Solenoid valve and shock absorber

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electromagnetic valve and a shock absorber. The electromagnetic valve comprises a main valve assembly and a pilot valve assembly. The main valve assembly comprises a first shell and a main valve, the main valve comprises a main valve port, and the first shell and the main valve are spaced to form a first fluid channel; the pilot valve assembly comprises a pilot valve body, a valve rod, a floating ring and a protection structure. The pilot valve body is arranged in the main valve port and comprises a through hole penetrating through the pilot valve body in the first direction, the through hole is provided with a first end and a second end which are opposite in the first direction, and the valve rod extends in the first direction, penetrates through the through hole and comprises a linear rod portion located in the through hole and a first matching portion at least partially located outside the first end of the through hole. The floating ring is located on the first side of the main valve, a pilot valve cavity is formed by the floating ring and the main valve, at least part of the first matching part is located in the pilot valve cavity, and the protection structure is configured to enable the pilot valve cavity to communicate with the first fluid channel through the protection structure when the floating ring moves to the position closest to the main valve. The pressure of the electromagnetic valve is continuously adjustable, and the electromagnetic valve is safer and more reliable.

Description

Solenoid valves and vibration dampers Technical Field

[0001] At least one embodiment of this disclosure relates to a solenoid valve and a vibration damper. Background Technology

[0002] In a car's suspension system, because the springs themselves reciprocate while filtering road vibrations, shock absorbers are typically installed to improve ride comfort and suppress oscillations when the springs rebound after absorbing vibrations. Therefore, shock absorbers reduce vibrations in the chassis and body to improve ride comfort.

[0003] With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, people have higher and higher requirements for the ride comfort of cars. Shock absorbers with a single damping value can no longer meet people's needs, and shock absorbers with adjustable damping values ​​have emerged as a result. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a solenoid valve whose pressure is continuously adjustable and is safer and more reliable.

[0005] The solenoid valve includes a main valve assembly and a pilot valve assembly. The main valve assembly includes a first housing and a main valve located within the first housing. The main valve includes a main valve port, and the first housing and the main valve are spaced apart to form a first fluid passage. The pilot valve assembly includes a pilot valve body, a valve stem, a floating ring, and a protective structure. The pilot valve body is disposed in the main valve port and includes a through hole extending through the pilot valve body in a first direction. The through hole has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the first direction. The valve stem extends in the first direction and passes through the through hole, and is configured to be movable in the first direction. It includes a linear rod portion located within the through hole and a first mating portion located at least partially outside the first end of the through hole. The floating ring is located on a first side of the main valve and is configured to be movable in the first direction. The floating ring and the main valve form a pilot valve cavity. At least a portion of the first mating portion is located within the pilot valve cavity. The protective structure is configured to connect the pilot valve cavity to the first fluid passage through the protective structure when the floating ring moves to the position closest to the main valve.

[0006] For example, in the solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the first mating portion is conical, and the diameter of the cone gradually increases along the direction away from the through hole, and the diameter of at least a portion of the cone is greater than the diameter of the through hole; the valve stem is configured to move controllably along the first direction such that the first mating portion and the pilot valve body form a pilot valve port at the first end, and the through hole communicates with the pilot valve cavity via the pilot valve port.

[0007] For example, in at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure, the pilot valve body includes a first mating surface at the first end that mates with the conical surface, and the valve stem is configured to move controllably along the first direction to control the distance between the conical surface and the first mating surface, thereby controlling the size of the pilot valve port.

[0008] For example, in at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure, the main valve includes a main valve body and a main valve core; the main valve body includes a first plate-shaped valve body portion and a first annular valve body portion located at the edge of the first plate-shaped valve body portion, wherein the first plate-shaped valve body portion and the first annular valve body portion form a main valve body cavity, and the first fluid passage is located between the first housing and the first annular valve body portion; the main valve core is at least partially disposed in the main valve body cavity, including a second plate-shaped valve body portion and a second annular valve body portion located at the edge of the second plate-shaped valve body portion, wherein the second plate-shaped valve body portion and the second annular valve body portion form a main valve core cavity.

[0009] For example, in at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure, the first plate-shaped valve body portion includes a first sub-through hole, the second plate-shaped valve body portion includes a second sub-through hole, the through hole includes the first sub-through hole and the second sub-through hole, and the end of the valve stem away from the first mating portion includes a thickened portion adapted to the second sub-through hole, the diameter of the thickened portion being larger than the diameter of the linear rod portion.

[0010] For example, in the solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the second plate-shaped valve body portion and the first plate-shaped valve body portion are spaced apart in the first direction to form an intermediate cavity, and the pilot valve body further includes a radial connecting hole communicating with the through hole and the intermediate cavity, and the valve stem passes through the radial connecting hole.

