Solenoid valve assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electromagnetic valve assembly. The electromagnetic valve assembly comprises an upper housing, a lower housing and one or more electromagnetic valves, the upper housing and the lower housing are distributed along the axial direction and are fixed together, the first end of each electromagnetic valve is fixed to the upper housing, the second end of each electromagnetic valve is inserted into the lower housing, each electromagnetic valve further comprises a shaft shoulder which surrounds the radial outer side of the corresponding second end and faces the lower housing, the electromagnetic valve assembly further comprises one or more elastic members, each elastic member surrounds the radial outer side of the corresponding electromagnetic valve and is compressed between the corresponding shaft shoulder and the lower housing, the main body section of each elastic member is formed as an annular section which abuts the corresponding shaft shoulder along the axial direction, the inner side section extends away from the shaft shoulder from the inner periphery of the main body section and is fixed to the outer side wall of the electromagnetic valve, and the outer side section extends away from the shaft shoulder from the outer periphery of the main body section and elastically abuts the lower housing. The electromagnetic valve assembly of the utility model has an improved structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solenoid valve technology. Specifically, this utility model relates to a solenoid valve assembly with an improved assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] Solenoid valves are components used to control fluid circuits. In applications such as Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), solenoid valves can be used to control hydraulic systems that actuate clutches. In these systems, one or more solenoid valves can be mounted on a common housing to form a solenoid valve assembly. One end of each solenoid valve is rigidly fixed to the upper housing, while the other end is mounted to the lower housing via, for example, a seal. To secure the other end, which may become loose, in the prior art, a coil spring or disc spring is typically used to press this end of the solenoid valve against the lower housing, thereby achieving a seal in the fluid circuit and damping the solenoid valve.

[0003] For conventional helical springs, on the one hand, their axial dimension is too large, resulting in an excessively high overall design height, which is detrimental to the overall system layout. On the other hand, helical springs are also difficult to fix to solenoid valves. For conventional disc springs, their stiffness is generally too high, exceeding the installation requirements of solenoid valves in many applications. In addition, these disc springs are also not easy to fix to solenoid valves. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem that this utility model needs to solve is to provide an improved solenoid valve assembly.

[0005] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by a solenoid valve assembly according to the present invention. The solenoid valve assembly includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and one or more solenoid valves. The upper and lower housings are axially distributed and fixed together. Each solenoid valve includes a first end and a second end axially opposite each other and is axially mounted between the upper and lower housings. The first end of each solenoid valve is fixed to the upper housing, and the second end of each solenoid valve is inserted into the lower housing. Each solenoid valve also includes a shoulder surrounding the corresponding second end radially outward and facing the lower housing. The solenoid valve assembly also includes one or more elastic elements corresponding to the one or more solenoid valves. Each elastic element surrounds the corresponding solenoid valve radially outward and is pressed between the corresponding shoulder and the lower housing. Each elastic element includes a main body section, an inner section, and an outer section. The main body section of each elastic element is formed as an annular section abutting the corresponding shoulder axially. The inner section of each elastic element extends from the inner periphery of the corresponding main body section away from the corresponding shoulder and is fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding solenoid valve. The outer section of each elastic element extends from the outer periphery of the corresponding main body section away from the corresponding shoulder and elastically abuts the lower housing. This elastic element can be easily installed into the solenoid valve assembly. Through the elastic deformation of the elastic element, it can compensate for the installation tolerance between the solenoid valve and the housing, and also buffer vibration, thereby improving installation stability.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end edge of the outer segment of each elastic element facing away from the corresponding main body segment is axially further away from the corresponding main body segment than the end edge of the inner segment facing away from the corresponding main body segment, such that the inner segment of each elastic element does not contact the lower housing. The outer segment can achieve elastic contact, while the inner segment can be used to fix the elastic element.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner section of each elastic element can be formed as a complete ring closed circumferentially, and fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding solenoid valve by an interference fit. This allows for a simple fixation of the elastic element to the solenoid valve, and in particular, ensures stable positioning of the elastic element relative to the solenoid valve in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer segment of each elastic element may extend obliquely relative to the axial direction. This facilitates elastic deformation of the outer segment.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radius of the outer segment of each elastic member about its own central axis gradually increases in the direction away from the corresponding main body segment. This makes the radius of the end edge of the outer segment larger, thereby facilitating avoidance of the hole in the lower housing used to receive the solenoid valve.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end edge of the outer segment of each elastic member facing away from the corresponding main body segment can be formed as a rounded edge, and each elastic member elastically abuts against the lower housing through the rounded edge of the corresponding outer segment. This can reduce the friction of the contact surface and avoid stress concentration and wear.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solenoid valve assembly may further include a control plate for controlling the one or more solenoid valves, the control plate being fixed to the side of the upper housing opposite to the lower housing. This means that the elastic element is mounted on the end of the solenoid valve away from the control plate.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer segment of each elastic member can be formed as a complete ring closed circumferentially and abutting against the lower housing on the complete circumference of its end edge. This makes the outer segment form a complete conical cylinder.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer segment of each elastic member may include a plurality of notches spaced apart circumferentially, each notch being recessed from the end edge of the corresponding outer segment that abuts against the lower housing. The notches reduce the contact area between the elastic member and the lower housing, and can reduce the stiffness of the outer segment.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer segment of each elastic member can be formed as a plurality of tabs extending from the outer periphery of the corresponding main body segment and spaced apart circumferentially. The outer segment in the form of discrete tabs is more prone to elastic deformation. 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 perspective view of a solenoid valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 An exploded view of the solenoid valve assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 3a Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve assembly before the lower housing is installed.

