Switching valve

Abstract

The utility model relates to a switch valve. The switch valve comprises a front magnet yoke, a guide sleeve, an armature, a push rod and a sealing piece, the guide sleeve comprises a hollow inner cavity, the armature is installed in the inner cavity in an axially movable mode, the front magnet yoke is fixed to the first end of the inner cavity, the sealing piece is fixed to the end, facing the armature, of the front magnet yoke, and the sealing piece comprises an annular framework and an annular elastic sealing body; the framework is fixedly connected to the front magnet yoke and the elastic sealing body, the elastic sealing body is in sealing contact with the guide sleeve on the radial outer side, the elastic sealing body comprises an annular groove which is concave in the axial direction back to the armature, the armature comprises an annular flange which protrudes towards the front magnet yoke in the axial direction, and when the armature is located at the closing position, the elastic sealing body is in sealing contact with the guide sleeve. The flange is inserted into the groove and forms a sealing contact by an interference fit. The switch valve is provided with an improved sealing structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas channel control technology. Specifically, this utility model relates to a switching valve with an improved sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] In devices such as air springs, switching valves are used to control the connectivity of gas passages. These switching valves typically use electromagnetic actuators to drive the valve cover, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the connection between two air passages. Because a significant pressure difference may exist between the air passages on either side of the connection opening when they are not connected, to facilitate valve cover opening, the inner cavity of the electromagnetic actuator is usually connected to one side of the air passage through a channel in the push rod. For this purpose, a radial seal must be maintained between the inner cavity and the armature when the valve is closed.

[0003] Most current on / off valves use a sliding seal to achieve radial sealing, as shown in patent document EP3124840 B1. In this approach, the sealing structure is complex, requiring additional components to secure the seal, leading to cumbersome assembly. Furthermore, due to the limited sealing effectiveness of the sliding seal, gas leakage from the internal cavity is easy, causing the on / off valve to fail. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem that this utility model needs to solve is to provide a switching valve with an improved sealing structure.

[0005] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a switching valve according to the present invention. The switching valve includes an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the connectivity of a gas passage. The electromagnetic actuator includes a front yoke, a guide sleeve, an armature, a push rod, and a seal. The guide sleeve includes a hollow inner cavity with a first end and a second end axially opposite each other. The armature is axially movable within the inner cavity. The front yoke is fixed to the first end. The push rod is fixed to the armature and extends axially through the front yoke, thus extending from the first end to control the connectivity of the gas passage. The seal is fixed to the end of the front yoke facing the armature. When the switching valve is closed, the armature is in a closed position, axially abutting the seal. The seal includes an annular skeleton and an annular elastic sealing body. The skeleton is fixedly connected to the front yoke and the elastic sealing body, respectively. The elastic sealing body makes sealing contact with the guide sleeve on its radially outer side. The elastic sealing body includes an annular groove recessed axially away from the armature. The armature includes an annular flange protruding axially towards the front yoke. When the armature is in the closed position, the flange is inserted into the groove and forms a sealing contact through an interference fit. The sealing of the space on both sides of the seal can be achieved by the fixed connection between the skeleton and the front magnetic yoke and the bevel fit between the flange and the groove.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radially inner sidewalls of the groove and the flange can extend obliquely relative to the axial direction, thereby having a diameter that gradually decreases from the first end toward the second end. When the armature is in the closed position, the radially inner sidewalls of both the groove and the flange form a sealing contact through an interference fit. The sealing effect can be ensured by the wedge-shaped mating surfaces of the groove and flange of this shape.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the opening end of the groove can be larger than the outer diameter of the tip of the flange, and the inner diameter of the opening end of the groove can be smaller than the inner diameter of the tip of the flange. This makes it easier for the flange to be inserted into the groove.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radially outer walls of the groove and the flange may extend axially. The groove and the flange thus form a generally wedge-shaped cross-section.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the armature may include a main body segment and an end segment divided along the axial direction. The end segment is closer to the front yoke than the main body segment and has a smaller outer diameter than the main body segment. A flange protrudes from the end face of the main body segment facing the front yoke and is located radially outward of the end segment. When the armature is in the closed position, the end segment is inserted radially inward of the elastic seal, and the elastic seal engages with the end segment in a sealing fit on the radially inward side. This further improves the sealing effect.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic seal may include an annular sealing lip formed on the radially inner side of the groove, which, when the armature is in the closed position, seals against the end face of the main body segment facing the front yoke. This further improves the sealing effect.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic sealing body may include a labyrinth sealing structure formed on the radially outer side, which can form a sealing fit with the guide sleeve. This further improves the sealing effect.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skeleton can be made of metal material and can be welded to the front magnetic yoke. Welding ensures a sealing effect between the skeleton and the front magnetic yoke.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skeleton may include a first segment and a second segment in an annular shape. The first segment extends axially and is fixed to the radially inner side of the front yoke. An elastic seal abuts against the end face of the front yoke facing the armature. The second segment extends radially outward from the axial end of the first segment facing the armature and is embedded inside the elastic seal. This achieves the connection between the skeleton and the elastic seal while ensuring a tight seal.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front yoke may include a stepped surface facing the armature along the axial direction. The stepped surface is offset axially away from the armature relative to the end face of the front yoke facing the armature, and the first segment abuts against the stepped surface along the axial direction. This facilitates the axial positioning of the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent elements with the same function. Wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a switching valve in the closed state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a switching valve in the open state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A detailed view of the switching valve in the closed state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A detailed view of the switching valve in the open state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0020] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the seal of a switching valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following describes specific embodiments of the switching valve according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings below are provided to exemplify the principles of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the described preferred embodiments, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switching valve for controlling the connectivity of gas passages is provided. This switching valve can be used, for example, in an air spring device to control the opening or closing of a connection opening between two gas passages.

