Solenoid valve and vehicle, in particular utility vehicle

Abstract

Solenoid valve (1) for pneumatic applications of vehicles (100a), in particular utility vehicles (100b), wherein the fluid valve (1) comprises: an inner spool (16) extending along a longitudinal axis (A); a valve plate (8) displaceable between a base position (BP) and an active position (AP) for closing and opening the at least one valve seat (4); an outer yoke (15); a valve connection body (2) having an inlet channel (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (A); a spring (26) for biasing the valve plate (8) to its basic position; and an electromagnetic coil (20) energized for creating a magnetic circuit (42) through the inner spool (16), the outer yoke (15) and the valve plate (8) for switching the valve plate (8) to an active position wherein the valve inlet channel (3) comprises at least three guide ribs (38) arranged around or at an outer cylindrical surface (39) of the valve inlet channel (3) and distributed along a circumference (39a) of the valve inlet channel (3), wherein the at least three guide ribs (38) and the inner guide profile (31a) of the annular projection (31) of the valve plate (8) are adapted to enable vertical alignment of the valve plate (8) with respect to the valve inlet passage (3) when a linear displacement of the valve plate (8) occurs as a result of energization of the electromagnetic coil (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solenoid valve for pneumatic applications in vehicles (especially multi-purpose vehicles), wherein the fluid valve comprises: an inner valve core extending along a longitudinal axis; a valve plate displaceable between a basic position and an enabled position for closing and opening at least one valve seat; an outer yoke; a valve connector having an inlet passage extending along the longitudinal axis; a spring for biasing the valve plate to its basic position; and an electromagnetic coil that will be energized to generate a magnetic circuit flowing through the inner valve core, the outer yoke, and the valve plate for switching the valve plate to the enabled position. The present invention also relates to a vehicle, especially a multi-purpose vehicle, comprising such a solenoid valve. Background Art

[0002] In a solenoid valve, an armature such as a valve plate is biased by a spring to define a basic position or basic state (which can be the closed or open state of the valve), that is, the valve plate can operate in normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) configurations. To switch the valve to its other position or state, the electromagnetic coil is energized to generate a magnetic flux flowing through a static core and / or a static yoke and a displaceable armature, which is typically pulled by magnetic force against the spring bias to close the air gap between the armature and the core.

[0003] In particular, a 2-way 3-port solenoid valve includes fluid connection channels and an electromagnetic actuator that have a direct impact on the behavior of the valve. A 2-way 3-port solenoid valve is used to close or distribute gas or liquid in a pipeline. In the non-enabled state, i.e., the basic state, the armature is pressed by the spring against the valve seat. In the enabled state, the armature moves to the core and blocks the fluid passage.

[0004] The efficiency of the magnetic circuit is usually limited. In addition, a large number of components are required, resulting in high costs.

[0005] EP3633252 A1 discloses a solenoid fluid valve, especially a solenoid fluid valve for pneumatic applications, wherein the fluid valve comprises: an inner valve core extending along an axial direction; a movable part displaceable between a basic position and an enabled position for closing and opening at least one valve seat; an outer yoke; a spring for biasing the movable part to its basic position; an electromagnetic coil that will be energized to generate a magnetic circuit flowing through the inner valve core, the outer yoke, and the movable part for switching the movable part to the enabled position, wherein the inner valve core, the movable part, and the outer yoke are at least partially made of magnetic material, wherein the movable part is implemented as a valve plate that extends radially beyond the end of the inner valve core and comprises at least one sealing surface for contacting at least one valve seat.

[0006] Herein, the movable part can move along the longitudinal axis of the solenoid valve. However, guiding the movement of the movable part along the longitudinal axis may be improved to avoid tilting of the movable part and / or to enable the movable part to be preferably aligned in its basic and / or enabled position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The problem of the present invention is to provide a technical contribution to the prior art. Specific embodiments of the present invention can solve the problem of providing a fluid valve that can be manufactured with limited assembly effort and a reduced number of components, while being able to improve performance when transitioning from a basic state to an active state and / or from an active state to a basic state.

[0008] This problem is solved by a solenoid valve according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred further developments.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solenoid valve for pneumatic applications in a vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle. Herein, the fluid valve comprises: an inner valve core extending along a longitudinal axis; a valve plate displaceable between a basic position and an enabled position for closing and opening at least one valve seat; an outer yoke; a valve connector having an inlet passage extending along the longitudinal axis; a spring for biasing the valve plate to its basic position; and an electromagnetic coil to be energized for generating a magnetic circuit flowing through the inner valve core, the outer yoke, and the valve plate for switching the valve plate to the enabled position, wherein the valve inlet passage comprises at least three guiding ribs, the at least three guiding ribs surrounding or arranged at an outer cylindrical surface of the valve inlet passage and distributed along a circumference of the valve inlet passage, and wherein the at least three guiding ribs and an inner guiding profile of an annular protrusion of the valve plate are adapted to: when a linear displacement of the valve plate occurs due to energization of the electromagnetic coil, vertically align the valve plate relative to the valve inlet passage.

