Solenoid valve

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a solenoid valve. The electromagnetic valve comprises a valve shell, the valve shell is internally provided with a valve seat of a medium exchange channel, a closing body capable of abutting against the valve seat or being separated from the valve seat and an iron core capable of moving in the axial direction of the electromagnetic valve, and the iron core is configured to move away from the valve seat under the action of a magnetic field; in the first stage that the iron core moves away from the valve seat, the iron core does not apply force away from the valve seat to the closing body, and in the second stage after the first stage, the iron core interacts with the closing body and drives the closing body to be separated from the valve seat and move away from the valve seat together. The magnetic force is used for applying magnetic force away from the valve seat to the closing body so that a gap can be kept between the closing body and the valve seat. According to the embodiment of the invention, the low-load stroke section is designed in the stroke of the iron core, so that the opening response of the electromagnetic valve can be obviously improved, and the energy consumption of the electromagnetic valve is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the technical field of valves, and more particularly to a solenoid valve for an air supply system of an air spring applied to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] An air spring system is a vehicle suspension system. In an air spring system, an air spring is used as an elastic element, which can adjust the height of the air spring through inflation and deflation operations, thereby changing the height or attitude of the vehicle body to improve the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle. At the same time, the air suspension can also manually adjust the height and attitude of the vehicle body according to the driver's intention and driving state to provide a more personalized driving experience. Compared with traditional coil springs used in vehicles, air springs have the characteristics of light weight, and can improve the energy consumption efficiency, comfort and controllability of the vehicle.

[0003] In short, an air spring is an important component that can improve the ride comfort, handling stability, comfort and passability of a vehicle, and is of great significance for improving the quality and performance of the vehicle. Therefore, more and more vehicles are starting to be equipped with air spring systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To at least overcome the problems existing in existing solenoid valves and / or other potential problems, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solenoid valve.

[0005] The solenoid valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a valve housing, a valve seat provided with a medium exchange channel in the valve housing, a closing body that can abut against the valve seat or disengage from the valve seat, and an iron core that can move axially along the solenoid valve. The iron core is configured to move axially away from the valve seat under the action of a magnetic field; in a first stage when the iron core moves away from the valve seat, the iron core does not apply a force to the closing body to move away from the valve seat, and in a second stage after the first stage, the iron core interacts with the closing body and drives the closing body to disengage from the valve seat and move away from the valve seat together. A magnet is also arranged in the solenoid valve to apply a magnetic force to the closing body to move away from the valve seat so that a gap is maintained between the closing body and the valve seat.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it can help to maintain a gap between the closing body and the valve seat, thereby keeping the opening degree of the solenoid valve at the maximum and ensuring the maximum flow rate through the solenoid valve.

[0007] In some embodiments, the magnet is a permanent magnet, and the permanent magnet is arranged in a fixed iron core of the solenoid valve opposite to the valve seat. In this way, the position of the magnet can be flexibly arranged to maintain a gap between the closing body and the valve seat.

[0008] In some embodiments, the magnet is a permanent magnet, which is fixedly disposed on the side of the closing body adjacent to the iron core or on the side of the iron core adjacent to the closing body. In this way, the installation position of the magnet can be made more diverse to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0009] In some embodiments, the magnet includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are respectively disposed in the closing body and the iron core in a manner that their opposite poles face each other. In this way, it can help to expand the application occasions of the solenoid valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the magnet includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are respectively disposed in the closing body and the valve seat in a manner that their like poles face each other. In this way, the form and position of the magnet can be designed flexibly.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first groove is provided on the outer surface of the closing body, and a second groove is provided on the inner surface of the iron core adjacent to the outer surface of the closing body. The first groove and the second groove are connected, and a snap ring is provided in the first groove and the second groove. In the first stage when the iron core moves away from the valve seat, the distance between the lower end surface of the second groove of the iron core and the upper end surface of the first groove is greater than the wire diameter of the snap ring, and in the second stage after the first stage, the distance between the lower end surface of the second groove of the iron core and the upper end surface of the first groove is equal to the wire diameter of the snap ring, so that the lower end surface of the second groove contacts the snap ring and drives the closing body to move away from the valve seat together via the snap ring. In this way, a low-load stroke section of the iron core movement can be realized via the snap ring, thereby significantly improving the opening response of the solenoid valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the closing body includes a first part and a second part, and the radial dimension of the first part is smaller than that of the second part to form a step. The solenoid valve further includes a hook portion fixedly connected to the iron core, and the hook portion is adjacent to the step. In the first stage when the iron core moves away from the valve seat, the hook portion does not apply an axial force to the second part of the closing body, and in the second stage after the first stage, the hook portion applies an axial force to the second part of the closing body and drives the closing body to move away from the valve seat together. In this way, a low-load stroke section of the iron core movement can be realized via the hook portion, thereby significantly reducing the energy consumption of the solenoid valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hook portion and the iron core are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the hook portion and the iron core are separate. In this way, the applicable scenarios of the solenoid valve can be expanded.

