spool valve plug

Abstract

A spool valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid includes: a spool valve configured to move axially along an axis to control fluid flow, having a spool valve cavity and a plurality of spool valve orifices communicating fluid between the spool valve cavity and an outer surface of the spool valve; a valve sleeve in which the spool valve is concentrically positioned, the valve sleeve slidably receiving the spool valve; and a valve plug received within the spool valve cavity, having at least one plug orifice and a plug cavity, wherein the spool valve orifice at least partially overlaps the plug orifice in a radial direction, thereby allowing fluid to flow between the plug cavity and the outer surface within a defined flow rate variation, regardless of the angular position of the valve plug relative to the angular position of the spool valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to valves for controlling fluid flow, and more specifically to a linearly actuated fluid valve. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid flow can be regulated by a fluid valve having a valve member that moves from a closed position preventing fluid from flowing through a fluid path to an open position allowing fluid to flow through that path. More specifically, a linearly actuated valve (sometimes called a spool valve) can control fluid flow from a pressurized fluid source to a device such as a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) device. A spool valve may include a spool orifice through which fluid flows. When the spool valve moves axially along its longitudinal or central axis, the valve closes these orifices or exposes them to fluid flow. One or more plugs may be inserted into the cavity of the spool valve such that the plug is concentric with the spool valve. The plug has its own plug orifice through which fluid flows.

[0003] The plug has been inserted into the cavity at a defined angle, aligning the plug orifice with the spool valve orifice. Otherwise, the plug orifice and spool valve orifice could be misaligned, significantly reducing flow rate. However, during manufacturing, ensuring the angular alignment of the plug and spool valve increases manufacturing complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one implementation, a spool valve assembly is configured to control the flow of fluid, comprising: a spool valve configured to move axially along an axis to control fluid flow, having a spool valve cavity and a plurality of spool valve orifices communicating fluid between the spool valve cavity and an outer surface of the spool valve; a valve sleeve in which the spool valve is concentrically positioned, the valve sleeve slidably receiving the spool valve; and a valve plug received within the spool valve cavity, having at least one plug orifice and a plug cavity, wherein the spool valve orifice at least partially overlaps the plug orifice in a radial direction, thereby allowing fluid to flow between the plug cavity and the outer surface within a defined velocity variation, regardless of the angular position of the valve plug relative to the angular position of the spool valve. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view depicting the implementation of the slide valve assembly;

[0006] Figure 2 It is a perspective view depicting how the slide valve and valve plug are implemented;

[0007] Figure 3 This is another perspective view depicting how the slide valve and valve plug are implemented;

[0008] Figure 4 This is another perspective view depicting the implementation of the slide valve and valve plug; and

[0009] Figure 5It is another perspective view depicting how the slide valve and valve plug are implemented. Detailed Implementation

[0010] A linearly actuated fluid valve (spool valve) controls fluid flow from a pressurized fluid source to a destination such as a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) device. A valve sleeve houses the spool valve within a hollow interior, allowing linear movement of the spool valve relative to the sleeve to open and close sleeve orifices for fluid flow based on the spool valve's linear position relative to the sleeve. The spool valve may include multiple bosses extending radially outward away from the valve's longitudinal axis. Between the bosses, the spool valve has multiple orifices or ports through which fluid flows. As the spool valve moves axially or linearly along its longitudinal or central axis, the bosses close, exposing these spool valve orifices to fluid flow. Concentrically positioned radially inward to the bosses are one or more plugs inserted into the cavity of the spool valve. The plugs have orifices / ports through which fluid flows.

[0011] Previously, the plug was inserted into the cavity at a defined angle so that the plug orifice aligned with the spool valve orifice. Otherwise, the plug orifice and spool valve orifice could misalign, reducing the flow rate. However, the number of plug orifices can be selected relative to the number of spool valve orifices so that the fluid flow rate does not vary by more than a defined amount regardless of the angular position of the plug relative to the spool valve. In one implementation, the flow rate variation at different relative angular positions between the spool valve and the plug does not exceed 0.66 mm. 2 That is, the change in the exposed area of ​​the valve orifice relative to the exposed area of ​​the plug orifice is no more than a small amount and is independent of the angular relationship between the two components.