[0010] The solenoid valve can be particularly a pneumatic valve, particularly a 3 / 2 valve. Additionally, it can be implemented as, for example, a 2 / 2 valve or a blocking valve.

[0011] The valve plate is provided as a magnetically movable part. The valve plate can be the only part displaced by the magnetic flux together with the biasing spring. Herein, due to the magnetic flux, the valve plate can transition between the basic position and the enabled position and thus can be displaced along the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The valve inlet passage includes an outer cylindrical surface and said at least three guiding ribs that project radially outward from the outer cylindrical surface relative to the longitudinal axis. The ribs are adapted to provide improved guidance for the valve plate and are thus distributed along the circumference of the outer cylindrical surface (i.e., along the circumference of the valve inlet passage). The valve plate includes an annular projection (also referred to as an edge), wherein the annular projection and the ribs are adapted to interact with each other to guide the displacement of the valve plate. Wherein, the annular projection includes a guiding profile that is a radially inward-facing surface portion of the annular projection, and the guiding profile can contact the radially outward-projecting ribs from the valve inlet passage to achieve guiding the displacement of the valve plate.

[0013] In addition, the ribs are adapted to vertically align the valve plate relative to the valve inlet passage. Thus, the ribs form a valve seat for the valve plate, and the valve plate can be seated in the valve seat.

[0014] By improving the guidance of the displacement of the valve plate, the magnetic circuit of the solenoid valve can be further improved, because the circumferentially distributed ribs provide guidance to prevent the tilting of the valve plate. Thus, the valve plate remains oriented such that the magnetic flux can be effectively coupled into the valve plate to induce a force thereon. The guidance by said at least three ribs allows the elimination of the possibility of collision between metal parts and allows the use of standard magnetic steels instead of stainless steels with limited iron content.

[0015] In addition, the solenoid valve enables a higher air flow rate of the valve. The number of components can be reduced (especially by removing the guide rod and possibly replacing the conventional armature with a valve plate). Thus, due to the simplified assembly, the cost can be reduced, and further removing the number of displaceable or movable components results in enhanced reliability and less wear or abrasion. In addition, due to the effective guidance of the displacement of the valve plate, an improvement in the function relationship (i.e., correlation) of the valve force with respect to the stroke is possible.

[0016] Therefore, the advantages of the present invention are: reducing the amount of valve components while maintaining valve functions, such as 3 / 2 valve function or 2 / 2 valve function. The general physical principles of conventional valves (e.g., conventional 3 / 2 valves) and the valve plate of the present invention are known in the art. As an additional feature, the solenoid valve provides an improved balance between performance and thermal load and wear, thereby resulting in the possibility of expanding the application range of the device by moving the sealing element to the outside of the heat source, which is the coil of the solenoid valve.

[0017] The present invention enables a higher force relative to the envelope size of the valve, which results in the opportunity to use a larger air flow rate (e.g., greater than NW4mm), further reducing the size of the contact surface, which results in an extended life of the components, and provides the opportunity to replace expensive stainless steel with cheaper steel having surface protection.

[0018] Preferably, the convex portion of the valve plate is an integrally formed part of the valve plate. In other words, the valve plate and the convex portion are one component. This can facilitate the installation of the valve plate into the solenoid valve and achieve a stable connection between the annular convex portion and the rest of the valve plate, and thus improve the guidance of the valve plate.

[0019] Preferably, the solenoid valve includes gaps that are arranged between the at least three guiding ribs and the convex portion of the valve plate and form part of an air flow path connecting the valve inlet passage and the outlet passage. This embodiment has recognized that the gaps can be used to release air from the inlet passage towards the outlet passage via the gaps. Therefore, alternative means for connecting the valve inlet passage and the outlet passage to each other can be omitted.

[0020] Preferably, the at least three ribs are equally spaced apart from each other along the circumference. In this embodiment, the guidance of the displacement of the valve plate is further improved because the equidistant distribution of the ribs results in a regular distribution of the contact surfaces between the ribs and the annular convex portion to guide the valve plate. This embodiment achieves a particularly effective reduction in any tendency for the valve plate to tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, for this reason, the ribs include rotational symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis to provide rotational symmetric guidance for the valve plate.