[0014] In some embodiments, the closing body includes a third part and a fourth part, the radial dimension of the third part being smaller than that of the fourth part to form a closing body step, and the iron core includes a fifth part and a sixth part, the radial dimension of the fifth part being smaller than that of the sixth part to form an iron core step. In the first stage when the iron core moves away from the valve seat, the iron core step of the iron core does not apply an axial force to the closing body step of the closing body, and in the second stage after the first stage, the iron core step of the iron core applies an axial force to the closing body step of the closing body and drives the closing body to move away from the valve seat together. In this way, a low-load stroke section of the iron core movement can be achieved via the steps, thus ensuring the reliable operation of the solenoid valve while avoiding an increase in energy consumption.

[0015] In some embodiments, the solenoid valve further includes an axial medium exchange channel provided in the valve seat and a lateral medium exchange channel provided near the valve seat, wherein the closing body is configured to: block the axial medium exchange channel to shut off the medium passage between the axial medium exchange channel and the lateral medium exchange channel when abutting against the valve seat, and not block the axial medium exchange channel to establish the medium passage between the axial medium exchange channel and the lateral medium exchange channel when disengaging from the valve seat. In this way, the opening and closing of the medium passage can be conveniently controlled, thereby achieving flexible adjustment of the solenoid valve.

[0016] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent in the following description of the (multiple) embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0018] In the drawings:

[0019] Figures 1A to 1C A cross-sectional view of a solenoid valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in different operating states is shown;

[0020] Figures 2A to 2C respectively Figures 1A to 1C an enlarged view of part A in

[0021] Figure 3 A feasible alternative that can provide a low-load stroke section during the stroke of the iron core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 4shows another viable alternative according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that can provide a low-load stroke section during the stroke of the iron core; and

[0023] Figure 5 shows yet another viable alternative according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that can provide a low-load stroke section during the stroke of the iron core. Detailed Description

[0024] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the description of these embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and helps those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without implying any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0025] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0026] References in the present disclosure to "an embodiment", "embodiment", "exemplary embodiment", etc. mean that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the application of such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0027] It should be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" etc. may be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "arranged", "provided with", "installed", "connected", "coupled" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes" and / or "including" when used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] As described above, more and more vehicles are starting to be equipped with air spring systems. An electromagnetic valve is provided in the air spring system, and the electromagnetic valve is installed in the air passage of the air spring system to control the connection and disconnection of the air passage. Existing battery valves have some deficiencies. For example, the opening response of the electromagnetic valve is slow and the opening current is large, resulting in high energy consumption of the electromagnetic valve.

[0031] To at least solve the above problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electromagnetic valve for an air spring system of a vehicle. The following refers to Figures 1A to 5 to describe the specific structure of the electromagnetic valve 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figures 1A to 1C A cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic valve 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which shows different working states of the electromagnetic valve 1 respectively. First refer to Figure 1A , which shows a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic valve 1 in the power-off state. As shown, the electromagnetic valve 1 includes a valve housing located outside. The valve housing generally includes a fixed iron core 10 at the end of the electromagnetic valve 1, a magnetic isolation sleeve 11 connected to the fixed iron core 10, a yoke sleeve 12 connected to the magnetic isolation sleeve 11, and a sleeve 13 connected to the yoke sleeve 12. As Figure 1A shown, the fixed iron core 10, the magnetic isolation sleeve 11 and the yoke sleeve 12 are assembled axially in sequence. In some embodiments, the fixed iron core 10, the magnetic isolation sleeve 11 and the yoke sleeve 12 can be fixed by, for example, welding to ensure airtightness. The sleeve 13 and the yoke sleeve 12 are assembled axially to ensure a firm connection between the two. In some embodiments, the sleeve 13 and the yoke sleeve 12 can be connected by riveting, and the sleeve 13 and the yoke sleeve 12 are fixed by riveting and closing the mouth. The electromagnetic valve 1 also includes a valve seat 20 at its other end, and the valve seat 20 is axially opposite to the fixed iron core 10. In some embodiments, the valve seat 20 can be made of plastic material and the valve seat 20 can be installed on the sleeve 13 by injection molding. It should be noted that the connection methods between the various components listed here are only exemplary, not restrictive. Based on the actual use scenarios and design requirements, those skilled in the art can also conceive of other processes to achieve the connection between the various components.