[0019] Figure 3b Show Figure 1 The solenoid valve assembly shown is a cross-sectional view after the lower housing has been installed.

[0020] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the elastic element of the solenoid valve assembly shown; and

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the elastic element of a solenoid valve assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following describes specific embodiments of the solenoid valve assembly 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 its scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a solenoid valve assembly is provided. This solenoid valve assembly can be applied to control various fluid circuits, particularly fluid circuits in pneumatic or hydraulic systems, such as the solenoid valve system in a mechanical automatic transmission.

[0024] Figures 1 to 4 An exemplary embodiment of the solenoid valve assembly according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and an exploded view of the solenoid valve assembly according to this embodiment are shown respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this solenoid valve assembly mainly includes a solenoid valve 10, an upper housing 20, and a lower housing 30. The upper housing 20 and lower housing 30 are two independently formed components assembled together. In the assembled state, the upper housing 20 and lower housing 30 are distributed and fixed together axially (in the axial direction of the solenoid valve 10), thus forming a complete housing structure for mounting the solenoid valve 10. The upper housing 20 and lower housing 30 are typically fixed together by one or more fasteners 60 passing through them axially. The fasteners 60 can be, for example, screws or bolts. Depending on the specific application requirements, this solenoid valve assembly may include one or more solenoid valves 10 integrated from the upper housing 20 and lower housing 30, for example... Figure 2 Four solenoid valves 10 are schematically shown. The specific number of solenoid valves 10 does not constitute a limitation on this utility model. In the solenoid valve assembly, the structure and installation method of each solenoid valve 10 are basically the same. The following describes the installation method of each solenoid valve 10 with the housing for a single solenoid valve 10.

[0025] Figure 3a and Figure 3b They are shown respectively Figure 1The diagram shows cross-sectional views of a single solenoid valve 10 of the solenoid valve assembly before and after mounting on the lower housing 30. As shown, each solenoid valve 10 is mounted between the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 30 along its own axial direction. The axial direction of the solenoid valve 10 is also the direction of movement of its internal valve core. Each solenoid valve 10 includes two axially opposed ends, which may be referred to as a first end and a second end, respectively. The first end of each solenoid valve 10 is fixed to the upper housing 20 (e.g., by threads, adhesives, interference fits, etc.), while the second end is inserted into the lower housing 30, specifically into a hole in the lower housing 30. The second end of each solenoid valve 10 can be connected in the lower housing 30 to a fluid circuit (not shown) controlled by it. To achieve a seal between the second end and the lower housing 30, the second end is typically clearance-fitted to the lower housing 30 and this clearance is sealed by an elastic seal. The elastic deformation of the elastic seal allows the second end to wobble relative to the lower housing 30. The solenoid valve assembly may also include a control board 40 (e.g., a printed circuit board) for controlling these solenoid valves 10. The control panel 40 is fixed to the side of the upper housing 20 facing away from the lower housing 30 along the axial direction.