[0011] For example, in at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure, the pilot valve assembly further includes a protective gasket located between the main valve and the floating ring, the floating ring being configured to controllably press the protective gasket against the main valve, the protective structure including at least one notch on the protective gasket; and / or the protective structure including a first groove on the side of the main valve near the floating ring; and / or the protective structure including a second groove on the side of the floating ring near the main valve.

[0012] For example, in at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure, the pilot valve assembly further includes a protective gasket and a support gasket, the protective gasket and the support gasket being located between the main valve and the floating ring, the support gasket being located on the side of the protective gasket closer to the floating ring or away from the floating ring, the floating ring being configured to controllably press the protective gasket and the support gasket against the main valve, the protective structure including at least one notch on the protective gasket; the support gasket being annular.

[0013] For example, at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure further includes an electromagnetic drive unit, wherein the electromagnetic drive unit is located on the side of the floating ring away from the main valve, and includes an armature and an armature rod portion; the armature is located on the side of the floating ring away from the main valve, and includes a first armature through hole extending through the armature along the first direction, the armature rod portion extending along the first direction and extending through the first armature through hole, wherein the end of the armature rod portion near the valve stem is a valve stem connection end, the floating ring includes a floating ring opening, and the valve stem connection end is connected to the first mating portion through the floating ring opening.

[0014] For example, at least one embodiment of the solenoid valve provided in this disclosure further includes: a second housing connected to the first housing, and spaced apart from the main valve to form a second fluid channel communicating the protection structure and the first fluid channel, wherein the floating ring, the pilot valve cavity and the first mating part are located within the space surrounded by the second housing.

[0015] This disclosure also provides a vibration damper, which includes any of the solenoid valves provided in this disclosure.

[0016] The solenoid valve provided in this disclosure can be used in vibration dampers, such as vehicles or any other equipment requiring vibration reduction. This solenoid valve can regulate the pressure within the pilot valve in a balanced state through the cooperation of the pilot valve body and the valve stem. Furthermore, the solenoid valve can efficiently achieve safety in case of failure through a protective structure, making it safer and more reliable. Additionally, the structure of this solenoid valve is relatively simple, reducing costs and improving reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electromagnetic valve provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 is a top view of the solenoid valve in Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve in Figure 2 along line AA;

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a solenoid valve main valve, pilot valve body, valve stem, floating ring, and protective structure provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the P1 part and surrounding structure of the solenoid valve in Figure 3.

[0023] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the structure in Figure 5 in part P2;

[0024] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pilot valve body and the main valve core of a solenoid valve after assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the pilot valve body and the main valve of a solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 9 is a top view of the structure in Figure 7;

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in Figure 9 along line BB;

[0028] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the main valve and protection structure of a solenoid valve after assembly, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 12 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve stem of the solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 13 is a top view of the valve stem in Figure 12;

[0031] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve stem along line CC in Figure 13; and

[0032] Figure 15 is an exploded view of the valve stem and armature rod of a solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0035] The accompanying drawings in this disclosure are not drawn to scale, and the number of fourth openings in the solenoid valve is not limited to the number shown in the drawings. The specific dimensions and quantity of each structure can be determined according to actual needs. The accompanying drawings described in this disclosure are only structural schematic diagrams.

[0036] As used in this disclosure, the characteristics such as "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" include those in the strict sense, as well as those containing a certain degree of error, such as "substantially parallel," "substantially overlapping," and "substantially identical," taking into account measurement and errors associated with the measurement of a specific quantity (e.g., limitations of the measurement system). They represent the acceptable range of deviations for a specific value as determined by a person skilled in the art. For example, "substantially" can mean within one or more standard deviations, and unless otherwise specified, can mean within 10% or 5% of the deviation of said value.

[0037] With the development of automotive electrification and autonomous driving technologies, vehicle weight has increased and power performance has improved. Therefore, shock absorbers need to operate over a wider range, requiring continuously adjustable damping characteristics. This can be achieved using a continuously adjustable solenoid valve.

[0038] The continuously adjustable damping solenoid valve used in automotive shock absorbers needs to perform two functions: first, continuously adjustable damping, in which case the operating current range of the solenoid valve is I ~ Imax; second, safety in case of failure, in which case the operating current range of the solenoid valve is 0 ~ I. In other words, besides achieving continuously adjustable damping under the drive of the operating current, the solenoid valve used in automotive shock absorbers also needs to ensure safety in the event of power failure or actuator failure, thereby guaranteeing basic driving and handling safety. For example, in the event of power failure or actuator failure, the damping of the solenoid valve can be maintained at a midpoint within its adjustable range, thus ensuring basic driving and handling safety. It should be noted that the aforementioned I can also be called the turning current, and its value is typically 300 ~ 450mA, with some reaching 600mA.

