CN112443676A

CN112443676A - Control of a valve device

Info

Publication number: CN112443676A
Application number: CN202010856233.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·雅各布; A·萨巴拉特; A·施利策
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2019-08-27
Filing date: 2020-08-24
Publication date: 2021-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-24
Also published as: DE102019212835A1; CN112443676B

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (42) for controlling a valve device (1) having at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3), in particular a shut-off valve and/or a switching valve that can be used in a domestic appliance (38), wherein the at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3) of the valve device (1) are set (43) by means of a rotary or translational latching mechanism (8) that interacts directly or via a connecting device with a control element (2) for controlling a fluid flow (F), wherein the rotary or translational latching mechanism (8) is actuated (44) stepwise by an armature (12) of an electromagnet (10) that works against a restoring force for switching the at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a valve device (1) and a household appliance (38).

Description

Control of a valve device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for controlling a valve device having at least two switching positions, in particular for controlling a shut-off valve and/or a switching valve that can be used in a domestic appliance. Furthermore, the invention relates to a valve device and a household appliance.

Background

In the case of washing machines, depending on the field of application, actively deflected water flows can be introduced in the region of the detergent flush housing in order to flush the detergent chambers of the detergent flush housing individually with water flows.

A known solution is to be able to set three directions of water flow by means of two valves. If the valves are opened individually, the water flow can be delivered to two different detergent chambers. If the valves are activated or opened simultaneously, the third detergent chamber can be flushed. This solution requires two spring-return solenoid valves and corresponding electronic control devices for controlling the solenoid valves.

In addition, devices are known for electromechanically deflecting the water flow when entering the detergent chamber. In this case, rotatable nozzles or chambers are used which, depending on the switching position or switching state, are actuated or connect the radial input and output ends in a water-conducting manner. For example, EP 1568815B 1 describes a washing machine with a detergent-flushing device. The detergent flush-in device has a lever assembly for deflecting a rotary valve through which different chambers of the detergent flush-in device are flushed by water. A stepper motor is typically used to drive the lever assembly.

Such electromechanically controllable devices with rotatable nozzles must be precisely manufactured and sealed against the escape of water. Thereby increasing manufacturing overhead and manufacturing costs. In addition, the use of a stepping motor with a corresponding control device additionally increases the production costs of such a device.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a reversing mechanism which is technically simple and cost-effective, in particular for fluid flows.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for controlling a valve device having at least two switching positions, in particular for controlling a shut-off valve and/or a switching valve which can be used in a domestic appliance. The valve device can preferably be used to switch fluid flow over or off.

The at least two switching positions of the valve device are set by a rotary or translational latching mechanism which interacts directly or via a connecting device or indirectly with a control element for controlling the fluid flow. In this case, the control element can combine the fluid inlet with one or more fluid outlets in order to reverse the fluid flow. In addition, the control element can block the fluid inlet, thereby shutting off fluid flow.

The rotary or translational latching mechanism is actuated in a sequential manner by an armature of an electromagnet which is operated counter to a restoring force for switching at least two switching positions. In particular, the electromagnet can briefly deflect or drive the armature in order to switch the latching mechanism. With each actuation of the electromagnet, the latching mechanism can be switched by one latching step. In this case, the detent mechanism can be switched indefinitely or can be reset to the first step after a defined number of switches.

In this way, the use of a stepping motor with a complicated and costly control device can be dispensed with. In this case, the electromagnet is supplied with electrical energy for, for example, 0.3 to 3 seconds by means of a technically simple time control in order to actuate the latching mechanism. After the engagement time is over, the electromagnet remains without current. This interaction between the electromagnet, the catch mechanism and the control element can be sufficient without a technically extensive control device, and can therefore be produced cost-effectively.

Further advantages are: depending on the configuration of the control element, solenoid valves with corresponding operating devices can be saved. In addition, an optimized installation space utilization can be achieved, in particular in laundry care appliances, wherein hitherto unused installation space is used for the valve device. Such an installation space is present, for example, in the region of the detergent flush-in housing.