[0033] As Figure 1AAs shown, an axial medium exchange channel 80 and a lateral medium exchange channel 90 are provided in the solenoid valve 1. The axial medium exchange channel 80 is provided in the valve seat 20 of the solenoid valve 1, and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 is provided in the sleeve 13 of the solenoid valve 1. The axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 can be connected to an air pipeline (not shown) of the air spring system. The solenoid valve 1 further includes a closing body 50, which can move back and forth along the axis of the solenoid valve 1 (i.e., along Figure 1A the directions L1 and L2 shown) in the solenoid valve 1, so as to control the opening and closing of the gas path between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90.

[0034] Figure 1B Fig. shows a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve 1 in the energized state but with the gas path between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 still closed. Figure 1C Fig. shows a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve 1 in the energized state and with the medium path between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 already opened. As Figures 1A to 1C shown, a seal 59 is provided at the end of the closing body 50. In some embodiments, the seal 59 can be made of a rubber material. Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B the states shown, the seal 59 abuts against the valve seat 20. Since the axial medium exchange channel 80 is blocked, the medium path between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 is closed. In Figure 1C , as the main body of the closing body 50 moves along the axial direction L1, the seal 59 disengages from the valve seat 20. At this time, the axial medium exchange channel 80 is no longer blocked, so that the gas as the medium can enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the axial medium exchange channel 80 and leave from the lateral medium exchange channel 90, thereby establishing a gas path between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90. It should be noted that the gas flow between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 is bidirectional. In other embodiments, the medium can also flow into the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and leave from the axial medium exchange channel 80, thereby establishing a medium path flowing from the lateral medium exchange channel 90 to the axial medium exchange channel 80. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the flow direction of the medium.

[0035] In the solenoid valve 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the opening and closing of the medium path are achieved by the movement of the closing body 50 along the axial directions L1 and L2. Further, the movement of the closing body 50 is driven by the iron core 30, and the movement of the iron core 30 is achieved by the magnetic force action with the external coil 2. This will be described in detail below.

[0036] As shown Figures 1A to 1C in FIG. 1, the iron core 30 is disposed between the fixed iron core 10 and the valve seat 20. The external coil 2 can be energized in response to an external signal. Under the electromagnetic action, the iron core 30 can move along the axial direction L1 towards the fixed iron core 10 (i.e., away from the valve seat 20).

[0037] Next, with reference to Figures 2A to 2C FIGS. 2A-2C, the interaction between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50 will be described in detail, where Figures 2A to 2C FIGS. 2A-2C Figures 1A to 1C are enlarged views of part A in FIGS. 1A-1C, respectively.

[0038] As shown Figures 2A to 2C in FIG. 1B, a first groove 51 is provided on the outer surface 55 of the closing body 50, and the inner surface 36 of the iron core 30 is adjacent to the outer surface 55 of the closing body 50. A second groove 32 is provided on the inner surface 36 of the iron core 30, and the second groove 32 communicates with the first groove 51, so as to accommodate a snap ring 60. The snap ring 60 is sleeved between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50 around the circumferential direction of the solenoid valve 1, thus playing a role of force transmission between the two. As shown Figures 2A to 2C in FIG. 1C, the first groove 51 includes an upper end surface 511 and a lower end surface 512, and the second groove 32 includes an upper end surface 321 and a lower end surface 322.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figures 2A to 2C FIGS. 3A-3C Figures 1A to 1C and in combination with FIGS. 1A-1C, the working process of the solenoid valve 1 from the power-off state to the power-on state will be described in detail.

[0040] First, referring to Figure 1A FIGS. 3A Figure 2A and 3B, at this time, the external coil 2 is not energized, and the solenoid valve 1 is also in the power-off state. At this time, the compression spring 40 is squeezed by the fixed iron core 10 and the iron core 30 and has a certain pre-tightening force. This pre-tightening force acts on the iron core 30, and through the abutment between the protrusion 300 of the iron core 30 and the protrusion 500 of the closing body 50, the elastic pre-tightening force of the compression spring 40 can be transmitted from the iron core 30 to the closing body 50, so as to ensure that the seal 59 at the end of the closing body 50 closely abuts against the valve seat 20 at this time to block the axial medium exchange channel 80. At this time, the medium passage between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90 is shut off. Therefore, the solenoid valve 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a normally closed valve, and the medium passage is closed when the solenoid valve 1 is not energized.