[0039] At least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a solenoid valve, which includes a main valve assembly and a pilot valve assembly. The main valve assembly includes a first housing and a main valve located within the first housing. The main valve includes a main valve port, and the first housing and the main valve are spaced apart to form a first fluid passage. The pilot valve assembly includes a pilot valve body, a valve stem, a floating ring, and a protective structure. The pilot valve body is disposed in the main valve port and includes a through hole extending through the pilot valve body in a first direction. The through hole has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the first direction. The valve stem extends in the first direction and passes through the through hole, and is configured to be movable in the first direction. It includes a linear rod portion located within the through hole and a first mating portion located at least partially outside the first end of the through hole. The floating ring is located on a first side of the main valve and is configured to be movable in the first direction. The floating ring and the main valve form a pilot valve cavity. At least a portion of the first mating portion is located within the pilot valve cavity. The protective structure is configured to connect the pilot valve cavity to the first fluid passage through the protective structure when the floating ring moves to the position closest to the main valve.

[0040] The solenoid valve provided in this disclosure can be used in vibration dampers, such as vehicles or any other equipment requiring vibration reduction. This solenoid valve can adjust the pressure within the pilot valve in a balanced state through the cooperation of the pilot valve body and the valve stem, achieving continuous pressure adjustment. Furthermore, the solenoid valve can efficiently ensure safety in case of failure through a protective structure, making it safer and more reliable. Additionally, the structure of this solenoid valve is relatively simple, reducing costs and improving reliability.

[0041] At least one embodiment of this disclosure also provides a vibration damper, which includes any of the solenoid valves provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. The vibration damper provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be used in any equipment requiring vibration damping, such as vehicles. This vibration damper employs a novel design of a solenoid valve applicable to vibration dampers to effectively regulate the pressure of the fluid entering the solenoid valve during the operation of the vibration damper.

[0042] The following describes in detail the solenoid valve and vibration damper provided in this disclosure through several specific embodiments.

[0043] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a top view of the solenoid valve in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the solenoid valve in Figure 2 along line AA. Referring to Figures 1-3, the solenoid valve provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main valve assembly and a pilot valve assembly.

[0044] The main valve assembly includes a first housing 11 and a main valve 20 located within the first housing 11. The main valve 20 includes a main valve port 20A. The first housing 11 and the main valve 20 are spaced apart to form a first fluid passage T1.

[0045] The pilot valve assembly includes a pilot valve body 30, a valve stem 40, a floating ring 50, and a protective structure 60. The pilot valve body 30 is disposed in the main valve port 20A and includes a through-hole 31 extending through the pilot valve body 30 along a first direction R1. The through-hole 31 has a first end (upper end in the figure) and a second end (lower end in the figure) opposite each other along the first direction R1. The valve stem 40 extends along the first direction R1 and passes through the through-hole 31, and is configured to be movable along the first direction R1. The valve stem 40 includes a linear rod portion 41 located within the through-hole 31 and a first mating portion 42 located at least partially outside the first end (upper end in the figure) of the through-hole 31. The floating ring 50 is located on a first side (upper side in the figure) of the main valve 20 and is configured to be movable along the first direction R1. The floating ring 50 and the main valve 20 form a pilot valve cavity C1. At least a portion of the first mating portion 42 is located within the pilot valve cavity C1. The protection structure 60 is configured to connect the pilot valve chamber C1 to the first fluid passage T1 through the protection structure 60 when the floating ring 50 moves to the position closest to the main valve 20.

[0046] Therefore, the fluid entering the solenoid valve can flow out through the gap formed between the through hole 31, the first mating part 42 and the pilot valve body 30, and the pilot valve cavity C1, thus forming a fluid outflow channel, which can regulate the pressure in the pilot valve assembly. In addition, when the floating ring 50 is located closest to the main valve 20, the pilot valve cavity C1 is connected to the first fluid channel T1 through the protection structure 60. Therefore, the fluid enters the first fluid channel T1 through the protection structure 60. Since the floating ring 50 is located closest to the main valve 20, the fluid can only enter the first fluid channel T1 through the protection structure 60 with a smaller flow rate, thus damping the fluid entering the first fluid channel T1. That is, when the fluid enters the first fluid channel T1 through the protection structure 60, the flow rate is greatly reduced, generating back pressure in the pilot valve assembly, for example, acting on the valve stem 40, so that the set pressure of the entire solenoid valve is higher than the pressure when the minimum current is applied, thereby realizing the power-off safety mode. Therefore, even when the solenoid valve is de-energized, pressure regulation can still be achieved through the flow rate via the protection structure 60, albeit at a lower flow rate than during normal operation. This prevents the solenoid valve from completely failing, thus ensuring power-off protection. In this state, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve at a given flow rate is independent of the current. Consequently, this solenoid valve efficiently achieves safety in case of failure, making it more reliable. When used in automotive shock absorbers, the solenoid valve ensures basic driving and operational safety even in the event of power failure or actuator malfunction.