According to one embodiment, the switching position of the valve device is detected by at least one sensor or is determined by counting the manipulations of the electromagnet. This allows the switching position to be determined technically easily. For example, an absolute value encoder, a rotary encoder, a resolver or a potentiometer can be used as the sensor. According to a particularly simple technical design, the switching position can be detected by a sensor embodied as a switch. The switch can be configured as a mechanical button or as a contactless sensor, for example as a hall sensor, reed contact or capacitive sensor.

In addition to the at least one sensor, a control device can also be provided, which can be used to control the specific switching position in a targeted manner in conjunction with the measurement data of the sensor. For this reason, the switching position can be continuously obtained. Alternatively, the defined switching position can be used as a reference, wherein each further switching position can be determined by counting the switching processes or the adjustment processes.

According to another embodiment, the at least one fluid inlet is coupled or decoupled in a fluid-conducting manner to the at least one fluid outlet by means of a control element. Preferably, the interconnection of the at least one fluid inlet with the at least one fluid outlet can be carried out on the component side by means of a control element. In addition to the direct interconnection of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, depending on the switching position, a plurality of throughflow paths can be connected together with one fluid outlet or a switching position can be coupled with a plurality of fluid outlets. For example, a plurality of switching positions can "respond" (ansrecen) to the same fluid outlet or be connected to a fluid inlet, so that all states do not have to be switched on at all times in the sequence of switching positions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a valve apparatus for shutting off and/or switching the flow of a fluid is provided. The valve device has a control element for influencing the fluid flow, which control element has at least two switching positions. In addition, the valve device has a rotary or translational latching mechanism coupled directly or indirectly to the control element, wherein at least two switching positions of the control element can be set by actuating the latching mechanism (e.g. stepwise). Preferably, the latching mechanism can be actuated by a brief translational movement pulse of the electromagnet.

Due to the movement properties of the electromagnet, a plurality of setting positions cannot be operated continuously (angelahren), but the individual setting positions are switched on sequentially or in steps by briefly activating the electromagnet in each case. With each switching process, a respective one of the set positions is switched over in a fixed sequence.

The latching mechanism serves to convert the movement of the electromagnet into a switching process of the control element. This can be composed of different combinations of switching mechanisms with a latch position and control elements for fluid or water diversion.

The valve device can be configured, for example, integrally with the punch-in housing or as a separate component. As a separate component, the valve device can be connected to other components of the household appliance by means of hoses or these can be integrated into a common valve block.

Depending on the configuration, the electromagnet can be spring-reset either internally or by means of an engaged mechanical commutation device and coupled to the latching mechanism. Depending on the latching mechanism used, a pulling or pressing force may be required, which is provided by an electromagnet. For example, an electromagnet having a movable, magnetizable armature can exert a tensile force on the armature by means of a current in the coil of the electromagnet. To generate the pressure, the armature can be extended with a non-magnetic part (e.g. plastic) or connected to the non-magnetic part. In the deactivated state of the electromagnet, the magnetic part of the armature penetrates the coil of the electromagnet. When a current flows through the coil, the connected magnetic or ferromagnetic part of the armature is attracted and the pressure is transmitted to the opposite side by the non-magnetic part of the armature.

For example, when used in a household appliance, the electromagnet can be driven directly by an alternating voltage applied to the household appliance, thereby eliminating the need for a change in the operating current. Thereby enabling further reduction in manufacturing costs.

A latching mechanism or conversion mechanism serves to convert a translational or linear movement of the armature of the electromagnet into a conversion movement of the control element. Depending on the type of control element, a translational movement or a rotational movement may be required there for carrying out the switching process of the fluid flow. Advantageously, the type of movement of the detent mechanism is directly matched to the type of movement of the control element. In addition, a connecting rod can be provided as a connection between the latching mechanism and the control element or between the armature and the latching mechanism.

