DE102022212011A1 - Valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve (100) is proposed. The valve (100) comprises at least one actuator (102, 102'), wherein the actuator (102, 102') is at least partially made of an intelligent material, at least two valve actuating elements (104, 104'), and a fluid channel (136), wherein the actuator (102, 102') is configured to selectively move the valve actuating elements (104, 104') such that at least one inlet (138, 138') into the fluid channel (136) and/or at least one outlet (140) from the fluid channel (136) is at least partially blocked or opened.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a valve.

When implementing multi-way valves, the task is to mechanically couple the opening and closing of two or more valve inlets or valve outlets. In the state of the art, this is partly solved with lever or rocker mechanisms, as for example in the EN 10 2014 002 408 A1 , DE 20 2006 006 862 U1 or US 9 115 820 B2 described.

• EP0 719 395 B1 und US 10 396 646 B2 offenbaren Wippenventile, die von elektromagnetischen Spulen (Solenoiden) betätigt werden. Derartige Aktoren können wegen der erforderlichen Spulen nicht beliebig verkleinert werden und senden magnetische Streufelder aus, die andere Bauteile beeinflussen können.
• EP 2 256 388 A2 und DE 10 2010 051 742 A1 offenbaren Ventile mit Hebelmechanismus, die durch einen Piezoaktor betätigt werden. Dieser ist extrem präzise, jedoch nicht kompakt, und benötigt typischerweise hohe Betriebsspannungen.
• US 10 337 635 B2 offenbart ein pneumatisch betriebenes Wippenventil. Dieses hat den Nachteil, dass für den Betrieb des Ventils ein externer Aufbau aus Druckquelle und Vorsteuerventilen erforderlich ist.
• US 2020/0347834 A1 offenbart ein Ventil mit Hebelmechanismus, das von einem elektroaktiven Polymer betrieben wird. Elektroaktive Polymere sind als Aktortechnologie noch nicht ausgereift und können beispielsweise rasche Alterungserscheinungen oder eine geringe Temperaturbeständigkeit aufweisen. Das Ventil ist monostabil, d.h. es kann nur einen Schaltzustand stromlos halten.
• US 2019/353269 A1 offenbart ein monostabiles Wippenventil, das von einem Formgedächtnisdraht betätigt wird. Der Formgedächtnisdraht ist in einem spitzen Bogen gespannt, wodurch die Bauhöhe des Ventils recht groß ist. Der Formgedächtnisdraht kann aufgrund des runden Drahtquerschnitts nur langsam durch Wärmeabgabe zurückgestellt werden.

In order to operate the valve electrically, various actuator technologies are used in the state of the art:

• EP0 719 395 B1 and US 10 396 646 B2 reveal rocker valves that are operated by electromagnetic coils (solenoids). Such actuators cannot be made smaller at will because of the required coils and emit stray magnetic fields that can affect other components.
• EP 2 256 388 A2 and EN 10 2010 051 742 A1 reveal valves with a lever mechanism that are operated by a piezo actuator. This is extremely precise, but not compact, and typically requires high operating voltages.
• US 10 337 635 B2 discloses a pneumatically operated rocker valve. This has the disadvantage that an external structure consisting of a pressure source and pilot valves is required to operate the valve.
• US 2020/0347834 A1 discloses a valve with a lever mechanism that is operated by an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers are not yet fully developed as an actuator technology and can, for example, show rapid signs of aging or low temperature resistance. The valve is monostable, ie it can only hold one switching state without current.
• US 2019/353269 A1 discloses a monostable rocker valve that is operated by a shape memory wire. The shape memory wire is stretched in a pointed arc, which makes the height of the valve quite large. Due to the round wire cross-section, the shape memory wire can only be reset slowly by releasing heat.

Object of the invention

It would therefore be desirable to provide a valve that at least largely avoids the disadvantages of known valves. In particular, the valve should be a multi-way valve that is particularly compact in at least one spatial direction, electrically operated, energy-saving. Furthermore, the valve should be inexpensive to manufacture, precisely switchable and miniaturizable.

General description of the invention

This object is addressed by a valve with the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

In the following, the terms "have", "have", "comprise" or "include" or any grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, in addition to the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B", "A comprises B" or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element is present in A (i.e. to a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

It should also be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" and grammatical variations of these terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be provided once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example when the feature or element is first introduced. When the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided once or multiple times.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without alternative embodiments are limited by this. Features introduced by these terms are optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of the claims and in particular the independent claims. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or by "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood to be optional features, without this being intended to limit alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave untouched all possibilities of combining the features introduced by them with other features, be they optional or non-optional features.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a valve is proposed. The valve comprises at least one actuator, wherein the actuator is at least partially made of an intelligent material. The valve further comprises at least two valve actuating elements. The valve further comprises a fluid channel. The actuator is configured to selectively move the valve actuating elements such that at least one inlet into the fluid channel and/or at least one outlet from the fluid channel is at least partially blocked or opened.

The mentioned materials of the actuator have the advantage that the actuator can vary its properties, since intelligent materials have one or more properties that can be changed quickly and in a controlled manner by external stimuli. There are two different phases that have different shapes or structures. Since these phases have different geometries, shapes or structures, the actuator can change its shape and dimensions to a certain extent in a controlled manner in order to cause a movement of another component. This movement can be used to actuate another component to cause an action such as switching between at least two different positions or a gradual and/or complete linear and curved movement. It is expressly pointed out that such a gradual movement of a shape memory caused by the intelligent material of the actuator can be used to realize an actuator arrangement that can be operated by a control or regulation, e.g. a proportional valve (e.g. for dosing) or a mixing valve. In particular, the movement caused by the actuator is used to control the position of the valve actuating element, which in turn can be used to control the state of one or more valves of the fluid power unit. Furthermore, the actuator can be used to miniaturize the actuator by using a material. In particular, the provision of two valve actuating elements allows switching between more than two fluid channels, such as in the manner of a 3/2-way valve.

The at least one actuator can be made at least partially from a shape memory material. Such materials have the advantage that the actuator can be present in two different phases that allow for different shapes or structures. Since these phases have different geometries, shapes or structures, the actuator can cause a movement of another component up to a certain extent. This movement of the other component can be used to cause an action such as switching between at least two different positions or a gradual and/or completely linear and curved movement. It is expressly pointed out that such a gradual movement caused by the shape memory actuator can be used to realize an actuator assembly that can be operated by a control or regulation, e.g. a proportional valve (e.g. for dosing) or a mixing valve. In particular, the movement of the actuator is used to control the position of the valve actuating element, which in turn can be used to control the state of one or more valves of the fluidic unit. By using a shape memory material, the actuator can also be miniaturized. In addition, the actuation unit can be connected to the fluidic unit, so that both parts can easily be connected to form an integrated unit and thus work together.

The at least one actuator can be made at least partially from a shape memory alloy, in particular a NiTi or a NiTi-based ternary or quaternary alloy, in particular TiNiCu, TiNiHf, TiNiFe, TiNiCr. Such materials are particularly well suited for the application of the present invention and can be processed well.

The at least one actuator can be essentially planar and in particular flat. This means that it has a low height or thickness. Accordingly, the valve can be made more compact or lower. Planar geometries that are significantly smaller in one spatial direction than in the other two spatial directions make it possible to produce actuators with a large Surface-to-volume ratio can be realized, which dissipate heat efficiently and thus achieve shorter switching times.

The valve actuating elements can essentially be cylindrical, spherical or wedge-shaped. Combinations of these shapes are also conceivable in principle. The shape of the valve actuating element can therefore be selected accordingly depending on the application.

The valve can further comprise a rocker element, wherein the rocker element can mechanically connect the two valve actuating elements, wherein the actuator can touch or contact the rocker element. Thus, the valve actuating elements can be moved in a synchronous manner by means of a single actuator, since the actuator can act on the rocker element.

The rocker element can mechanically connect the two valve actuating elements such that the valve actuating elements are movable in opposite directions. Thus, the valve actuating elements can be moved in opposite directions in a synchronous manner.

The rocker element can be rotated about a rocker axis. A simple rotating or swiveling movement of the rocker element is therefore sufficient to move the valve actuating element.

The valve can further comprise at least two actuators, wherein the actuators can be made of an intelligent material, wherein the actuators can be prestressed against each other in opposite directions. The actuators can thus be arranged antagonistically. As a result, the actuators are deflected by the rocker element until it reaches a stable end position of movement.

The valve may further comprise a rocker element, wherein the rocker element can mechanically connect the two valve actuating elements, wherein the actuators can contact the rocker element. Thus, the valve actuating elements can be moved in a synchronous manner.

The valve can further comprise at least one magnetic element, in particular a permanent magnet element, wherein the magnetic element is designed to hold the rocker element in a predetermined rocker element position. As a result, the valve actuating element can be held in a stable position.

The predetermined rocker element position can be one of two stable positions of the rocker element. This allows the valve actuating element to be held in a stable position.

The rocker element can be mounted on the rocker axle so that it can rotate. The rocker element is thus suspended from the rocker axle so that it can rotate.

Alternatively, the rocker element can be rotatable about the rocker axis by means of at least one solid joint. This represents an alternative to a bearing by means of an axis or pivot pin.

The valve can also comprise at least one bending element. The bending element is connected to the rocker element. The bending element is designed to move the rocker element into at least one stable end position. Such bending elements use a mechanical preload to change into a different shape when force is applied. In particular, the bending element is connected to a point on the rocker element that deviates from a position of the rocker axis. In particular, the bending element can be connected to one end of the rocker element. For example, a bending element is arranged at each of the two opposite ends of the rocker element, thus allowing the rocker element to rotate about the rocker axis without the rocker element having to be rotatably mounted.

One actuator can be assigned to each valve actuating element. This means that each valve actuating element can be actuated independently of the other valve actuating element.

The valve may further comprise at least one spring, wherein the spring may be configured to bias at least one valve actuating element toward a predetermined position. As a result, the valve actuating element may be forced into a stable position.

The spring may be connected to or contact the rocker element, wherein the spring may be configured to bias the rocker element toward a predetermined rocker element position such that one of the valve actuating elements is biased toward the predetermined position. As a result, the valve actuating element may be forced into a stable position.

The valve can also include an electronic circuit board. Electronic components can thus be provided.

The electronic circuit board may have at least one energy source. Alternatively or In addition, the energy source can be an external energy source connected via a cable, an integrated battery or an inductive charging interface.

The electronic circuit board can have at least one interface, the interface being designed to communicate with an external electronic device. For example, the electronic circuit board has a microcontroller, ASIC or the like that handles the digital communication. This can also handle tasks such as efficient energy management, monitoring the valve status and the ambient conditions, predictive maintenance, and controlling and regulating the valve.

The interface may be configured to communicate with the external electronic device in a digital manner, a wired manner and/or a wireless manner.

The electronic circuit board can have a connector for connecting to an external power source. This allows an external power supply to be connected.

The valve can also comprise a circuit board with at least one conductor track, wherein the actuator is attached to the circuit board and the conductor track by means of a fastening element. The actuator can thus be attached and supplied with power. The actuator is preferably connected to conductor tracks at two outer ends in an electrically conductive manner, so that a heating current can be applied to the actuator via these and the shape memory material of the actuator can thus be converted from the martensite to the austenite phase. As a result, the actuator strives for a pre-impressed shape, which is preferably a planar starting shape here, and can apply force and travel to actuate the valve or the valve actuating elements.

The actuator can be permanently attached to the circuit board and the conductor track using the fastening element. The fastening element can be a rivet. In this way, a fastening can be realized that can only be released if the same is destroyed.

The conductor track can be configured to supply the actuator with current. This allows the current required to cause the actuator to change shape, for example by heating it in the case of shape memory alloys.

The valve can further comprise at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor is designed to detect a position of the valve actuating elements. The position of the actuator can thus be observed and checked.

