mounted on the outside of the fluid line section simply by means of the adapter plate (i.e. without an intermediate connection) and by the existing one Engage opening in the fluid line section to control a fluid flow as needed, open or close can. This also opens up the advantageous possibility of being able to use essentially any type of positioning actuator, resulting in a high degree of flexibility with regard to the functionality options.

Preferably, a region of the fluid line section surrounding and/or at least forming part of the opening is designed as an adapter region that is designed essentially complementary to at least one region of the adapter element. This enables a simple and precisely fitting connection of the adapter element to the fluid line section, for example by simply plugging the adapter element onto the adapter area or plugging it into it at least in certain areas. In particular, the sealing element can be designed as a replaceable sealing element, for example a seal, which is arranged sealingly in the area between the adapter plate and the opening when the individual components of the fluid control device (control actuator, adapter element, fluid line section) are assembled. Alternatively, the sealing element can also be designed integrally on one of the components, that is to say it can already be attached to the respective component (glued, welded, injection-molded on, etc.) during production. In this respect, the fluid control device has at least one sealing element arranged in the area between the adapter plate and the opening.

In a further advantageous development, the positioning actuator can comprise an actuator section and a preferably shaft-operated positioning means, in which case the adapter element can be arranged between the actuator section and the positioning means, and the opening in the fluid line section can be designed for the passage of the positioning means, at least in a predeterminable positioning position . In this respect, at least the adjusting means, in particular also at least one area of the adapter element, can be inserted through the opening into the interior of the fluid line section and is arranged there after assembly has taken place. In other words, at least the adjusting means engages through the opening in the fluid line section. This enables simple installation or simple assembly of the individual components to form the fluid control device, with the control means also being able to be introduced into monolithically designed fluid line sections.

In particular, the actuating means is variably or interchangeably arranged or fastened to the actuator section, for example plugged on, screwed on or constantly. As a result, the actuating means can be exchanged as required, for example in order to enable different functionalities of the fluid actuating device (proportional valve, directional control valve, etc.). In this respect, essentially any actuator of any design can advantageously be combined with any actuator of any design, thus ensuring a particularly large range of functionality of the fluid control device.

The adjusting means is preferably designed as a throttle valve or adjusting drum. The Setting drum can be essentially cylindrical or frusto-conical and preferably have a channel, tapered slots or an eccentric cutout. Depending on the selection or design of the actuating means, a functionality of the fluid control device as a binary valve, proportional valve or directional valve, in particular a 2/2-way valve or a 3/2-, o- the 3/3-way valve or other directional valve, with corresponding advantages of simple and therefore cost-effective incorporation into a monolithic or multi-part channel structure.

In an advantageous development, the adapter element can be designed as an adapter plate or as an insert element, in particular as a wedge-shaped insert element. This further simplifies the manufacture and installation or assembly of the fluid control device.

The adapter element can preferably have a receiving seat for one or the aforementioned adjusting means and a passage for a shaft of the adjusting actuator in order to provide or ensure simple assembly, storage and driving of the adjusting means comprised by the adjusting actuator by the actuator section of the adjusting actuator. The adapter element can be designed to connect the actuating actuator to the fluid line section in a sealing manner and for this purpose have, for example, a cutout for the sealing element or the sealing element itself (insofar as it is integrated).

In a further advantageous development, the fluid line section can be designed in one piece, ie as a monolithic or one-piece component, or alternatively from two functionally complementary halves, the halves preferably being connected to one another by riveting, welding or gluing. The connecting surfaces of the halves can also be designed as a tongue and groove or fold system. This further simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the fluid line section or the fluid control device.

In a further advantageous development, the fluid line section can have a flange section which is arranged directly surrounding the area and which is sealingly connected to the adapter element, preferably by means of a Screw means, adhesive, locking means is connected. As a result, the assembly actuator/adapter plate can be mounted on the fluid line section in a simple and fluid-tight manner.

In a further advantageous development, the fluid line section can consist of a plastic, preferably injection-molded. The fluid line section can thus be produced inexpensively and easily, in particular by injection molding methods. The fluid line section can preferably be formed by means of injection die-casting or additive manufacturing processes and, depending on the application and/or material compatibility, can consist of plastics, aluminum, die-cast zinc or cast iron.