[0021] Preferably, the valve plate and the valve core are arranged to form an annular air gap between the plate surface side of the valve plate and the core surface side of the valve core facing the plate surface side, the plate surface side includes convex portions and / or concave portions, and the core surface side includes complementary concave portions and / or complementary convex portions such that the plate surface side and the core surface side match each other. This embodiment has recognized that the correlation between the force applied to the valve plate and the stroke (i.e., the displacement of the valve plate) is improved by increasing the magnetic flux coupled into the valve plate. This is achieved by shaping the plate surface side and the core surface side such that the plate surface side and the core surface side include complementary shapes (i.e., the plate surface side and the core surface side match each other). Wherein, one side of the plate surface side and the core surface side includes a convex portion, and the other side includes a complementary concave portion, and the convex portion can be arranged in the complementary concave portion in the basic position, for example. Similarly, one side of the plate surface side and the core surface side includes a concave portion, and the other side includes a complementary convex portion, and the complementary convex portion can protrude into the concave portion in the basic position, for example. Alignment and controlled orientation of the valve plate and the valve core are necessary to match the plate surface side and the core surface side with complementary shapes as explained above. By increasing the magnetic flux, an increased air gap and thus an increased air flow rate can be achieved. Compared with a conventional system having a rod-shaped magnetic core and a rod-shaped movable armature, the change or variation of the magnetic flux is relatively small. Therefore, soft disassembly is possible, which results in better valve behavior, less friction, and less part wear. In addition, typical stroke and acoustic shock are attenuated. At a given magnetic flux taken in the valve core, the proposed geometric shapes of the core and the valve plate can cause an increase in force, for example, by 20% to 30%.

[0022] Preferably, each of the plate surface side and the core surface side is rotationally symmetric. This embodiment improves the efficiency of manufacturing the valve plate and the valve core, as well as the mountability of the valve plate and the valve core.

[0023] Preferably, the plate surface side and the core surface side are adapted to include three separate magnetic contact portions, in which, in the enabled position, the distance between the plate surface side and the core surface side is less than the displacement of the valve plate between the enabled position and the basic position. This embodiment includes a relatively simple geometry of the valve plate, which allows for efficient manufacturing and, at the same time, significantly improves the application of magnetic force on the valve plate. Among them, the magnetic contact portion is part of an annular air gap, in which the magnetic flux towards the valve plate is particularly increased compared to other parts of the annular air gap.

[0024] Preferably, the valve plate includes a collar arranged radially outward from the valve core. Due to the collar, the magnetic flux between the valve core and the valve plate does not change as much as in the case of two portions facing each other in the moving direction.

[0025] Preferably, the collar includes an inner surface, which is adapted to: match the valve core in the basic position and provide an annular air gap in the enabled position. In other words, the collar of the valve plate projects in the direction of the valve core along the longitudinal axis. Similar to the plate surface side and the valve surface side, the collar or the circumferential rib, the stroke valve plate is further guided, and as the valve plate further surrounds the valve core, the magnetic flux between the valve core and the valve plate is further increased.

[0026] Preferably, the solenoid valve includes an exhaust port and an outlet port fluidly connected through an outlet chamber, where the outlet chamber includes a center, and the center is arranged off-axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the solenoid valve. In other words, the solenoid valve includes an asymmetric exhaust feature, in which the center of the intermediate or temporary exhaust chamber does not match the longitudinal axis of the solenoid valve to reduce whistling noise and eliminate back pressure.

[0027] Preferably, the solenoid valve further includes an exhaust sealing gasket, which is elastically deformed and / or flexible, such that the pressurized air leaving through the exhaust port is not allowed to flow back or reverse. Among them, preferably, the exhaust sealing gasket includes a plurality of slits, and / or preferably, the exhaust sealing gasket is made of an elastomer.

[0028] Preferably, the outlet chamber further includes an exhaust cap, such that: before the pressurized air leaves through the exhaust gap, a space between the exhaust sealing gasket and the exhaust cap forms an intermediate exhaust chamber.

[0029] Preferably, the plurality of slits are angular slits. That is, each slit includes a main elongation in the radial direction of the annular exhaust sealing gasket. Each pair of slits is separated from each other by an angle and / or a circumferential distance. This enables efficient manufacturing and improves the performance of the exhaust sealing gasket.

[0030] Preferably, the solenoid valve includes an inlet port arranged in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the solenoid valve, and the inlet port is directly connected to the inlet passage. In other words, the inlet port matches the longitudinal axis, which allows for better stacking of valves (i.e., arranging a plurality of solenoid valves) relative to the mounting holes present on both sides of the inlet port.

[0031] Preferably, the valve plate includes a rubber gasket, which is preferably bonded or connected or glued or vulcanized to the valve plate at the geometric central part of the valve plate. Particularly preferably, the rubber gasket is vulcanized to the valve plate. This enables a stable and firm connection to the metal part of the valve plate.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle, is provided. The vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle, includes the solenoid valve as described above. Among them, the solenoid valve may include one or more of the above-mentioned optional and / or preferred features to achieve the associated technical effects. Description of the Drawings

[0033] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 A cross-section of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which shows the guiding of the valve plate;

[0036] Figure 3 A perspective view of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which shows the guiding of the valve plate;