[0041] Subsequently, under the excitation of an external signal, the external coil 2 is energized, thereby generating a magnetic field. The iron core 30 starts to move along the axial direction L1 towards the fixed iron core 10 (i.e., away from the valve seat 20) first under the electromagnetic action, and the protrusion 300 of the iron core 30 starts to disengage from the protrusion 500 of the closing body 50. At this time, referring toFigure 2A , since there is a certain axial distance between the lower end face 322 of the second groove 32 of the iron core 30 and the lower surface of the snap ring 60, in the initial stage of the stroke of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 does not exert an axial force on the snap ring 60 towards the fixed iron core 10 (that is, away from the valve seat 20), resulting in the iron core 30 not exerting an axial force on the closing body 50 towards the fixed iron core 10.

[0042] As the iron core 30 continues to move upward along the direction shown by L1, the axial distance between the lower end face 322 of the second groove 32 of the iron core 30 and the lower surface of the snap ring 60 gradually decreases, and finally the lower end face 322 contacts the lower surface of the snap ring 60, as Figure 1B and Figure 2B shown. At this time, an interaction begins to exist between the iron core 30 and the snap ring 60, resulting in an interaction also beginning to exist between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. Therefore, in the initial stage (i.e., the first stage) of the stroke of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 does not exert an axial force on the closing body 50 towards the fixed iron core 10, so this section of the stroke can be regarded as a low-load stroke section. As Figure 2B shown, the distance between the lower end face 322 of the second groove 32 of the iron core 30 and the upper end face 511 of the first groove 51 is greater than the cross-sectional diameter (i.e., wire diameter) of the snap ring 60. The difference between the two is the length of the low-load stroke section.

[0043] At the moment shown in Figure 1B and Figure 2B after, the stroke of the iron core 30 enters the second stage. As the iron core 30 continues to move upward along the direction shown by L1, the lower end face 322 of the second groove 32 of the iron core 30 begins to squeeze the lower surface of the snap ring 60. Under this squeezing action, the upper surface of the snap ring 60 will also transmit the squeezing force to the upper end face 511 of the first groove 51 of the closing body 50, and cause the closing body 50 and the snap ring 60 to move together with the iron core 30. That is to say, the snap ring 60 plays the role of a transmission component to transmit force between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. Under the transmission action of the snap ring 60, the iron core 30 can drive the closing body 50 away from the valve seat 20, so that the axial medium exchange channel 80 is no longer blocked by the closing body 50. Therefore, the medium can enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the axial medium exchange channel 80 and leave from the lateral medium exchange channel 90, or enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and leave from the axial medium exchange channel 80, thereby establishing an air path connection between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the opening process of the solenoid valve 1, a low-load stroke section is provided in the first stage of the stroke of the iron core 30. In this low-load stroke section, since the iron core 30 does not need to drive the closing body 50 to move together, therefore, without considering inherent forces such as its own gravity and moving friction, the movement of the iron core 30 only needs to overcome the elastic preloading force of the spring. This design has beneficial technical effects when radial pressure is applied to the solenoid valve 1 (the medium flows in from the lateral medium exchange channel 90). When radial pressure is applied and the solenoid valve 1 is de-energized, the medium flows into the solenoid valve 1 through the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and flows towards the axial medium exchange channel 80. The flow direction of the medium inside the solenoid valve 1 is along L2 towards the axial medium exchange channel 80 (that is, away from the opening direction L1 of the solenoid valve 1). In this case, the closing body 50 will be subjected to air pressure along L2, and this air pressure is a resistance to the opening of the solenoid valve 1, and the greater the air pressure, the greater this air pressure resistance. If the low-load stroke section is not designed, at this time, if you want to make the seal 59 of the closing body 50 leave the valve seat 20 to open the solenoid valve 1, the opening response may become slow due to excessive air pressure, and it is even possible that the electromagnetic force of the iron core 30 is insufficient to overcome this air pressure resistance, resulting in the seal 59 of the closing body 50 leaving the valve seat 20, thus causing the solenoid valve 1 to malfunction.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since a low-load stroke section is provided in the first stage of the movement of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 only needs to overcome the elastic preloading force of the compression spring 40 in the low-load stroke section. When the iron core 30 applies an axial force to the closing body 50 via the snap ring 60 after completing the low-load stroke section, the iron core 30 is very close to the end face 15 of the stationary iron core 10. At this time, the iron core 30 can obtain a greater electromagnetic force from the stationary iron core 10, which helps to drive the closing body 50 to leave the valve seat 20 with a greater electromagnetic force. In addition, since the closing body 50 already has a certain amount of impulse at this time, it is also easier to be lifted away from the valve seat 20, thereby reducing the opening response time. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a low-load stroke section in the movement stroke of the iron core 30, it is possible to easily separate the closing body 50 from the valve seat 20 without increasing the electromagnetic excitation, so that the medium can enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 to establish a medium passage between the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and the axial medium exchange channel 80. In this way, since it is not necessary to increase the electromagnetic excitation, the reliable operation of the solenoid valve 1 can be ensured while avoiding an increase in energy consumption.