According to one embodiment, the control element is configured as a rotary disk, as a rotatable chamber, as at least one rotatable nozzle or as a slide. This measure allows a flexible selection of the control element depending on the field of application of the valve device.

The control element can control the throughflow path through which the fluid flows in the individual switching positions. The switching position and the throughflow path are preferably derived from the requirements made of the valve device. Depending on the field of application of the valve device, it is also possible to connect or disconnect a plurality of fluid inlets with a plurality of fluid outlets in the control element.

The control element, which is in the form of a rotatable chamber or a rotatable disk, can have one or more axial channels. The channels are rotatable relative to the static fluid inlet and fluid outlet to configure a defined connection path. In this case, the fluid flow can be set, changed or stopped. Thus, different switching channels or latch positions can be achieved by introducing different switching patterns at different diameters. Depending on the configuration of the chamber, the channels, the fluid inlets and/or the fluid outlets can be arranged at different heights.

Similar to the control element configured as a chamber, the control element can be shaped as one or more rotatable nozzles. The pivoting nozzle can be deflected by a catch mechanism. In this case, an additional valve is advantageous in order to shut off the fluid flow.

In addition, the control element can be configured as a slide valve. Advantageously, in this case the direct linear movement of the electromagnet can be converted into a movement of the control element, so that the conversion of a linear movement into a rotary movement is dispensed with.

If the latching mechanism is provided for converting an oscillating movement of the armature of the electromagnet into a linear switching movement which has an effect on the control element for switching the switching position, a plurality of defined switching positions of the valve device can be set. Preferably, the oscillating movement can be a brief switching pulse or a brief deflection, which is sufficient for actuating the latching mechanism. By means of this linear movement, the electromagnet can successively "switch on" the switching position of the control element by means of the latching mechanism.

The latching mechanism can be configured particularly easily in the technical sense if it is configured as a Push-Push mechanism, a rotary step limiter or a translational step limiter. For example, the latching mechanism can be embodied as a switching mechanism which converts a movement of the armature of the electromagnet into a sequential or stepwise switching movement of the control element. The movement of the armature of the electromagnet takes place in translation. Depending on the type of control element, a translational movement or a rotational movement may be required there. In one embodiment, the type of movement (translational or rotational) of the conversion mechanism can be the same as the type of movement of the control element.

A push-push mechanism or a so-called ballpoint pen mechanism can be used to convert the linear movement of an electromagnet into a rotary movement, which is required, for example, by a control element in the form of a rotatable nozzle or a rotatable chamber. For this purpose, the push-push mechanism can have a movable ring gear with a first toothing and a stationary ring gear with a second toothing. The first tooth system meshes with the second tooth system, wherein the first tooth system is rotated by lifting it and is guided to the next detent step when lowering.

The latching mechanism in the form of a rotary step limiter can have a pawl in order to stay in the defined latching step. A spring-loaded rack with asymmetrical teeth can continue to rotate the gear during linear motion and jump over the teeth of the gear during return, while the gear is held in place by the pawl.

When the detent mechanism is configured as a translational step limiter, a plurality of detent steps or switching positions can be realized. However, the translating step limiter cannot be switched without restriction. After the final switching position is reached, the translating step limiter can be reset.

According to another embodiment, the latching mechanism configured as a translational step limiter has a movable rack with an end stop and enlarged end teeth. Preferably, the teeth of the rack have a vertically rising flank and a gently rising flank, respectively, and cooperate with the pawl. Due to the asymmetrically shaped teeth of the toothed rack, the connecting arm coupled to the armature of the electromagnet can protrude into the teeth and guide the movable toothed rack closer to the electromagnet or repel the movable toothed rack further away from the electromagnet after each actuation of the electromagnet. The enlarged end tooth serves to space the connecting arm from the teeth of the toothed rack after reaching the last switching position, whereby the connecting arm can be reset to the first switching position. In the first switching position, the pawl can be released, so that the connecting arm can be engaged again with the end-side latching teeth in the toothed rack. Subsequently, the switching position can be switched on again step by step.