In a further advantageous development, the setting actuator can be designed electromagnetically, pneumatically, electromotively or hydraulically. The actuator section of the setting actuator can be designed as an electromagnetic drive, an electric motor drive, a pneumatic drive or a hydraulic drive. Depending on the intended application, the fluid control device can thus be individually adapted to the corresponding requirements since, as already mentioned, basically any type of actuator can be used within the scope of the present fluid control device.

In an advantageous development of the fluid control device, a binary valve, proportional valve or a directional valve, in particular a 2/2-way valve, 3/2-way valve or a 3/3-way valve, can be formed by the fluid line section. This advantageously provides a wide range of functionality. As already mentioned, the characteristic of the corresponding valve is essentially brought about by the selection of the exchangeable actuating means.

In a secondary aspect, the invention relates to a setting actuator and an adapter element for the previously proposed fluid setting device, the setting actuator comprising an actuator section and a setting means, and the adapter element being arranged in a sealing manner between the actuator section and the setting means. It results in the advantages already mentioned.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the invention relates to a fluid line section with at least one opening for the fluid control device described above, the opening being provided for sealingly receiving the adapter element, and in particular having a flange section for sealingly fastening an adapter means.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages result from the present description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

Show it:

figs 1A to 1E a first exemplary embodiment of an advantageous fluid control device and its components,

2A to 2C a second exemplary embodiment of the fluid control device and its components,

3A to 3C a third embodiment of the fluid control device and its components,

4A to 4C a fourth embodiment of the fluid control device and its components, and

figs 5A and 5B a fifth exemplary embodiment of the fluid control device and its components

Elements of the same type are denoted by the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures only show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

ADJUSTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP FIGS. 1A to 1E each show a first exemplary embodiment of an advantageous fluid control device 1 and its individual components in simplified perspective or sectional representations.

As can be seen clearly in the exploded view of Figure 1A, the components of the fluid control device 1 are a control actuator 2, an adapter element 3 and a fluid line section 4, which together form the fluid control device 1 when used as intended, i.e. in the installed or assembled state. The fluid control device 1 is designed to regulate a fluid flow flowing through the fluid line section 4 when used as intended. When used as intended, the fluid control device

1 is integrated or installed in a fluid or pipeline system, which is not shown here.

In order to be able to largely avoid the assembly work and interventions in the line routing of the fluid line system when installing the fluid control device 1, it is advantageously provided in the present fluid control device 1 that the fluid line section 4 has at least one opening 5, in which the control actuator 2 engages. The positioning actuator 2 is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the fluid line section 4 by the adapter element 3 . In this respect, the control actuator

2 when used as intended, arranged essentially on the outside of the fluid line section 4 and engaging in it from the outside, as a result of which no complex intervention in the line routing is necessary.

For a safe and tight connection of the positioning actuator 2 to the fluid line section 4 by means of the adapter element 3, which is designed as an adapter plate 3 according to the present first exemplary embodiment, the fluid line section 4 has an adapter area 6 which is arranged in the area immediately surrounding the opening 5 or The opening 5 at least forms part of it. The adapter area 6 is designed essentially complementary to at least areas of the adapter element 3, so that an error-free and stable assembly of the adapter element 3 on the adapter area 6 or the fluid line section 4 is ensured in a simple manner. Fastening means 7 are used to connect the components of the fluid control device 1 or to assemble them, in the present case in the form of screws or bolts, which are not all provided with a reference number in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity. In principle, a connection in a positive, non-positive and/or material manner is conceivable, for which purpose, for example, the adapter element 3 can also be fixed or glued to the adapter area 6 .

To ensure tightness, the fluid control device 1 also has at least one sealing element 8, which in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1E is designed as a seal that is introduced between the adapter plate 3 and the adapter area 6 when the fluid control device 1 is installed. To ensure secure assembly, the adapter area 6 has a recess 9 associated with the sealing element 8 in the area of the opening 5, into which the sealing element 8 is inserted.