[0037] Figure 4 Details of a cross-section of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0038] Figure 5 A diagram showing the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 6 A diagram showing the spatial distribution of the magnetic force between the valve plate and the valve core of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 7Shows a schematic force-versus-travel correlation of the valve plate of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 Shows details of a cross-section of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 Shows a schematic view of a vehicle, in particular a multi-purpose vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 Shows a top view of the exhaust sealing gasket of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 11 Shows a perspective view of the exhaust sealing gasket of a solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0045] Figure 1 Shows a cross-section of a solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The solenoid valve 1 includes an inlet port 1a, an outlet port 1b, and an exhaust port 1c. The inlet port 1a and the outlet port 1b are provided in a valve connection body (upper valve body) 2, which also includes an inlet passage 3 extending from the inlet port 1a to an inlet valve seat 4, an outlet passage 5 extending from the inlet valve seat 4 to the outlet port 1b, and a mounting hole 6 for mounting the valve 1. The inlet port 1a can also be a through port 50 connecting a plurality of solenoid valves 1, the plurality of solenoid valves 1 can be identical to each other, and they can be similar to a structure identical to the structure shown, for example, in the Figure 1 present invention. The through port 50 allows for a stackable concept related to the mounting hole 6. The inlet port 1a and / or the through port 50 are arranged to be aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the solenoid valve 1.

[0047] The valve connection body 2 is connected to a lower valve body 10, which includes a valve coil body 11 and a molded plastic housing 12. The exhaust port 1c is provided in the molded plastic housing 12 and is protected by an exhaust cap 14 fixed to the molded plastic housing 12.

[0048] The solenoid valve 1 includes a yoke 15 in the lower valve body 10, or the yoke 15 is part of the lower valve body 10. Inside the yoke 15 are provided: a valve core 16 surrounding an exhaust passage 17; and a bobbin 18 surrounding the valve core 16. A valve coil 20 made of copper wire (not shown) is supported by the bobbin 18 and is electrically connected to electrical pins 22, which are for receiving an electrical plug ( Figure 1extends into or through an electrical socket connector 24 (not shown), which is formed in particular in a plastic housing 12.

[0049] The valve plate 8 is cup-shaped, i.e. in particular annular, and includes in its central region a vulcanized rubber sealing gasket 25 having a (first) upper sealing surface 25a and a (second) lower sealing surface 25b (see also Figure 4 ). A spring 26 (in particular a helical spring or coil spring 26) is provided between the lower valve body 10 and the valve plate 8 and biases the valve plate 8 with its upper sealing surface 25a against the inlet valve seat 4, thereby closing the inlet valve 4 and defining a non-activated basic position BP (see Figure 4 ). The rubber sealing gasket 25 has been bonded, connected, glued or vulcanized to the valve plate 8 at the geometric center of the valve plate 8.

[0050] In the non-activated closed basic position BP (see Figure 4 ), i.e. in the case of a non-energized coil 20, the spring 26 presses the upper sealing surface 25a against the inlet valve seat 4, thereby blocking the inlet passage 3 and forming a lower air gap or only a gap 52 between the plate 8 and the exhaust valve seat 28. This gap 52 allows air to be discharged from the outlet port 1b to the exhaust port 1c. The inlet valve seat 4 is preferably formed with a valve cone 4a which serves as a bump for providing a defined sealing contact with the second sealing surface 25b of the rubber sealing gasket 25.

[0051] In the actuated position AP as shown in Figure 1 , the valve seat 8 presses with its lower (second) sealing surface 25b against the exhaust valve seat 28 formed by the valve core 16. In this open and activated position AP, air can flow from the open inlet valve seat 4 through the upper air gap 32, through an unconstrained flow path 48 formed by the gap 51 between the ribs 38 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) to the outlet passage 5 and then to the outlet port 1b. The exhaust valve seat 28 is closed by pressing the second sealing surface 25b against the exhaust valve seat 28. In the activated position AP, end stops (not shown) or end stop profiles made of thermoplastic material protect the valve plate 8 from mechanical damage during contact between the valve plate 8 and the yoke 15. An additional feature of these end stops 46 is to avoid saturation of the magnetic circuit and the so-called magnetic adhesion effect between the valve plate 8 and the yoke 15.

[0052] In the peripheral region of the cup-shaped valve plate 8, the cup-shaped valve plate 8 includes: a circular spring recess 30 for receiving the spring 26; and a plate edge 45 (see Figure 4) The edge 45 of the plate is preferably cylindrical and extends into the axial direction A. The plate edge 45 includes an annular stop 45a which can be used to contact the adjacent yoke contact stop 15c in the enabled position AP; however, this contact is only additional to the stop defined by contacting the end 16a of the valve element 16 through the lower surface 25b of the rubber gasket 25, because in each position, the valve plate 8 presses against one of the valve seats 4, 28 with its rubber gasket 25 to ensure a tight seal.