[0026] The solenoid valve assembly also includes one or more elastic elements 50 corresponding to each of the solenoid valves 10. The number of elastic elements 50 is the same as the number of solenoid valves 10. Each solenoid valve 10 has a uniquely corresponding elastic element 50. The elastic element 50 of each solenoid valve 10 is mounted at the second end of the solenoid valve 10 and is axially pressed between the solenoid valve 10 and the lower housing 30 in an elastically deformable state, thereby stabilizing the second end of the solenoid valve 10 and buffering vibration.

[0027] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in the detailed view on the right, each solenoid valve 10 has a shoulder 11 formed radially outward around the second end and facing the lower housing 30. The shoulder 11 may be formed as an annular end face extending approximately perpendicular to the axial direction. The shoulder 11 is axially close to the end face of the second end but offset towards the first end relative to the end face of the second end, such that the end face of the shoulder 11 is outside the hole receiving the second end. There is an axial clearance between the end face of the shoulder 11 and the lower housing 30 to accommodate the elastic element 50. Each elastic element 50 is radially outward around the second end of the corresponding solenoid valve 10, and when the solenoid valve 10 is assembled with the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 30, each elastic element 50 is axially pressed between the corresponding shoulder 11 and the lower housing 30.

[0028] Each elastic element 50 is generally annular and includes a main body section 51, an inner section 52, and an outer section 53. The elastic element 50 is a component formed of an elastic material, particularly an elastic metal material (e.g., spring steel), and its various parts are preferably integrally formed. The main body section 51 of each elastic element 50 is formed as a closed annular plate extending substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. In the installed state, the main body section 51 surrounds the second end and abuts against the corresponding shoulder 11 in the axial direction.

[0029] The inner segment 52 of each elastic element 50 extends from the inner periphery of the corresponding main body segment 51 toward the corresponding shoulder 11. In the installed state, the inner segment 52 abuts against and is fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding solenoid valve 10, thereby fixing the elastic element 50 to the solenoid valve 10 as well. The extension direction of the inner segment 52 is such that it extends substantially parallel to the outer wall of the solenoid valve 10, particularly parallel to the axial direction, which makes the inner segment 52 substantially conform to the outer wall of the solenoid valve 10. Preferably, the inner segment 52 of each elastic element 50 can be formed as a complete ring closed in the circumferential direction (the inner segment 52 is formed substantially coaxially with the main body segment 51) and fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding solenoid valve 10 by an interference fit.

[0030] The outer segment 53 of each elastic element 50 extends from the outer periphery of the main body segment 51 away from the corresponding shoulder 11. In the assembled state, the end edge of the outer segment 53 facing away from the shoulder 11 faces the lower housing 30 and abuts against the lower housing 30. At this time, the outer segment 53 is pressed between the shoulder 11 and the lower housing 30 in a state of elastic deformation, so that the end edge of the outer segment 53 elastically abuts against the lower housing 30. Due to this installation method of the elastic element 50, the second end of the solenoid valve 10 is constrained by the elastic element 50 in both the axial and perpendicular planes, making it less prone to wobbling relative to the lower housing 30, and the elastic element 50 can also buffer the vibration of the solenoid valve 10 relative to the housing when subjected to external impact.