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2A longitudinal sectional view of a switching valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the switching valve is installed at the connection of two gas passages, such as a first gas passage V1 and a second gas passage V2, for example, an air spring device. The switching valve mainly includes a valve cover 70 and an electromagnetic actuator for driving the valve cover 70. The opening connecting the first gas passage V1 and the second gas passage V2 can be opened or closed by the valve cover 70. When the valve cover 70 is separated from the opening, the opening is open, and the first gas passage V1 and the second gas passage V2 are in a gas communication state; when the valve cover 70 is engaged and closes the opening, there is essentially no gas flow between the first gas passage V1 and the second gas passage V2, and a pressure difference may exist.

[0024] An electromagnetic actuator serves as the actuation mechanism for the valve cover 70. The electromagnetic actuator mainly comprises a housing 10, a magnetic field generator 20, a guide sleeve 30, an armature 40, a magnetic yoke, a push rod 60, a seal 80, and a spring. The housing 10 is generally cylindrical, and the other components of the electromagnetic actuator can be installed within the housing 10. The magnetic field generator 20 is typically an electromagnetic coil, capable of generating an electromagnetic field when energized. The guide sleeve 30 is fixed radially inward to the housing 10. The magnetic field generator 20 is fixedly installed radially between the housing 10 and the guide sleeve 30. The guide sleeve 30 is also generally cylindrical and has a hollow inner cavity, the two axially opposite ends of which can be referred to as a first end and a second end, respectively. The first end is an open end facing the connection opening between the two gas passages, while the second end is a closed end facing away from the connection opening.

[0025] The armature 40 is generally cylindrical and is mounted in the cavity between the first and second ends of the guide sleeve 30. The armature 40 is capable of axial movement within the cavity under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 20. The electromagnetic actuator typically includes two yokes fixed to the two ends of the guide sleeve 30, respectively, for guiding the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 20. The yoke fixed to the first end is called the front yoke 50. The front yoke 50 partially closes the open first end and defines one end of the armature 40's axial movement range within the cavity.

[0026] A push rod 60 is fixed to the armature 40 so that it can move axially with the armature 40 relative to the guide sleeve 30. The push rod 60 has a smaller diameter than the armature 40 and is fixed to approximately the center of the armature 40. The push rod 60 protrudes from the end of the armature 40 facing the front yoke 50 and passes approximately axially through the front yoke 50 until it extends out of the first end. A valve cover 70 is fixed to the end of the push rod 60 extending out of the first end, so that the connection between the two gas passages can be controlled by an electromagnetic actuator.