[0047] For example, the fluid can be any liquid such as oil, and in some embodiments, it can also be a gas. The embodiments disclosed herein do not specifically limit this.

[0048] For example, in some embodiments, the first mating portion 42 is conical, and the diameter of the cone gradually increases along the direction away from the through hole 31, i.e., the vertically upward direction in FIG. 3, and at least a portion of the diameter of the cone is larger than the diameter of the through hole 31. The valve stem 40 is configured to move controllably along a first direction R1 such that the first mating portion 42 and the pilot valve body 30 form a pilot valve port O1 at the first end of the through hole 31, and the through hole 31 communicates with the pilot valve cavity C1 via the pilot valve port O1. Thus, when the valve stem 40 moves along the first direction R1, the first mating portion 42 can close and open the through hole 31, and when the valve stem 40 moves in the direction away from the main valve 20, i.e., upward, the size of the pilot valve port O1 is larger, thereby increasing the fluid flow rate and regulating the fluid pressure within the pilot valve assembly.

[0049] Therefore, under a given operating current, the valve stem 40 can move along the first direction R1 during the process of reaching force balance, eventually moving to the equilibrium position. The movement of the valve stem 40 along the first direction R1 changes the size of the pilot valve port O1, thereby allowing adjustment of the pressure within the pilot valve assembly in the equilibrium state. Furthermore, the force on the valve stem 40 can be adjusted by regulating the operating current of the solenoid valve, changing the equilibrium state of the valve stem 40, thereby adjusting the size of the pilot valve port O1 and thus regulating the pressure within the pilot valve assembly in the equilibrium state. This achieves the regulation of the pressure of the fluid entering the solenoid valve.

[0050] For example, Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the main valve 20, pilot valve body 30, valve stem 40, floating ring 50, and protective structure 60; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of part P1 and its surrounding structure in Figure 3; Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of part P2 in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the assembled pilot valve body 30 and main valve core 21 of the main valve 20; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the pilot valve body 30 and the main valve 20; Figure 9 shows a top view of the structure shown in Figure 7; and Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure in Figure 9 along line BB.

[0051] Referring first to Figure 10, the pilot valve body 30 includes a first mating surface 32 at the first end (upper end in the figure) of the through hole 31, which mates with a conical surface. For example, the first mating surface 32 is also conical to adapt to the conical shape of the first mating portion 42. For example, the pilot valve body 30 may include a protrusion 33 in which the first mating surface 32 is formed. The valve stem 40 is configured to move controllably along a first direction R1 to control the distance between the conical surface of the first mating portion 42 and the first mating surface 32, thereby controlling the size of the pilot valve port O1.

[0052] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3-5, the main valve 20 includes a main valve body 22 and a main valve core 21; the main valve body 22 includes a first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 and a first annular valve body portion 222 located at the edge of the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221, the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 and the first annular valve body portion 222 forming a main valve body cavity (i.e., the cavity surrounded by the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 and the first annular valve body portion 222), and a first fluid passage T1 located between the first housing 11 and the first annular valve body portion 222; the main valve core 21 is at least partially disposed in the main valve body cavity, including a second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 and a second annular valve body portion 212 located at the edge of the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211, the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 and the second annular valve body portion 212 forming a main valve core cavity 214 (i.e., the cavity surrounded by the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 and the second annular valve body portion 212, see Figures 5 and 10).

[0053] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 includes a first sub-through hole 311, and the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 includes a second sub-through hole 312. The through hole 31 includes the first sub-through hole 311 and the second sub-through hole 312, that is, the through hole 31 is composed of the first sub-through hole 311 and the second sub-through hole 312. The end of the valve stem 40 away from the first mating portion 42 includes a thickened portion 43 adapted to the second sub-through hole 312. The diameter of the thickened portion 42 is larger than the diameter of the linear stem portion 41. For example, the diameter of the thickened portion 42 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 31 of the pilot valve body 30, so that it can move relative to the through hole 31 and fit tightly with the through hole 31.