[0046] Reference Figures 1A to 1C, a magnet 12 is provided on one side of the stationary iron core 10 facing the iron core 30, and the magnet 12 is a permanent magnet. As shown, a blind hole is provided on the end face 15 of the stationary iron core 10 facing the iron core 30 to accommodate the magnet 12. The magnet 12 can exert an attractive force on the closing body 50 in a direction away from the valve seat 20. Since this attractive force is away from the valve seat 20, this attractive force helps to maintain the gap between the closing body 50 and the valve seat 20.

[0047] Reference Figure 1C and Figure 2C , when the closing body 50 completely disengages from the valve seat 20 and thus the solenoid valve 1 is opened, due to the low-load stroke section, the closing body 50 may not be able to fit completely against the protrusion 300 of the iron core 30 under its own gravity, thus affecting the opening degree of the solenoid valve 1. By providing the magnet 12, relying on the attractive force of the magnet 12 on the closing body 50, the protrusion 500 of the closing body 50 can be closely abutted against the protrusion 300 of the iron core 30. Thus, the opening degree of the solenoid valve 1 is maintained at the maximum, thereby ensuring the maximum flow rate through the solenoid valve 1. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the solenoid valve 1 can be used in a working condition with a large gas flow rate.

[0048] It should be noted that Figures 1A to 1C the form and position of the magnet 12 shown in

[0049] are merely illustrative. In other embodiments, other design methods of the magnet 12 can be conceived as long as it can exert a magnetic force on the closing body 50 away from the valve seat 20 so that a gap is maintained between the closing body 50 and the valve seat 20.

[0050] For example, in some embodiments, the magnet 12 can be fixedly provided in the protrusion 500 of the closing body 50 and adjacent to the protrusion 300 of the iron core 30. In this embodiment, there is an attractive force between the magnet 12 and the iron core 30. Since the magnet 12 is fixedly provided in the closing body 50, the closing body 50 and the iron core 30 are also mutually attractive, that is, this attractive force acts on the closing body 50 along the direction L1 away from the valve seat 20.

[0051] In other embodiments, the magnet 12 can include a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member can be respectively provided in the protrusion 500 of the closing body 50 and the protrusion 300 of the iron core 30 in a manner that the opposite poles face each other. In this way, there is an attractive force between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. This attractive force acts on the closing body 50 along the direction L1 away from the valve seat 20.

[0052] In some other embodiments, the magnet 12 may include a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member may be respectively disposed in the closing body 50 and the valve seat 20 in a manner that their like poles face each other. By the repulsion between the like poles of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member, an axial repulsive force away from the valve seat 20 can be applied to the closing body 50.

[0053] Reference is made below Figures 3 to 5 to an alternative structure of the solenoid valve 1 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, structures similar to those in Figures 1A to 2C will not be described in detail herein. Those skilled in the art can understand that, without causing conflicts, the structure shown in Figures 1A to 2C can be applied to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5 unless otherwise specified.

[0054] First, reference is made to Figure 3 , which shows a feasible alternative that can provide a low-load stroke section during the stroke of the iron core 30. As shown in Figure 3 , the closing body 50 includes a first part 54 and a second part 52 adjacent to the first part 54, wherein the radial dimension of the first part 54 is smaller than that of the second part 52, thereby forming a step 53 in the closing body 50. The iron core 30 includes a hook portion 35 near its bottom, the hook portion 35 is close to the step 53, and generally extends in the radial direction. As shown in Figure 3 , in the non-energized state of the solenoid valve 1, there is a gap axially between the hook portion 35 of the iron core 30 and the step 53 of the closing body 50.

[0055] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 to describe the working process of the solenoid valve 1. First, in the state shown in Figure 3 , the external coil 2 is not energized, and the solenoid valve 1 is also in a de-energized state. At this time, the compression spring 40 is squeezed by the fixed iron core 10 and the iron core 30 and has a certain pre-tightening force. This pre-tightening force acts on the iron core 30 and transmits the elastic pre-tightening force of the compression spring 40 to the closing body 50 via the iron core 30, thereby tightly pressing the seal 59 of the closing body 50 against the valve seat 20. At this time, the medium passage between the axial medium exchange passage 80 and the lateral medium exchange passage 90 is shut off.

