Central control valve

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of engine oil control valves of variable valve timing systems, and particularly relates to a central control valve. The central control valve comprises a valve shell provided with a cavity; the valve sleeve assembly is arranged in the cavity and comprises a valve sleeve and an oil guide sleeve, the valve sleeve and the oil guide sleeve are provided with an oil inlet, a first oil outlet and a second oil outlet, and the oil inlet is located between the first oil outlet and the second oil outlet; and the valve element is movably arranged in the oil guide sleeve, and a check ring is arranged on the valve shell. One end of the valve sleeve abuts against the valve shell through the check ring, and the other end of the valve sleeve abuts against the valve shell through the valve seat and is provided with a channel and an oil passing hole. A metal spring seat is arranged in the channel, and the spring seat and the valve sleeve are formed in an injection molding mode. The valve element abuts against the check ring through the first spring. One end of the ball abuts against the spring seat through the second spring, and the other end of the ball abuts against the valve seat. Therefore, the problems that in the prior art, a control valve is complex to assemble and low in efficiency are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of oil control valves for variable valve timing systems, and specifically relates to a central control valve. Background Technology

[0002] The oil control valve (OCV) is a core component of the timing system of an automotive engine. Based on engine operating conditions (such as speed and load), it receives instructions from the engine control unit (ECU) via electrical signals, dynamically switches the direction of oil flow (inlet / outlet), drives the rotor in the camshaft phase adjuster to move, changes the camshaft angle, and advances or delays the valve timing, thereby optimizing engine performance.

[0003] In existing technologies, the valve sleeve, spring seat, and one-way valve body of the central control valve are all metal structures connected by a separate design, resulting in complex assembly processes and poor production efficiency. Furthermore, due to the inherent dimensional and positional errors in each component, assembly progress is easily affected by dimensional inaccuracies, and it is difficult to guarantee the assembly quality of the valve body.

[0004] To address the problems of cumbersome assembly and low efficiency in existing control valve technologies, a more reasonable technical solution is needed to optimize and improve the valve body structure in existing technologies, thereby solving the current technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a central control valve that can solve the problems of cumbersome assembly and low efficiency of control valves in the prior art.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A central control valve, comprising:

[0008] Valve housing, having a cavity;

[0009] A valve sleeve assembly is disposed within the cavity. The valve sleeve assembly includes a valve sleeve and an oil guide sleeve, wherein the valve sleeve and the oil guide sleeve are provided with an oil inlet, a first oil outlet, and a second oil outlet, and the oil inlet is located between the first oil outlet and the second oil outlet; and,

[0010] The valve core is movably disposed in the oil guide sleeve, and the valve housing is provided with a retaining ring;

[0011] Wherein, one end of the valve sleeve is pressed against the valve body by a retaining ring, and the other end of the valve sleeve is pressed against the valve body by a valve seat. The valve seat is provided with a valve hole for oil to pass through, and the other end of the valve sleeve is provided with a channel for constraining the ball and an oil passage hole for oil to pass through.

[0012] The channel is provided with a metal spring seat, which is injection molded with the valve sleeve; the valve core is pressed against the retaining ring by a first spring; one end of the ball is pressed against the spring seat by a second spring, and the other end is pressed against the valve seat, so as to block the valve hole.

[0013] Alternatively, the inner wall of the valve housing is provided with a groove, and the outer walls of the retaining ring and the valve sleeve are provided with bosses that are adapted to the groove. The bosses of the retaining ring and the valve sleeve are embedded in the groove to restrict the degree of freedom of the valve sleeve and the retaining ring in the circumferential direction.

[0014] Alternatively, the groove wall is a first curved surface, and the outer wall of the boss is formed as a second curved surface that matches the first curved surface.

[0015] Alternatively, the spring seat is shaped like a zigzag, with the first spring fitted around its outer periphery and the second spring installed in its inner hole.

[0016] Alternatively, the bottom wall of the valve sleeve is provided with a protruding locking platform, and the valve seat is provided with a locking hole adapted to the locking platform, and the locking platform is locked in the locking hole.

[0017] Alternatively, at least two card holders may be provided, and the card holders may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve.

[0018] Alternatively, the card holder includes two spaced-apart columns, each column having a raised card head at its lower end, the outer periphery of which is provided with a guide slope; the lower inner side of the column is provided with a slope.

[0019] Alternatively, a protruding limiting sleeve is formed on the valve sleeve, the limiting sleeve being used to limit the range of movement of the valve core in the axial direction; the first spring is disposed in the inner hole of the limiting sleeve.