[0054] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 and the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 are spaced apart in the first direction R1 to form an intermediate cavity C2. The pilot valve body 30 also includes a radial connecting hole 33 that connects the through hole 31 and the intermediate cavity C2. The valve stem 40 passes through the radial connecting hole 33, that is, the valve stem 40 extends through the radial connecting hole 33, so that the first mating portion 42 and the thickened portion 43 of the valve stem 40 are located on both sides of the radial connecting hole 33 along the first direction R1.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figure 10, in some embodiments, the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 of the main valve core 21 further includes a connecting hole O3 extending through the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 along the first direction X. The intermediate cavity C2 communicates with the connecting hole O3 and the main valve core cavity 214, allowing fluid in the intermediate cavity 10 and the main valve core cavity 214 to flow between them. Furthermore, impurities and contaminants in the through hole 31 can be discharged through the intermediate cavity C2 and the connecting hole O3, thus achieving the function of a drain hole. For example, in other embodiments, the connecting hole O3 may not be provided.

[0056] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 10, the second plate-shaped valve body portion 211 or the second annular valve body portion 212 of the main valve core 21 has a groove G1 on its sidewall facing the first housing 11 to accommodate the sealing structure 213. The main valve 20 also includes the sealing structure 213, which is at least partially located in the groove G1. The sealing structure 213 can seal the intermediate cavity C2, preventing fluid in the intermediate cavity C2 from flowing out through the gap between the first annular valve body portion 222 and the second annular valve body portion 212. For example, in some examples, the sealing structure 213 can be an annular sealing ring.

[0057] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the pilot valve assembly may further include a protective gasket 62 located between the main valve 20 and the floating ring 50, the floating ring 50 being configured to controllably press the protective gasket 62 against the main valve 20. The protective structure 60 includes at least one notch 621 located on the protective gasket 62; thereby, the pilot valve cavity C1 can communicate with the first fluid passage T1 through at least one notch 621. For example, when the floating ring 50 is located closest to the main valve 20, the pilot valve cavity C1 can only communicate with the first fluid passage T1 through at least one notch 621, thus fluid can only enter the first fluid passage T1 through at least one notch 621 with a smaller flow rate, thereby damping the fluid entry into the first fluid passage T1. At this time, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve at a given flow rate is independent of the current. Therefore, the solenoid valve can efficiently achieve safety in case of failure, making it more reliable and secure.

[0058] For example, the protective gasket 62 can be annular with a central opening, and the notch 621 communicates with the central opening. For example, the flow rate of the protective structure 60 can be adjusted by designing the size and number of the notches 621 and the number of protective gaskets 62. For example, in the embodiment of FIG4, the number of protective gaskets 62 is one, and the number of notches 621 is one. In other embodiments, the number of protective gaskets 62 can be two, three, or more, and the number of notches 621 can be two, three, or more. The embodiments of this disclosure do not specifically limit this.

[0059] For example, as shown in FIG6, in some embodiments, the surface of the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 near the floating ring 50 may include a groove 622, which overlaps with a notch 621, thereby allowing fluid in the pilot valve cavity C1 to flow through the groove 622 and the notch 621 into the first fluid channel T1.

[0060] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the pilot valve assembly may further include a support gasket 61, which may be located on the side of the protective gasket 62 closer to the floating ring 50 or away from the floating ring 50. When the support gasket 61 is located on the side of the protective gasket 62 closer to the floating ring 50, as shown in Figure 4, the fluid can only flow out through the very small gap indicated by the dashed circle, resulting in greater fluid flow resistance. In this case, the support gasket 61 can serve as a support and also as part of the flow channel. When the support gasket 61 is located on the side of the protective gasket 62 away from the floating ring 50, the fluid can flow out directly through the entire gap 621. In this case, the support gasket 61 mainly serves a support function.

[0061] For example, the support pad 61 is annular and does not include a notch. For example, in some examples, as shown in FIG4, the annular structure of the support pad 61 and the protective pad 62 has essentially the same size, the only difference being whether or not it has a notch. In some embodiments, the number of support pads 61 may also be multiple. For example, support pads 61 may be provided on both the upper and lower sides of the protective pad 62. The embodiments of this disclosure do not specifically limit this.

[0062] For example, in other embodiments, the protection structure 60 may also take other forms; for example, FIG11 shows another schematic diagram of the assembly of the main valve 20 and the protection structure 60. As shown in FIG11, the protection structure 60 may include a first groove 61 located on the side of the main valve 20 near the floating ring 50, for example, a first groove 64 is provided on the surface of the first plate-shaped valve body portion 221 near the floating ring 50; or, the protection structure 60 may include a second groove 65 located on the side of the floating ring 50 near the main valve 20, for example, a second groove 65 is provided on the surface of the floating ring 50 near the main valve 20; or, the protection structure 60 may include a first groove 61 located on the side of the main valve 20 near the floating ring 50, and at the same time, the protection structure 60 may also include a second groove 65 located on the side of the floating ring 50 near the main valve 20, that is, the case shown in FIG11. Thus, the first groove 64 and / or the second groove 65 can form a fluid channel. When the floating ring 50 is located closest to the main valve 20, the pilot valve cavity C1 can only be connected to the first fluid channel T1 through the first groove and / or the second groove.