In particular, the fluid line section 4 can be formed in one piece. The fluid line section 4 is preferably a pipe component manufactured in particular by means of injection molding or additive manufacturing processes, or has at least one pipe section. Depending on the application and/or material compatibility, these parts can be made of plastic, aluminum, die-cast zinc or cast iron.

In the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E, however, provision is made for the fluid line section 4 to be formed from two functionally complementary halves, that is to say a first half 4′ and a second half 4″. FIG. 1B shows an example of a simplified representation of the fluid line section 4 once in the dismantled (original) state (representation A) and in the assembled state (representation B). To connect the two halves 4′, 4″, bonding or welding surfaces G are provided here, on which the two halves 4′, 4″ are arranged congruently and joined together to form the fluid line section 4 . Alternatively, this connection surface can also be designed as a tongue and groove or rabbet system FIG. 1C shows an exploded view of the control actuator 2/adaptor element 3 assembly. This assembly is also assembled by means of fastening means 7, in this case screws or bolts. The setting actuator 2 can be any type of setting actuator. In the present case, the setting actuator 2 is designed to be electromagnetic, pneumatic, electric motor or hydraulic. In the present case, the actuating actuator 2 comprises an actuator section 2′ and an actuating means 10 which, in the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E, is designed as a throttle valve.

The actuating means 10 is shaft-driven and, in the assembled state, is attached to a shaft 11 of the actuator section 2'. The adjusting means 10 is preferably attached to the actuator section 2′ in an exchangeable or detachable manner, so that it can be changed or exchanged at any time if necessary. In principle, a non-positive, positive and/or material connection is conceivable for connecting the actuating means 10 to the shaft 11 . For example, the actuating means 10 is slipped onto the shaft 11, ie fastened in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, it being possible in particular for additional securing to be provided by means of latching means or a spring contact pin that can be displaced into the shaft 11.

When assembling the fluid control device 1, it is provided that the adapter element 3 is arranged between the actuator section 2' and the control means 10, as can be seen particularly well in FIG. 1C. For this purpose, the adapter element 3 has a passage D through which the shaft 11 can be guided during assembly, so that the actuating means 10 can then be pushed onto the shaft 11 passed through the passage D on the opposite side of the adapter element 3 . In the present case, a shaft seal 11' is also provided, which is arranged between the actuator section 2' and the adapter element 3 in order to improve fluid tightness.

As can be seen particularly well from the representation of the assembled fluid control device 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1D, the opening 5 for the passage of the control means 10 is formed at least in a predeterminable control position, so that the control means 10 can simply be pushed through the opening 5 into the interior of the Introduced fluid line section 4 and can engage in the interior of the fluid line section 4 to regulate the flow of fluid. In this respect, when used as intended, at least the adjusting means 10 of the adjusting actuator 2 engages in the fluid line section 4 . Due to the fact that the adjusting means 10 serving for the regulation can be inserted simply through the opening 5 into the fluid line section 4 during the assembly of the fluid adjusting device 1, no complex intervention in the fluid line system is necessary.

As can be seen clearly in the two representations A and B of Figure 1D, in the first exemplary embodiment the fluid control device 1 is designed as a throttle valve, in particular due to the selection of the control means 10, by means of which the quantity of fluid flowing through the fluid line section 4 can be varied as required can be throttled or varied. In the representation A shown in FIG. 1D, the actuating means 10 is in a closed position, so that the flow of fluid is essentially completely blocked. In the representation B shown in FIG. 1D, on the other hand, the adjusting means 10 is in an open position, so that the fluid can flow through the fluid line section 4 essentially unhindered. Depending on the position of the actuating means 10, the flow rate can in particular be continuously regulated.

FIG. 1E shows a cross-sectional illustration through the fluid line section 4 in the area of the adapter area 6 when the fluid control device 1 is in the assembled state. As can be clearly seen here, the positioning actuator 2 is connected to the fluid line section 4 in a sealing manner by means of the adapter plate 3 and the sealing element 8 or is arranged on the outside thereof. The shaft 11 with the actuating means 10 fitted thereon can engage through the opening 5 into the interior of the fluid line section 4 in order to regulate the fluid flow as required.

