Flip armature with edge upset for vehicle solenoid valves

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ferromagnetic flip armature (100) for a vehicle solenoid valve, wherein the flip armature is configured to move the flip armature into one of two positions by establishing a magnetic field, so that a magnetic flux associated with the magnetic field and passing through the flip armature is guided through a gap (250) in this position via at least one surface of the flip armature to form a closed magnetic flux circuit (70), wherein the flip armature can be flipped between the two positions about a rotation axis (20) fixed relative to the vehicle solenoid valve, wherein at least one surface of the flip armature is enlarged by an edge upset (110) of the flip armature and is configured to reduce the magnetic resistance caused by the gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tilting armature with an upset edge in a vehicle solenoid valve, a vehicle solenoid valve having a tilting armature with an upset edge, and a method for producing the tilting armature in a vehicle solenoid valve. Background Art

[0002] Solenoid valves are characterized by the use of an electrical conductor coil that controls a force by inducing a magnetic field in order to directly or indirectly control and / or maintain the position of a closing piston for a valve opening. Among the various designs of such valves, there is a class of vehicle solenoid valves, such as those used, for example, in vehicle brake systems. The magnetic field of the conductor coil attracts a ferromagnetic flip armature toward the coil, which directly or indirectly assumes the function of a closing piston, thereby allowing or preventing a fluid flow through the vehicle solenoid valve, depending on its design.

[0003] Figure 3The following diagram illustrates a functional scheme for such a vehicle solenoid valve. A cross-sectional plane of the vehicle solenoid valve is shown, containing the axis of an electrical conductor coil 210. A core 220 made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) is located within the conductor coil 210 to increase the magnetic field. The conductor coil 210 is housed in a cylindrical housing 230, also made of ferromagnetic material. This housing forms a valve chamber (cavity) at one end of the conductor coil 210 (to the right of the core 220 in the figure), which has a width corresponding to the coil diameter in the cross-sectional plane shown. The valve chamber wall opposite the conductor coil 210 is pierced by two openings 260 for the flow of fluid. A conventional flip armature 300 is located in the valve chamber. In this example, it is disc-shaped and adapted to the cylindrical cross-section of the housing 230 or the conductor coil 210, and in the illustrated section, has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The flip armature can be rotated about a rotation axis 20 perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane via a pivot point connected to the housing 230. When no current is flowing into the conductor coil 210, for example, by the force of a spring 240, it fluid-tightly closes one of the valve chamber openings 260. When the conductor coil 210 is energized, a magnetic field is generated that concentrates and intensifies the attraction of the ferromagnetic flip armature 100 in the ferromagnetic core 220. This results in a rotational movement of the flip armature 100 about the pivot point 20. When the flip armature 100 is in the position of maximum attraction to the core 220, the ferromagnetic housing 230 is intended to create a closed magnetic flux circuit 70, thereby maximizing the tensile force between the core 220 and the flip armature 100. The formation of a closed magnetic flux circuit 70 with the highest possible magnetic flux in this position also has a particularly strong effect on the force that moves the tilting armature 100 into this position. This also means that the same force can be achieved with a lower current. Thus, the embodiment allows the solenoid valve to be actuated with a lower current while still being actuated with the same force.

[0004] When current flows, the magnetic attraction force exerted on the flip armature 100 by the conductor coil 210 should be as strong as possible to ensure a secure position for the flip armature 100. Due to various factors, the magnetic flux associated with the magnetic field flows to varying degrees in different materials. One important factor is the material's specific properties, known as magnetic permeability. For example, the magnetic permeability of air is significantly lower than that of ferromagnetic materials, such as the iron core 220. Developers of vehicle solenoid valves strive to create closed circuits with ferromagnetic components as much as possible, or to avoid gaps such as gap 250, to facilitate the flow of magnetic flux and thereby maximize the magnetic force between the fixed and movable parts. However, in magnetic systems such as the illustrated vehicle solenoid valve, in which some components of the flux chain must be free to move, the magnetic flux circuit 70 can, for example, include a discernible air gap (such as gap 250 in this example). The air gap distance between the fixed and movable parts, such as the iron housing 230 and the ferromagnetic flip armature 100 made of stainless steel, must be optimized based on the movement conditions and the efficiency of the magnetic flux circuit 70. In the illustrated figures, the force acting on the flip armature 100 is increased by directing the magnetic flux through the flip armature 100 and the ferromagnetic material of the housing 230, which forms a closed magnetic flux circuit 70. In this magnetic flux circuit 70, gaps (whose formation is subject to certain manufacturing tolerances), such as the gap 250 between the flip armature 100 and the housing 230 to ensure the mobility of the flip armature 100, act as magnetic resistance to reduce the tensile force applied to the flip armature 100. Consequently, a higher current is required to achieve the same magnetic force. Furthermore, a weaker connection of the flip armature 100 in its position on the core 220 can negatively impact the reliable function of the vehicle solenoid valve, for example due to deflections caused by vibrations occurring in the vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to further optimize the magnetic flux, for example by reducing the magnetic resistance caused by material gaps in the magnetic flux circuit. The most cost-effective optimization should be found here. Summary of the Invention