[0020] Alternatively, a filter screen may be provided at the oil hole of the valve seat.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0022] This central control valve switches the oil circuit by axial movement of the valve core, and, in conjunction with the spring seat, ball, first spring, and second spring, achieves dynamic control of the oil flow direction. Based on the integrated plastic valve sleeve and spring seat design, the assembly process is simplified, and the stability and reliability of the control valve during operation are improved.

[0023] Through the above technical solution, the valve core moves axially under the drive of electromagnetic force (or spring force), changing the on / off state of the oil passage within the oil guide sleeve. The position of the valve core determines the connection between the oil inlet and the two oil outlets (connected to the advance / retard chambers of the VVT ​​phase adjuster, respectively). The valve sleeve, ball, valve seat, and second spring constitute a one-way valve, restricting reverse oil flow and ensuring pressure stability. The valve core is in a default position (such as neutral or return position) under the action of the first spring. The oil inlet is connected to one of the oil outlets (e.g., the first oil outlet), supplying oil to a specific chamber of the VVT ​​adjuster, pushing the camshaft phase to adjust in a certain direction. The other oil outlet (the second oil outlet) is closed by a one-way valve to prevent pressure leakage. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) sends a signal according to the operating conditions, and the electromagnetic force overcomes the spring force of the first spring, pushing the valve core to move. After the valve core is displaced, the oil inlet switches to connect with the second oil outlet, while the first oil outlet releases pressure through the return oil passage. The first spring ensures the valve core returns quickly to its original position when there is no electromagnetic force, while the second spring seals the valve seat orifice through the ball to prevent oil backflow, thus maintaining stable chamber pressure. Based on the integrated structure of the valve sleeve and spring seat, fewer assembly steps and a simpler manufacturing process are achieved. This not only reduces the number of parts and tolerance accumulation, improving the consistency of control valve assembly quality, but also reduces the weight of the central control valve to some extent. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment, wherein the valve body and valve seat have been removed to show the internal structure;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified structural diagram of part B in the middle section;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve housing in a central control valve provided in this disclosure, in one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve sleeve assembly in a central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve sleeve assembly in a central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oil guide sleeve in the central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the valve seat in a central control valve provided in this disclosure in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the chuck in the central control valve provided in this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the oil flow direction of the central control valve provided in this disclosure in one working mode;

[0037] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the oil flow direction of the central control valve provided in this disclosure in another operating mode.

[0038] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0039] 1-Valve housing, 2-Valve sleeve assembly, 21-Valve sleeve, 211-Oil inlet, 212-First oil outlet, 213-Second oil outlet, 214-Clamping platform, 2141-Column, 2142-Clamping head, 22-Oil guide sleeve, 23-Limiting sleeve, 31-Valve seat, 311-Clamping hole, 312-Valve hole, 32-Spherical body, 4-Valve core, 5-Retaining ring, 51-Ring body, 52-Pressure platform, 61-First spring, 62-Second spring, 7-Spring seat, 8-Filter screen, 91-Boss, 92-Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0041] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, a central control valve is provided, such as... Figures 1 to 13 As shown, a specific embodiment of it is illustrated.

[0042] See Figures 1 to 13As shown, the central control valve includes: a valve housing 1 having a cavity; a valve sleeve assembly 2 disposed in the cavity, the valve sleeve assembly 2 including a valve sleeve 21 and an oil guide sleeve 22, wherein the valve sleeve 21 and the oil guide sleeve 22 are provided with an oil inlet 211, a first oil outlet 212 and a second oil outlet 213, the oil inlet 211 being located between the first oil outlet 212 and the second oil outlet 213; and a valve core 4 movably disposed in the oil guide sleeve 22, the valve housing 1 being provided with a retaining ring 5, the retaining ring 5 being used to constrain the position of the valve sleeve 21, the oil guide sleeve 22 and the valve core 4 in the axial direction.

[0043] Specifically, one end of the valve sleeve 21 is pressed against the valve body 1 by the retaining ring 5, and the other end of the valve sleeve 21 is pressed against the valve body 1 by the valve seat 31. The valve seat 31 is provided with a valve hole 312 for oil to pass through, and the other end of the valve sleeve 21 is provided with a channel for constraining the ball and an oil passage hole for oil to pass through. A metal spring seat 7 is provided in the channel, and the spring seat 7 is injection molded with the valve sleeve 21. The valve core 4 is pressed against the retaining ring 5 by the first spring 61. One end of the ball 32 is pressed against the spring seat 7 by the second spring 62, and the other end is pressed against the valve seat 31, so as to block the valve hole 312.