FIGS. 2A to 2C show the previously described fluid control device 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment. Identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols insofar as reference is made to the above explanations in order to avoid repetition. In the following, therefore, only the differences will be discussed. The second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the adapter element 3 is no longer designed as an adapter plate but as an insert element 3'. In this respect, the adapter area 6 of the fluid line section 4, which is designed to be essentially complementary to the adapter element 3 or insert element 3', is also designed as an insert area 6'.

When assembling the fluid control device 1, the slide-in element 3' can be easily pushed through the opening 5 into the slide-in area 6', as can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 2A and 2C. To fasten the adapter element 3 or insert element 3', the fluid line section 4 can have at least one flange section 12 which is arranged in the area of the opening 5 or the adapter area 6', to which the assembly actuator 2/adapter element 3 is fastened by means of fastening means 7, in this case screws or rivets. is attachable. The execution of this connection is also conceivable as a latching connection.

As can be seen from the exploded view of the assembly actuator 2/adapter element 3 shown in FIG. 2B, the slide-in element 3' has a receiving area 13 for the actuating means 10. When the assembly is assembled, the actuating means 10 is positioned in the receiving area 13 and then the shaft 11 of the actuating actuator 2 is pushed through the passage D of the adapter element 3 or insertion element 3'. At the same time, the adjusting means 10 is slipped onto the shaft 11 .

FIG. 1C again shows a cross-sectional illustration through the fluid control device 1 in the area of the opening 5. As can be seen clearly here, the insertion element 3 is also arranged at least in regions inside the fluid line section 4 in the second exemplary embodiment. In this respect, the insertion element 3 ′ also engages in the fluid line section 4 in this exemplary embodiment.

In order to ensure fluid tightness at the transitions or contact surfaces between insert element 3' and fluid line section 4, the fluid control unit has Direction 1 has two sealing elements 8 which are arranged in the edge regions of the insertion element 3' (see also FIG. 2B). The sealing elements 8 are particularly integral, ie they are not used during assembly as in the first exemplary embodiment, but are already arranged on the insertion element 3' from the start, for example glued to the edge regions, or designed as a molded seal.

The second exemplary embodiment also enables the setting actuator 2 to be arranged on the fluid line section 4 in a simple manner in order to regulate the fluid flow, without a complex intervention in the fluid line system being necessary. Rather, the adjusting means 10 in particular can also be introduced into the interior of the fluid line section 4 in a simple manner, the fluid-tightness being reliably ensured.

FIGS. 3A to 3C show the fluid control device 1 described above according to a third exemplary embodiment. Again, the same elements are provided with the same reference numbers, only the differences being explained below.

In conventional fluid line systems, it may also be necessary under certain circumstances not only to change the fluid quantity or the (back) dynamic pressure (in particular by means of the throttle valve described above), but also to change the direction of flow of the fluid. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. That is, the fluid line section 4 has an inlet opening or an inlet E and two outlet openings or outlets A1 and A2 (see FIG. 3B). Furthermore, in the third exemplary embodiment, it is provided that, in contrast to the previous two exemplary embodiments, the adjusting means 10 is no longer designed as a throttle flap, but as an adjusting drum 10′ for controlling the direction of flow.

The setting drum 10' is cylindrical in the present case and has a channel K for carrying out the fluid. Alternatively, a truncated cone-shaped configuration of the setting drum 10' is also conceivable, which favors the manufacture of the monolithic fluid line section 4 in the injection molding process, since the truncated cone corresponds to a draft angle. As can be seen in particular from the exploded view of FIG. 3A, the adjusting means 10, in this case the adjusting drum 10′, is also introduced or arranged through the opening 5 into the fluid line section 4 in this exemplary embodiment. The flow direction of the fluid can then be controlled by rotating the setting drum 10' by means of the setting actuator 2 and the associated change in the orientation of the channel K to the inlet E and the outlets A1 and A2.

In this regard, FIG. 3B shows a cross section through the fluid line section 4 in the area of the setting drum 10'. The individual illustrations A, B and C each show the setting drum 10' in a different setting position. In the first setting position shown in representation A, the setting drum 10' is oriented in such a way that the channel K is not flush with either the inlet E or with the outlets A1 and A2. In this respect, no flow of the fluid is possible in the first setting position, so that this is a closed position of the setting drum 10'.