[0027] The electromagnetic actuator may include two springs, namely a first spring 90a and a second spring 90b. The first spring 90a is generally axially abutted between the front yoke 50 and the armature 40, while the second spring 90b is generally axially abutted between the second end of the guide sleeve 30 and the armature 40. Both springs are mounted in the cavity in a substantially pre-compressed state, thereby applying opposing axial forces to the armature 40. This arrangement provides damping during axial movement of the armature 40. The resultant force exerted by the two springs on the armature 40 is an axial force opposite to the electromagnetic force applied by the magnetic field generator 20. When the magnetic field generator 20 is energized, the generated magnetic field force is greater than the resultant force of the two springs, causing the armature 40 to move in the direction of the magnetic field force. When the magnetic field generator 20 is de-energized, the resultant force of the two springs causes the armature 40 to move in the opposite direction.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, when the switching valve is in the closed state, the armature 40 is in its extreme position near the front yoke 50 within the cavity, and the valve cover 70 moves outward and closes the opening. Figure 2 As shown, when the valve is in the open position, the armature 40 is located at its extreme position away from the front yoke 50 within the inner cavity, and the valve cover 70 moves inward and opens. To facilitate the movement of the armature 40, and also to overcome the large pressure difference when opening from the closed position, both the armature 40 and the push rod 60 have cavities formed radially inward. The two cavities are aligned and connected to each other, thereby connecting the space outside the end of the valve cover 70 with the inner cavity of the guide sleeve 30. Figure 1 In the closed state shown, the inner cavity of the guide sleeve 30 is connected to the first gas channel V1 through the cavity of the armature 40 and the push rod 60. Therefore, a sealing element 80 is required to prevent the inner cavity from being connected to the second gas channel V2 through the gaps between the front yoke 50 and the push rod 60, between the front yoke 50 and the armature 40, and between the front yoke 50 and the guide sleeve 30.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the seal 80 is fixed to the end of the front yoke 50 facing the armature 40. When the switching valve is in the closed state, the armature 40 is in the closed position where it abuts the seal 80 axially. Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are shown respectively Figure 1 and Figure 2 A detailed view of the switch valve at seal 80. Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of seal 80 is shown. (As shown) Figures 3 to 5As shown, the seal 80 includes a skeleton 81 and an elastic sealing body 82. The skeleton 81 and the elastic sealing body 82 are each formed into a generally annular structure. The skeleton 81 is made of a material with higher strength and / or stiffness than the material of the elastic sealing body 82, and is used to support and fix the elastic sealing body 82. The skeleton 81 is preferably made of a metallic material. The elastic sealing body 82 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The skeleton 81 and the elastic sealing body 82 can be fixed together, for example, by processes such as injection molding or vulcanization. A portion of the skeleton 81 can be fixedly connected to the front yoke 50 by welding. Thus, the skeleton 81 is fixedly connected to both the front yoke 50 and the elastic sealing body 82, thereby fixing the elastic sealing body 82 to the front yoke 50.

[0030] The frame 81 positions the resilient seal 82 on the end face of the front yoke 50 facing the armature 40. On one hand, the resilient seal 82 makes sealing contact with the guide sleeve 30 on its radially outer side. On the other hand, when the switching valve is in the closed state, i.e., when the armature 40 is in the closed position, the resilient seal 82 abuts against the armature 40, thereby forming a sealing contact with the armature 40. Furthermore, the fixed connection between the frame 81 and the front yoke 50 also provides a sealing effect. This achieves a seal between the inner cavity and the second gas passage V2, preventing gas leakage via the radial gap between the front yoke 50 and the guide sleeve 30 or the push rod 60.

[0031] The specific structures of the skeleton 81 and the elastic sealing body 82 are described below. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, viewed in a cross-section through the central axis, the resilient seal 82 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and includes sealing features formed on the edges of the rectangle. Specifically, the resilient seal 82 has a groove 83 formed on its axial end face facing the second end. The groove 83 is recessed approximately axially away from the armature 40. The groove 83 is an annular groove formed approximately around the central axis, which, like the entire resilient seal 82, surrounds the radially outer side of the push rod 60. Corresponding to the groove 83, the armature 40 has a flange 43 formed. The flange 43 protrudes axially toward the front yoke 50. The flange 43 is also an annular flange formed approximately around the central axis, which surrounds the radially outer side of the push rod 60. When the armature 40 is in the closed position, the flange 43 is inserted axially into the groove 83, such that at least a portion of the surfaces of both the flange 43 and the groove 83 are pressed together, thereby forming a sealing contact through an interference fit.

[0032] The groove 83 and flange 43 can achieve a seal through a wedge-shaped mating surface. Specifically, viewed in a cross-section through the central axis, the radially inner sidewalls of both the groove 83 and flange 43 extend obliquely relative to the axial direction, particularly in a generally straight line, thus having a diameter that gradually decreases from the first end towards the second end. In three-dimensional space, both such sidewalls are generally conical side surfaces. Figure 3 As shown, when the armature 40 is in the closed position, the flange 43 is inserted into the groove 83, and the radial inner walls of both the groove 83 and the flange 43 are pressed together. At this time, because the elastic seal 82 is made of elastic material, the material of the radial inner wall of the groove 83 undergoes elastic deformation, which causes the radial inner walls of both to form an interference fit and thus a sealing contact. This contact method can ensure a good sealing effect between the two surfaces.