[0012] Turning Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a spool valve assembly 10, which includes a spool valve 12 that moves linearly along an axis x to control fluid flow. The spool valve assembly 10 may include a valve sleeve 14 having a valve sleeve bore 16 that houses the spool valve 12. The assembly 10 may also include a center bolt 18, within which the valve sleeve 14 is concentrically positioned. The spool valve 12 and valve sleeve 14 can be housed by the center bolt 18 and used with a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) device (not shown). Alternatively, the assembly 10 may be used in other applications, such as a hydraulic control valve. The spool valve 12 includes a spool valve cavity 20 and a plurality of spool valve bores 22 communicating fluid between the spool valve cavity 20 and an outer surface 24 of the spool valve 12, wherein the fluid can then pass through the valve sleeve bores 16 to the outer surface 26 of the valve sleeve 14, whereby the fluid is ultimately directed to its intended destination. The assembly 10 also includes a valve plug 28 housed within the spool valve cavity 20, the valve plug 28 having at least one plug bore 30 and a plug cavity 32. The slide valve orifice 22 at least partially overlaps with one or more plug orifices 30 extending outward from axis x in a radially outward direction, thereby allowing fluid to flow between the plug cavity 32 and the outer surface 24 of the slide valve 12.

[0013] The spool valve 12 may be implemented as a valve body 34 with a hollow, elongated structure, forming a spool valve cavity 20 within the valve body 34. The valve body 34 may include a plurality of spool valve holes 22 extending from the spool valve cavity 20 to the outer surface 24 of the spool valve 12, thereby allowing fluid to move radially outward from the cavity 20 toward the outer surface 24. One or more check valves 36 may be positioned along axis x within the spool valve cavity 20 and concentric with the valve body 34. The check valves 36 may include valve elements in the form of, for example, ball check valves or disc check valves. The spool valve cavity 20 may include an axial stop 38 extending radially inward toward axis x to prevent axial movement of the check valves 36 and may serve as a valve seat. One or more bosses 40 may be axially positioned adjacent to the spool valve holes 22 along the outer surface 24. The bosses 40 may extend radially outward from the outer surface 24 of the valve body 34 and have a boss surface 42 that closely conforms to the inner surface 44 of the valve sleeve 14. As the spool valve 12 moves along axis x, the boss 40 slides along its inner surface 44 to selectively block the spool valve orifice 22 or expose it to fluid flow. The boss surface 42 may mate with the inner surface 44 of the valve sleeve 14, such that the boss 40 prevents fluid from flowing from one side of the boss 40 to the other. The spool valve 12 may be made of a metal alloy, such as steel or aluminum, or other similar resilient material. A spring 58 may bias the spool valve 12 to an axial position, and a solenoid or other similar linear movement mechanism may allow the spool valve 12 to slide relative to the valve sleeve 14.

[0014] The valve plug 28 can be received within the spool valve cavity 20 by the spool valve 12. The valve plug 28 can be formed of a hollow structure including a plug cavity 32 in the central portion of the valve plug 28. The plug cavity 32 can be open at one end 46, and the axis x can pass through the plug cavity 32. The valve plug 28 can be positioned within the spool valve cavity 20 regardless of the angular position of the valve plug 28 relative to the spool valve 12, which is measured by angular displacement or rotational position relative to each other relative to the axis x. The outer surface 48 of the valve plug 28 can fit snugly against the surface 50 of the spool valve cavity 20. A spring clip 52, received within an annular groove 54 included in the central bolt 18, prevents the valve plug 28 from axially moving relative to each other and the central bolt 18 with the other elements of the spool valve assembly 10. The spring clip 52 expands radially outward into the groove 54 and helps maintain the axial position of the valve plug 28 relative to the spool valve 12, such that the spool valve bore 22 can be aligned with the plug bore 30 along the axis x. In other implementations, the valve plug 28 may be press-fitted into the spool valve cavity 20 to prevent angular displacement of the valve plug 28 relative to the spool valve 12 and axial movement along the axis x. The valve plug 28 may include one or more plug holes 30 extending from the plug cavity 32 to the outer surface 48 of the valve plug 28. The plug holes 30 facilitate fluid flow from the plug cavity 32 through the spool valve orifice 22 to the outer surface 24 of the spool valve 12. The end of the valve plug 28 may support a check valve 36, and a support 56 within the spool valve cavity 20 may support another check valve 36.