[0006] At least some of the above problems are solved by the tilting armature according to the invention, the vehicle solenoid valve according to the invention and the method according to the invention. The technical solution of the invention defines further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention.

[0007] The present invention relates to a ferromagnetic flip armature for a vehicle solenoid valve. The vehicle solenoid valve is configured to move the flip armature into one of two positions by generating a magnetic field. In this position, a magnetic flux associated with the magnetic field and passing through the flip armature is directed through a gap via at least one surface of the flip armature to form a closed magnetic flux circuit. The flip armature is configured to be flippable between the two positions via one or more pivot points about a fixed axis of rotation relative to the vehicle solenoid valve. The flip armature is characterized by at least one surface being enlarged by an edge upset of the flip armature, thereby increasing the magnetic flux passing through the gap or reducing the magnetic resistance.

[0008] In an embodiment, the flip armature has essentially the shape of a disk with an edge upset, which has a bottom surface that matches the cross-section of the housing (e.g., circular or polygonal). In the position of the flip armature stabilized by the magnetic field, the magnetic flux flows, for example, through the air gap between the outer peripheral surface of the flip armature and the housing of the vehicle solenoid valve, which has a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron). The edge upset causes an increase in the peripheral surface of the flip armature and thus an increase in the transition area between the peripheral surface of the flip armature and the housing. The edge upset increases the height of the flip armature edge without increasing the overall thickness of the flip armature. For the upset, a pre-knurling technique such as that used in coin processing can be used. After increasing the edge height, the total magnetic resistance of the air gap is reduced in the area of ​​the cylindrical part of the flip armature facing the housing, thereby increasing the magnetic flux passing through the gap. In addition, the upset of the armature edge can simultaneously serve as a calibration process for the diameter of the flip armature blank, which itself can be produced, for example, by a stamping process. Since the tolerances of the tilting armature are smaller after the edge thickening process, the sum of the tolerances of the component manufacturing process and the air gap distance corresponding to the movement conditions can be reduced.

[0009] Here, the rotation axis about which the tilting movement of the tilting armature is made can pass through the mass center of gravity of the tilting armature, but can also extend away from such mass center of gravity.In an embodiment, the two positions of the tilting armature usually differ only by a small (eg 4) angle.

[0010] The pivot point can be designed, for example, as a local depression of the tilting armature for supporting the tilting armature on a projection designed for this purpose, or conversely as a projection of the tilting armature for supporting in a depression of a housing of a vehicle solenoid valve, for example.

[0011] Optionally, the tilting armature consists of ferromagnetic stainless steel or at least comprises such a material.

[0012] Optionally, the tilting armature is also mechanically connected to the rest of the vehicle solenoid valve via one or more pivot points on the axis of rotation, which are each designed as a spherical joint.

[0013] Optionally, the flip armature also has one or more recesses or protrusions, which are designed to enable abutment or attachment of one or more springs, with the help of which the flip armature flips into its position not moved by the magnetic field in the absence of a magnetic field and remains in this position.

[0014] Optionally, the tilt armature comprises one or more attached or inserted molded parts, which are made of a material (for example plastic) suitable for ensuring fluid-tight covering of the valve opening and / or for damping impact effects on the tilt armature.