The actuator can be designed as a position sensor or the position sensor can be a Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, a photodiode or a laser. Various types of position sensors can thus be provided. The actuator can also enable self-detection (so-called "self-sensing") of the valve actuating element by being designed as a position sensor itself. For example, the position can be determined by measuring the electrical resistance of the shape memory material.

The valve may further comprise a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is designed to seal at least one valve seat. Thus, each valve can be covered by its own sealing element, or all valves can be covered by a single sealing element, resulting in a liquid-tight arrangement.

The sealing element can be made of an elastomer. The sealing element can therefore be designed to be flexible.

The sealing element can be designed as a sealing membrane. The sealing element can therefore be comparatively thin.

The valve actuating elements can be configured to contact the sealing element to selectively at least partially block or unblock the at least one inlet into the fluid channel and/or the outlet from the fluid channel. Thus, the sealing element can be pressed onto or removed from a valve seat to control the opening area of the channel.

The valve can be a seat valve or a diaphragm valve. This allows different types of valves to be realized.

The at least one actuator can be configured to continuously move the valve actuating elements by varying a control current.

The term "actuator" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to any element or component designed to move or control a mechanism or system. The actuator may be powered by a source of energy, typically such as electricity or heat.

The term "smart material" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a material which has been specially developed to respond autonomously in a certain way to changing environmental conditions (e.g. temperature increases, mechanical stress, pH value). In a broader sense, it includes all materials whose properties can be influenced by active control (e.g. via an electrical voltage) in a way that is not possible with ordinary materials. The term may, without limitation, refer to any material which has one or more properties which can be significantly changed in a controlled manner by external stimuli such as stress, humidity, electric or magnetic fields, light, temperature, pH value or chemical compounds. Smart materials form the basis for many applications, including sensors and actuators or artificial muscles, in particular as electroactive polymers. Terms used to describe smart materials include shape memory material (SMM) and shape memory technology. There are a number of types of smart materials, some of which are already in widespread use. Some non-exhaustive examples are piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, photovoltaic or optoelectronic materials, electroactive polymers, magnetostrictive materials, magnetic shape memory, and temperature-dependent polymers.

The term "shape memory material" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to any material having the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape) to its original (permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus (trigger), such as a change in temperature. Such shape memory materials may be shape memory polymers (SMPs) or shape memory alloys (SMAs). For example, a shape memory alloy is an alloy that can be deformed when cold but returns to its pre-deformed ("remembered") shape when heated. Shape memory polymers differ from shape memory alloys in their glass transition or melting transition from a hard to a soft phase, which is responsible for the shape memory effect. In shape memory alloys, martensitic/austenitic transitions are responsible for the shape memory effect.

The term "valve" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to a device or object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids or slurries) by opening, closing or partially occluding various passages or channels. In an open valve, the fluid flows in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure. The main components of the most common type of valve are the valve body, housing and bonnet. The latter two parts form the housing which contains the fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through the valve.

The term "valve actuator" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer in particular, without limitation, to a device which, when actuated or moved, is adapted to regulate, direct or control the flow of a fluid by opening, closing or partially occluding a passage or channel. Such a valve actuator may also be referred to as a valve body.

The term "prestressed" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a prestressed state of a shape. In other words, a prestressed structure or element is deformed with respect to its original shape (without external forces) and, in the case of a shape memory material, the memory shape.

The term “rocker element” as used here is a broad term that has its should be given the usual and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any special or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, in particular to a device or component shaped similarly to a lever or beam and having a pivot point between both sides or ends.

The term "printed circuit board" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any special or adapted meaning. The term may refer in particular, without limitation, to any device adapted to carry or hold one or more conductive traces. Such a printed circuit board may be an ordinary printed circuit board made of a rigid material, a printed circuit board made of a flexible material such as Kapton, or a three-dimensional housing with conductive traces mounted thereon. The term may refer in particular, without limitation, to a laminated sandwich structure of conductive and insulating layers. The printed circuit board is preferably a printed circuit board (PCB) or a printed wiring board (PWB). Printed circuit boards have two complementary functions. The first is to attach electronic components by soldering to the locations provided on the outer layers. The second is to create reliable electrical connections (and also reliable open circuits) between the component terminals in a controlled manner, often referred to as PCB design. Each of the conductive layers is provided with a pattern of conductors (similar to wires on a flat surface) that make the electrical connections on that conductive layer. In another manufacturing process, through holes (vias) are added that allow the connections between the layers. Printed circuit boards support electronic components mechanically using conductive pads shaped to accommodate the component's terminals, and also connect them electrically using traces, planes, and other features etched from one or more layers of copper sheet laminated on and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate. The components are generally soldered to the circuit board to both electrically connect and mechanically secure them. Printed circuit boards are used in almost all electronic products and in some electrical products such as passive control boxes.

The term "conductive track" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may refer in particular, without limitation, to a track made of an electrically conductive material such as copper or gold which is designed to provide an electrical connection between at least two components.

The term "permanently fastened" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a fastening which cannot be released again or cannot be released without destroying the connecting elements. Such a permanent fixation or fastening is preferably a positive locking or a positive locking fastening. A non-limiting example of a permanent fastening is the fastening of two connecting elements by a rivet.

The term "rivet" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any special or adapted meaning. The term may refer, without limitation, particularly to a permanent mechanical fastener. Before installation, a rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shank with a head at one end. The end opposite the head is called the tail. During installation, the rivet is placed in a punched or drilled hole and the tail is swaged or bent (i.e., deformed) so that it expands to about 1.5 times the original shank diameter and holds the rivet in place. In other words, the striking or pulling creates a new "head" at the end of the tail by flattening the "tail" material, resulting in a rivet that is roughly dumbbell-shaped. To distinguish between the two rivet ends, the original head is called the factory head and the deformed end is called the workshop head or buck tail. This type of connection makes it possible to create a positive and a force-fitting connection at the same time.

The term "electronic circuit board" as used herein is a broad term which is to be given its ordinary and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, particularly refer to any device suitable for carrying conductor tracks and electronic components such as a power source, a microcontroller, a chip and the like. Such a circuit board can be an ordinary circuit board made of a rigid material, a circuit board made of a flexible material such as Kapton or a three-dimensional housing with conductor tracks and electronic components mounted thereon.

The term "buckling element" as used here is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, in particular to a spring made of spring steel. The spring steel can be in the form of a strip or any other suitable shape. The steel is shaped in such a way that it has a stable and a metastable state. When force is applied, it is bent until it suddenly passes through the metastable state by buckling. There is therefore a sudden change at this point. When the force is released, it springs back. Such buckling elements are known as snap frogs. Mechanisms based on similar principles are used in many technical applications. However, closing and holding mechanisms are usually bistable, i.e. stable in both states. One example of this is clips for closing tea bags. The principle is also often used in sheet metal hair clips. Here, however, it is not an impression but the bending of two arms and their riveting that leads to the two tensioned states (bistable behavior). An analogous application is pushbutton switches, e.g. in the control panel of many electronic devices, such as computer mice, which are intended to have a noticeable pressure point. Here, however, the effect is mainly perceived tactilely. The click spring is also usually the contact-making component and is called a snap disk.

• Ausführungsform 1: Ventil, umfassend mindestens einen Aktor, wobei der Aktor zumindest teilweise aus einem intelligenten Werkstoff hergestellt ist, mindestens zwei Ventilbetätigungselemente, und einen Fluidkanal, wobei der Aktor eingerichtet ist, die Ventilbetätigungselemente wahlweise derart zu bewegen, dass mindestens ein Einlass in den Fluidkanal und/oder mindestens ein Auslass aus dem Fluidkanal zumindest teilweise blockiert oder geöffnet ist.
• Ausführungsform 2: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der mindestens eine Aktor zumindest teilweise aus einem Formgedächtnismaterial hergestellt ist.
• Ausführungsform 3: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der mindestens eine Aktor zumindest teilweise aus einer Formgedächtnislegierung hergestellt ist, insbesondere eine NiTi oder eine NiTi-basierte ternäre oder quaternäre Legierung, insbesondere TiNiCu, TiNiHf, TiNiFe, TiNiCr.
• Ausführungsform 4: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der mindestens eine Aktor im Wesentlichen planar und insbesondere flach ausgebildet ist.
• Ausführungsform 5: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Ventilbetätigungselemente im Wesentlichen zylindrisch, sphärisch oder keilförmig ausgebildet sind.
• Ausführungsform 6: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend ein Wippenelement, wobei das Wippenelement die zwei Ventilbetätigungselemente mechanisch verbindet, wobei der Aktor das Wippenelement berührt.
• Ausführungsform 7: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Wippenelement die zwei Ventilbetätigungselemente derart mechanisch verbindet, dass die Ventilbetätigungselemente in entgegengesetzten Richtungen beweglich sind.
• Ausführungsform 8: Ventil nach einer der beiden vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, das Wippenelement um eine Wippenachse drehbar ist.
• Ausführungsform 9: Ventil nach einer der drei vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend mindestens zwei Aktoren, wobei die Aktoren aus einem intelligenten Werkstoff hergestellt sind, wobei die Aktoren in entgegengesetzten Richtungen gegeneinander vorgespannt sind.
• Ausführungsform 10: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Wippenelement die zwei Ventilbetätigungselemente mechanisch verbindet, wobei die Aktoren das Wippenelement berühren.
• Ausführungsform 11: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, weiterhin umfassend mindestens ein Magnetelement, insbesondere ein Permanentmagnetelement, wobei das Magnetelement eingerichtet ist, das Wippenelement in einer vorbestimmten Wippenelementposition zu halten.
• Ausführungsform 12: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die vorbestimmte Wippenelementposition eine Position von zwei stabilen Positionen des Wippenelements ist.
• Ausführungsform 13: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 12, wobei das Wippenelement an der Wippenachse drehbar gelagert ist.
• Ausführungsform 14: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 12, wobei das Wippenelement mittels mindestens eines Festkörpergelenks um die Wippenachse drehbar ist
• Ausführungsform 15: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, weiterhin umfassend mindestens ein Knickelement, wobei das mindestens eine Knickelement mit dem Wippenelement verbunden ist, insbesondere mit einer Stelle, die von einer Position der Wippenachse abweicht, wobei das Knickelement zum Bewegen des Wippenelements in mindestens eine stabile Endposition eingerichtet ist.
• Ausführungsform 16: Ventil nach einer der beiden vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Knickelement eingerichtet ist, das Wippenelement in einer vorbestimmten Wippenelementposition zu halten.
• Ausführungsform 17: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 9 bis 16, wobei jeweils ein Aktor einem Ventilbetätigungselement zugeordnet ist.
• Ausführungsform 18: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 17, weiterhin umfassend mindestens eine Feder, wobei die Feder eingerichtet ist, mindestens ein Ventilbetätigungselement in Richtung zu einer vorbestimmten Position vorzuspannen.
• Ausführungsform 19: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Feder mit dem Wippenelement verbunden ist oder das Wippenelement berührt, wobei die Feder eingerichtet ist, das Wippenelement in Richtung zu einer vorbestimmten Wippenelementposition derart vorzuspannen, dass eines der Ventilbetätigungselemente in Richtung zu der vorbestimmten Position vorgespannt ist.
• Ausführungsform 20: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 19, wobei die Ventilbetätigungselemente getrennt von dem Wippenelement ausgebildet sind oder fest mit dem Wippenelement verbunden sind.
• Ausführungsform 21: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 20, weiterhin umfassend ein Halteelement mit einem Eingriffselement, wobei das Eingriffselement eingerichtet ist in Einrastpositionen an dem Wippenelement einzugreifen.
• Ausführungsform 22: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 21, wobei das Ventil mindestens zwei, bevorzugt getrennte, Fluidkanäle mit jeweils mindestens zwei Einlässen und mindestens einem Auslass und mindestens zwei Wippenelemente aufweist, wobei die Wippenelemente um eine gemeinsame Wippenachse drehbar und fest miteinander verbunden sind.
• Ausführungsform 23: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 22, wobei sich die Ventilbetätigungselemente auf der gleichen Seite des Wippenelements oder sich auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Wippenelements befinden.
• Ausführungsform 24: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 23, weiterhin umfassend ein Dichtelement, wobei das Wippenelement in dem Dichtelement mit einer Wippenelementdurchführung eingelassen ist, welche den Fluidkanal medientrennend abschließt.
• Ausführungsform 25: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend eine Elektronikleiterplatte.
• Ausführungsform 26: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform die Elektronikleiterplatte mindestens eine Energiequelle aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 27: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Energiequelle eine externe Energiequelle ist, die mittels Kabel, einer integrierten Batterie oder einer induktiven Ladeschnittstelle verbunden ist.
• Ausführungsform 28: Ventil nach einer Ausführungsformen 21bis 23, wobei die Elektronikleiterplatte mindestens eine Schnittstelle aufweist, wobei die Schnittstelle zum Kommunizieren mit einer externen Elektronikvorrichtung eingerichtet ist.
• Ausführungsform 29: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Schnittstelle eingerichtet ist, mit der externen Elektronikvorrichtung auf digitale Weise, kabelgebundene Weise und/oder in kabelloser weise zu kommunizieren.
• Ausführungsform 30: Ventil nach einer Ausführungsformen 25 bis 29, wobei die Elektronikleiterplatte einen Anschluss zum Verbinden mit einer externen Energiequelle aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 31: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 25 bis 30, wobei das Ventil weiterhin mindestens ein auf der Elektronikleiterplatte angeordnetes elektronisches Bauteil aufweist, das ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus: Mikrochip, insbesondere integrierter Mikrochip, Mikrocontroller, insbesondere integrierter Mikrocontroller, ASIC, Sensor, insbesondere Temperatursensor und/oder Durchflussmesser.
• Ausführungsform 32: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend eine Leiterplatte mit mindestens einer Leiterbahn, wobei der Aktor mit der Leiterplatte und der Leiterbahn mittels eines Befestigungselements befestigt ist.
• Ausführungsform 33: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der Aktor mit der Leiterplatte und der Leiterbahn mittels des Befestigungselements permanent befestigt ist.
• Ausführungsform 34: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Befestigungselement ein Niet ist.
• Ausführungsform 35: Ventil nach einer der Ausführungsformen 32 bis 35, wobei die Leiterbahn eingerichtet ist, den Aktor mit Strom zu versorgen.
• Ausführungsform 36: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend mindestens einen Positionssensor, wobei der Positionssensor zum Erfassen einer Position der Ventilbetätigungselemente, des mindestens einen Aktors und/oder des Wippenelements eingerichtet ist.
• Ausführungsform 37: Ventil nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der Aktor als Positionssensor ausgebildet ist oder wobei der Positionssensor ein Hall-Sensor, ein kapazitiver Sensor, ein induktiver Sensor, eine resistiver Sensor, eine Photodiode oder ein Laser ist.
• Ausführungsform 38: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, weiterhin umfassend ein Dichtelement, wobei das Dichtelement zum Abdichten mindestens eines Ventilsitzes eingerichtet ist.
• Ausführungsform 39: Ventil nach einer der beiden vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Dichtelement aus einem Elastomer hergestellt ist.
• Ausführungsform 40: Ventil nach einem der drei vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Dichtelement als Dichtmembran ausgebildet ist.
• Ausführungsform 41: Ventil nach einem der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Ventil ein Sitzventil oder Membranventil ist.
• Ausführungsform 42: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der mindestens eine Aktor eingerichtet ist, mittels Variierens eines Ansteuerstroms die Ventilbetätigungselemente stufenlos zu bewegen.
• Ausführungsform 43: Ventil nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei der mindestens eine Aktor aus einem Aktorsteg besteht, aus zwei sich kreuzenden Aktorstegen besteht, aus Aktorstegen besteht, die als Spiralarme ausgebildet sind, aus Aktorstegen besteht, die als Mäander ausgebildet sind, der Aktor eine Wippenelementangriffsöffnung aufweist, und/oder aus Aktorstegen besteht, die als aneinandergereihte Schlaufen ausgebildet sind.