In the second setting position shown in representation B, the setting drum 10' is oriented in such a way that the channel K is aligned with the inlet E and the first outlet A1 or connects the inlet E to the first outlet A1, so that the fluid flows through the channel K can flow from the input E to the first output A1. In this respect, the setting drum 10' is in a first open position.

In the representation C shown in Figure 3B, the adjusting drum 10 'is oriented such that the channel K is aligned with the input E and now with the second output A2 or connects the input E to the second output A2, so that the fluid is now from the Input E can flow through the channel K to the second output A2. In this respect, the setting drum 10' is in a second open position in this case. As can be seen from the above description, in the third exemplary embodiment of the fluid control device 1, the flow direction of the fluid can be controlled by means of the control drum 10', so that in this case the fluid control device 1 is designed in particular as a directional control valve.

It is conceivable to distribute the input current to the two outputs to a certain extent by intermediate positions of the positions, even if this distribution would not be linear over the entire travel. A corresponding characteristic curve can be recorded for this purpose, which characterizes the current distribution over the travel .

As shown in FIG. 3C, the rotation or the angle of rotation of the setting drum 10' can be limited by a preferably mechanically designed or acting limiting means 14. In the present case, the limiting means 14 is designed, for example, as a bolt arranged in the bottom area of the fluid line section 4 . In particular, a milled groove can also be provided in the setting drum in order to mechanically limit the rotation of the setting drum 10'.

Figures 4A to 4C show the fluid control device 1 according to a fourth embodiment. Here, too, the same elements are again provided with the same reference symbols, with only the differences being explained below.

It is also possible in the fourth exemplary embodiment to vary the flow direction of the fluid. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, however, the fluid line section 4 is no longer designed as a Y-junction, but as a T-piece. The T-piece also has an input E and two outputs A1 and A2 (see FIG. 4B). The adjusting means 10 is again designed as an adjusting drum 10', but now no longer has the channel K, but instead an eccentric cutout. Here, too, the adjusting drum can be represented as a cylinder, but can also be designed as a truncated cone in order to enable a draft angle on the fluid line section 4 . As can be seen from the exploded view of FIG. 4A, the setting drum 10' is also introduced through the opening 5 into the interior of the fluid line section 4 in this exemplary embodiment and the Positioning actuator 2 is mounted on the outside of fluid line section 4 by means of adapter plate 3 .

Analogous to FIG. 3A, FIG. 4B shows several cross-sectional representations in the area of the setting drum 10′, the individual representations A, B and C differing with regard to the orientation of the setting drum 10′. In the representation A, the setting drum 10' is oriented in such a way that the two outlets A1 and A2 are connected by means of the eccentric cutout, but the inlet E is blocked. In this respect, fluid can flow from the first inlet A1 to the second outlet A2, but not to or from the inlet E. Assuming that the fluid should flow in or out from the input E and insofar as it is blocked by the setting drum 10', it cannot flow through it to one of the two outputs A1 and A2, the setting drum 10' is in the case of Representation A in the closed position.

In the second representation B, the setting drum 10' is oriented in such a way that the inlet E is connected to the first outlet A1 by means of the eccentric cutout, so that fluid can flow from the inlet E to the first outlet A1. In this respect, in the case of representation B, the setting drum 10' is in the first open position.

In the third representation C, the setting drum 10' is oriented in such a way that the inlet E is connected to the second outlet A2 by means of the eccentric cutout, so that fluid can flow from the inlet E to the second outlet A2. In this respect, in the case of representation C, the setting drum 10' is in the second open position.

As shown in FIG. 4C, analogously to the third exemplary embodiment described above, a limiting means 14, which acts in particular mechanically, can also be provided in the fourth exemplary embodiment for limiting the angle of rotation of the setting drum 10′. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, regulation of the direction of flow of the fluid is also made possible, with the adjusting means 10, in this case the adjusting drum 10′, being able to be introduced into the interior of the fluid line section 4 in a simple manner, without complex interventions in the fluid line system being necessary.