[0015] Such a molded part can, for example, fulfill the function of a sealing element for a valve opening of a vehicle solenoid valve and / or can be a damping element that can, for example, attenuate shocks that occur due to vehicle vibrations and deflect the tilting armature from at least one of its two positions. The molded part can be fastened to the tilting armature or connected to it, for example, by structural measures or by a suitable adhesive.

[0016] An exemplary embodiment further relates to a vehicle solenoid valve having at least one valve opening and the tilting armature according to the present invention.

[0017] The vehicle solenoid valve includes at least one conductor coil that, when energized, generates a magnetic field for moving the flip armature. The coil can, in particular, be wound around a core made of a ferromagnetic or magnetizable material (e.g., iron) to enhance the magnetic field. The vehicle solenoid valve also includes a housing, comprised of one or more parts, which also forms a valve chamber for the flow of a fluid (e.g., air) and at least one valve opening, and surrounds the flip armature, allowing it to move between two positions. The flip armature can be arranged, for example, substantially orthogonally, but can also be arranged parallel to the coil axis. The flip armature does not need to directly close the valve opening in its two positions; rather, closure can be achieved by other components of the vehicle solenoid valve, such as a valve piston that is movable by the flip armature. The vehicle solenoid valve is also configured to generate a magnetic field when energized, which moves the flip armature into one of its two positions and, in this position, direct a magnetic flux through the flip armature in such a way that a closed magnetic flux circuit is formed, thereby securing the flip armature in its position. The magnetic flux can be directed, for example, through a portion of the housing made of a ferromagnetic or magnetizable material. The vehicle solenoid valve may also include a spring that moves the armature to a position where it is not moved by the magnetic field. The force applied to the armature by the spring is overcome by the magnetic force acting on the armature when the coil is energized. The edge upset of the armature also increases the force that moves the armature, so that under otherwise identical conditions, a very low current must be applied to energize the coil in order to move the armature. Embodiments have a coil length and / or armature diameter within the range of approximately 2 cm.

[0018] Optionally, the valve opening is closed in a fluid-tight manner in one of the two positions and is open in a fluid-permeable manner in the other of the two positions.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for producing a tilting armature for a vehicle solenoid valve, characterized in that

[0020] - Clamping the flip armature blank into the edge former, and

[0021] The tilting armature blank is edge-upset in order to form a curvature of the tilting armature blank in the edge region, thereby producing a tilting armature having an edge upset of predetermined size and shape.

[0022] The armature blank can be stamped from sheet metal, for example. An edge forming machine guides the armature blank, for example, past knurled iron. The knurled iron, under pressure, causes the armature material to bend in an area surrounding a portion of the armature surface. When the armature is positioned in the vehicle solenoid valve (where it is magnetically secured), this portion of the surface abuts the gap, and magnetic flux flows through this portion of the armature surface and the gap, forming a closed magnetic flux circuit. Methods known from coin production are advantageously used to thicken the armature edge.

[0023] The edge upsetting process makes it possible to produce a flip armature blank with a larger nominal diameter while maintaining the tolerance limits. As a result, the flip armature in a vehicle solenoid valve can be brought closer to the housing, for example, without affecting the movement conditions. In addition, the upsetting of the flip armature edge causes the flip armature to contain more ferromagnetic material. Both effects: a smaller gap distance and more ferromagnetic material increase the magnetic attraction of the flip armature to other ferromagnetic solid parts of the vehicle solenoid valve, of which the attraction to the conductor coil or the conductor coil core is of particular interest. In particular, when the coil is energized uniformly, the force that moves the flip armature to a new position, for example against the pressure of a retaining spring or against air pressure, is also increased. Therefore, in the case of an otherwise identical design of the solenoid valve, only a small current needs to be applied to operate the coil, which ultimately contributes to a more cost-effective operation of the solenoid valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and the drawings of different embodiments. However, these embodiments should not be understood to limit the present disclosure to specific implementations, but are only for explanation and understanding.

[0025] Figure 1A A tilting armature having an edge upset as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1B according to Figure 1ACross section of the flip armature.

[0027] Figure 2A A vehicle solenoid valve having a tilting armature with an edge upset in the absence of a magnetic field.