In summary, without limiting further possible embodiments, the following embodiments are proposed:

• Embodiment 1: Valve comprising at least one actuator, wherein the actuator is at least partially made of an intelligent material, at least two valve actuating elements, and a fluid channel, wherein the actuator is configured to selectively move the valve actuating elements such that at least one inlet into the fluid channel and/or at least one outlet from the fluid channel is at least partially blocked or opened.
• Embodiment 2: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the at least one actuator is at least partially made of a shape memory material.
• Embodiment 3: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one actuator is at least partially made of a shape memory alloy, in particular a NiTi or a NiTi-based ternary or quaternary alloy, in particular TiNiCu, TiNiHf, TiNiFe, TiNiCr.
• Embodiment 4: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one actuator is substantially planar and in particular flat.
• Embodiment 5: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve actuating elements are substantially cylindrical, spherical or wedge-shaped.
• Embodiment 6: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a rocker element, wherein the rocker element mechanically connects the two valve actuating elements, wherein the actuator contacts the rocker element.
• Embodiment 7: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the rocker element mechanically connects the two valve actuating elements such that the valve actuating elements are movable in opposite directions.
• Embodiment 8: Valve according to one of the two preceding embodiments, the rocker element is rotatable about a rocker axis.
• Embodiment 9: Valve according to one of the three preceding embodiments, further comprising at least two actuators, wherein the actuators are made of an intelligent material, wherein the actuators are biased against each other in opposite directions.
• Embodiment 10: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the rocker element mechanically connects the two valve actuating elements, wherein the actuators contact the rocker element.
• Embodiment 11: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising at least one magnetic element, in particular a permanent magnet element, wherein the magnetic element is arranged to the rocker element in a predetermined rocker element position.
• Embodiment 12: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the predetermined rocker element position is one of two stable positions of the rocker element.
• Embodiment 13: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 12, wherein the rocker element is rotatably mounted on the rocker axis.
• Embodiment 14: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 12, wherein the rocker element is rotatable about the rocker axis by means of at least one solid-state joint
• Embodiment 15: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising at least one bending element, wherein the at least one bending element is connected to the rocker element, in particular to a point that deviates from a position of the rocker axis, wherein the bending element is configured to move the rocker element into at least one stable end position.
• Embodiment 16: Valve according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the buckling element is arranged to hold the rocker element in a predetermined rocker element position.
• Embodiment 17: Valve according to one of embodiments 9 to 16, wherein one actuator is assigned to each valve actuating element.
• Embodiment 18: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 17, further comprising at least one spring, wherein the spring is configured to bias at least one valve actuating element toward a predetermined position.
• Embodiment 19: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the spring is connected to the rocker element or contacts the rocker element, wherein the spring is configured to bias the rocker element towards a predetermined rocker element position such that one of the valve actuating elements is biased towards the predetermined position.
• Embodiment 20: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 19, wherein the valve actuating elements are formed separately from the rocker element or are firmly connected to the rocker element.
• Embodiment 21: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 20, further comprising a holding element with an engagement element, wherein the engagement element is configured to engage in latching positions on the rocker element.
• Embodiment 22: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 21, wherein the valve has at least two, preferably separate, fluid channels, each with at least two inlets and at least one outlet and at least two rocker elements, wherein the rocker elements are rotatable about a common rocker axis and firmly connected to one another.
• Embodiment 23: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 22, wherein the valve actuating elements are located on the same side of the rocker element or on opposite sides of the rocker element.
• Embodiment 24: Valve according to one of embodiments 6 to 23, further comprising a sealing element, wherein the rocker element is embedded in the sealing element with a rocker element passage which closes off the fluid channel in a media-separating manner.
• Embodiment 25: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an electronic circuit board.
• Embodiment 26: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, the electronic circuit board has at least one energy source.
• Embodiment 27: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the energy source is an external energy source connected by means of a cable, an integrated battery or an inductive charging interface.
• Embodiment 28: Valve according to one of embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the electronic circuit board has at least one interface, wherein the interface is configured to communicate with an external electronic device.
• Embodiment 29: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the interface is arranged to communicate with the external electronic device in a digital manner, a wired manner and/or in a wireless manner.
• Embodiment 30: Valve according to any of embodiments 25 to 29, wherein the electronic circuit board has a connector for connecting to an external power source.
• Embodiment 31: Valve according to one of embodiments 25 to 30, wherein the valve further comprises at least one electronic component arranged on the electronic circuit board, which is selected from the group consisting of: microchip, in particular integrated microchip, microcontroller, in particular integrated microcontroller, ASIC, sensor, in particular temperature sensor and/or flow meter.
• Embodiment 32: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a circuit board with at least one conductor track, wherein the actuator is fastened to the circuit board and the conductor track by means of a fastening element.
• Embodiment 33: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the actuator is permanently attached to the circuit board and the conductor track by means of the fastening element.
• Embodiment 34: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the fastening element is a rivet.
• Embodiment 35: Valve according to one of embodiments 32 to 35, wherein the conductor track is configured to supply the actuator with power.
• Embodiment 36: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the valve actuating elements, the at least one actuator and/or the rocker element.
• Embodiment 37: Valve according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the actuator is designed as a position sensor or wherein the position sensor is a Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, a photodiode or a laser.
• Embodiment 38: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is configured to seal at least one valve seat.
• Embodiment 39: Valve according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing element is made of an elastomer.
• Embodiment 40: Valve according to one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing element is designed as a sealing membrane.
• Embodiment 41: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve is a seat valve or diaphragm valve.
• Embodiment 42: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to continuously move the valve actuating elements by varying a control current.
• Embodiment 43: Valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one actuator consists of an actuator web, consists of two intersecting actuator webs, consists of actuator webs that are designed as spiral arms, consists of actuator webs that are designed as meanders, the actuator has a rocker element engagement opening, and/or consists of actuator webs that are designed as loops arranged in a row.