The valve device can be configured particularly easily technically when the toothed rack is coupled to the control element. The detent mechanism can thus directly actuate the control element and control the fluid flow.

According to a further embodiment, the toothed rack is connected to the armature of the electromagnet directly or via a connecting arm, wherein the toothed rack can be positioned into different switching positions by means of a progressive attraction or repulsion of the armature. Preferably, the pawl locks the rack in the set switching position. The displacement of the latching mechanism is achieved by a brief linear attraction or repulsion of an electromagnet whose armature stroke is at least the distance between two teeth of the toothed rack and has the same direction of movement. Preferably, this brief attraction can be implemented by an electromagnet with an internal return spring. The mechanical transmission is effected by an arm which is a bent spring and has at least one end tooth or end-side latching tooth which engages in the toothed rack. In this case, the bending spring can be elastically bent transversely to the armature stroke of the electromagnet.

A detent mechanism in the form of a translational step limiter can be reset in a particularly simple manner in technical terms if the pawl can be spaced apart from the toothed rack by the enlarged end tooth in order to reset the toothed rack into the starting position until the toothed rack assumes the starting position. In this case, the starting position can be reached by the return spring. Unlike a rotary step limiter, the initial switching position cannot be reached by a complete rotation, but rather by: after reaching the last switching position, a return to the first switching position is effected by means of a return spring when the electromagnet is again actuated.

According to another aspect of the invention, a household appliance is provided. The domestic appliance has at least one valve device according to the invention, wherein the at least one valve device is arranged in a valve block and/or in a housing of the domestic appliance. Preferably, the domestic appliance can be a water-conducting appliance. For example, the household appliance can be a mobile or stationary appliance, which can be used to perform or support a cleaning work. Such a domestic appliance can be a washing machine, a dishwasher, a pressure cleaner or a washer-dryer.

Drawings

Hereinafter, the present invention and technical environment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiment variants shown. In particular, the invention comprises any combination of the features described in the description as relating to the invention, whenever technically meaningful.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a valve apparatus according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a household appliance according to the invention with a valve device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart for elucidating the method in accordance with the invention in accordance with an embodiment.

In the drawings, the same or mutually corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Numerical values, shapes, components, positions of components, and manners of interconnecting the components, etc., are for illustration only and are not limiting. In the drawings, different scales are used, in part, for reasons of clarity and to improve legibility.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a valve device 1 according to an embodiment. The valve device 1 serves in particular for switching off and/or switching a fluid flow and has a control element 2 shaped as a slider for influencing the fluid flow, which has exemplary three switching positions S1, S2, S3. Fluid flow is shown by arrows F.

In the first switching position S1 and the second switching position S2, the fluid inlet 4 is connected with different fluid outlets 6, 7. In the third switching position S3, the fluid flow is blocked or shut off. A switching position S2 is shown in which the fluid inlet 4 is connected with the fluid outlet 6.

In addition, the valve device 1 has a latching mechanism 8. The catch mechanism 8 is configured as a translatory step limiter, for example, which is mechanically coupled directly to the control element 2.

The switching positions S1, S2, S3 of the control element 2 can be set or switched "on" by actuating the detent mechanism 8. An electromagnet 10 is provided for actuating the detent mechanism 8.

The electromagnet 10 has an armature 12, which is connected to a return spring 14. The armature 12 is axially surrounded by a coil 16. By applying a current to coil 16, armature 12 can be repelled by coil 16. In this case, the return spring 14 is stretched against the spring force. By applying a current to the coil, a brief movement pulse can be applied via the armature 12, which actuates the latching mechanism 8 and thus causes a change in the switching positions S1, S2, S3.

Unlike a rotary step limiter with pawls, in a translating step limiter, the initial switching position S1 is not reached after the final switching position S3 is reached. Therefore, after reaching the last switching position S3, it is necessary to reset to the first switching position S1 upon re-manipulation. The latch mechanism 8 shown in fig. 1 enables this resetting.