[0063] For example, the flow rate of the protective structure 60 can be adjusted by designing the size and number of the first and / or second grooves, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0064] For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the solenoid valve further includes an electromagnetic drive unit 70, which is located on the side of the floating ring 50 away from the main valve 20, and includes structures such as an armature 71 and an armature rod 72; the armature 71 is located on the side of the floating ring 50 away from the main valve 20, and includes a first armature through hole 71A that penetrates the armature 71 along a first direction R1, the armature rod 72 extends along the first direction R1 and penetrates the first armature through hole 71A, the end of the armature rod 72 near the valve stem 40 is a valve stem connection end 721, the floating ring 50 includes a floating ring opening 50A, and the valve stem connection end 721 is connected to the first mating part 42 through the floating ring opening 50A.

[0065] For example, as shown in Figure 3, at least a portion of the first mating part 42 can extend into the floating ring opening 50A, so that the valve stem connection end 721 can be connected to the first mating part 42 within the floating ring opening 50A. At this time, the floating ring opening 50A can restrict the displacement of the valve stem connection end 721 and the first mating part 42 along the second direction R2, while the armature rod part 72 and the valve stem 40 can move along the first direction R1.

[0066] For example, Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a valve stem provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13 shows a top view of the valve stem in Figure 12, Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve stem in Figure 13 along line CC, and Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the valve stem and armature rod portion. As shown in Figures 12-15, the first mating portion 42 of the valve stem 40 may include a connecting groove 421 for connecting with the valve stem connecting end 721 of the armature rod portion 72. For example, the diameter of the connecting groove 421 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the valve stem connecting end 721 of the armature rod portion 72.

[0067] For example, as shown in Figures 12-15, the first mating part 42 may further include an opening 422 communicating with the connecting groove 421, and the opening 422 communicating with the pilot valve cavity C1. Thus, the opening 422 can ensure the communication between the pilot valve cavity C1 and the connecting groove 421, preventing fluid from being squeezed into the connecting groove 421.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figures 12-15, the linear rod portion 41 of the valve stem 40 can be columnar, such as cylindrical, and in other embodiments, it can also be prismatic, etc.; for example, the thickened portion 43 of the valve stem 40 is also columnar, such as cylindrical, and in other embodiments, it can also be prismatic, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific shape of the valve stem 40.

[0069] For example, as shown in FIG3, the electromagnetic drive unit 70 may further include an armature support 73, the armature support 73 including a second armature through hole 73A extending through the armature support 73 along a first direction R1, the armature rod portion 72 extending through the second armature through hole 73A along the first direction R1, and the floating ring 50 located between the armature support 73 and the main valve 20.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figure 3, a preload spring F1 can be provided between the armature support 73 and the floating ring 50. For example, the floating ring 50 includes a plate-shaped portion 51 and an annular portion 52; a floating ring opening 50A is provided in the plate-shaped portion 51, and a first spring groove is provided on the side of the plate-shaped portion 51 near the armature support 73 and the side of the armature support 73 near the floating ring 50, respectively. The preload spring F1 can be disposed within this first spring groove. When the preload spring F1 is in a compressed state, a force towards the main valve 20 can be applied to the floating ring 50, i.e., a downward force as shown in Figure 3.

[0071] For example, as shown in Figure 3, a return spring F2 can be provided between the armature support 73 and the armature 71 to provide a return force. For example, a second spring groove is provided on the side of the armature support 73 near the armature 71 and on the side of the armature 71 near the armature support 73, and the return spring F2 can be disposed in the second spring groove.

[0072] For example, the armature support 73 is configured to apply a force away from the main valve 20 to the floating ring 50 when it is magnetized, i.e., an upward force as shown in the figure. Thus, when the electromagnetic drive unit is not malfunctioning, the armature support 73 is magnetized and applies a force away from the main valve 20 to the floating ring 50. This force overcomes the elastic force of the preload spring F1, causing the floating ring 50 to move away from the main valve 20, thereby preventing the floating ring 50 from pressing against the safety gasket 62. At this time, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve is related to the drive current, thus the damping of the solenoid valve can be controlled by controlling the drive current.