[0056] Subsequently, under the excitation of an external signal, the external coil 2 is energized, thereby generating a magnetic field. The iron core 30 starts to move axially along the axial direction L1 towards the fixed iron core 10 (i.e., away from the valve seat 20) under the electromagnetic action. At this time, since there is a certain axial distance between the hook portion 35 of the iron core 30 and the surface of the step 53 of the closing body 50, in the initial stage of the stroke of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 does not apply an axial force to the step 53, so the iron core 30 does not apply an axial acting force towards the fixed iron core 10 to the closing body 50.

[0057] As the iron core 30 continues to move upward along the direction shown by L1, the axial distance between the hook portion 35 of the iron core 30 and the surface of the step 53 of the closing body 50 gradually decreases, and the hook portion 35 applies an axial acting force to the surface of the step 53. At this time, an interaction begins to exist between the hook portion 35 of the iron core 30 and the step 53 of the closing body 50, resulting in an interaction also beginning to exist between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. Therefore, in the initial stage (i.e., the first stage) of the stroke of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 does not apply an axial acting force towards the fixed iron core 10 to the closing body 50, so this section of the stroke can be regarded as a low-load stroke section.

[0058] In the second stage of the stroke of the iron core 30, as the iron core 30 continues to move upward along the direction shown by L1, the hook portion 35 of the iron core 30 starts to squeeze the step 53 of the closing body 50. Under this squeezing action, the closing body 50 will move together with the iron core 30. That is to say, the hook portion 35 functions as a transmission component to transmit force between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. Under the transmission action of the hook portion 35, the iron core 30 can drive the closing body 50 away from the valve seat 20, so that the axial medium exchange channel 80 is no longer blocked by the closing body 50. Therefore, the medium can enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the axial medium exchange channel 80 and leave from the lateral medium exchange channel 90, or enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and leave from the axial medium exchange channel 80, thereby establishing an air path connection between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90.

[0059] Similar to Figures 1A to 2C the embodiment shown in Figure 3During the opening process of the solenoid valve 1 shown, a low-load stroke section is provided in the first stage of the stroke of the iron core 30. In this low-load stroke section, since the iron core 30 does not need to drive the closing body 50 to move together, therefore, without considering the inherent forces such as its own gravity and movement friction being ignored, the movement of the iron core 30 only needs to overcome the elastic pre-tightening force of the spring. When the iron core 30 applies an axial force to the closing body 50 via the hook portion 35 after completing the low-load stroke section, the iron core 30 is very close to the fixed iron core 10. At this time, the iron core 30 can obtain a greater electromagnetic force from the fixed iron core 10, which helps to drive the closing body 50 away from the valve seat 20 with a greater electromagnetic force. In addition, since the closing body 50 already has a certain impulse at this time, it is also easier to be lifted away from the valve seat 20. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a low-load stroke section in the movement stroke of the iron core 30, the closing body 50 can be easily separated from the valve seat 20 without increasing the electromagnetic excitation, so that the medium can enter the internal space of the solenoid valve 1 to establish a medium passage between the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and the axial medium exchange channel 80. In this way, since there is no need to increase the electromagnetic excitation, the reliable operation of the solenoid valve 1 can be ensured while avoiding an increase in energy consumption.

[0060] Reference is made below to Figure 4 , which shows another feasible alternative that can provide a low-load stroke section in the stroke of the iron core 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 4 The embodiment shown is generally the same as the Figure 3 embodiment shown, and the main difference lies in Figure 3 in the embodiment, the hook portion 35 is a part of the iron core 30, while Figure 4 in the embodiment, the hook portion 35 is a separate component independent of the iron core 30.

[0062] In Figure 4 the embodiment shown, the movement of the iron core 30 along the direction L1 or L2 will drive the hook portion 35 to move along the direction L1 or L2 as well, thus realizing a working process similar to that of the Figure 3 embodiment shown. For the sake of brevity, Figure 4 the working process of the embodiment shown will not be described in detail here.