It is also conceivable here to distribute the input current to the two outputs to a certain extent by setting the positions in between, even if this distribution would not take place linearly over the entire adjustment path. For this purpose, a corresponding characteristic of current distribution over the travel can preferably be recorded.

Figures 5A and 5B show the fluid control device 1 according to a fifth embodiment. The same elements are repeatedly provided with the same reference symbols, with only the differences being explained below.

Also in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to control the flow direction of the fluid. In addition, the fifth exemplary embodiment advantageously offers the option of linearly controlling the quantity of fluid flowing through, alternatively or simultaneously, so that in particular a mixing function is also provided. To this extent, in the fifth exemplary embodiment, the fluid control device 1 can form a directional, proportional and/or mixing valve depending on the flow direction.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, too, the fluid line section 4 has an inlet E and two outlets A1 and A2, or in the case of a mixing valve two inlets (A1 and A2) and one outlet (E) (see FIG. 5B). However, the fifth exemplary embodiment differs from the previous exemplary embodiments in that the setting drum 10' is now hollowed out on the inside and in this respect has an open underside and a casing wall M in which at least two recesses in the form of conically tapering slots 15 are formed. The tapering slits 15 each have a wide end and a narrow end insofar as the width of the slit 15 varies from the wide to the narrow end continuously tapers, the slot 15 is so increasingly narrow. This hollowed-out cylinder can also be designed as a truncated cone, especially if it is designed as a turned/milled part or an additively manufactured part. As a result, a draft angle can be provided in the monolithic fluid line section 4 .

As can be clearly seen from the exploded view shown in Figure 5A, when assembling the fluid control device 1, the control drum 10' is reinserted through the opening 5 with its open underside first into the fluid line section 4, with the conically tapering slots 15 being at right angles to the two outlets A1 and A2 are arranged so that a first of the two slots 15 is assigned to the first output A1 and a second of the two slots 15 is assigned to the second output A2. This results in the possibility of changing a flow cross section of the fluid, as explained below with reference to FIG. 5B.

The individual representations A, B and C shown in Figure 5B each show a cross section through the fluid control device 1 in the area of the setting drum 10', with the setting drum 10' being in a different setting position in each of the representations A, B, C. The setting drum 10' is always oriented with its open underside toward the inlet E, so that fluid can flow through the input E into the interior of the setting drum 10'. In the case of a mixing valve, the direction of flow can be reversed.

In representation A, the setting drum 10′ is oriented such that the first slot 15 is aligned with the first outlet A1 and the second slot 15 is oriented away from the second outlet A2, so that the second outlet A2 is blocked or closed by the jacket wall M is. Since the interior of the setting drum 10' creates a connection between the interior of the setting drum 10' and the first outlet A1 due to the alignment of the first slot 15 with the first outlet A1, the fluid can thus flow from the inlet E to the first outlet A1 . Depending on the setting angle of the setting drum 10', the quantity of fluid flowing from the interior of the setting drum 10' to the first outlet A1 can vary by aligning either the wider or the narrower portions of the first slot 15 with the first exit A1, depending on the adjustment angle.

In the setting position shown in representation A, the setting drum 10 'is in a first open position, in which the widest area of the first slot 15 is aligned with the first outlet A1, so that the maximum possible amount of fluid from the interior of the setting drum 10' through the first slot 15 can flow to the first outlet A1. In this case, the flow cross section to outlet A1 is 100%. In the case of a mixing valve, a flow cross-section of 100% would be provided by inlet A1.

In the case of representation B, the setting drum 10' is in a second open position. This differs from the first open position according to illustration A in that the adjusting drum 10' is now oriented in such a way that the first of the slots 15 is no longer aligned with the first outlet A1, i.e. this is closed by the casing wall M, but the second is of the slots 15 is aligned with the second exit A2. In this respect, in the second open position, the fluid flowing or flowing into the interior of the adjusting drum 10' can no longer flow to or from the first outlet A1, but rather to or from the second outlet A2. Here, too, the setting drum 10' is oriented in such a way that the widest area of the second slot 15 is aligned with the second outlet A2, so that the maximum possible amount of fluid can flow through the second slot 15 to the second outlet A2. In this respect, the flow cross section to outlet A2 is also 100% here. In the case of a mixing valve, a flow cross-section of 100% would be provided by inlet A2.