Short description of the characters

Further details and features emerge from the following description of embodiments, in particular in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented alone or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numbers in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical elements or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

• 1 eine Querschnittsansicht eines Ventils gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils eines Ventils in einem ersten Betriebszustand;
• 3 eine Querschnittsansicht des Ventils der 2;
• 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils des Ventils in einem zweiten Betrieb szustand;
• 5 eine Querschnittsansicht des Ventils der 4;
• 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Zweikanal-Ventils in einem ersten Betriebszustand;
• 7 eine Querschnittsansicht des Zweikanal-Ventils der 6;
• 8 eine Querschnittsansicht des Zweikanal-Ventils der 6;
• 9 eine Explosionsansicht des Ventils der 6;
• 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines gekoppelten Zweikanal-Ventils in einem ersten Betriebszustand;
• 11 eine Querschnittsansicht des Zweikanal-Ventils der 10;
• 12 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Zweikanal-Ventils in einem zweiten Betrieb szustand;
• 13 eine Querschnittsansicht des Zweikanal-Ventils der 12;
• 14 eine Querschnittsansicht eines weiteren Ventils;
• 15 eine Draufsicht auf das Ventil der 14;
• 16 eine Seitenansicht von Teilen des Ventils der 14 in einem ersten Betriebszustand;
• 17 eine Seitenansicht von Teilen des Ventils der 14 in einem zweiten Betriebszustand;
• 18 eine Querschnittsansicht eines weiteren Ventils;
• 19 eine Seitenansicht von Teilen des Ventils der 18 in einem ersten Betriebszustand;
• 20 eine Seitenansicht von Teilen des Ventils der 18 in einem zweiten Betriebszustand;
• 21 eine teilweise Explosionsansicht des Ventils der 18;
• 22 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ventils;
• 23 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ventils;
• 24 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ventils;
• 25 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ventils;
• 26 eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ventils;
• 27 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung eines Teils eines Ventils gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 28 eine Querschnittsansicht des Ventils der 27;
• 29 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung eines Ventils gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 30 eine Querschnittsansicht des Ventils aus 29;
• 31 eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung von Teilen eines Ventils gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 32 eine Querschnittsansicht des Ventils der 31;
• 33 eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Aktor;
• 34 eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Aktor;
• 35 eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Aktor;
• 36 eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Aktor;
• 37 eine Draufsicht auf einen weiteren möglichen Aktor;
• 38 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Aktors der 37;
• 39 zeigt eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Ventils gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

In detail:

• 1 a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a perspective view of a part of a valve in a first operating state;
• 3 a cross-sectional view of the valve of the 2 ;
• 4 a perspective view of a portion of the valve in a second operating state;
• 5 a cross-sectional view of the valve of the 4 ;
• 6 a perspective view of another two-channel valve in a first operating state;
• 7 a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve of the 6 ;
• 8th a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve of the 6 ;
• 9 an exploded view of the valve of the 6 ;
• 10 a perspective view of a coupled two-channel valve in a first operating state;
• 11 a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve of the 10 ;
• 12 a perspective view of the two-channel valve in a second operating state;
• 13 a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve of the 12 ;
• 14 a cross-sectional view of another valve;
• 15 a top view of the valve of the 14 ;
• 16 a side view of parts of the valve of the 14 in a first operating state;
• 17 a side view of parts of the valve of the 14 in a second operating state;
• 18 a cross-sectional view of another valve;
• 19 a side view of parts of the valve of the 18 in a first operating state;
• 20 a side view of parts of the valve of the 18 in a second operating state;
• 21 a partial exploded view of the valve of the 18 ;
• 22 a schematic representation of another valve;
• 23 a schematic representation of another valve;
• 24 a schematic representation of another valve;
• 25 a schematic representation of another valve;
• 26 a schematic representation of another valve;
• 27 an exploded perspective view of a portion of a valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• 28 a cross-sectional view of the valve of the 27 ;
• 29 an exploded perspective view of a valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• 30 a cross-sectional view of the valve 29 ;
• 31 an exploded perspective view of parts of a valve according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• 32 a cross-sectional view of the valve of the 31 ;
• 33 a top view of another possible actuator;
• 34 a top view of another possible actuator;
• 35 a top view of another possible actuator;
• 36 a top view of another possible actuator;
• 37 a top view of another possible actuator;
• 38 a perspective view of the actuator of the 37 ;
• 39 shows an exploded view of a valve according to another embodiment.

Description of the embodiments

1 a cross-sectional view of a valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The valve 100 can be part of an actuator module or an actuator device. The actuator module or the actuator device can have multiple valves. The valve 100 has at least one actuator 102. The actuator 102 is at least partially made of an intelligent material. The intelligent material is preferably a shape memory material, such as a shape memory alloy, in particular NiTi or a ternary or quaternary alloy based on NiTi, in particular TiNiCu, TiNiHf, TiNiFe, TiNiCr. The actuator 102 is essentially planar in shape. The actuator 102 is in particular essentially flat in shape. The actuator 102 has a thickness of 10 µm to 200 µm, preferably 15 µm to 180 µm and particularly preferably 20 µm to 50 µm, for example 25 µm. It is understood, however, that the actuator 102 can in principle have any shape, such as wire-shaped. The use of thin, structured shape memory alloys enables high packing density as well as space and weight savings. Such actuators 102 require less electrical drive power than conventional actuators 102, such as solenoids, and offer reduced self-heating, which is particularly important when handling biological sample material. They enable faster switching than wire-shaped actuators 102 made of a shape memory material, since they can release the heat generated by current supply to the environment more quickly and reset the valve state due to a higher surface-to-volume ratio.

The valve 100 further comprises at least two valve actuating elements 104, 104', ie a first valve actuating element 104 and a second valve actuating element 104'. The valve actuation The sealing elements 104, 104' are each spherical. This has advantages when pressing a flexible membrane onto a valve seat due to self-centering and sealing over the edge instead of the surface.

The valve 100 comprises a frame part 106. The frame part 106 serves as a type of housing. The frame part 106 can be made up of multiple parts, such as two parts, and can have an upper part 108 and a lower part 110. The frame part 106 comprises a front surface 112. The front surface 112 is located on the lower part 110. The valve actuating elements 104, 104' are linearly movable with respect to the front surface 112 at least between an inner position in which the valve actuating element 104 is at least partially retracted into the interior of the frame part 106 with respect to the front surface 112, and an outer position in which the valve actuating element 104 protrudes at least partially from the front surface 112 and away from the frame part 106 with respect to the front surface 112. For this purpose, the frame part 106 defines at least one guide 114 which is designed to guide the valve actuating elements 104, 104' linearly. A guide 114 is provided for each of the valve actuating elements 104, 104'. The guides 114 are formed in the lower part 110.

The valve 100 further comprises a rocker element 116. The rocker element 116 mechanically couples the two valve actuating elements 104, 104'. In particular, the rocker element 116 mechanically couples the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' such that the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' can be moved in opposite directions. The actuator 102 touches the rocker element 116 and is thus mechanically coupled thereto. More precisely, the actuator 102 is coupled to a first end 118 of the rocker element 116.

The valve 100 further comprises at least one spring 120. The spring 120 is coupled to the rocker element 116. More specifically, the spring 120 is coupled to a second end 122 of the rocker element 116. In this way, the actuator 102 and the spring 120 are arranged on opposite sides of a rocker axis 124 of the rocker element 116, about which the rocker element 116 is rotatable. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the rocker element 116 is rotatably mounted on the rocker axis 124, such as by means of a pivot or pivot pin 126. The spring 120 is configured to bias the rocker element 116 toward a predetermined rocker element position, such that one of the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' is biased toward a predetermined valve actuating element position.

The rocker element 116 is arranged above the valve actuating elements 104, 104' in order to mechanically couple both valve actuating elements 104, 104' in such a way that when one valve actuating element 104, 104' is in its upper or inner end position, the other can only be in its lower or outer end position. The actuator 102, which is deformed from its memory shape away from the rocker element 116, is arranged on one side of the rocker element 116 and the pre-tensioned spring 120 is arranged on an opposite side of the rocker element 116 in such a way that the actuator 102 and spring 120 are mechanically coupled by the rocker element 116 and counteract each other.

The valve 100 further comprises a circuit board 128. The circuit board 128 comprises at least one conductor track 130 ( 2 ). The actuator 102 can be fixed to the housing by means of fastening elements 132, such as rivets 134 ( 2 ), on the circuit board 128. More precisely, the actuator 102 is attached to the conductor track 130 and thus to the circuit board 128 by means of the rivet 134. The conductor track 130 allows a power supply to the actuator 102. Basically, there are various ways of arranging the spring 120 and the actuator 102 in relation to the rocker element 116. In this example, the spring 120 and the actuator 102 are arranged above the rocker element 116 so that they can each press one side of the rocker element 116 downwards. The actuator 102 is thus deformable from its plane, in which it essentially extends due to its flat design.

The valve 100 has a fluid channel 136. The actuator 102 is configured to selectively move the valve actuation elements 104, 104' such that at least one inlet 138 into the fluid channel 136 and/or at least one outlet 140 from the fluid channel 136 is at least partially and in particular also completely blocked or opened. In the valve 100 shown, a first inlet 138 into the fluid channel 136, a second inlet 138' into the fluid channel 136 and an outlet 140 from the fluid channel 140 are provided. The outlet 140 is located between the first inlet 138' and the second inlet 138`. In the valve 100 shown, the actuator 102 can, when power is supplied to the actuator 102, actuate the rocker element 116, for example, so that the first valve actuating element 104 at least partially releases a first valve opening 142, which communicates, for example, with the inlet 138 in the fluid channel 136, as in the position of the 1 and the second valve actuating element 104' at least partially blocks a second valve opening 142', which communicates, for example, with the second inlet 138', as in the position of 1 shown. The designations inlet 138, 138' and outlet 140 are freely interchangeable, since they only relate to the conveying direction of the fluid. Without a power supply to the actuator 102, the actuator 102 can actuate the rocker element 116 due to the preload of the spring 120, for example, so that the first valve actuating element 104 at least partially blocks a first valve opening 142, which communicates, for example, with the inlet 138 in the fluid channel 136, and the second valve actuating element 104' at least partially releases a second valve opening 142', which communicates, for example, with the second inlet 138'.

The preload of the spring 120 is dimensioned such that it applies sufficient force to press the first valve actuating element 104 indirectly via the rocker element 116 downwards into its outer end position in order to keep the valve 100 closed against a fluid pressure, and at the same time to deflect the actuator 102 from its memory shape indirectly via the rocker element 116. The actuator 102 and its pre-deformation are positioned and dimensioned such that when heated, e.g. by a sufficiently high electrical heating current that is applied between its ends, it can press the second valve actuating element 104' indirectly via the rocker element 116 downwards into its outer end position and thereby enable a movement of the valve actuating element 104 upwards into its inner end position. The adjustment of the current supplied to the actuator 102 also makes it possible to assume intermediate positions of the rocker element 116 and thus intermediate positions of the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' between their end positions, e.g. in order to produce a proportional mixture between two fluids supplied through two fluid channels.

The holding force of the actuator 102 in the energized state is greater than the sum of the force of the spring 120 and the greatest possible force counteracting the spring 120 that can arise from the hydrostatic pressure applied to the valve 100 at the inlet 138 and/or outlet 140. The holding force of the spring 120 as a passive holding element is greater than the sum of the force of the actuator 102 in the de-energized state and the greatest possible force counteracting the holding element that can arise from the hydrostatic pressure applied to the valve 100 at the inlet 138 and/or outlet 140.

The advantage of such a coupled two-channel valve with monostable function is that it can keep the first valve opening 142 closed and a second valve opening 142` open at the same time for any time intervals without consuming energy. This is particularly advantageous when synchronized switching between a standard channel (first channel), which is open most of the time, and a drain channel (second channel), which is only open for special processes, has to be set up. In addition, proportional mixing of two liquids in any mixing ratio can be achieved by adjusting the power supply of the actuator 102.

The valve 100 has in particular a fluid part 144 in which the fluid channel 136 with the inlets 138, 138' and the outlet 140 is formed. The frame part 106 is connected to the fluid part 144, in particular firmly or permanently connected, such as glued, welded, screwed or connected to one another by means of press pins (not shown in detail here). More precisely, the upper part 108, which is designed as a housing, is connected to the fluid part 144. The rocker element 116 is mounted with the pivot pin 126 in the fluid part 144 of the valve 100 in two grooves 146 of a rocker axle bearing 148 ( 9 ) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the rocker axis 124. The rocker element 116 has a projection 152 on an upper side 150 facing away from the fluid part 144, which projection is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The projection 152 serves as an engagement point 154 for the actuator 102 and ensures that the actuator webs of the actuator 102 deflected out of their plane of extension are curved in a minimum radius, thus avoiding point-based material overloading.

On the side of the rocker element 116 opposite the point of action 154 for the actuator 102, the pre-tensioned spring 120 is arranged above, which serves as a return element. The spring 120 is clamped in a pre-tensioned manner between the rocker element 116 and a structure in the upper part 108 of the frame part 106 of the valve 100. When power is supplied, the actuator 102 is deflected, i.e. it strives towards its flat starting or memory shape.