[0073] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the electromagnetic drive unit may also include a magnetic shielding ring 74 and an electromagnet 75; the magnetic shielding ring 74 is sleeved on the armature 71 and the armature 72, and the electromagnet 75 is located between the magnetic shielding ring 74 and the third housing 13, configured to apply electromagnetic force.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the solenoid valve also includes a second housing 12, which is connected to the first housing 11. The second housing 12 and the main valve 20 are spaced apart to form a second fluid channel T2 that connects the protection structure 60 and the first fluid channel T1. The floating ring 50, the pilot valve cavity C1 and the first mating part 42 are located in the space surrounded by the second housing 12.

[0075] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be separate structures that are then sealed together. For example, a portion of the first housing 11 can be fitted onto the outside of the second housing 12 and connected by means of crimping or threaded connection.

[0076] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the solenoid valve also includes a third housing 13, which is connected to the second housing 12, for example, by crimping or threaded connection. At least a portion of the armature 71, armature rod 72, magnetic shielding ring 74, electromagnet 75, and armature support 73 are located within the space surrounded by the third housing 13.

[0077] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the solenoid valve also includes an end cap 14 and an upper cavity C3. The end cap 14 is located on the side of the armature 71 away from the armature support 73. The upper cavity C3 is located between the armature 71 and the end cap 14. Fluid in the pilot valve cavity C1 can flow into the upper cavity C3, and fluid in the upper cavity C3 can also flow into the pilot valve cavity C1, thereby providing a fluid circuit so that the pressure of the two cavities can be balanced, thereby improving the stability of the solenoid valve. For example, a return spring F3 is also provided between the end cap 14 and the armature 71 to provide a return force.

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the solenoid valve also includes an overflow valve seat 80, which includes an inlet 81, an outlet 82, and a partition 83 located between the inlet 81 and the outlet 82; the inlet 81 and the outlet 82 can also serve as the inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve. For example, the main valve core 21 is configured to be movable in a first direction R1, such that the second annular valve body portion 212 of the main valve core 21 and the partition 133 form an overflow valve port O2.

[0079] For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the solenoid valve is in normal operating condition, the armature support 73 in the electromagnetic drive unit 70 is magnetized, applying a force away from the main valve 20 to the floating ring 50. This overcomes the elastic force of the preload spring F1, causing the floating ring 50 to no longer press against the protective structure 60. At this time, the working fluid entering from the inlet 81 can enter the pilot valve chamber C1 through the pilot valve port O1, and then flow into the first fluid channel T1 through the gap between the floating ring 50 and the main valve 20. After the pressure in the pilot valve chamber C1 is balanced with the pressure in the main valve 20, the main valve core 21 will move away from the overflow valve seat 80, causing the second annular valve body 212 of the main valve core 21 and the separator 133 to form the overflow valve port O2, which is then opened. During this process, the size of the pilot valve port O1 can be adjusted by the electromagnetic drive unit 70, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the overflow valve port O2 and thus adjusting the damping of the solenoid valve.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first fluid channel T1 can be connected to the outlet 82 to allow fluid to flow out.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the solenoid valve may also include a stop spring F2, which is disposed between the first housing 11 and the main valve core 21. Thus, the stop spring F2 can prevent the overflow valve seat 80 from loosening under various operating conditions, and provides space to adjust the gap between the overflow valve seat 80 and the main valve core 21, and supports the aforementioned first fluid passage T1.

[0082] For example, in some examples, the stop spring F2 may include a corrugated plate. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the solenoid valve, and the openings on the corrugated plate can form a stop edge, providing a fluid passage. Additionally, the corrugated plate has a low overall height and can compress a relatively large distance.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the solenoid valve may further include a pressure-reducing structure 90, at least a portion of which is disposed within the main valve core cavity 214. The pressure-reducing structure 90 is configured to reduce the pressure of fluid entering the solenoid valve via the inlet 81. For example, in some examples, the pressure-reducing structure 90 may include structures such as springs and gaskets; the embodiments of this disclosure do not specifically limit this. Of course, in other embodiments, the pressure-reducing structure 90 may not be provided, and the fluid may directly enter the solenoid valve via the inlet 81.

[0084] In summary, the solenoid valve provided in this embodiment can adjust the pressure within the pilot valve in a balanced state through the cooperation of the pilot valve body and the valve stem, achieving continuous pressure adjustment of the solenoid valve. Furthermore, the solenoid valve can efficiently achieve safety in case of failure through a protective structure, making the solenoid valve safer and more reliable. In addition, the structure of this solenoid valve is relatively simple, reducing costs and improving reliability.

[0085] At least one embodiment of this disclosure also provides a shock absorber, which can be a shock absorber for mechanical equipment, such as a shock absorber for a vehicle. The shock absorber includes any of the solenoid valves provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. In this shock absorber, the solenoid valve provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be used as both a compression valve and a recovery valve.