In the case of representation C, the setting drum 10' is in a third open position. In this open position, both slots 15 are aligned to the same extent with the associated outlet A1, A2. In this respect, the fluid flowing into the interior of the adjusting drum 10' can flow through the first of the slots 15 the first output A1, as well as through the second of the slots 15 to the second output A2, ie simultaneously to both outputs A1, A2. The setting drum 10′ is oriented in such a way that neither the widest nor the narrowest area of the two slots 15 is aligned with the respective outlet A1, A2, but rather the medium-width area. In this respect, in the third open position the flow cross section is 50%, ie half of the amount of fluid flowing into the interior of the setting drum 10' flows through one of the slots 15 to one of the outlets A1, A2. In the case of a mixing valve, half the fluid would flow through port A1 and the other half of the fluid would flow through port A2.

In this respect, a mixing function is provided in particular by the fifth exemplary embodiment. Depending on the rotational position of the setting drum 10', the through-flow cross section for both outlets A1, A2 can be set essentially steplessly and linearly from 0% to 100%.

In summary, the five exemplary embodiments of the fluid control device 1 described above advantageously provide a fluid control device 1 that is easy to assemble and inexpensive to produce and has a wide range of functional options, since essentially any type of actuator 2 and control means 10 can be used to form a wide variety of types of fluid control devices or can be combined for a wide range of applications.

Reference List

1 fluid control device 2 control actuator

3 adapter element, adapter plate 3' slide-in element

4 Fluid Line Section 4' First Half 4" Second Half

5 Opening 6 Adapter area 6' Slide-in area

7 fasteners 8 sealing element

9 recess 10 adjusting means, throttle valve 10' adjusting drum 11 shaft

11' Shaft seal 12 Flange portion 13 Receiving area 14 Limiting means 15 Slots

A1 First exit A2 Second exit D Passage E Entry G Bonding points K Duct M Jacket wall

Claims

Fluid control device (1) for fluid line systems comprising at least one control actuator (2), at least one adapter element (3) and at least one fluid line section (4), characterized in that the fluid line section (4) has at least one opening (5) in which the control actuator (2) engages, the positioning actuator (2) being connected in a sealed manner to the fluid line section (4) by the adapter element (3), preferably via at least one sealing element (8). Fluid control device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control actuator (2) comprises an actuator section (2') and a preferably shaft-operated control means (10), the adapter element (3) being arranged between the actuator section (2') and control means (10). and wherein the opening (5) of the fluid line section (4) is designed to allow the adjusting means (10) to pass through, at least in a predeterminable adjusting position. Fluid control device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adapter element (3) is designed as an adapter plate (3) or as an insert element (3'), in particular as a wedge-shaped insert element, the adapter element (3) also preferably having a passage ( D) for a shaft (11) of the actuating actuator (2). Fluid control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid line section (4) is formed at least in one piece, preferably from two, preferably functionally complementary halves (4', 4"), wherein the halves (4', 4") are preferably formed by Welding or gluing are connected to each other. Fluid control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid line section (4) has a flange section (12) which is arranged in the region of the opening (5) and which is sealingly connected to the adapter element (3), preferably connected by means of screw means, adhesive means, locking means is. Fluid control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid line section (4) is designed as a pipeline section and is produced as a tubular component manufactured by means of injection molding or die casting or by means of an additive manufacturing process, and is preferably made of plastic, aluminum, die-cast zinc or cast iron. Fluid control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control actuator (2) is designed to be electromagnetic, pneumatic, electric motor or hydraulic. Fluid control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid control device (1) has a binary valve, a proportional valve, and/or a directional valve, in particular a 2-way valve or a 3-way valve. Control actuator (2) with an adapter element (3) for a fluid control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control actuator (2) comprises an actuator section (2') and a control means (10), the adapter element (3 ) is arranged sealingly between the actuator section (2 ') and actuating means (10). Fluid line section (4) with at least one opening (5) for a fluid control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the opening (5) is designed for a sealing reception of the adapter element (3), and in particular a Flange section (12) for the sealing attachment of an adapter element (3).