[0053] The valve inlet passage 3 includes five guiding ribs 38 arranged around the outer cylindrical surface 39 of the valve inlet passage 3 or at the outer cylindrical surface 39 of the valve inlet passage 3, as further explained with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 as follows.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the valve plate 8 includes an annular projection 31 having an inner guiding profile 31a. The projection 31 extends in the axial direction A and is rotationally symmetric. The guiding ribs 38 are arranged radially outward from the inlet passage 3 to contact the inner guiding profile 31a of the valve plate 8. The guiding ribs 38 and the inner guiding profile 31a of the annular projection 31 of the valve plate 8 are adapted to: when a linear displacement of the valve plate 8 occurs due to the energization of the electromagnetic coil 20, enable the valve plate 8 to be vertically aligned relative to the valve inlet passage 3. The alignment of the valve plate 8 relative to the valve inlet passage 3 is shown in Figure 4 Accordingly, the guiding and positioning of the valve plate 8 are achieved by positioning the guiding ribs 38 on the inlet passage 3 (i.e., on the cylindrical outer surface), where the guiding ribs 38 are preferably positioned outside the inlet passage 3 for guiding the displaceable valve plate 8. As Figure 1 shown, the projection 31 of the valve plate 8 is an integrally formed part of the valve plate 8. That is, the inner edge or projection 31 of the valve plate 8 is an integrally formed part of the valve plate 8. The guiding by means of the ribs 36 allows the possibility of collision between metal parts to be eliminated and allows the use of standard magnetic steels instead of stainless steels with limited iron content.

[0055] As Figure 1 shown, by energizing the coil 20 via the electrical socket connection 24, the valve 1 is switched from its basic position BP to its open enabled position AP. The coil 20 generates a magnetic flux 40 that flows along the core 16 in the axial direction A to the valve plate 8 and returns along the yoke 15 to the core 16, thus forming a magnetic flux loop 42. The magnetic force overcomes the bias of the spring 26 and pulls the valve plate 8 downward, and thus the valve plate 8 contacts the exhaust valve seat 28 formed at the top of the core 16, thereby closing the lower air gap 52 and opening the upper air gap 32, as can be seen from Figure 1 As follows.

[0056] The valve plate 8 is in as Figure 1The movement between the enabled position AP shown in and the basic position BP shown in Figure 4 is guided by the outer surface of the inlet passage 3 via the guide ribs 38.

[0057] The spool 16, yoke 15, and valve plate 8 are made of ferromagnetic metal, particularly ferromagnetic steel, for defining the magnetic flux circuit 42.

[0058] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which shows the guiding of the valve plate 8. Among them, Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 details of the solenoid valve 1. The following will be described with reference to Figure 1 and its description. Among them, the longitudinal axis A points to the drawing plane (not shown). Figure 2 .

[0059] As Figure 2 shown, the valve inlet passage 3 includes an outer cylindrical surface 39. Among them, the outer cylindrical surface 39 is rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis A. The outer cylindrical surface 39 includes a circumference 39a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0060] The solenoid valve 1 includes a plurality of ribs 38 distributed along the circumference 39a of the valve inlet passage 3. A gap 51 is formed between any pair of ribs 38. For illustrative purposes, only two ribs 38 and two gaps 51 are shown in Figure 2 .

[0061] Each rib 38 projects radially outward from the cylindrical surface 39 with respect to the longitudinal axis A. The ribs 38 are equally spaced from each other along the circumference 39a. Therefore, the gaps 51 are equally spaced from each other along the circumference 39a and have the same size and shape.

[0062] The valve plate 8 includes an annular projection 31 having an inner guiding profile 31a. The inner guiding profile 31a is the radially inner surface of the annular projection 31. When transitioning between the enabled position AP and the basic position BP and thus experiencing the stroke S, the inner guiding profile 31a and the ribs 38 can contact each other to guide the valve plate 8.

[0063] Figure 3 A perspective view of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which shows the guiding of the valve plate 8. Figure 3 is shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 details of the solenoid valve 1. As can be seen in Figure 3 , the flow path is separated from the magnetic circuit, resulting in smaller magnetic force losses.

[0064] The solenoid valve 1 includes gaps 51 which are arranged between the guide ribs 38 of the valve plate 8 and the convex portions 31 of the valve plate 8 and form part of the air flow path 48 connecting the valve inlet passage 3 and the outlet passage 5.

[0065] Figure 4 Details of a cross-section of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 4 Shown is Figures 1 to 3 details of the solenoid valve 1. The following is with reference to Figures 1 to 3 description Figure 4 .

[0066] As Figure 4 shown, the rib 38 is positioned on the outside of the inlet passage 3 in contact with the inner periphery of the inner guide profile 31a of the valve plate 8. In particular, the guiding can be achieved by sliding the inner guide profile 31a along the rib 38 formed at the valve inlet passage 3 in the upper valve body 2. The inner plate profile rib 38 is provided for guiding the valve plate 8 (in particular the inner guide profile 31a of the valve plate 8), so that during the displacement of the valve plate 8, a magnetic flux between the valve plate 8 and the outer yoke 15 becomes possible. This achieves a continuous magnetic flux between them without sudden changes.