[0033] On the other hand, the resilient seal 82 also makes a sealing contact with the armature 40 on its radially inner side. Specifically, the armature 40 includes a main body segment 41 and an end segment 42 divided along the axial direction. The end segment 42 is closer to the front yoke 50 than the main body segment 41 and has a smaller outer diameter than the main body segment 41. The end face of the main body segment 41 facing the front yoke 50 is thus formed as an annular stepped surface surrounding the radially outer side of the end segment 42. The flange 43 protrudes from the end face of the main body segment 41 facing the front yoke 50 and thus also surrounds the radially outer side of the end segment 42. When the armature 40 is in the closed position, the end segment 42 is inserted radially into the resilient seal 82 along the axial direction, thereby sealing the resilient seal 82 with the radially outer surface of the end segment 42 on its radially inner side. At this time, since the flange 43 inserted into the groove 83 presses the groove 83 radially inward through the wedge-shaped mating surface, the sealing contact between the resilient seal 83 and the end segment 42 is tighter, thereby ensuring a sealing effect.

[0034] Preferably, the outer diameter of the opening end of the groove 83 can be larger than the outer diameter of the tip of the flange 43, while the inner diameter of the opening end of the groove 83 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the tip of the flange 43. This allows the flange 43 to be precisely inserted into the groove 83 as the armature 40 moves axially.

[0035] Preferably, the radially outer sidewalls of the groove 83 and the flange 43 can extend substantially axially. Furthermore, when the armature 40 is in the closed position, the radially outer sidewalls of both the groove 83 and the flange 43 can be clearance-fitted, meaning the radially outer sidewalls may not contact each other.

[0036] Preferably, the resilient seal 82 may further include an annular sealing lip 84. The sealing lip 84 is formed radially inside the groove 83 and surrounds the radially outside of the end segment 42, as is the entire resilient seal 83. The sealing lip 84 protrudes generally axially from the end face of the resilient seal 82 facing the armature 40. When the armature 40 is in the closed position, the sealing lip 84 seals against the end face of the body segment 41 facing the front yoke 50.

[0037] Preferably, the resilient seal 82 may further include a labyrinth seal structure formed on the radially outer side. The resilient seal 82 forms a sealing fit with the guide sleeve 30 through the labyrinth seal structure. This ensures a sealing effect on the radially outer side of the resilient seal 82.

[0038] Preferably, the frame 81 may include a first segment 81a and a second segment 81b, which are generally coaxially formed annular structures. The first segment 81a extends axially to form a generally cylindrical structure and is fixed to the radially inner side of the front yoke 50 by its radially outer surface. For example, the first segment 81a can be fixed to the radially inner side of the front yoke 50 by welding or bonding and ensure a seal. The second segment 81b extends radially outward from the axial end of the first segment 81a facing the armature 40. An elastic seal 82 abuts against the end face of the front yoke 50 facing the armature 40. The second segment 81b is located axially outward of the end of the front yoke 50 facing the armature 40 and is embedded inside the elastic seal 82, and the two are fixed together, for example, by vulcanization or injection molding. The second segment 81b presses the elastic seal 82 against the end face of the front yoke 50.

[0039] Preferably, for positioning the frame 81, the front yoke 50 may have a stepped surface 51 facing the armature 40 axially. The stepped surface 51 is an annular surface formed on the radially inner side of the front yoke 50 and is axially offset away from the armature 40 relative to the end face of the front yoke 50 facing the armature 40. The first segment 81a is closer to the armature 40 relative to the stepped surface 51 and abuts against the stepped surface 51 axially. This allows for axial positioning of the frame 81 via the stepped surface 51.

[0040] The switching valve according to this invention can simultaneously form multiple contact sealing areas, and the sealing effect of the contact sealing areas is ensured by the wedge-shaped mating surface. Simultaneously, the skeleton can fix the elastic sealing body and can contact the front magnetic yoke seal. This gives the switching valve excellent sealing performance. Furthermore, the sealing structure of this switching valve is simple and easy to assemble, thus effectively saving manufacturing costs.