[0044] The central control valve switches the oil circuit by axial movement of the valve core 4, and, in conjunction with the spring seat 7, ball 32, first spring 61, and second spring 62, achieves dynamic control of the oil flow direction. Based on the integrated plastic valve sleeve 21 and spring seat 7 structural design, the assembly process is simplified, and the stability and reliability of the control valve during operation are improved.

[0045] Through the above technical solution, the valve core 4 moves axially under the drive of electromagnetic force (or spring force), changing the on / off state of the oil passage in the oil guide sleeve 22. The position of the valve core 4 determines the connection relationship between the oil inlet 211 (high-pressure oil) and the two oil outlets (connected to the advance chamber / delay chamber of the VVT ​​phase adjuster, respectively). The valve sleeve 21, ball 32, valve seat 31, and second spring 62 constitute a one-way valve, restricting the reverse flow of engine oil and ensuring pressure stability. The valve core 4 is in the default position (such as neutral or return position) under the action of the first spring 61. The oil inlet 211 is connected to a certain oil outlet (e.g., the first oil outlet 212), supplying oil to a specific chamber of the VVT ​​adjuster and pushing the camshaft phase to adjust in a certain direction. The other oil outlet (the second oil outlet 213) is closed by a one-way valve to prevent pressure leakage. The engine control unit (ECU) sends a signal according to the operating conditions, and the electromagnetic force overcomes the elasticity of the first spring 61, pushing the valve core 4 to move. After the valve core 4 is displaced, the oil inlet 211 switches to connect with the second oil outlet 213, while the first oil outlet 212 releases pressure through the return oil channel. The first spring 61 ensures that the valve core 4 returns to its original position quickly when there is no electromagnetic force, while the second spring 62 seals the valve seat 31 valve hole 312 through the ball 32 to prevent oil backflow, thereby maintaining stable chamber pressure. Based on the integrated structure of the valve sleeve 21 and spring seat 7, fewer assembly steps and a simpler manufacturing process are achieved. This not only helps reduce the number of parts and tolerance accumulation, improving the consistency of control valve assembly quality, but also reduces the weight of the central control valve to a certain extent.

[0046] For ease of description, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used, with "upper" referring to the location of the retaining ring and "lower" to the direction of the valve seat. Furthermore, directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" refer to their position relative to the control valve's outline; "inner" refers to the direction towards the operating room of the traveling equipment 1, and "outer" to the opposite direction. It should also be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not indicate sequence or importance. Moreover, in the following description with accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same element.

[0047] In one embodiment provided in this disclosure, the valve housing 1 is provided with an annular limiting groove, and a retaining ring 5 is configured to cooperate with the limiting groove. The retaining ring 5 is embedded in the limiting groove and presses against the valve sleeve 21, the oil guide sleeve 22, and the valve core 4. Through the tight cooperation between the retaining ring 5 and the limiting groove, the positions of the valve sleeve 21, the oil guide sleeve 22, and the valve core 4 can be effectively fixed, preventing axial displacement of these components during operation. By fixing the positions of the valve sleeve 21, the oil guide sleeve 22, and the valve core 4, the retaining ring 5 can reduce the shaking or unnecessary displacement of components during operation, improve the response speed of the control valve to signals, and enhance the dynamic performance of the control valve. The assembly method of embedding the retaining ring 5 in the limiting groove can quickly and accurately position and fix the corresponding related components, reducing assembly time and complexity, and improving production efficiency. At the same time, it also facilitates the later disassembly and assembly of the retaining ring 5 for maintenance of the control valve.

[0048] In this disclosure, the retaining ring 5 includes a ring body 51 and a pressing platform 52. The ring body 51 is not closed, and the inner side of the ring body 51 has a pressing platform 52 protruding towards its center. Multiple pressing platforms 52 are arranged at intervals. With this arrangement, the retaining ring 5 can be slightly deformed and locked into the limiting groove. Then, through the joint pressing of the ring body 51 and the pressing platform 52, the position of the valve sleeve 21, the guide sleeve, and the valve core 4 in the axial direction is limited, thereby allowing the valve core 4 to move within a preset stroke range and improving the accuracy of the control valve's movement.

[0049] It should be noted that the connection between the pressure plate 52 and the ring 51 is a curved transition section. This can distribute the force evenly, avoid stress concentration, and help ensure the service life of the retaining ring 5.