The latch mechanism 8 has a movable rack 18 having a plurality of teeth 20, an end stop 22 and an enlarged end tooth 24. The teeth 20 of the rack 18 are asymmetrically shaped and have a vertically rising flank 25 and a gently rising flank 26, respectively. An end stop 22 is disposed at the end of the rack 18 opposite the enlarged end tooth 24.

The switching positions S1, S2, S3 can be set by briefly attracting the armature 12 linearly in the horizontal direction H, whose stroke corresponds at least to the distance between two teeth 20 of the toothed rack 18 and has the same direction of movement H.

Mechanical transmission between the armature 12 and the rack 18 is achieved through a connecting arm 28. The connecting arm 28 has a tooth or latching tooth 30 arranged on the end side, which tooth or latching tooth can interact mechanically with the teeth 20 of the toothed rack 18.

The pawl 32 locks the toothed rack 18 in a fixed position or blocks the return movement of the toothed rack 18. The detent 32 can likewise be mounted or embodied in a resilient manner. Depending on the desired number of switching positions S1, S2, S3, the rack 18 can be implemented differently. In the embodiment shown, this is illustratively a rack 18 having three switching positions.

The movable toothed rack 18 can be moved in the horizontal direction H and is spring-biased against the electromagnet 10. The electromagnet 10 is embodied immovably with respect to the rack 18. In particular, the toothed rack 18 is pulled away from the electromagnet 10 by a corresponding, not shown, return spring. The return spring 14 of the electromagnet 10 presses the armature 12 and thus the connecting arm 28 connected to the armature 12 in the direction of the toothed rack 18. By activating the electromagnet 10, the armature 12 is pulled into the electromagnet 10 against the force of the return spring 14, wherein the toothed rack 18 is likewise attracted until the pawl 32 can lock the toothed rack 18 at an adjacent tooth 20. After deactivation of the electromagnet 10, the ratchet 30 can slide behind the pawl 32 (nachgleiten) and can likewise hook into an adjacent tooth 20 of the toothed rack 18.

In order to achieve a return when the final switching position S3 is actuated again, the pawl 32 is offset from the rack 18 by the enlarged end tooth 24 in such a way that the pawl 32 can no longer fix the rack 18. This is achieved by a blocking hook 34, which holds the pawl 32 in a form-fitting manner in a spaced-apart manner from the toothed rack 18. The toothed rack 18 is moved away from the electromagnet 10 in this state by a return spring (not shown) of the toothed rack, and can therefore be moved into the first switching position or starting position S1.

Once the starting position S1 is reached, the end stop 22 can push the pawl 32 out of the blocking hook 34, thus bringing the pawl 32 back into engagement with the tooth 20. The setting programs of the positions S1, S2, S3 can now be switched from scratch.

In order to detect the switching positions S1, S2, S3 of the valve device 1, a sensor 36 is provided which is able to count the switching processes of the electromagnet 10. Alternatively, the electronics or control unit (not shown) for actuating the electromagnet 10 can also count the switching processes of the electromagnet 10. Such a control unit contains, for example, electronic circuitry.

Fig. 2 shows a household appliance 38 according to the invention having a valve device 1 according to one embodiment. The household appliance 38 is configured as a laundry care appliance, for example as a washing machine or as a washer-dryer. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the valve device 1 is arranged in or on a detergent-flushing housing 40 of a domestic appliance 38.

The valve apparatus 1 is not limited to use in a domestic appliance 38. Other possible applications of the valve device 1 are, for example, in the hygiene sector or in irrigation technology.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart for illustrating a method 42 according to the invention according to an embodiment. The method 42 serves to control a valve device 1 having at least two switching positions S1, S2, S3, which can be embodied as a shut-off valve and/or as a switching valve.