[0067] In the basic position BP, the valve plate 8 and the valve core 16 are arranged to form an annular air gap 52 between the plate surface side 54 of the valve plate 8 and the core surface side 53 of the valve core 16. The core surface side 53 faces the plate surface side 54, that is, the core surface side 53 and the plate surface side 54 are separated from each other by the annular air gap 52. In the basic position BP, the annular air gap 52 is arranged between the core surface side 53 and the plate surface side 54.

[0068] The plate surface side 54 includes a convex portion 55 and a concave portion 56. The core surface side 53 includes a complementary concave portion 57 and a complementary convex portion 58, such that the plate surface side 54 and the core surface side 53 match each other. Each of the plate surface side 54 and the core surface side 53 is rotationally symmetric.

[0069] The valve plate 8 includes a collar 59 arranged radially outward from the valve core 16. The collar 59 includes an inner surface 59a which is adapted to: match the valve core 16 in the basic position BP and provide the annular air gap 52 in the enabled position AP. The advantage of the collar 59 is its magnetic properties for the flow characteristics of the magnetic flux 40. The magnetic flux 40 flows from the end 16a (top) of the valve core 16 via the annular air gap 52 to the bottom surface of the valve plate 8. If as Figure 1As depicted, an upper air gap 32 to be closed by a magnetic force F is formed, and the magnetic force F depends on the stroke S. In the prior art, this results in a sharp increase in the magnetic force when the coil 20 is energized, and then causes a stroke-like displacement of the valve plate 8. However, in the case where the collar 38 surrounds the valve core 16 at the end 16a, the magnetic flux 40 can thus flow in the axial direction A and the lateral direction, that is, partially in the radial direction from the top region 16a of the valve core 16 to the collar 38.

[0070] Figure 5 FIG. shows a diagram illustrating the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux 40 of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figures 1 to 4 Describe the solenoid valve 1. The following refers to Figures 1 to 4 Describe Figure 5 . Among them, it is assumed that the average field strength plate surface side 54 of the valve core 16 is 1.5T.

[0071] The plate surface side 54 and the core surface side 53 are adapted to include three separate magnetic contact portions 60, in which, in the enabled position AP, the distance between the plate surface side 54 and the core surface side 53 is less than the displacement of the valve plate 8 between the enabled position AP and the basic position BP.

[0072] Compared with the prior art, the three magnetic contact portions 60 result in a 30% increase in the flux in the annular gap 52.

[0073] Therefore, due to the plate design with a matching plate surface side 54 and core surface side 53 and the collar 59, the initial stroke S of the valve plate 8 is partially "parallel" to the valve core 16, and thus the magnetic flux 40 between the valve core 16 and the valve plate 8 can remain almost constant and / or only slightly constant over the stroke S. Therefore, the correlation of the force F with the stroke S can be flattened to improve the characteristics of the solenoid valve 1.

[0074] Figure 6 FIG. shows a diagram illustrating the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux 40 between the valve plate 8 and the valve core 16 of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Among them, the solenoid valve 1 is the solenoid valve 1 as described in the reference Figures 1 to 5 Describe. The following refers to Figures 1 to 5 Describe Figure 6 .

[0075] As Figure 6 shown, the magnetic flux 40 forms a magnetic circuit 42 flowing through the inner valve core 16, the outer yoke 15, and the movable part 8. Therefore, a force F is particularly applied to the valve plate 8 to displace the valve plate 8 by an initial stroke distance delta_s.

[0076] Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic correlation of the force F with the stroke S of the valve plate 8 of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] In the prior art, the steep force characteristic over the stroke results in a rapid loss of force during the increasing stroke, which directly limits the maximum width of the annular air gap generated by the conventional armature and valve seat and the maximum force of the spring pressing the armature onto the valve seat. The maximum spring force directly affects the value of the maximum air flow rate in the valve, i.e., the efficiency of the valve. In this design, the force generated by the electromagnetic circuit can only be increased by enlarging the circuit components, which is a very expensive approach. The quantity of the required components is known, and there is no other opportunity to increase the generated coil force to reduce the cost of the high-flow valve.

[0078] In Figure 7 is shown the characteristic curve of the correlation between the force F and the stroke S of the solenoid valve 1 as described in the reference Figures 1 to 6 .

[0079] The valve plate 8 moves upward, i.e., the stroke S of the annular air gap 52 increases, and the force F initially decreases because the annular air gap 52 weakens the magnetic flux 40. However, when the stroke S further increases, this decrease stops and the decrease may flatten because the magnetic flux 40 can flow through the annular air gap 52 in the lateral direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A). This enables a softer transition of the displacement movement.

[0080] Figure 8 Details of a cross-section of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Among them, Figure 8 is shown the details of the exhaust of the solenoid valve 1 as described in the reference Figures 1 to 7 . Among them, Figure 8 the exhaust cap 14 is particularly shown. The exhaust port 1c and the outlet port 1b are fluidly connected through the outlet chamber 9. The outlet chamber 9 includes a center 9a (only schematically shown). The center 9a is arranged off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the solenoid valve 1. The position of the center 9a can be determined by the center 9a of the volume of the outlet chamber 9. The off-axis arrangement of the center 9a and the chamber 9 results in an asymmetric exhaust, which has reduced whistling noise and reduced back pressure due to the achievable large diameter and effective two-piece design of the exhaust cap 14.