Below the rocker element 116, on both sides of the rocker axis 124, there is one of the spherical valve actuating elements 104, 104' serving as closing bodies, which are guided in the ball guide 114 in the lower part 110 of the frame part 106 perpendicular to valve seats 162, 162' of the fluid channel 136 in the fluid part 144. The two valve seats 162, 162' are each connected to an inlet 138 and an outlet 140. There are thus two inlets 138, 138' and one outlet 140. The outlet 140 is arranged between the inlets 138, 138'. Outlets and inlets 138, 138' 140 open into openings on the underside of the fluid part 144. In this context, it should be noted that the terms inlet and outlet are merely for differentiation. Depending on the differential pressures between the openings 138, 138', 140, these can act as inlets or outlets. The valve 100 can thus in the embodiment shown have two outlets and one inlet.

The fluid channel 136 is closed off in a media-separating manner by a sealing element 164 in the form of a flexible membrane 166. The membrane 166 is made, for example, from an elastomer. The valve seats 162, 162' are arranged in such a way that they can each be closed by pressing one of the spherical valve actuating elements 104, 104' onto the membrane 166 by an arm of the rocker element 116. When the valve 100 is not energized, the force of the spring 120 is greater than that of the actuator 102. The spring 120 thus presses the second arm of the rocker element 116 onto the second spherical valve actuating element 104', which in turn presses the membrane 166 onto the second valve seat 162' and closes it. The first arm of the rocker element 116 simultaneously acts against the (de-energized) actuator 102 and deflects it out of the plane. The first spherical valve actuating element 104 can thus be pressed away from the first valve seat 162 by the elastic membrane 166, so that the first valve seat 162 is open. In 1 the left or first valve seat 162 is normally open and the right or second valve seat 162' is normally closed. In 1 the left or first valve seat 162 is shown as open and the right or second valve seat 162' is shown as closed. If a sufficiently high current is applied to the actuator 102, it contracts in the direction of its flat original shape or actuator plane and overcomes the force of the spring 120 acting against it. The rocker element 116 rotates about the rocker axis 124 so that it now presses the first spherical valve actuating element 104 onto the first valve seat 162 via the membrane 166, while the second spherical valve actuating element 104' is relieved and is lifted or removed from the second valve seat 162' by the membrane 166.

2 a perspective view of a part of a valve 100 in a first operating state. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 of the 2 . 4 shows a perspective view of the valve 100 in a second operating state. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 of the 4 The following describes in particular differences to the 1 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

The valve 100 is, for example, a two-channel valve. The valve 100 can be part of an actuator module or an actuator device. The actuator module or the actuator device can have multiple valves. The valve 100 has at least one actuator 102. The actuator 102 is at least partially made of an intelligent material. The intelligent material is preferably a shape memory material, such as a shape memory alloy, in particular NiTi or a ternary or quaternary alloy based on NiTi, in particular TiNiCu, TiNiHf, TiNiFe, TiNiCr. The actuator 102 is essentially planar in shape. The actuator 102 is in particular essentially flat in shape. The actuator 102 has a thickness of 10 µm to 200 µm, preferably 15 µm to 180 µm and particularly preferably 20 µm to 50 µm, for example 25 µm. It is understood, however, that the actuator 102 can in principle have any shape, such as wire-shaped. The use of thin, structured shape memory alloys enables high packing density as well as space and weight savings. Such actuators 102 require less electrical drive power than conventional actuators 102, such as solenoids, and offer reduced self-heating, which is particularly important when handling biological sample material. They enable faster switching than wire-shaped actuators 102 made of a shape memory material, since they can release the heat generated by current supply to the environment more quickly and reset the valve state due to a higher surface-to-volume ratio.

The valve 100 further comprises at least two valve actuating elements 104, 104', i.e. a first valve actuating element 104 and a second valve actuating element 104'. The valve actuating elements 104 each have a cylindrical shape with a hemispherical end. This has advantages when pressing a flexible membrane against a valve seat through self-centering and sealing over an edge rather than a surface. In particular, the valve actuating elements 104 are designed as tappets in the present embodiment. The actuator 102 is designed to move the valve actuating elements 104 such that the valve 100 blocks or releases at least one fluid channel (not shown in detail). In particular, a movement of a valve actuating element 104, 104' allows at least one fluid channel to be selectively blocked or opened, as will be described in more detail below.

The valve 100 comprises a frame part 106. The frame part 106 serves as a type of housing. The frame part 106 can be formed in several parts, such as two parts, and have an upper part 108 and a lower part 110. The frame part 106 comprises a front surface 112. The front surface 112 is located on the lower part 110. The valve actuating elements 104, 104' are arranged in relation to the front surface 112 at least between an inner position in which the valve actuating element 104 is at least partially is retracted into the interior of the frame part 106, and an outer position in which the valve actuating element 104 protrudes at least partially from the front surface 112 and from the frame part 106 with respect to the front surface 112. For this purpose, the frame part 106 defines at least one guide 114 which is designed to guide the valve actuating elements 104, 104` linearly. A guide 114 is provided for each of the valve actuating elements 104, 104'. The guides 114 are formed in the lower part 110.

The 2 to 5 The valve 100 shown further comprises a rocker element 116. The rocker element 116 mechanically couples the two valve actuating elements 104, 104'. In particular, the rocker element 116 mechanically couples the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' such that the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' can be moved in opposite directions. The actuator 102 touches the rocker element 116 and is thus mechanically coupled thereto. More precisely, the actuator 102 is coupled to a first end 118 of the rocker element 116.

The valve 100 further comprises at least one spring 120. The spring 120 is coupled to the rocker element 116. More specifically, the spring 120 is coupled to a second end 122 of the rocker element 116. In this way, the actuator 102 and the spring 120 are arranged on opposite sides of a rocker axis 124 of the rocker element 116, about which the rocker element 116 is rotatable. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the rocker element 116 is rotatably mounted on the rocker axis 124, such as by means of a pivot or pivot pin 126. The spring 120 is configured to bias the rocker element 116 toward a predetermined rocker element position, such that one of the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' is biased toward a predetermined valve actuating element position.

The 2 to 5 The valve 100 shown is an embodiment of a coupled two-channel valve 100 with monostable functionality. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve in an on or energized state, and 4 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve in a non-switched on or de-energized state. The two valve actuating elements 104, 104' are guided in corresponding guides 114, 114' within the lower part 110 of the frame part 106 so that they can move freely between their respective inner and outer end positions. In a fully assembled state, the valve actuating element 104, 104' in the outer end position corresponds to a fully closed valve 100 and the valve actuating element 104, 104' in the inner end position corresponds to a fully closed valve.

The rocker element 116 is arranged above the valve actuating elements 104, 104' in order to mechanically couple both valve actuating elements 104, 104' in such a way that when one valve actuating element 104, 104' is in its upper or inner end position, the other can only be in its lower or outer end position. The actuator 102, which is deformed from its memory shape away from the rocker element 116, is arranged on one side of the rocker element 116 and the pre-tensioned spring 120 is arranged on an opposite side of the rocker element 116 in such a way that the actuator 102 and spring 120 are mechanically coupled by the rocker element 116 and counteract each other.

The valve 100 further comprises a circuit board 128. The circuit board 128 comprises at least one conductor track 130. The actuator 102 can be secured to the circuit board 128 using fastening elements 132, such as rivets 134. More precisely, the actuator 102 is secured to the conductor track 130 and thus to the circuit board 128 by means of the rivet 134. The conductor track 130 allows a power supply to the actuator 102. In principle, there are various ways of arranging the spring 120 and the actuator 102 in relation to the rocker element 116. In this example, the spring 120 and the actuator 102 are arranged above the rocker element 116 so that they can each press one side of the rocker element 116 downwards. The actuator 102 is thus deformable from its plane, in which it essentially extends due to its flat design.

The valve 100 has a 5 to 5 not shown in detail fluid channel 136 ( 1 and 7 to 9 ). The actuator 102 is configured to selectively move the valve actuating elements 104, 104' such that at least one inlet 138 ( 1 and 7 to 9 ) into the fluid channel 136 and/or at least one outlet 140 ( 1 and 7 to 9 ) from the fluid channel 136 is at least partially and in particular completely blocked or opened. In the valve 100 shown, the actuator 102 can, when power is supplied to the actuator 102, actuate the rocker element 116, for example, so that the first valve actuating element 104 at least partially releases a first valve opening 142, which communicates, for example, with the inlet 138 in the fluid channel 136, as in the position of the 3 and the second valve actuating element 104' at least partially blocks a second valve opening 142' which communicates, for example, with the outlet 140, as in the position of the 3 shown. The designations inlet 138 and outlet 140 are freely interchangeable, since they only relate to the conveying direction of the fluid. Without a power supply to the actuator 102, the actuator 102 can, for example, actuate the rocker element 116 due to the preload of the spring 120, so that the first valve actuating element 104 at least partially blocks a first valve opening 142, which communicates, for example, with the inlet 138 in the fluid channel 136, as in the position of the 5 and the second valve actuating element 104' at least partially opens a second valve opening 142`, which communicates, for example, with the outlet 140, as in the position of the 5 is shown.

The preload of the spring 120 is dimensioned such that it applies sufficient force to press the first valve actuating element 104 indirectly via the rocker element 116 downwards into its outer end position in order to keep the valve 100 closed against a fluid pressure, and at the same time to deflect the actuator 102 from its memory shape indirectly via the rocker element 116. The actuator 102 and its pre-deformation are positioned and dimensioned such that when heated, e.g. by a sufficiently high electrical heating current that is applied between its ends, it can press the second valve actuating element 104' indirectly via the rocker element 116 downwards into its outer end position and thereby enable a movement of the valve actuating element 104 upwards into its inner end position. The adjustment of the current supplied to the actuator 102 also makes it possible to assume intermediate positions of the rocker element 116 and thus intermediate positions of the two valve actuating elements 104, 104' between their end positions, e.g. in order to produce a proportional mixture between two fluids supplied through two fluid channels.

The holding force of the actuator 102 in the energized state is greater than the sum of the force of the spring 120 and the greatest possible force counteracting the spring 120 that can arise from the hydrostatic pressure applied to the valve 100 at the inlet 138 and/or outlet 140. The holding force of the spring 120 as a passive holding element is greater than the sum of the force of the actuator 102 in the de-energized state and the greatest possible force counteracting the holding element that can arise from the hydrostatic pressure applied to the valve 100 at the inlet 138 and/or outlet 140.

The advantage of such a coupled two-channel valve with monostable function is that it can keep the first valve opening 142 closed and a second valve opening 142` open at the same time for any time intervals without consuming energy. This is particularly advantageous when synchronized switching between a standard channel (first channel), which is open most of the time, and a drain channel (second channel), which is only open for special processes, has to be set up. In addition, proportional mixing of two liquids in any mixing ratio can be achieved by adjusting the power supply of the actuator 102.

6 shows a perspective view of another two-channel valve 100 in a first operating state. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve 100 of the 6 . 8th shows a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve 100 of the 6 . 9 shows an exploded view of the valve 100 of the 6 In the following, only the differences to the 2 to 5 shown valve 100, and identical or comparable components and features are indicated by identical reference numerals. The valve of the 6 to 9 represents a specification or further development of the valve 100 of the 1 to 5 represents. 7 shows the valve 100 in a de-energized state of the actuator 102. 8th shows the valve 100 in an energized state of the actuator 102.