[0063] Reference is made below to Figure 5 , which shows yet another feasible alternative that can provide a low-load stroke section in the stroke of the iron core 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 5As shown, the closing body 50 includes a third part 57 and a fourth part 58 adjacent to the third part 57, wherein the radial dimension of the third part 57 is smaller than that of the fourth part 58, thereby forming a closing body step 56 in the closing body 50. The iron core 30 includes a fifth part 37 and a sixth part 38, and the radial dimension of the fifth part 37 is smaller than that of the sixth part 38 to form an iron core step 39. As Figure 3 shown, in the non-energized state of the solenoid valve 1, there is an axial gap between the iron core step 39 of the iron core 30 and the closing body step 56 of the closing body 50.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 5 to describe the working process of the solenoid valve 1. First, in the Figure 5 shown state, the external coil 2 is not energized, and the solenoid valve 1 is also in a de-energized state. At this time, the compression spring 40 is squeezed by the fixed iron core 10 and the iron core 30 and has a certain pre-tightening force. This pre-tightening force acts on the iron core 30 and transmits the elastic pre-tightening force of the compression spring 40 to the closing body 50 through the iron core 30, thereby tightly pressing the seal 59 of the closing body 50 against the valve seat 20. At this time, the medium passage between the axial medium exchange passage 80 and the lateral medium exchange passage 90 is shut off.

[0065] Subsequently, under the excitation of an external signal, the external coil 2 is energized, thereby generating a magnetic field. The iron core 30 starts to move axially along the direction L1 towards the fixed iron core 10 (i.e., away from the valve seat 20) under the electromagnetic action. At this time, since there is a certain axial distance between the surface of the iron core step 39 of the iron core 30 and the closing body step 56 of the closing body 50, in the initial stage of the stroke of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 does not apply an axial force towards the fixed iron core 10 (i.e., away from the valve seat 20) to the closing body step 56, resulting in the iron core 30 not applying an axial force towards the fixed iron core 10 to the closing body 50.

[0066] As the iron core 30 continues to move upward along the direction shown by L1, the axial distance between the iron core step 39 of the iron core 30 and the surface of the closing body step 56 of the closing body 50 gradually decreases, and the iron core step 39 contacts the surface of the closing body step 56. At this time, an interaction begins to exist between the iron core step 39 of the iron core 30 and the closing body step 56 of the closing body 50, resulting in an interaction also beginning to exist between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. Therefore, in the initial stage (i.e., the first stage) of the stroke of the iron core 30, the iron core 30 does not apply an axial force towards the fixed iron core 10 to the closing body 50, so this section of the stroke can be regarded as a low-load stroke section.

[0067] In the second stage of the stroke of the iron core 30, as the iron core 30 continues to move upward along the direction shown by L1, the iron core step 39 of the iron core 30 begins to squeeze the closing body step 56 of the closing body 50. Under this squeezing action, the closing body 50 will move together with the iron core 30. That is to say, the iron core step 39 acts as a transmission component to transmit force between the iron core 30 and the closing body 50. Under the transmission action of the iron core step 39, the iron core 30 can drive the closing body 50 away from the valve seat 20, so that the axial medium exchange channel 80 is no longer blocked by the closing body 50. Therefore, the medium can enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the axial medium exchange channel 80 and leave from the lateral medium exchange channel 90, or enter the internal space S of the solenoid valve 1 from the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and leave from the axial medium exchange channel 80, thereby establishing an air path connection between the axial medium exchange channel 80 and the lateral medium exchange channel 90.

[0068] Similar to Figures 1A to 2C the embodiment shown, during Figure 5 the opening process of the solenoid valve 1 shown, a low-load stroke section is set in the first stage of the stroke of the iron core 30. In this low-load stroke section, since the iron core 30 does not need to drive the closing body 50 to move together, therefore, without considering the inherent forces such as its own gravity and movement friction, the movement of the iron core 30 only needs to overcome the elastic pre-tightening force of the spring. When the iron core 30 applies an axial force to the closing body step 39 of the closing body 50 via the iron core step 39 after completing the low-load stroke section, the iron core 30 is very close to the fixed iron core 10. At this time, the iron core 30 can obtain a greater electromagnetic force from the fixed iron core 10, which helps to drive the closing body 50 away from the valve seat 20 with a greater electromagnetic force. In addition, since the closing body 50 already has a certain amount of impulse at this time, it is also easier to be lifted away from the valve seat 20. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting a low-load stroke section in the movement stroke of the iron core 30, the closing body 50 can be easily separated from the valve seat 20 without increasing the electromagnetic excitation, so that the medium can enter the internal space of the solenoid valve 1 to establish a medium path between the lateral medium exchange channel 90 and the axial medium exchange channel 80. In this way, since there is no need to increase the electromagnetic excitation, the reliable operation of the solenoid valve 1 can be ensured while avoiding an increase in energy consumption.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described above with the vehicle air spring system as the scenario, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention can also be used in other scenarios and systems. It should also be understood that those skilled in the art can conceive of other feasible ways of the solenoid valve without departing from the idea of the present disclosure. Such embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] The specific embodiments described above have further elaborated on the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only for the specific embodiments of the present invention and is not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve (1), comprising: A valve housing, inside which are provided: a valve seat (20), a closing body (50) capable of abutting against the valve seat (20) or disengaging from the valve seat (20), and an iron core (30) capable of moving along the axial direction of the solenoid valve (1), the iron core (30) being configured to move away from the valve seat (20) along the axial direction under the action of a magnetic field; Wherein in a first stage when the iron core (30) moves away from the valve seat (20), the iron core (30) does not apply a force to the closing body (50) to move away from the valve seat (20), and in a second stage after the first stage, the iron core (30) interacts with the closing body (50) and drives the closing body (50) to disengage from the valve seat (20) and move away from the valve seat (20) together; A magnet (12) is further arranged inside the solenoid valve (1) for applying a magnetic force to the closing body (50) to move away from the valve seat (20), so that a gap is maintained between the closing body (50) and the valve seat (20).

2. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magnet (12) is a permanent magnet, and the permanent magnet is arranged in a stationary iron core (10) of the solenoid valve (1) opposite to the valve seat (20).

3. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magnet (12) is a permanent magnet, and the permanent magnet is fixedly arranged on a side of the closing body (50) adjacent to the iron core (30) or on a side of the iron core (30) adjacent to the closing body (50).

4. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magnet (12) comprises a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are respectively arranged in the closing body (50) and the iron core (30) with opposite poles facing each other.

5. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magnet (12) comprises a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are respectively arranged in the closing body (50) and the valve seat (20) with the same poles facing each other.

6. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first groove (51) is provided on an outer surface (55) of the closing body (50), and a second groove (32) is provided on an inner surface (36) of the iron core (30) adjacent to the outer surface (55) of the closing body (50), the first groove (51) and the second groove (32) are communicated, and a snap ring (60) is arranged in the first groove (51) and the second groove (32). In the first stage when the iron core (30) moves away from the valve seat (20), the distance between the lower end face (322) of the second groove (32) of the iron core (30) and the upper end face (511) of the first groove (51) is greater than the wire diameter of the snap ring (60). And in the second stage after the first stage, the distance between the lower end face (322) of the second groove (32) of the iron core (30) and the upper end face (511) of the first groove (51) is equal to the wire diameter of the snap ring (60), so that the lower end face (322) of the second groove (32) contacts the snap ring (60) and drives the closing body (50) to move away from the valve seat (20) together via the snap ring (60).

7. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closing body (50) includes a first part (54) and a second part (52), and the radial dimension of the first part (54) is smaller than that of the second part (52) to form a step (53). wherein the solenoid valve (1) further includes a hook part (35) fixedly connected to the iron core (30), and the hook part (35) is adjacent to the step (53). In the first stage when the iron core (30) moves away from the valve seat (20), the hook part (35) does not apply an axial force to the second part (52) of the closing body (50). And in the second stage after the first stage, the hook part (35) applies an axial force to the second part (52) of the closing body (50) and drives the closing body (50) to move away from the valve seat (20) together.

8. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 7, wherein the hook part (35) and the iron core (30) are integrally formed.

9. The solenoid valve (1) according to claim 7, wherein the hook part (35) and the iron core (30) are separate parts.

10. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closing body (50) includes a third part (57) and a fourth part (58), and the radial dimension of the third part (57) is smaller than that of the fourth part (58) to form a closing body step (56). wherein the iron core (30) includes a fifth part (37) and a sixth part (38), and the radial dimension of the fifth part (37) is smaller than that of the sixth part (38) to form an iron core step (39). In the first stage when the iron core (30) moves away from the valve seat (20), the iron core step (39) of the iron core (30) does not apply an axial force to the closing body step (56) of the closing body (50). And in the second stage after the first stage, the iron core step (39) of the iron core (30) applies an axial force to the closing body step (56) of the closing body (50) and drives the closing body (50) to move away from the valve seat (20) together.

11. The solenoid valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprises an axial medium exchange channel (80) provided in the valve seat (20) and a lateral medium exchange channel (90) provided near the valve seat (20). Wherein the closing body (50) is configured to: block the axial medium exchange channel (80) when abutted against the valve seat (20) to shut off the medium passage between the axial medium exchange channel (80) and the lateral medium exchange channel (90), and not block the axial medium exchange channel (80) when disengaged from the valve seat (20) to establish the medium passage between the axial medium exchange channel (80) and the lateral medium exchange channel (90).

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