[0081] The solenoid valve includes an exhaust sealing gasket 47. The exhaust sealing gasket 47 is also shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 and is referred to in Figure 10 and Figure 11 . The exhaust sealing gasket 47 as shown in Figure 8 is annular and / or disc-shaped and includes a through hole 9g ( Figure 8 not shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). The rod 9e of the plastic housing 12 extends through the through hole 9g to fix the exhaust sealing gasket 47.

[0082] The exhaust sealing gasket 47 is made of an elastomer such as rubber. The exhaust sealing gasket 47 is elastically deformable and flexible so that pressurized air leaving via the exhaust port 1c is not allowed to flow back or reverse flow.

[0083] The exhaust cap 14 is arranged and adapted such that: before the pressurized air leaves via the exhaust gap 9d forming the exhaust port 1c, an intermediate exhaust chamber 9c is formed in the space 9g between the exhaust sealing gasket 47 and the exhaust cap 14.

[0084] Figure 9 A schematic view of a vehicle 100a, in particular a multi-purpose vehicle 200b, according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The vehicle 100a, in particular the multi-purpose vehicle 200b, is a motor vehicle, in particular a land vehicle. The vehicle 100a, in particular the multi-purpose vehicle 200b, includes a pneumatic system (not shown), such as a pneumatic braking system and / or a pneumatic air system, which includes a solenoid valve 1 as described in any one of the references Figures 1 to 8 and its description.

[0085] Figure 10 A top view of the exhaust sealing gasket 47 of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exhaust sealing gasket 47 is also the exhaust sealing gasket 47 as shown in Figure 8 below. The following reference Figure 8 describes Figure 10 .

[0086] The exhaust sealing gasket 47 includes a plurality of slits 9f. The plurality of slits 9f are angular slits 9f. The slits 9f are distributed at equal angular distances from each other.

[0087] The exhaust sealing gasket 47 includes a through hole 9h as explained in reference Figure 8 .

[0088] Figure 11 A perspective view of the exhaust sealing gasket 47 of the solenoid valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exhaust sealing gasket 47 is also the exhaust sealing gasket 47 as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 10 below. The following reference Figure 8 and 10 describes Figure 11 .

[0089] List of reference numerals (part of the specification)

[0090] 1 Solenoid valve, pneumatic 3 / 2 valve

[0091] 1a Inlet port

[0092] 1b Outlet port

[0093] 1c Exhaust port

[0094] 2 Valve connection body, upper valve body

[0095] 3 Inlet passage

[0096] 4 Inlet valve seat

[0097] 4a First valve cone

[0098] 5 Outlet passage

[0099] 6 Mounting hole

[0100] 8 Shiftable valve plate

[0101] 9 Outlet chamber

[0102] 9a Center

[0103] 9c Intermediate exhaust chamber

[0104] 9d Exhaust gap

[0105] 9e Rod

[0106] 9f Slit

[0107] 9g Space

[0108] 9h Through hole

[0109] 10 Lower valve body

[0110] 11 Valve coil body

[0111] 12 Overmolded plastic housing

[0112] 14 Exhaust cap

[0113] 15 Yoke

[0114] 15a Cylindrical portion of yoke 15

[0115] 15b Radially extending from yoke 15 to the bottom of valve core 16

[0116] 15c Contact stop of yoke for stopping valve plate 8 (upper surface of yoke 15)

[0117] 16 Valve core

[0118] 16a End of valve core 16, especially the top

[0119] 17 Exhaust passage

[0120] 18 Spool

[0121] 20 Valve coil

[0122] 22 Electrical pin

[0123] 24 Electrical socket connector

[0124] 25 Rubber gasket

[0125] 25a First side

[0126] 25b Second side

[0127] 26 Helical spring

[0128] 28 Valve seat

[0129] 30 Circular spring recess in valve plate 8 for receiving spring 26

[0130] 31 Protrusion or inner edge provided at or as part of valve plate 8

[0131] 31a Guide profile of valve plate 8 (preferably at protrusion 31)