The valve 100 has a fluid part 144 in which the fluid channel 136 with the inlet 138 and the outlet 140 is formed. The frame part 106 is connected to the fluid part 144, in particular firmly or permanently connected, such as glued, welded, screwed or connected to one another by means of press pins (not shown in detail here). More precisely, the upper part 108, which is designed as a housing, is connected to the fluid part 144. The rocker element 116 is mounted with the pivot pin 126 in the fluid part 144 of the valve 100 in two grooves 146 of a rocker axle bearing 148 so as to be rotatable about the rocker axle 124. The rocker element 116 has a projection 152 on an upper side 150 facing away from the fluid part 144, which projection is designed to be cylindrical, for example. The projection 152 serves as an attack point 154 for the actuator 102 and ensures that the actuator webs of the actuator 102, which are deflected out of their plane of extension, are curved in a minimum radius, thus avoiding point-by-point material overloading. The actuator 102 is attached to the circuit board 128 above the rocker element 116 by means of rivets 134. The actuator 102 is deflected by the rocker element 116 and the spring 120 into a recess or pocket 156 in the circuit board 128. A connector 158 with two pins 160 is attached to the circuit board 128, each of which is in a conductive connection to one end of the actuator 102 via a conductor track 130.

On the side of the rocker element 116 opposite the point of action 154 for the actuator 102, the pre-tensioned spring 120 is arranged above, which serves as a return element. The spring 120 is clamped in a pre-tensioned manner between the rocker element 116 and a structure in the upper part 108 of the frame part 106 of the valve 100. When power is supplied, the actuator 102 is deflected out of the pocket 156 in the circuit board 128, ie it strives towards its flat initial or memory shape.

Below the rocker element 116, on both sides of the rocker axis 124, there is a spherical valve actuating element 104, 104' serving as a closing body, which is guided in a ball guide 114 in the lower part 110 of the frame part 106 perpendicular to valve seats 162, 162' of the fluid channel 136 in the fluid part 144. The two valve seats 162, 162' are each connected to an inlet 138 and an outlet 140. There are thus two inlets 138, 138' and one outlet 140. The outlet 140 is arranged between the inlets 138, 138'. Outlets and inlets 138, 138', 140 open into openings on the underside of the fluid part 144. In this context, it should be noted that the terms inlet and outlet are merely for differentiation. Depending on the differential pressures between the openings 138, 138', 140, these can act as inlets or outlets. In the embodiment shown, the valve 100 can have two outlets and one inlet. The valve 100 can be mounted on channel plates, for example, using a flange connection.

The fluid channel 136 is closed off in a media-separating manner by a sealing element 164 in the form of a flexible membrane 166. The membrane 166 is made, for example, from an elastomer. The valve seats 162, 162' are arranged in such a way that they can each be closed by pressing one of the spherical valve actuating elements 104, 104' onto the membrane 166 by an arm of the rocker element 116. In the assembled state of the valve 100, the membrane 166 is pressed all the way around by a sealing lip 168 and is thus sealed to the fluid part 144, which is arranged on an underside of the lower part 110 of the frame part 106. In the de-energized state of the valve 100, the force of the spring 120 is greater than that of the actuator 102. The spring 120 thus presses the second arm of the rocker element 116 onto the second spherical valve actuating element 104', which in turn presses the membrane 166 onto the second valve seat 162' and closes it. The first arm of the rocker element 116 simultaneously acts against the (de-energized) actuator 102 and deflects it out of the plane. The first spherical valve actuating element 104 can thus be pressed away from the first valve seat 162 by the elastic membrane 166, so that the first valve seat 162 is open. In the 7 and 8th the left or first valve seat 162 is normally open and the right or second valve seat 162' is normally closed. In 7 the left or first valve seat 162 is shown as open and the right or second valve seat 162' is shown as closed. If a sufficiently high current is applied to the actuator 102 via the connector 158, it contracts in the direction of its flat original shape or actuator plane and overcomes the force of the spring 120 acting against it. The rocker element 116 rotates about the rocker axis 124 so that it now presses the first spherical valve actuating element 104 onto the first valve seat 162 via the membrane 166, while the second spherical valve actuating element 104' is relieved and is lifted or removed from the second valve seat 162' by the membrane 166. In 8th Therefore, the left or first valve seat 162 is shown as closed and the right or second valve seat 162' is shown as open.

10 shows a perspective view of a coupled two-channel valve 100 in a first operating state. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve 100 of the 10 . 12 shows a perspective view of the two-channel valve 100 in a second operating state. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the two-channel valve 100 of the 12 In the following, only the differences to the 1 to 5 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

The 10 to 13 The valve 100 shown comprises at least two actuators 102, 102', ie a first actuator 102 and a second actuator 102', which are made of an intelligent material and in particular a shape memory material. One of the actuators 102, 102' is connected to one of the at least two valve actuating elements 104, 104'.

Instead of the spring 120, the 10 to 13 The valve 100 shown further comprises at least one magnetic element 170, 170', for example a permanent magnet. The magnetic element 170, 170' is configured such that it holds at least one of the valve actuating elements 104, 104' in a predetermined position. The predetermined position is one of two stable positions. In the example shown, the valve 100 comprises two magnetic elements 170, 170', ie a first magnetic element 170 and a second magnetic element 170'. One magnetic element 170, 170' is assigned to each valve actuating element 104, 104'. The rocker element 116 is arranged between the magnetic elements 170, 170' and the valve actuating elements 104, 104'.

The 10 to 13 The valve 100 shown is an embodiment of a coupled two-channel valve 100 with bistable functionality. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the first state and 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in a second state. The two valve actuating elements 104, 104' are guided in corresponding guides 114 for the valve actuating elements 104, 104' within the lower part 110 of the frame part 106 such that they can move freely between their respective inner and outer end positions. In a fully assembled state, the valve actuating element 104, 104' in the outer end position corresponds to a completely closed valve 100 and the valve actuating element 104, 104' in the inner end position corresponds to a completely open valve 100. The rocker element 116 is arranged above the valve actuating elements 104, 104' in order to mechanically couple both valve actuating elements 104, 104' such that when one valve actuating element 104, 104' is in its inner end position, the other can only be in its outer end position. The two actuators 102, 102' pre-formed from their memory shape away from the rocker element 116 are arranged on opposite sides of the rocker element 116 such that the valve actuating elements 104, 104' are mechanically coupled by the rocker element 116 and counteract each other. The actuators 102, 102' can be attached to a circuit board 128 using rivets 134. In principle, there are various ways of arranging the actuators 102, 102' in relation to the rocker element 116. In this example, both actuators 102, 102' are arranged above the rocker element 116 so that they can each press one side of the rocker element 116 downwards. The rocker element 116 is made of a soft magnetic material or at least contains soft magnetic or hard magnetic elements at a location that deviates from the rocker axis, such as at its ends. The two permanent magnet elements 170, 170' are arranged above the opposite ends of the rocker element 116 so that they can each hold the rocker element 116 in one of two stable positions. The valve actuating elements 104, 104' and their pre-deformation are positioned and dimensioned such that each of them can pull the rocker element 116 away from a magnetic element 170, 170', thereby transferring it from one stable position to the other stable position and deflecting the opposite valve actuating element 104, 104' from its memory shape.

The advantage of a coupled two-channel valve 100 with bistable functionality is that it can keep either a first valve opening 142 closed and a second valve opening 142' open or a first valve opening 142 open and a second valve opening 142' closed, simultaneously over any time intervals without consuming power. This is particularly advantageous when synchronized switching between two channels 104 is to be established and the two possible switching states may have to be maintained over long periods of time. An example of this is the reversal of the flow direction in a pump.

14 shows a cross-sectional view of another valve 100. 15 shows a top view of the valve 100 of the 14 . 16 shows a side view of parts of the valve 100 of the 14 in an initial operating state. 17 shows a side view of parts of the valve 100 of the 14 in a second operating state. In the following, only the differences to the one in the 1 to 13 shown valves 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

The 14 to 17 The valve 100 shown is a bistable 3/2-way rocker valve. The valve 100 comprises at least two actuators 102, 102', ie a first actuator 102 and a second actuator 102', which are made of an intelligent material and in particular a shape memory material. One of the actuators 102, 102' is connected to one of the at least two valve actuating elements 104, 104'. The two actuators 102, 102' are mounted offset from one another on a common circuit board 128. Conductor tracks and connecting lines or plugs are not shown for the sake of clarity. The rocker element 116 is mounted so as to be rotatable about the rocker axis 124 by means of the pivot pin 126. The rocker element 116 has two opposing engagement points 154, 154' for the actuators 102, 102' with respect to the rocker axis 124. A first engagement point 154 is assigned to the first actuator 102 and a second engagement point is assigned to the second actuator 102'. The rocker element 116 is mounted in such a way that it antagonistically couples the two actuators 102, 102' with one another and prestresses them against one another. The rocker element 116 is made of a soft magnetic material. Below the rocker element 116, in the lower part 110 of the frame part 106, which serves as the valve housing, two magnetic elements 170, 170', such as permanent magnets, are firmly mounted and opposite one another with respect to the rocker axis 124.

If the first actuator 102 is energized, it contracts in the direction of a flat original shape and thereby presses the rocker element 116 in the direction of the first magnetic element 170 until the rocker element 116 is "captured" or attracted by the magnetic attraction forces of the first magnetic element 170. This first switching state stand is in 16 and is ultimately held stable even without further power to the first actuator 102. The rocker element 116 presses a first spherical valve actuating element 104 onto the membrane 166 and thereby closes a first valve seat 162. The second valve seat 162', however, is open. The second actuator 102' is deflected out of its actuator plane by the rocker element 116.

If the second actuator 102' is energized, it contracts in the direction of a flat original shape and thereby presses the rocker element 116 in the direction of the second magnetic element 170' until the rocker element 116 is "captured" or attracted by the magnetic attraction forces of the second magnetic element 170'. This second switching state is in 17 and is ultimately held stable even without further power to the second actuator 102'. The rocker element 116 presses a second spherical valve actuating element 104' onto the membrane 166 and thereby closes the second valve seat 162`. The first valve seat 162, however, is open. The first actuator 102 is deflected out of its actuator plane by the rocker element.

18 shows a cross-sectional view of another valve 100. 19 shows a side view of parts of the valve 100 of the 18 in an initial operating state. 20 shows a side view of parts of the valve 100 of the 18 in a second operating state. 21 shows a partial exploded view of the valve 100 of the 18 In the following, only the differences to the 14 to 17 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

The 18 to 21 The valve 100 shown is a bistable 3/2-way rocker valve. The rocker element 116 has two opposite engagement points 154, 154` for the actuators 102, 102` with respect to the rocker axis 124. A first engagement point 154 is assigned to the first actuator 102 and a second engagement point is assigned to the second actuator 102'. In the 18 to 21 The magnetic elements 170, 170' are omitted from the valve 100 shown. Instead, the rocker element 116 can be tilted about the rocker axis 124 via a solid-state joint 172. The valve 100 has at least one bending element 174. The at least one bending element 174 is connected to the rocker element 116, in particular to one end 118, 122 of the rocker element 116. The bending element 174 is designed to move the rocker element 116 into at least one predetermined stable rocker element position and advantageously at least two predetermined stable rocker element positions and to hold it in the predetermined rocker element position. In the embodiment shown, two bending elements 174, 174`, ie a first bending element 174 and a second bending element 174`, are provided. Thus, the first bending element 174 is connected to the first end 118 of the rocker element 116 and the second bending element 174` is connected to the second end 122 of the rocker element 116. The bending elements 174, 174` each press the rocker element 116 into one of two end positions and hold the rocker element 116 stable there. A force is required to transfer the rocker element 116 from one end position to the other. Similar to the previous embodiment of the 14 to 17 This is realized or effected by two actuators 102, 102' mounted on a common circuit board 128 and acting antagonistically to one another.