[0028] Figure 2B With Figure 2A A vehicle solenoid valve with a tilting armature in FIG, but in the absence of a magnetic field, the tilting armature has an edge upset.

[0029] Figure 3 Known solutions for vehicle solenoid valves with tilting armatures.

[0030] Figure 4 Steps of a method for producing a tilting armature of a vehicle solenoid valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1A The diagram shows an exemplary embodiment of a flip armature 100 having an edge upset 110. The flip armature 100 is essentially shaped like a coin, on whose surface the heads of two spherical joints 120 and a spring retaining device 130 project in three dimensions. The flip armature 100 is made of a ferromagnetic or magnetizable material, such as iron or ferromagnetic stainless steel. The diameter of the flip armature 100 can be, for example, approximately 2 cm. The bottom surface of the flip armature 100 is not limited to a circular disk; rather, the flip armature 100 can also have an overall polygonal bottom surface with an edge upset, for example.

[0032] Figure 1B Show the basis Figure 1A 100. In this section, the edge upset 110 can be seen at both ends; in addition, the raised and recessed spring retaining device 130 and the head of the spherical crown joint 120 are shown.

[0033] Figure 2AA cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle solenoid valve includes a tilting armature 100 with an edge upset 110. The vehicle solenoid valve has a substantially cylindrical shape; the cross-sectional plane contains the cylinder axis. The figure shows a conductor coil 210 cylindrically wound around a core 220 made of a ferromagnetic or magnetizable material. The conductor coil 210 is encased in a non-ferromagnetic or non-magnetizable material, such as plastic. The conductor coil 210 and core 220 are encased together in a housing 230, also made of a ferromagnetic or magnetizable material. The core 220 has a cavity for a spring 240, which presses the tilting armature 100, mounted transversely to the conductor coil 210, into one of two positions. The tilting armature 100 can be rotated about a rotation axis 20, which is fixed relative to the vehicle solenoid valve and, in the figure, is perpendicular to the drawing plane. The tilting armature can be held in position by one or more additional springs, which abut the right side of the tilting armature 100 and are not shown here. The figures also do not show an optional molded part mounted or inserted on the tilting armature, which is intended to ensure, for example, a fluid-tight seal at the valve opening and / or dampen impacts. The diagram shows a situation in which no current flows through the conductor coil 210 and, therefore, no magnetic field is established. In this situation, under the pressure of the spring 240, the tilting armature 100 assumes a position in which the valve opening (not shown) of the vehicle solenoid valve is opened or closed. The valve opening does not necessarily need to be opened or closed directly by the tilting armature 100, but can instead occur via other components in the valve chamber (not shown in detail) that are connected to the right side of the tilting armature 100. Thus, movement of the tilting armature 100 can, for example, cause movement of the valve piston.

[0034] Figure 2B Shown in Figure 2A The cross section shown in FIG for a current flowing through the conductor coil 210. The magnetic field thus generated is additionally amplified by the core 220 and pulls the tilting armature 100 toward the core 220 into the position shown against the force of the spring 240. In this position, Figure 2A The valve opening mentioned in the description of opening or closing is closed or opened. Figure 1B(not shown in the figure); closing or opening the valve opening can also be achieved indirectly via other components of the solenoid valve, not shown. In the position of the flip armature 100 shown here, the magnetic field's lines of force are guided through the ferromagnetic or magnetizable material of the core 220, the flip armature 100, and the housing 230, forming a closed loop 70. In these magnetic flux loops 70, the gaps 250 create a magnetic resistance effect, thereby weakening the force holding the flip armature 100 in its position by the magnetic field. The edge upset 110 of the flip armature 100 increases the area of ​​the flip armature 100 at the gap 250. This reduces the magnetic resistance of the gap 250 and thus facilitates the force holding the flip armature 100 in its position. Furthermore, the force required to move the flip armature into this position is also increased. Compared to conventional flip armatures, the flip armature 100 according to this embodiment can be moved more easily. This is also advantageous in the initial stages of the flipping movement, as it can be triggered more easily (for example, with a smaller current).

[0035] Figure 4 The diagram shows a two-step approach for producing a tilting armature 100 with an edge upset 110 for a vehicle solenoid valve.