[0015] Regardless of the relative angular position (α) of the valve plug 28 relative to the slide valve 12, the flow velocity between the plug cavity 32 and the outer surface 24 falls within a defined range of flow velocity variation. Figure 2-5The diagram shows the slide valve 12 at different angular positions (α) relative to the valve plug 28. The defined flow rate variation can be calculated by measuring or determining the minimum and maximum flow rates through the slide valve orifice 22 and the plug orifice 30. A minimum flow rate can exist when the slide valve 12 is angularly positioned relative to the valve plug 28, and the overlap of the slide valve orifice 22 with respect to the plug orifice 30 results in the minimum rate of fluid flow from the slide valve cavity 20 through the slide valve 12 and the valve plug 28 to the outer surface 24 of the slide valve 12. A maximum flow rate can exist when the slide valve 12 is angularly positioned relative to the valve plug 28, and the overlap of the slide valve orifice 22 with respect to the plug orifice 30 results in the maximum rate of fluid flow from the slide valve cavity 20 through the slide valve 12 and the valve plug 28 to the outer surface 24 of the slide valve 12. The defined flow rate variation can be determined by subtracting the minimum flow rate from the maximum flow rate. Minimizing the defined flow rate variation can be achieved by having a different number of slide valve orifices 22 than the number of plug orifices 30. In one embodiment, the number of valve orifices 22 is greater than the number of plug orifices 30. For example, the valve 12 may include seven orifices 22, while the plug 28 may include six orifices 30. The increased number of valve orifices 22 relative to the plug orifices 30 helps to ensure that the possible range or variation of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve orifices 22 to the plug orifices 30 is minimized, thereby maintaining as much flow area as possible regardless of the orientation of the plug 28 relative to the valve 12.

[0016] It should be understood that the foregoing description describes one or more embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined solely by the appended claims. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to specific embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the definition of terms used in the claims, unless the terms or phrases are expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0017] As used in this specification and claims, when used with a list of one or more components or other items, the terms "for example," "like," "as," and the verbs "comprising," "having," "including," and their verb forms are each open-ended, meaning that the list should not be interpreted as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms will be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A slide valve assembly configured to control the flow of fluid, comprising: A spool valve configured to move axially along an axis to control fluid flow has a spool valve cavity and a plurality of spool valve orifices communicating fluid between the spool valve cavity and the outer surface of the spool valve. A valve sleeve in which the slide valve is concentrically positioned and the valve sleeve slidably accommodates the slide valve; and A valve plug, which is housed in the slide valve cavity at an arbitrary angular position relative to the slide valve, has at least one plug orifice and a plug cavity, wherein the slide valve orifice at least partially overlaps the plug orifice in the radial direction, thereby allowing fluid to flow between the plug cavity and the outer surface within a defined flow rate variation, regardless of the angular position of the valve plug relative to the slide valve.

2. The slide valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the number of slide valve orifices is different from the number of plug orifices.

3. The slide valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the number of slide valve orifices is greater than the number of plug orifices.

4. The spool valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a central bolt for receiving the valve sleeve.

5. The spool valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the valve sleeve and the valve plug are axially constrained relative to the center bolt by a spring clip.

6. The slide valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve plug is press-fitted into the slide valve cavity.

7. The spool valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more check valves positioned within the spool valve cavity.

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