22 shows a schematic representation of another valve 100. More precisely, 22 a multi-stable 3/2-way rocker valve. In the following, only the differences to the one in the 1 to 5 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

At the 22 In the embodiment shown, the valve 100 is bi- or multi-stable. In the 22 In the embodiment shown, the valve 100 has two actuators 102, 102'. The spring 122 is omitted. Instead, the valve of the 22 a passive holding element 176, which is designed as a ratchet mechanism. The holding element 176 comprises a pre-stressed spring or bending beam 178 with an engagement element 180, which is designed, for example, in the shape of a tooth. The engagement element 180 engages in locking positions 182 provided for this purpose on the rocker element 116 and holds its position stable even without energizing the actuators 102, 102'. The locking positions 182 are formed, for example, on a part-circular projection 184. The part-circular projection 184 is arranged on an upper side of the rocker element 116 and is curved so that its imaginary center lies on the rocker axis 124. The two actuators 102, 102' are designed as two antagonistically opposing actuators 102, 102' that engage the rocker element 116 and make it possible to move the rocker element 116 from one locking position 182 to another. Such a multi-stable valve can be used as a mixing valve with several fixed mixing ratios. The ratchet mechanism shown can also be replaced by a mechanism in the form of a ball trap.

23 shows a schematic representation of another valve 100. More precisely, 23 a monostable 3/2-way flipper valve. In the following only the differences to the one in the 1 to 5 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

At the 23 In the embodiment of the valve 100 shown, the rocker element 116, the actuator 102, the spring 120 and the valve actuating elements 104, 104' are oriented rotated by 90 degrees compared to the valve 100 of the 1 to 5 . Thus, the valve actuating elements 104, 104' are arranged on opposite sides of the rocker element 116, such as the top and bottom, and on the same side with respect to the rocker axis 124. In the 23 In the embodiment of the valve 100 shown, the rocker element 116 protrudes between the two valve seats 162, 162', so that one side of the rocker element 116 can press the first valve actuating element 104 onto the first valve seat 162 and the opposite side can press the second valve actuating element 104' onto the second valve seat 162' and thus can selectively close them. The valve seats 162, 162' are opposite one another and point essentially in opposite directions. The valve actuating elements 104, 104' are firmly connected to the rocker element 116. The fluid channel 136, in which the valve seats 162, 162' are arranged, is closed by a sealing element 164, such as a membrane 166, in a media-separating manner. The rocker element 116 is embedded in the sealing element 164 with a rocker element passage 186, which closes off the fluid channel 136 in a media-separating manner. The actuator 102 and the spring 120 are arranged outside the fluid channel 136, ie on the other side of the membrane 166.

In this embodiment, the valve 100 is monostable and has a stable holding position. If the actuator 102 is energized, it rotates the rocker element 116 out of the stable position until the rocker element 116 presses the first valve actuating element 104 onto the first valve seat 162. If the actuator is not energized, the spring 120 rotates the rocker element in the opposite direction into the stable holding position and holds the rocker element 116 there. In this position, the rocker element 116 presses onto the second valve actuating element 104' and closes the second valve seat 162.

24 shows a schematic representation of another valve 100. More precisely, 24 a bistable 3/2-way flipper valve. In the following, only the differences to the 22 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

At the 24 In the embodiment of the valve 100 shown, the valve is bistable and has two stable holding positions. In this case, two actuators 102, 102' are in contact in opposite directions of action (antagonistic) via the rocker element 116. The two actuators 102, 102' are prestressed against each other, so that a return of one to its memory shape (by energization) leads to a pre-deflection of the other and vice versa. Two magnetic elements 170, 170' as holding elements in the form of permanent magnets are firmly attached to the frame part 106 on two opposite sides of the rocker element 116 and on the same side with respect to the rocker axis 124. The rocker element 116 is made of a soft magnetic material or contains (soft/hard) magnetic elements. The magnetic elements 170, 170' each hold the rocker element 116 stably in a holding position even without the force of an energized actuator after an actuator 102, 102' has rotated it there.

25 shows a schematic representation of another valve 100. More precisely, 25 a bistable 3/2-way flipper valve. In the following, only the differences to the 23 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

At the 25 In the embodiment of the valve 100 shown, the valve is bistable and has two stable holding positions. In this case, two actuators 102, 102' are in contact in opposite directions of action (antagonistic) via the rocker element 116, so that a return of one to its memory shape (by energization) leads to a pre-deflection of the other and vice versa. One or more passive holding elements in the form of pre-stressed buckling elements 174, 174` are firmly attached to the frame part 106 on two opposite sides of the rocker element 116 and on the same side with respect to the rocker axis 124 of the rocker element 116. In the embodiment shown, one buckling element 174 is present. The bending element 174 acts as a spring element and holds the rocker element 116 stable in a holding position even without the force of an energized actuator 102, 102' after an actuator 102, 102' has rotated it there.

26 shows a schematic representation of another valve 100. More precisely, 26 a bi- or multi-stable 3/2-way flipper valve. In the following, only the differences to the 23 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

At the 26 In the embodiment of the valve 100 shown, the valve is multi-stable and has several stable holding positions. In this case, two actuators 102, 102' are in contact in opposite directions of action (antagonistic) via the rocker element 116. The valve of the 26 has a passive holding element 176, which is designed as a ratchet mechanism. The holding element 176 comprises a pre-tensioned spring 188 with an engagement element 180, which is designed, for example, in the shape of a tooth. The engagement element 180 engages in locking positions 182 provided for this purpose on the rocker element 116 and holds its position stable even without energizing the actuators 102, 102'. The locking positions 182 are formed, for example, on a part-circular projection 184. The part-circular projection 184 is arranged on the rocker element 116 and is curved so that its imaginary center lies on the rocker axis 124. The two actuators 102, 102' are designed as two antagonistically opposing actuators 102, 102' that engage the rocker element 116 and make it possible to move the rocker element 116 from one locking position 182 to another. Such a multi-stable valve can be used as a mixing valve with several fixed mixing ratios. The ratchet mechanism shown can also be replaced by a mechanism in the form of a ball trap.

27 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a valve 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve of the 27 In the following, only the differences to the 1 to 9 shown valves 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

The 27 and 28 The valve 100 shown in detail represents an example of a two-channel valve 100 which is mounted on a schematically shown fluid part 144. A common fluid channel 136 is formed in the fluid part 144, which communicates with two inlets 138, 138`, ie a first inlet 138 and a second inlet 138`, and a common outlet 140. The valve shown in 28 The first valve seat 162 shown on the left is in a closed state and the second valve seat 162' shown on the right is in an open state. The valve 100 comprises two valve actuating elements 104, 104'. The valve actuating elements 104, 104' are designed as spherical valve actuating elements 104, 104' and the valve seats 162, 162' are designed as seat valves with a groove 190 surrounding the inlets 138. As in 28 As can be seen, the valve 100 has a sealing element 164. The sealing element 164 is made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer, such as silicone, EPDM, FKM, FFKM, Viton, neoprene, PDMS, rubber. The sealing element 164 is a membrane 166. The valve actuating element 104 presses and deforms the membrane 166 in the closed state in the direction of the groove 190 so that a part of the groove 190 is interrupted. In the embodiment shown, the outlet 140 is arranged at one end of the fluid channel 136. This makes it possible, for example, to use the first inlet 138 as a flushing channel to completely flush fluids from the valve 100 that previously flowed in through the second inlet 138'.

29 shows an exploded perspective view of a valve 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 from 29 In the following, only the differences to the 27 and 28 shown valve 100 and identical or comparable components and features are indicated by identical reference numerals.

In the 29 and 30 In the valve 100 shown, the valve actuating elements 104, 104' are designed as cylindrical valve actuating elements 104, 104' and the valve seats 162, 162' are designed without a groove 190 surrounding the valve openings or inlets. The valve seats 162, 162' are asymmetrical with respect to the flow direction. They can be manufactured with a simple flat design of the membrane 166.

31 shows an exploded perspective view of parts of a valve 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 of the 31 In the following, only the differences to the 27 and 28 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

In the 31 and 32 In the valve 100 shown, the valve actuating elements 104, 104' are designed as wedge-shaped valve actuating elements 104, 104' and as diaphragm valves. A diaphragm valve, which is also referred to as a seat valve, consists of a valve body with two or more ports, an elastomeric membrane and a "weir or saddle" or seat on which the membrane closes the valve 100. In the closed state, the wedge-shaped valve actuating elements 104, 104' press the (three-dimensional) sealing membrane 166 onto a saddle 192 in the fluid part 144, which serves as a type of valve seat, and thereby interrupt the flow between the inlet 138 and the outlet 138. The valve seats 162'162' can be symmetrical. ric to the flow direction so that the inlets 138 and outlets 140 are interchangeable. This embodiment of the valve 100 is particularly easy to flush because it has no dead volume or angles and corners that are difficult for the flow to pass through.

The 33 to 37 show top views of other possible actuators, as they can basically be used with each of the valves 100 described herein. 38 shows a perspective view of the actuator 102 of the 37 . 33 shows a particularly simple actuator 102, which consists of an actuator web 194, at each of whose two ends a contact surface 196 with a through hole 198 for, for example, a rivet connection is attached. 34 shows an alternative actuator 102, which consists of two intersecting actuator webs 194 that connect two contact surfaces 196 with through hole 198. 35 shows another alternative actuator 102. In order to achieve a greater travel on a limited area, the actuator webs 194 are designed as spiral arms 200. 36 shows another alternative actuator 102. In order to achieve a higher travel on a limited area, the actuator webs 194 are designed as meanders 202. In the middle of the actuator 102, a rocker element engagement opening 204 is provided, which simplifies a slip-proof interaction between the actuator 102 and the rocker element 116. The 37 shows a top view of another alternative actuator 102. 38 shows a perspective view of the actuator of the 37 In order to achieve a greater travel in a limited area, the actuator webs 194 are designed as loops 206 arranged in a row. In the middle of the actuator 102, a rocker element engagement opening 204 is provided, which simplifies a slip-proof interaction between the actuator 102 and the rocker element 116. All in the 33 to 38 The actuators 102 shown have in common that they are deflected from their plane of extension or flat or planar shape when energized.

Optionally, each of the valves 100 described herein may further comprise an electronic circuit board having at least one energy source. The electronic circuit board may be formed separately from the circuit board 128 or may be identical to the circuit board 128. Alternatively, the energy source is an external energy source connected by means of a cable, an integrated battery or an inductive charging interface. The electronic circuit board has, for example, a connection for connecting to an external energy source. The electronic circuit board may comprise at least one interface configured to communicate with an external electronic device. In particular, the interface is configured to communicate with the external electronic device in a digital manner, a wired manner and/or a wireless manner. A constant current source may be mounted on the electronic circuit board. A microcontroller may be mounted on the electronic circuit board. A digital communication protocol, such as USB, I2C, UART, Bluetooth, RFID, WLAN, infrared, may be implemented on the microcontroller, via which the valve can be addressed directly by data processing systems. The microcontroller can be set up to provide a time-varying current profile for the shape memory actuator using the constant current source and, if necessary, pulse width modulation (PWM). In other words, the microcontroller is set up to supply suitable current profiles or control signals for current profiles, i.e. predetermined time-varying control currents, to the actuator in order to control and deform it accordingly.

The valve 100 can also have at least one position sensor that is designed to detect a position of the valve actuating elements. The actuator 102 can be designed as a position sensor or a separate position sensor is provided, which can be a Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, a photodiode or a laser. The microcontroller and possibly other components can be designed to measure the electrical resistance of the at least one shape memory actuator. The electrical resistance of the actuator (or the resistances of two antagonistic actuators) can be used to measure the deflection of the actuator or actuators and to determine the current setting position of the rocker element from this. With this self-sensing, the electrical resistance of the actuator is measured. This varies with the setting position because the conductor cross-section decreases while the conductor length increases when the actuator is deflected further from its memory shape. This effect is superimposed by characteristic resistance curves over the phase transformation from austenite to martensite or vice versa.

The position sensor can be a Hall sensor. Preferably, the Hall sensor is permanently installed on the electronic circuit board and the lever body or a valve tappet contains a permanent magnet. A Hall sensor can be used as a position sensor together with a movably arranged permanent magnet, such as one attached to the rocker element or a valve actuating element, by measuring the magnetic field arriving at the sensor.