[0041] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of the embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of this invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0042] Appendix Label Table

[0043] 10. Shell

[0044] 20 Magnetic field generator

[0045] 30 guide sleeve

[0046] 40 Armature

[0047] 41 Main body section

[0048] 42 End Section

[0049] 43 Flange

[0050] 50 front magnetic yoke

[0051] 51 Step surface

[0052] 60 putter

[0053] 70 Valve Cover

[0054] 80 Seals

[0055] 81 Skeleton

[0056] 81a First Section

[0057] 81b Part Two

[0058] 82 Elastic sealing body

[0059] 83 Grooves

[0060] 84 Sealing Lip

[0061] 90a First Spring

[0062] 90b Second Spring

[0063] V1 First Gas Passage

[0064] V2 Second Gas Passage

Claims

1. A switch valve comprising an electromagnetic actuator for controlling a communication state of a gas passage, the electromagnetic actuator comprising a front yoke (50), a guide sleeve (30), an armature (40), a push rod (60) and a seal (80), the guide sleeve (30) comprising a hollow inner cavity, the inner cavity comprising axially opposite first and second ends, the armature (40) being axially movably installed in the inner cavity, the front yoke (50) being fixed at the first end, the push rod (60) being fixed to the armature (40) and axially passing through the front yoke (50) so as to protrude out of the first end to control the communication state of the gas passage, the seal (80) being fixed to an end of the front yoke (50) facing the armature (40), the armature (40) being located at a closed position axially abutting the seal (80) when the switch valve is in a closed state, characterized in that, the seal (80) comprises an annular skeleton (81) and an annular elastic sealing body (82), the skeleton (81) being fixedly connected to the front yoke (50) and the elastic sealing body (82) respectively, the elastic sealing body (82) being in sealing contact with the guide sleeve (30) on the radially outer side, the elastic sealing body (82) comprises an annular groove (83) axially recessed away from the armature (40), the armature (40) comprises an annular flange (43) axially protruding toward the front yoke (50), when the armature (40) is located at the closed position, the flange (43) is inserted into the groove (83) and forms a sealing contact by interference fit.

2. The on-off valve according to claim 1, characterized by the radially inner side walls of the groove (83) and the flange (43) respectively extend obliquely relative to the axial direction so as to have a gradually decreasing diameter from the first end toward the second end, when the armature (40) is located at the closed position, the radially inner side walls of the groove (83) and the flange (43) both form a sealing contact by interference fit.

3. The on-off valve according to claim 2, characterized by the outer diameter of the opening end of the groove (83) is greater than the outer diameter of the top end of the flange (43), and the inner diameter of the opening end of the groove (83) is smaller than the inner diameter of the top end of the flange (43).

4. The on-off valve according to claim 3, characterized by the radially outer side walls of the groove (83) and the flange (43) respectively extend along the axial direction.

5. The on-off valve according to claim 2, characterized by the armature (40) comprises an axially divided body section (41) and an end section (42), the end section (42) is closer to the front yoke (50) than the body section (41) and has a smaller outer diameter than the body section (41), the flange (43) protrudes from an end face of the body section (41) toward the front yoke (50) and is located radially outside the end section (42), when the armature (40) is located at the closed position, the end section (42) is inserted into the radially inner side of the elastic sealing body (82), the elastic sealing body (82) is in sealing fit with the end section (42) on the radially inner side.

6. The on-off valve according to claim 5, characterized by The elastic seal body (82) includes an annular seal lip (84) formed on the radially inner side of the groove (83), which is in sealing fit with the end face of the main body section (41) facing the front magnetic yoke (50) when the armature (40) is in the closed position.

7. The on-off valve according to claim 1, characterized by The elastic seal body (82) includes a labyrinth seal structure formed on the radially outer side, which is in sealing fit with the guide sleeve (30).

8. The on-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by The skeleton (81) is made of a metal material, and is welded to the front magnetic yoke (50).

9. The on-off valve according to claim 8, characterized by The skeleton (81) includes an annular first section (81a) and a second section (81b), the first section (81a) extends axially and is fixed to the radially inner side of the front magnetic yoke (50), the elastic seal body (82) abuts against the end face of the front magnetic yoke (50) facing the armature (40), and the second section (81b) extends toward the radially outer side from the axial end of the first section (81a) facing the armature (40) and is embedded inside the elastic seal body (82).

10. The on-off valve according to claim 9, characterized by The front magnetic yoke (50) includes a stepped surface (51) facing the armature (40) in the axial direction, which is axially offset away from the armature (40) relative to the end face of the front magnetic yoke (50) facing the armature (40), and the first section (81a) abuts against the stepped surface (51) in the axial direction.

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