[0132] 32 Upper air gap, upper air gap between plate 8 and inlet valve seat 4

[0133] 38 Guide rib formed at valve inlet passage 3 in upper valve body 2

[0134] 39 Cylindrical surface

[0135] 39a Circumference

[0136] 40 Magnetic flux

[0137] 42 Magnetic circuit

[0138] 44 Central recess in bottom surface of valve plate 8

[0139] 45 (Outer) edge of valve plate 8

[0140] 45a Stopper of valve plate 8 for contacting contact stopper 15c of yoke

[0141] 47 Exhaust sealing gasket

[0142] 48 Flow path

[0143] 50 Through port

[0144] 51 Gap

[0145] 52 Annular air gap between plate 8 and exhaust valve seat 28

[0146] 54 Plate surface side

[0147] 53 Core surface side

[0148] 55 Protrusion of plate surface side 54

[0149] The recess on the plate surface side 53

[0150] 57 The complementary recess on the core surface side 54

[0151] 58 The complementary protrusion on the core surface side 53

[0152] 59 Ferrule

[0153] 59 Inner surface

[0154] 60 Magnetic contact part

[0155] 100a Vehicle

[0156] 100b Multi - purpose vehicle

[0157] A Longitudinal axis, axial direction

[0158] delta_s Initial stroke distance

[0159] AP Enabled position

[0160] BP Basic position

[0161] F Force

[0162] S Stroke.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve (1) for pneumatic applications in a vehicle (100a), in particular a multi-purpose vehicle (100b), wherein the fluid valve (1) comprises: an inner valve core (16) extending along a longitudinal axis (A); a valve plate (8) displaceable between a basic position (BP) and an enabled position (AP) for closing and opening at least one valve seat (4); an outer yoke (15); a valve connection body (2) having an inlet passage (3) extending along the longitudinal axis (A); a spring (26) for biasing the valve plate (8) into its basic position; and an electromagnetic coil (20) adapted to be energized to generate a magnetic circuit (42) flowing through the inner valve core (16), the outer yoke (15) and the valve plate (8) for switching the valve plate (8) into the enabled position; an exhaust port (1c), characterized in that the valve inlet passage (3) includes at least three guiding ribs (38) arranged around or at an outer cylindrical surface (39) of the valve inlet passage (3) and distributed along a circumference (39a) of the valve inlet passage (3), wherein the at least three guiding ribs (38) and an inner guiding profile (31a) of an annular projection (31) of the valve plate (8) are adapted to: when a linear displacement of the valve plate (8) occurs due to energization of the electromagnetic coil (20), vertically align the valve plate (8) relative to the valve inlet passage (3).

2. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the projection (31) of the valve plate (8) is an integrally formed part of the valve plate (8).

3. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solenoid valve (1) includes a gap (51) arranged between the at least three guiding ribs (38) and the projection (31) of the valve plate (8) and forming part of an air flow path connecting the valve inlet passage (3) with an outlet passage (5).

4. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least three guiding ribs (38) are equally spaced apart from each other along the circumference (39a).

5. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve plate (8) and the valve core (16) are arranged to form an annular air gap (52) between a plate side (54) of the valve plate (8) and a core side (53) of the valve core (16) facing the plate side (54), the plate side (54) includes projections (55) and / or recesses (56), and the core side (53) includes complementary recesses (57) and / or complementary projections (58) such that the plate side (54) and the core side (53) match each other.

6. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 5, wherein, each of the plate surface side (54) and the core surface side (53) is rotationally symmetric.

7. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the plate surface side (54) and the core surface side (53) are adapted to include three separate magnetic contact portions (60), wherein, in the enabled position (AP), the distance between the plate surface side (54) and the core surface side (53) is less than the displacement of the valve plate (8) between the enabled position (AP) and the basic position (BP).

8. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, the valve plate (8) includes a collar (59) arranged radially outward from the valve core (16).

9. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 8, wherein, the collar (59) includes an inner surface (59a), and the inner surface (59a) is adapted to: match with the valve core (16) in the basic position (BP), and provide the annular air gap (52) in the enabled position (AP).

10. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein, the solenoid valve (1) further includes, in addition to the exhaust port (1c): an outlet port (1b) fluidly connected through an outlet chamber (9), wherein the outlet chamber (9) includes a center (9a), and the center (9a) is arranged off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the solenoid valve (A).

11. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, the solenoid valve (1) further includes: an exhaust sealing gasket (47), and the exhaust sealing gasket (47) is elastically deformed and / or flexible such that pressurized air leaving through the exhaust port (1c) is not allowed to flow back or counterflow, wherein, preferably, the exhaust sealing gasket (47) includes a plurality of slits (9f), and / or wherein, preferably, the exhaust sealing gasket (47) is made of an elastomer.

12. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 11 and claim 10, wherein, the outlet chamber (9) further includes an exhaust cap (14) such that a space (9g) between the exhaust sealing gasket (47) and the exhaust cap (14) forms an intermediate exhaust chamber (9c) before the pressurized air leaves through the exhaust gap (9d).

13. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the plurality of slits (9f) are angular slits (9f).

14. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein, the solenoid valve (1) includes an inlet port (1a) arranged in alignment with the longitudinal axis (A) of the solenoid valve (1), and wherein the inlet port (1a) is directly connected to the inlet passage (3).

15. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein, The valve plate (8) includes a rubber gasket (25), and the rubber gasket (25) is preferably bonded or connected or glued or vulcanized to the valve plate (8) at the geometric center of the valve plate (8).

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