The position sensor can be a photodiode. Preferably, a light-emitting diode and a photodiode are mounted on the electronic board on both sides a slot. A suitable extension on the rocker element extends into the slot and, depending on the switching position, completely or partially covers the beam path between the light-emitting diode and the photodiode. A photodiode can measure the amount of light from an LED, for example, that passes through a shaft. If the shaft can be partially closed by moving the rocker element and/or valve actuating elements, their position can be deduced.

The position sensor can be a capacitive sensor. Preferably, a metallized side surface of the rocker element and another metallized surface in the housing form a capacitor whose capacitance depends on the setting position of the lever body. A capacitive sensor can be formed, for example, by the rocker element or an actuating element containing a movable electrode that is opposite a stationary electrode in the valve housing, for example on the electronic circuit board. The capacitance of the capacitor formed in this way varies with the distance and/or the opposing surfaces of the electrodes.

An inductive sensor can detect movements of the rocker element or valve actuating elements if these lead to a magnetic field that changes over time, such as through a permanent magnet. A resistive sensor changes its resistance when the position of the rocker element or the valve actuating elements changes.

The position sensor can be a limit switch. This allows a circuit to be switched in the end positions. The rocker element can be designed in such a way that it closes a conductor loop on a circuit board in at least one end position. This means that simple electrical limit switches or conductor tracks that are closed in certain positions of the rocker element can also serve as position sensors.

The valve can be used to control the flow. By varying the control current, the actuator can also move to intermediate positions of the rocker element and thus partially open the fluid channel. An internal or external flow sensor, a position sensor as described above, or the resistance of the actuator itself can serve as the control signal.

In a special embodiment, the valve according to the invention contains two separate valve chambers, each with two inlets and one outlet, and two rocker elements, which share a common axis of rotation and are firmly connected to one another. In this way, two 3/2-way valves housed in a common housing can be realized, which always switch synchronously. Only one shape memory actuator (in the monostable version) or an antagonistic pair of shape memory actuators (in a bi- or multi-stable version) is required for switching. By suitably connecting the inlets and outlets of both valve chambers, a valve can be realized which has a total of two inlets and two outlets and which can swap the connection between the inlets and outlets. Such a valve can be used, for example, to reverse the pumping direction of a unidirectional pump (reversing the flow direction of a medium). Such a valve can also form a pump itself together with a piston chamber or diaphragm chamber.

39 shows an exploded view of a valve 100 according to another embodiment. The 39 The valve 100 shown in FIG. 1 represents a valve as described above. In particular, the valve shown in FIG. 39 The valve 100 shown is a modification of the valve 100 of 14 to 17 In the following, only the differences to the one in the 14 to 17 shown valve 100, and like or comparable components and features are indicated by like reference numerals.

The mechanism of the valve 100 is, for example, a bistable mechanism with magnetic holding elements, as in the valve 100 of the 14 to 17 , ie by means of magnetic elements 170, 170'. In a modification to this, a second rocker element 116' is arranged on the rocker axis 124 and the pivot pin 126. This does not have to be magnetic and is not itself directly connected to an actuator 102', but is coupled to the first rocker element 116 via the rocker axis 124 or the pivot pin 126. The fluid part 144 of the valve 100 is designed in several parts and contains two separate fluid channels 136, 136'. A first valve seat 162 and a second valve seat 162' are arranged in the first fluid channel 136. A third valve seat 162'' and a fourth valve seat 162''' are arranged in the second fluid channel 136'. As shown, the fluid part 144 has two channel levels with two connecting channels 208, 208'. The first connecting channel 208 connects the first valve seat 162 and the fourth valve seat 162''' to the first inlet 138. The second connecting channel 208' connects the second valve seat 162' and the third valve seat 162'' to the second inlet 138'.

In a first switching position after actuation of the first actuator 102, the first rocker element 116 presses a first spherical valve actuating element 104 onto the first valve seat 162 and the second rocker element 116' presses a third spherical valve actuating element 104'' onto the third th valve seat 162''. The second and fourth valve seats 162' and 162''' are open. Thus, the first inlet 138 is connected to the second outlet 140' and the second inlet 138' is connected to the first outlet 140.

In a second switching position after actuation of the second actuator 102', the first rocker element 116 presses a second spherical valve actuating element 104' onto the second valve seat 162' and the second rocker element 116' presses a fourth spherical valve actuating element 104'' onto the fourth valve seat 162'''. The first and third valve seats 162 and 162'' are open. Thus, the first inlet 138 is connected to the first outlet 140 and the second inlet 138' is connected to the second outlet 140'.

List of reference symbols

100

Valve

102

first actor

102'

second actor

104

first valve actuating element

104'

second valve actuating element

104''

third valve actuating element

104'''

fourth valve actuating element

106

Frame part

108

Top

110

Bottom part

112

Front surface

114

guide

116

(first) rocker element

116'

second rocker element

118

first end

120

Feather

122

second end

124

Rocker axle

126

Turning pin

128

Circuit board

130

Conductor track

132

Fastener

134

rivet

136

Fluid channel

138

first entry

138'

second entrance

140

Outlet

142

first valve opening

142

second valve opening

144

Fluid part

146

Groove

148

Rocker axle bearing

150

Top

152

head Start

154

attackpoint

156

Bag

158

Connectors

160

Pin code

162

first valve seat

162'

second valve seat

162''

third valve seat

162'''

fourth valve seat

164

Sealing element

166

membrane

168

Sealing lip

170

first magnetic element

170'

second magnetic element

172

Solid joint

174

first buckling element

174'

second buckling element

176

passive holding element

178

Bending beam

180

Engagement element

182

Locking position

184

head Start

186

Rocker element feedthrough

188

Feather

190

Groove

192

saddle

194

Actuator bridge

196

Contact surface

198

Through hole

200

Spiral arms

202

meander

204

Rocker element attack opening

206

loop

208

first connecting channel

208'

second connection channel

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014002408 A1 [0002]
• DE 202006006862 U1 [0002]
• US 9115820 B2 [0002]
• EP 0719395 B1 [0003]
• US 10396646 B2 [0003]
• EP 2256388 A2 [0003]
• DE 102010051742 A1 [0003]
• US 10337635 B2 [0003]
• US 20200347834 A1 [0003]
• US 2019353269 A1 [0003]

Claims (28)

Valve (100) comprising at least one actuator (102, 102'), wherein the actuator (102, 102') is at least partially made of an intelligent material, at least two valve actuating elements (104, 104'), and a fluid channel, wherein the actuator (102, 102') is configured to selectively move the valve actuating elements (104, 104') such that at least one inlet (138, 138') into the fluid channel (136) and/or at least one outlet (140) from the fluid channel (136) is at least partially blocked or opened. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator (102, 102') is substantially planar and in particular flat. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rocker element (116), wherein the rocker element (116) mechanically connects the two valve actuating elements (104, 104'), wherein the actuator (102, 102') contacts the rocker element (116). Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rocker element (116) mechanically connects the two valve actuating elements (104, 104') such that the valve actuating elements (104, 104') are movable in opposite directions. Valve (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the rocker element (116) is rotatable about a rocker axis (124). Valve (100) according to one of the three preceding claims, further comprising at least two actuators (102, 102'), wherein the actuators (102, 102') are made of an intelligent material, wherein the actuators (102, 102') are biased against each other in opposite directions. Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rocker element (116) mechanically connects the two valve actuating elements (104, 104'), wherein the actuators (102, 102') contact the rocker element (116). Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one magnetic element (170, 170'), in particular a permanent magnet element, wherein the magnetic element (170, 170') is configured to hold the rocker element (116) in a predetermined rocker element position. Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the predetermined rocker element position is one of two stable positions of the rocker element (116). Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 3 until 9 , wherein the rocker element (116) is rotatably mounted on the rocker axis (124), or wherein the rocker element (116) is rotatable about the rocker axis (124) by means of at least one solid-state joint (172). Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one buckling element (174, 174'), wherein the at least one buckling element (174, 174') is connected to the rocker element (116), wherein the buckling element (174, 174') is configured to move the rocker element (116) into a stable end position. Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the buckling element (174, 174') is arranged to hold the rocker element (116) in a predetermined rocker element position. Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 6 until 12 , wherein one actuator (102, 102') is assigned to each valve actuating element (104, 104'). Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 3 until 13 , further comprising at least one spring (120), wherein the spring (120) is configured to prestress at least one valve actuating element (104, 104') towards a predetermined position, wherein the spring (120) is in particular connected to the rocker element (116) or contacts the rocker element (116), wherein the spring (120) is configured to prestress the rocker element (116) towards a predetermined rocker element position such that one of the valve actuating elements (104, 104') is prestressed towards the predetermined position. Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 3 until 14 , wherein the valve actuating elements (104, 104') are formed separately from the rocker element (116) or are firmly connected to the rocker element (116). Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 3 until 15 , further comprising a holding element (176) with an engagement element (180), wherein the engagement element (180) is configured to engage in latching positions (182) on the rocker element (116). Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 3 until 16 , wherein the valve (100) has at least two, preferably separate, fluid channels (136) each with at least two inlets (138, 138') and at least one outlet (140) and at least two wiper blades rocker elements (116), wherein the rocker elements (116) are rotatable about a common rocker axis (124) and firmly connected to one another. Valve (100) according to one of the Claims 3 until 17 , wherein the valve actuating elements (104, 104') are located on the same side of the rocker element (116) or on opposite sides of the rocker element (116). Valve according to one of embodiments 3 to 18, further comprising a sealing element (164), wherein the rocker element (116) is embedded in the sealing element (164) with a rocker element passage (186) which closes off the fluid channel (136) in a media-separating manner. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electronic circuit board, wherein the electronic circuit board has at least one energy source, wherein the energy source is in particular an external energy source that is connected by means of a cable, an integrated battery or an inductive charging interface and/or wherein the electronic circuit board has at least one interface, wherein the interface is configured to communicate with an external electronic device, wherein the interface is in particular configured to communicate with the external electronic device in a digital manner, a wired manner and/or in a wireless manner and/or wherein the electronic circuit board has a connection for connecting to an external energy source. Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the valve (100) further comprises at least one electronic component arranged on the electronic circuit board, which is selected from the group consisting of: microchip, in particular integrated microchip, microcontroller, in particular integrated microcontroller, ASIC, sensor, in particular temperature sensor and/or flow meter. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a circuit board (128) with at least one conductor track (130), wherein the actuator (102, 102') is fastened to the circuit board (128) and the conductor track (130) by means of a fastening element (132), in particular by means of a rivet (134), wherein the conductor track (130) is configured to supply the actuator (102, 102') with power. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect a position of the valve actuating elements (104, 104'), the at least one actuator (102) and/or the rocker element (116), wherein in particular the actuator (102, 102') is designed as a position sensor or wherein the position sensor is a Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, a limit switch, a photodiode or a laser. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing element (164), in particular a sealing element (164) made of an elastomer, wherein the sealing element (164) is in particular a membrane (166), wherein the sealing element (164) is designed to seal at least one valve seat (162, 162'). Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the valve actuating elements are arranged to contact the sealing element (164) in order to selectively at least partially block or release the at least one inlet (138, 138') into the fluid channel (136) and/or the outlet (140) from the fluid channel (136). Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (100) is a seat valve or diaphragm valve. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator (102) is configured to continuously move the valve actuating elements (104, 104') by varying a control current. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator (102) consists of an actuator web (194), consists of two intersecting actuator webs (194), consists of actuator webs (194) which are designed as spiral arms (200), consists of actuator webs (194) which are designed as meanders (202), the actuator (102) has a rocker element engagement opening (204), and/or consists of actuator webs (194) which are designed as loops (206) arranged in a row.

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