In step 43, at least one switching position S1, S2, S3 of the valve device 1 is set by the rotary or translational latching mechanism 8. This is achieved by the latching mechanism 8, wherein the control element 2 is actuated by the latching mechanism 8 for controlling the fluid flow F. The switching positions S1, S2, S3 can be detected by a sensor and can be stored as a start position S1 by connected electronics (e.g., a control unit).

Depending on the configuration, after a plurality of actuations 44 of the latching mechanism 8 by the electromagnet 10, the latching mechanism 8 can be reset 45 to the starting position S1.

List of reference numerals

1-valve device

2 control element

4 fluid inlet

6 first fluid outlet

7 second fluid outlet

8-locking mechanism

10 electromagnet

12 armature

14 return spring

16 coil

18 movable rack

20 teeth

22 end stop

24 end teeth

25 vertical rising flank

26 gently ascending flank

28 connecting arm

30 latch tooth

32 ratchet pawl

34 stop hook

36 sensor

38 household appliance

40 detergent is washed into the shell

42 method

43 setting or switching of the switching position

Multiple actuation of 44 latch mechanism

Resetting of 45-degree latch mechanism

F fluid flow

H direction of horizontal movement

51 first switching position/start position

52 second switching position

53 third switching position/final position

Claims

1. A method (42) for controlling a valve device (1) having at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3), in particular for controlling a shut-off valve and/or a switching valve which can be used in a domestic appliance (38),

-wherein at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3) of the valve device (1) are set (43) by a rotary or translational latch mechanism (8) which interacts directly or by means of a connecting device with a control element (2) for controlling a fluid flow (F),

-wherein the rotary or translational latching mechanism (8) is actuated (44) stepwise by an armature (12) of an electromagnet (10) operating against a restoring force for switching the at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the switching position (S1, S2, S3) of the valve device (1) is detected by at least one sensor (36) or is ascertained by a count of manipulations of the electromagnet (10).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one fluid inlet (4) is coupled or decoupled in a fluid-conducting manner with at least one fluid outlet (6, 7) by means of the control element (2).

4. Valve device (1) for shutting off and/or switching a fluid flow (F), having a control element (2) for influencing the fluid flow (F) and having at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3) and having a rotary or translational latching mechanism (8) coupled directly or indirectly to the control element (2), characterized in that the at least two switching positions (S1, S2, S3) of the control element (2) can be set by actuating the latching mechanism (8), wherein the latching mechanism (8) can be actuated by a translational movement pulse of an electromagnet (10).

5. Valve device according to claim 4, wherein the control element (2) is configured as a rotary disc, a rotatable chamber, at least one rotatable nozzle or as a slide.

6. Valve device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the latching mechanism (8) is provided for converting an oscillating movement of an armature (12) of the electromagnet (10) into a linear conversion movement which has an effect on the control element (2) for converting a switching position (S1, S2, S3).

7. Valve arrangement according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the latch mechanism (8) is configured as a push-push mechanism, a rotary step limiter or a translational step limiter.

8. Valve device according to claim 7, wherein the catch mechanism (8) configured as a translatory step stopper has a movable toothed rack (18) with an end stop (22) and an enlarged end tooth (24), wherein the teeth (20) of the toothed rack (18) have a vertically rising flank (25) and a gently rising flank (26), respectively, and co-act with a pawl (32).

9. Valve device according to claim 8, wherein the rack (18) is coupled with the control element (2).

10. Valve device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the rack (18) is connected with the armature (12) of the electromagnet (10) directly at the armature (12) of the electromagnet (10) or through a connecting arm (28), wherein the rack (18) can be positioned into different switching positions (S1, S2, S3) by a progressive attraction or repulsion of the armature (12), wherein the pawl (32) locks the rack (18) in a set switching position (S1, S2, S3).

11. Valve apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, to reset the rack (18) to a starting position (S1), the pawl (32) is spaced from the rack (18) by the enlarged end tooth (24) until the rack (18) occupies the starting position (S1).

12. A household appliance (38) having at least one valve device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the at least one valve device (1) is arranged in a valve block and/or in a flushing housing (40) of the household appliance (38).