[0086] Therefore, this shock absorber can achieve continuously adjustable damping under the drive of the operating current, and can also maintain safety in the event of power failure or actuator failure, thereby ensuring basic driving and handling safety. Furthermore, the shock absorber provided in this embodiment also possesses all the technical effects of the solenoid valve provided in this embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0087] The following points also need to be explained:

[0088] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0089] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure is enlarged or reduced, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0090] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0091] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A solenoid valve, characterized in that, include: A main valve assembly includes a first housing and a main valve located within the first housing, wherein the main valve includes a main valve port, and the first housing and the main valve are spaced apart to form a first fluid passage; and a pilot valve assembly includes: a pilot valve body disposed in the main valve port, including a through hole extending through the pilot valve body in a first direction, wherein the through hole has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the first direction; a valve stem extending in the first direction and passing through the through hole, configured to be movable in the first direction, including a linear rod portion located within the through hole and a first mating portion at least partially located outside the first end of the through hole; a floating ring located on a first side of the main valve, configured to be movable in the first direction, wherein the floating ring and the main valve form a pilot valve cavity, and at least a portion of the first mating portion is located within the pilot valve cavity; and a protective structure configured to connect the pilot valve cavity to the first fluid passage through the protective structure when the floating ring moves to the position closest to the main valve.

2. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating portion is conical, and the diameter of the cone gradually increases along the direction away from the through hole, and the diameter of at least a portion of the cone is greater than the diameter of the through hole; the valve stem is configured to move controllably along the first direction such that the first mating portion and the pilot valve body form a pilot valve port at the first end, and the through hole communicates with the pilot valve cavity via the pilot valve port.

3. The solenoid valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pilot valve body includes a first mating surface at the first end that mates with the conical surface, and the valve stem is configured to move controllably along the first direction to control the distance between the conical surface and the first mating surface, thereby controlling the size of the pilot valve orifice.

4. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main valve includes: a main valve body, comprising a first plate-shaped valve body portion and a first annular valve body portion located at the edge of the first plate-shaped valve body portion, wherein the first plate-shaped valve body portion and the first annular valve body portion form a main valve body cavity, and the first fluid passage is located between the first housing and the first annular valve body portion; and a main valve core, at least partially disposed within the main valve body cavity, comprising a second plate-shaped valve body portion and a second annular valve body portion located at the edge of the second plate-shaped valve body portion, wherein the second plate-shaped valve body portion and the second annular valve body portion form a main valve core cavity.

5. The solenoid valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first plate-shaped valve body portion includes a first sub-through hole, and the second plate-shaped valve body portion includes a second sub-through hole. The through hole includes the first sub-through hole and the second sub-through hole. The end of the valve stem away from the first mating portion includes a thickened portion adapted to the second sub-through hole. The diameter of the thickened portion is larger than the diameter of the linear rod portion.

6. The solenoid valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second plate-shaped valve body portion and the first plate-shaped valve body portion are spaced apart in the first direction to form an intermediate cavity. The pilot valve body also includes a radial connecting hole that connects the through hole and the intermediate cavity, and the valve stem passes through the radial connecting hole.

7. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pilot valve assembly further includes a protective gasket located between the main valve and the floating ring, the floating ring being configured to controllably press the protective gasket against the main valve, the protective structure including at least one notch on the protective gasket; and / or the protective structure including a first groove on the main valve near the floating ring; and / or the protective structure including a second groove on the floating ring near the main valve.

8. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pilot valve assembly further includes a protective gasket and a support gasket located between the main valve and the floating ring. The support gasket is located on the side of the protective gasket closer to or further away from the floating ring. The floating ring is configured to controllably press the protective gasket and the support gasket against the main valve. The protective structure includes at least one notch on the protective gasket. The support gasket is annular.

9. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an electromagnetic drive unit, wherein the electromagnetic drive unit is located on the side of the floating ring away from the main valve, and includes: an armature, located on the side of the floating ring away from the main valve, including a first armature through hole extending through the armature in the first direction, and an armature rod portion extending in the first direction and extending through the first armature through hole, wherein the end of the armature rod portion near the valve stem is a valve stem connection end, the floating ring includes a floating ring opening, and the valve stem connection end is connected to the first mating part through the floating ring opening.

10. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second housing is connected to the first housing and forms a second fluid channel with the main valve, which communicates the protective structure and the first fluid channel. The floating ring, the pilot valve cavity, and the first mating part are located in the space surrounded by the second housing.

11. A vibration damper, characterized in that, Includes the solenoid valve described in any one of claims 1-10.

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