[0050] In this disclosure, the retaining ring 5 is made of stainless steel. This gives the retaining ring 5 excellent corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature resistance, allowing it to remain stable in corrosive environments such as acids, alkalis, and salts, while also exhibiting good mechanical properties.

[0051] In other embodiments, the retaining ring 5 can also be made of alloy steel, which can improve the strength, hardness, wear resistance and heat resistance of the retaining ring 5 to meet the usage requirements. Of course, those skilled in the art can also choose to make the retaining ring 5 from any other suitable material, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0052] In one embodiment provided in this disclosure, the inner wall of the valve housing 1 is provided with a groove 92, and the outer walls of the retaining ring 5 and the valve sleeve 21 are both provided with bosses 91 that are adapted to the groove 92. The bosses 91 of the retaining ring 5 and the valve sleeve 21 are embedded in the groove 92 to restrict the degree of freedom of the valve sleeve 21 and the retaining ring 5 in the circumferential direction, preventing rotational displacement during operation, thereby ensuring the relative position stability of the components and avoiding poor sealing or functional failure due to loosening. The tight fit between the bosses 91 and the groove 92 firmly fixes the retaining ring 5 and the valve sleeve 21 in the valve housing 1, enhancing the stability of the entire structure.

[0053] Therefore, the engagement and locking effect of the boss 91 and the groove 92 can be achieved to prevent the valve sleeve 21 from rotating in the circumferential direction and causing misalignment of the valve sleeve 21 and the various oil ports on the oil guide sleeve 22. Thus, by keeping the valve sleeve 21 in a fixed position, the oil flows along the preset flow path, thereby achieving accurate control of the oil flow direction by the control valve.

[0054] In this disclosure, the groove wall of the groove 92 is a first curved surface, and the outer wall of the boss 91 is formed as a second curved surface that matches the first curved surface. This curved surface fit allows for more uniform stress distribution on the boss 91, avoiding stress concentration and improving the fit accuracy and stability between components, thus reducing the risk of deformation or damage caused by stress concentration. During operation, components may undergo minor deformation due to factors such as temperature changes and vibration. The curved surface fit can better adapt to this deformation, reducing loosening or failure caused by deformation and improving the service life of the components.

[0055] In one embodiment provided in this disclosure, the spring seat 7 is shaped like a "Z" and has a first spring 61 fitted around its outer periphery; a second spring 62 is provided in its inner hole. The "Z" shaped structure allows the spring seat 7 to rationally arrange two springs within a limited space, achieving functional integration. The first spring 61 on the outer periphery can be used to apply preload to components such as the valve core 4, while the second spring 62 in the inner hole can be used to apply pressure to components such as the ball 32, so that springs with different functions are spatially independent yet tightly integrated, meeting the complex mechanical requirements inside the control valve.

[0056] In addition, the specific shape of the spring seat 7 can provide a stable installation position for the spring, ensuring that the spring will not shift or tilt during operation, thereby ensuring that the spring can stably exert its elastic force, making the movement of each component of the control valve more smooth and reliable, and avoiding problems such as component jamming or failure caused by spring position deviation.

[0057] The bottom wall of the valve sleeve 21 is provided with a protruding locking platform 214, and the valve seat 31 is provided with a locking hole 311 that matches the locking platform 214. The locking platform 214 is locked in the locking hole 311. This design facilitates the quick positioning and assembly of the valve sleeve 21 and the valve seat 31, which helps to improve assembly efficiency. At the same time, the locking between the two ensures the fixed position of the valve seat 31, guaranteeing the stability and reliability of the control valve during operation.

[0058] Specifically, at least two clamping posts 214 are configured, and they are spaced apart along the circumference of the valve sleeve 21. The multiple clamping posts 214 spaced apart along the circumference provide multiple positioning points for the valve sleeve 21, further improving positioning accuracy and stability, ensuring accurate alignment of the valve sleeve 21 during installation, avoiding skewness or misalignment, thereby guaranteeing the sealing performance and operational performance of the one-way valve structure. Thus, through the combined action of multiple clamping posts 214, the force between the valve sleeve 21 and the valve seat 31 is distributed, reducing the load on a single clamping post 214, thereby enhancing connection strength and improving the load-bearing capacity and durability of the components.

[0059] In this disclosure, the lower inner side of the column 2141 is provided with a slope. This design allows the card holder 214 to have a larger merging range when subjected to force, thus providing more compression space and making it easier to insert the card head 2142 into the card hole 311.