[0031] like Figure 3b As shown, the outer segment 53 and inner segment 52 of each elastic element 50 have different extension lengths, resulting in different axial positions of their end edges facing away from the main body segment 51. Specifically, the end edge of the outer segment 53 is axially further away from the main body segment 51, and thus closer to the lower housing 30, than the end edge of the inner segment 52. In the assembled state, each elastic element 50 can only contact the lower housing 30 through the end edge of the outer segment 53, while the inner segment 52 cannot contact the lower housing 30. Therefore, only the outer segment 53 can provide preload and cushioning through elastic deformation, while the inner segment 52 only serves to connect the solenoid valve 10.

[0032] like Figure 3bAs shown, to facilitate elastic deformation of the outer segment 53, the outer segment 53 of each elastic member 50 preferably extends obliquely relative to the axial direction. This makes the outer segment 53 generally cylindrical. When the end edge of the outer segment 53 abuts against the lower housing 30, axial pressure can change the radius of the cylindrical outer segment 53, thereby producing elastic deformation. Preferably, to avoid the hole for receiving the second end, the radius of the outer segment 53 of each elastic member 50 about its own central axis can gradually increase in the direction away from the main body segment 51. This makes the radius of the outer segment 53 larger at the end edge, and the end edge can abut against the side surface of the lower housing 30 radially outside the hole. When subjected to axial pressure, the radius of the end edge will further increase. The deformability of the elastic member 50 is mainly affected by the radial dimensional relationship between the outer segment 53 and the main body segment 51 and the oblique angle of the outer segment 53. The predetermined deformation state of the elastic member 50 can be controlled by adjusting these two factors.

[0033] As previously described, each elastic element 50 elastically abuts against the lower housing 30 via the end edge of its outer segment 53 facing away from the main body segment 51. When the elastic element 50 elastically deforms, the end edge of the outer segment 53 may move along the surface of the lower housing 30. To avoid friction, stress concentration, and possible planing phenomena on the contact surface, the end edge of the outer segment 53 facing away from the main body segment 51 (i.e., facing the lower housing 30) may be formed with a rounded edge. Each elastic element 50 elastically abuts against the lower housing 30 via the rounded edge of its outer segment 53, thereby effectively reducing wear and stress concentration.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the elastic element 50 of the solenoid valve assembly is shown. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer segment 53 of each elastic member 50 is formed as a complete ring closed in the circumferential direction. In this case, the end edge of the outer segment 53 that abuts against the lower housing 30 forms a complete circumference. Therefore, the outer segment 53 will abut against the lower housing 30 on the complete circumference of its end edge. This shape of the outer segment 53 is simple in structure and easy to process. At the same time, this outer segment 53 has greater structural strength and stiffness, which may result in the elastic member 50 being less prone to deformation in the assembled state.

[0035] In some cases, it may be desirable for the elastic element 50 to have a greater elastic deformation capacity at approximately the same size. In this case, the stiffness of the outer segment 53 can be reduced by forming several notches on the outer segment 53. Figure 5 It shows the relationship with Figures 1 to 4 Another embodiment that differs from the previous one. Figure 5The difference between the illustrated embodiment and the previous embodiment is that the elastic member 50 has multiple notches spaced circumferentially on the outer segment 53. These notches preferably have substantially the same shape and size and are evenly distributed circumferentially. Each notch is recessed by a certain dimension from the end edge of the outer segment 53 that abuts against the lower housing 30. Due to the presence of these notches, the end edge of the outer segment 53 cannot form a complete, circumferentially closed annular edge, but rather discrete edge segments spaced circumferentially. The outer segment 53 abuts against the lower housing 30 only on the discrete edge segments between the notches. The length of the end edge is thus reduced. At the same time, the portion of the outer segment 53 near the end edge is more prone to elastic deformation. Figure 5 As shown, in the extreme case, each notch can extend all the way to the outer periphery of the main body segment 51, such that the outer segment 53 is completely divided by these notches into a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs, each tab extending from the outer periphery of the main body segment 51. As previously mentioned, these tabs preferably have substantially the same shape and size and are uniformly distributed circumferentially. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffness of the outer segment 53 can be altered by controlling the shape and size ratio (particularly the circumferential size ratio) of the notch and the tab, thereby allowing the outer segment 53 to elastically deform in a desired manner. It should be noted that regardless of whether a notch is formed on the outer segment 53, the outer segment 53 is an arcuate sidewall that extends substantially coaxially with the main segment 51.