[0036] The steps first involve clamping the tilting armature blank S1 into an edge forming machine. Such an edge forming machine can, for example, comprise two concentrically arranged rings that are movable relative to one another, each ring having a groove in the side facing the other ring. During the clamping S1 method step, the tilting armature blank is positioned in the groove between the rings with the surface to be upset.

[0037] The second step characterizing the method is the edge upset S2 of the tilting armature blank, so as to form a curvature of the tilting armature blank in the edge region, thereby producing a tilting armature 100 having an edge upset 110 of predetermined size and shape. In this step, the tilting armature blank is put under pressure by a controlled reduction in the distance between the two rings, and the alternating movement of the two rings uniformly arches the edge region. This method step can advantageously be performed at a specific temperature of the tilting armature blank, for example, a temperature that is compatible with the material of the tilting armature 100.

[0038] The steps of clamping S1 and edge upsetting S2 can be included in an existing production method for producing the tilting armature 100 ; this is illustrated by the disclosed embodiment shown in the figures.

[0039] The upset achieved in this way leads to the desired increase in surface area for better guiding of the magnetic flux through the gap 250. At the same time, the method provides the possibility of calibrating the dimensions of the tilting armature 100 produced from the tilting armature blank by this method step, so that the gap distance can be additionally reduced without, for example, endangering the mobility of the tilting armature 100 in a vehicle solenoid valve.

[0040] The features of the invention disclosed in the description and the drawings can be essential for the implementation of the invention both individually and in any combination.

[0041] Reference Signs List

[0042] 20 Rotation axis

[0043] 70 magnetic lines of force

[0044] 100 Flip armature

[0045] 110 Edge upset thickness

[0046] 120 ball joint

[0047] 130 Spring retaining device

[0048] 210 conductor coil

[0049] 220 core

[0050] 230 housing

[0051] 240 Spring

[0052] 250 gap

[0053] 260 valve opening

[0054] 300 Traditional flip armature

[0055] 51 Clamping Methods and Steps

[0056] 52 Edge Upsetting Methods and Steps

Claims

1. A vehicle solenoid valve having at least one valve opening (260) and a ferromagnetic flip armature (100), a gap (250) for ensuring the mobility of the flip armature (100) between the flip armature (100) and the housing of the vehicle solenoid valve, the vehicle solenoid valve being configured to move the flip armature (100) into one of two positions by generating a magnetic field, so that a magnetic flux associated with the magnetic field and passing through the flip armature (100) is guided through the gap (250) in this position via at least one surface of the flip armature to form a closed magnetic flux circuit (70), wherein: The tilting armature (100) is configured to be tiltable between the two positions about a rotation axis (20) fixed to the vehicle solenoid valve. It is characterized by: At least one surface of the flip armature (100) is enlarged by an edge upset (110) of the flip armature (100), and is designed to reduce the magnetic resistance caused by the gap (250) and thus promote the force that holds the flip armature (100) in its position.

2. The vehicle solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tilting armature (100) is made of ferromagnetic stainless steel.

3. A vehicle solenoid valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The tilting armature (100) can be mechanically connected to a vehicle solenoid valve via one or more pivot points on the rotation axis (20), each of which is configured as a spherical cap joint (120).

4. The vehicle solenoid valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flip armature (100) has one or more recesses or protrusions (130) which are designed to enable abutment or attachment of one or more springs (240), by means of which the flip armature (100) is flipped in the absence of a magnetic field into a position in which it is not moved by the magnetic field and is held in this position.

5. The vehicle solenoid valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tilting armature (100) has one or more attached or inserted molded parts, which are made of a material suitable for ensuring a fluid-tight seal of the valve opening (260) and / or for damping impact effects on the tilting armature.

6. The vehicle solenoid valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The valve opening (260) is closed in a fluid-tight manner in one of two positions and is open in a fluid-permeable manner in the other of the two positions.

7. A method for producing a tilting armature (100) for a vehicle solenoid valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6 having at least one valve opening (260), Its characteristics are: - Clamping (S1) the tilting armature blank into the edge forming machine; The tilting armature blank is edge upset (S2) performed to form a curvature of the tilting armature blank in the edge region, thereby producing a tilting armature (100) having an edge upset (110) of predetermined size and shape.

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