[0060] A protruding limiting sleeve 23 is formed on the valve sleeve 21. The annular cavity between the limiting sleeve 23 and the inner wall of the valve seat 31 is used to accommodate the oil guide sleeve 22. The first spring 61 is disposed in the inner hole of the limiting sleeve 23. In this way, the radial displacement of the first spring 61 during compression or rebound can be limited, ensuring that the first spring 61 always moves axially and avoiding valve core 4 jamming due to lateral bending. Among them, the first spring 61 is prone to helical deformation when subjected to force. The limiting sleeve 23 reduces the nonlinear deformation of the spring through physical constraint, thereby improving the accuracy of valve core 4 movement. Thus, by constraining the movement of the first spring 61, controlling the stroke of valve core 4, and buffering vibration, the control accuracy, response speed, and reliability of the central control valve are improved. Especially in plastic valve sleeves 21 (such as PA66GF30 material) and VVT systems with high-frequency adjustment, the limiting sleeve 23 can balance the weight of lightweight, cost and performance. Especially in turbocharged engines or hybrid systems, where VVT ​​needs to frequently adjust valve timing, the limiting sleeve 23 ensures the reliability of the valve core 4 under high-speed operation.

[0061] In one embodiment provided in this disclosure, a filter screen 8 is provided at the oil hole of the valve seat 31. The filter screen 8 can filter out impurities in the oil and effectively prevent them from entering the control valve, thereby ensuring the quality of the oil entering the control valve chamber and enabling the control valve to operate under relatively clean conditions.

[0062] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A central control valve, characterized in that, include: Valve housing (1) has a cavity; A valve sleeve assembly (2) is disposed in the cavity. The valve sleeve assembly (2) includes a valve sleeve (21) and an oil guide sleeve (22). The valve sleeve (21) and the oil guide sleeve (22) are provided with an oil inlet (211), a first oil outlet (212), and a second oil outlet (213). The oil inlet (211) is located between the first oil outlet (212) and the second oil outlet (213). The valve core (4) is movably disposed in the oil guide sleeve (22), and the valve housing (1) is provided with a retaining ring; Wherein, one end of the valve sleeve (21) is pressed against the valve housing (1) by a retaining ring (5), and the other end of the valve sleeve (21) is pressed against the valve housing (1) by a valve seat (31). The valve seat (31) is provided with a valve hole (312) for oil to pass through, and the other end of the valve sleeve (21) is provided with a channel for constraining the ball (32) and an oil passage hole for oil to pass through; The channel is provided with a metal spring seat (7), which is injection molded with the valve sleeve (21); the valve core (4) is pressed against the retaining ring (5) by a first spring (61); one end of the ball (32) is pressed against the spring seat (7) by a second spring (62), and the other end is pressed against the valve seat (31) so as to block the valve hole (312).

2. The central control valve of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the valve housing (1) is provided with a groove (92), and the outer walls of the retaining ring (5) and the valve sleeve (21) are provided with bosses (91) that are adapted to the groove (92). The bosses (91) of the retaining ring (5) and the valve sleeve (21) are embedded in the groove (92) to restrict the degree of freedom of the valve sleeve (21) and the retaining ring (5) in the circumferential direction.

3. The central control valve of claim 2, wherein, The groove wall of the groove (92) is a first curved surface, and the outer wall of the boss (91) is formed as a second curved surface that matches the first curved surface.

4. The central control valve of claim 1, wherein, The spring seat (7) is shaped like the letter Z, with the first spring (61) sleeved on its outer periphery; and the second spring (62) is provided in its inner hole.

5. The central control valve of claim 1, wherein, The bottom wall of the valve sleeve (21) is provided with a protruding locking platform (214), and the valve seat (31) is provided with a locking hole (311) that is adapted to the locking platform (214). The locking platform (214) is locked in the locking hole (311).

6. The central control valve of claim 5, wherein, At least two card holders (214) are provided, and the card holders (214) are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve (21).

7. The central control valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The card holder (214) includes two spaced columns (2141), each column (2141) has a raised card head (2142) at its lower end, and the outer periphery of the card head (2142) is provided with a guide slope; the lower inner side of the column (2141) is provided with a slope.

8. The central control valve of claim 1, wherein, A protruding limiting sleeve (23) is formed on the valve sleeve (21), and the limiting sleeve (23) is used to limit the range of movement of the valve core (4) in the axial direction; the first spring (61) is disposed in the inner hole of the limiting sleeve (23).

9. The central control valve of claim 1, wherein, A filter screen (8) is provided at the oil hole of the valve seat (31).

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