[0036] In the solenoid valve assembly according to this utility model, the solenoid valve is mounted between the upper and lower housings via a novel elastic element. The elastic element not only secures the solenoid valve relative to the housing through elastic deformation, but also cushions vibrations through elastic deformation, preventing the solenoid valve from loosening or falling off. The elastic parameters of the elastic element can be adjusted by adding notches, making it easy to design. This elastic element has a simple structure, facilitating installation in smaller spaces and simplifying manufacturing and installation.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Appendix Label Table

[0039] 10. Solenoid valve

[0040] 11 Shoulder

[0041] 20 Upper shell

[0042] 30 Lower housing

[0043] 40 Control Panel

[0044] 50 elastic elements

[0045] 51 Main body section

[0046] 52 Inner section

[0047] 53. Outer segment

[0048] 60 Fasteners

Claims

1. A solenoid valve assembly comprising an upper housing (20), a lower housing (30), and one or more solenoid valves (10), the upper housing (20) and the lower housing (30) being axially distributed and fixed together, each solenoid valve (10) comprising an axially opposed first end and a second end and being axially mounted between the upper housing (20) and the lower housing (30), the first end of each solenoid valve (10) being fixed to the upper housing (20), the second end of each solenoid valve (10) being inserted into the lower housing (30), and each solenoid valve (10) further comprising a shoulder (11) surrounding the corresponding second end radially outward and facing the lower housing (30), characterized in that, The solenoid valve assembly further includes one or more elastic elements (50) corresponding to the one or more solenoid valves (10), each elastic element (50) surrounding the radially outer side of the corresponding solenoid valve (10) and pressing between the corresponding shoulder (11) and the lower housing (30). Each elastic element (50) includes a main body section (51), an inner section (52) and an outer section (53). The main body section (51) of each elastic element (50) is formed as an annular section abutting the corresponding shoulder (11) axially. The inner section (52) of each elastic element (50) extends from the inner periphery of the corresponding main body section (51) away from the corresponding shoulder (11) and is fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding solenoid valve (10). The outer section (53) of each elastic element (50) extends from the outer periphery of the corresponding main body section (51) away from the corresponding shoulder (11) and elastically abuts the lower housing (30).

2. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer end edge of the outer segment (53) of each elastic element (50) facing away from the corresponding main body segment (51) is axially further away from the corresponding main body segment (51) than the inner end edge of the outer segment (52) facing away from the corresponding main body segment (51), such that the inner segment (52) of each elastic element (50) does not contact the lower housing (30).

3. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner section (52) of each elastic element (50) is formed as a complete ring closed in the circumferential direction and is fixed to the outer wall of the corresponding solenoid valve (10) by interference fit.

4. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer segment (53) of each elastic element (50) extends obliquely relative to the axial direction.

5. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radius of the outer segment (53) of each elastic element (50) about its own central axis gradually increases in the direction away from the corresponding main body segment (51).

6. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer side segment (53) of each elastic member (50) has a rounded edge at the end facing away from the corresponding main body segment (51), and each elastic member (50) elastically abuts against the lower housing (30) through the rounded edge of the corresponding outer side segment (53).

7. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solenoid valve assembly also includes a control board (40) for controlling the one or more solenoid valves (10), the control board (40) being fixed to the side of the upper housing (20) facing away from the lower housing (30).

8. The solenoid valve assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The outer segment (53) of each elastic element (50) is formed as a complete ring closed in the circumferential direction and abuts against the lower housing (30) on the complete circumference of the end edge.

9. The solenoid valve assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, Each elastic element (50) has an outer segment (53) including a plurality of notches spaced circumferentially, each notch being recessed from the end edge of the corresponding outer segment (53) that abuts the lower housing (30).

10. The solenoid valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer segment (53) of each elastic element (50) is formed as a plurality of protrusions that extend from the outer periphery of the corresponding main body segment (51) and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

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