AN ELECTROMAGNETIC VALVE

Abstract

The present invention provides an electromagnetic valve to prevent the escape of a fluid into a valve body and to protect its components from thermal overload. The valve (200) comprises a valve body (202) having at least one inlet port (204) and one outlet port (206), and a diaphragm (210) configured to move between a closed position, in which the diaphragm (210) closes a passage between the inlet port (204) and the outlet port (206), and an open position, in which the diaphragm (210) allows a fluid to flow through the passage. The valve (200) comprises an electromagnet (214) with a plunger (216) coupled to the diaphragm (210) so that when the electromagnet (214) is in an energized state, the plunger (216) is pulled away from the diaphragm (210) to allow the diaphragm (210) to move into the open position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to electromagnetic valves. In particular, the present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve configured to prevent fluid from escaping into its valve body and to protect its components from thermal overload. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electromagnetic valve, also called a solenoid valve, consists of a housing with inlet and outlet ports, an electromagnetic coil, a movable plunger or armature, and a sealing mechanism. In its standard state (de-energized), the valve remains closed, with the plunger held against a sealing seat by a spring, thus preventing the flow of liquid or gas. When an electric current is applied to the coil (energized state), the coil generates a magnetic field that pulls the plunger or armature away from the sealing seat, allowing liquid or gas to flow from the inlet port to the outlet port.This rapid response to electrical signals enables precise control of liquid and gas flow in applications ranging from industrial automation to consumer appliances, automobiles and medical devices, offering reliability, fast operation and suitability for remote control and automation systems.

[0003] An electric changeover valve (EUV) is a type of solenoid valve typically used in control systems for liquids and gases. A conventional EUV contains an electric actuator to redirect flow in pipelines or systems. The EUV is usually housed in a valve casing with inlet and outlet ports and is actuated by an electric motor, electromagnet, or similar actuator that responds to electrical signals. This actuator moves internal components, such as rotary discs, balls, or plungers, to change the flow paths as needed. EUVs are used in various industries due to their precise control capabilities, enabling the automation of processes ranging from industrial manufacturing and refrigeration systems to automotive applications and liquid handling in chemical plants.Due to their reliability, precision and integration into automatic control units, they are essential for efficient fluid management and the operation of systems.

[0004] In practice, EUVs have been shown to frequently fail for two reasons: fluid ingress and thermal stress. Fluid ingress occurs when an EUV is connected to a water or coolant pump, allowing fluids such as coolant to enter and cause short circuits. This fluid ingress can trigger exothermic reactions that damage the insulation of the electromagnetic coils within the EUV, leading to short circuits. The conductive properties of the coolant exacerbate this problem by promoting electromigration and increasing coil temperatures, further compromising insulation integrity and ultimately resulting in short circuits. These shortcomings of conventional EUVs are compounded by the slow response times of the actuators when closing the EUV.Furthermore, thermal stresses resulting from the EUV's internal components being exposed to moisture can damage these components, especially the coils and actuators, ultimately leading to the EUV's failure.

[0005] In the past, efforts have been made to prevent the leakage of liquid into electromagnetic valves. For example, patent CN202691241U describes an electromagnetic valve used to control the water inlet and wastewater outlet in a water treatment machine. This valve consists of a vertically arranged bushing and an array of valve diaphragms, between which a spring is located in a cavity. This spring presses on the valve diaphragm array and assists in sealing the valve after closing. However, the valve described in this patent is unable to prevent water from entering the valve body during closure. Furthermore, the spring's preload on the valve diaphragm array results in a slow response time when closing the valve.Furthermore, the electromagnetic arrangement and iron core in this electromagnetic valve are susceptible to damage and thermal overload, as the electronic components of the valve are exposed to moisture caused by the ingress of water / coolant into the valve.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a reliable solution that overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of conventional electromagnetic valves. Furthermore, it is necessary to reliably prevent the leakage of fluids within an electromagnetic valve while simultaneously protecting the valve's internal components from thermal overload. ITEMS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0007] A general object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic valve configured to prevent the unwanted ingress of fluids into its valve body.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic valve that is able to effectively protect its internal components from damage and thermal overload.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-efficient and reliable electromagnetic valve that can be used in vacuum-operated fluid supply systems.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric switching valve configured to redirect the flow of a fluid or gas between different paths. SUMMARY

[0011] Aspects of the present invention relate to an electromagnetic valve designed to prevent the ingress of water or coolant into the valve in its closed state, thereby protecting the valve's internal components from damage and malfunction. In one aspect, the electromagnetic valve comprises a valve body with at least one inlet port and one outlet port, and a diaphragm attached to the valve body to seal a passage between the at least one inlet port and the outlet port. The diaphragm is configured to move between a closed position, in which the diaphragm seals the passage between the at least one inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position, in which the diaphragm allows a fluid to flow through the passage between the at least one inlet port and the outlet port.The electromagnetic valve includes an electromagnet with a plunger coupled to the diaphragm, so that when the electromagnet is in an excited state, the plunger is pulled away from the diaphragm to allow the diaphragm to move into the open position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic valve can include a first spring arranged between the diaphragm and the valve body to bias the diaphragm towards the closed position. The diaphragm and the first spring can be configured such that, when the electromagnet is energized, the first spring only allows the diaphragm to move into the open position if the pressure of the fluid in the passage exceeds a predefined pressure value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic valve can include a second spring arranged between the plunger and the valve body to bias the plunger towards the diaphragm, so that the second spring pushes the plunger and the diaphragm into the closed position when the electromagnet is in a non-excited state.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic valve can have a port connected to a vacuum pump, which is configured to release the pressure from the passage when actuated, if the diaphragm is in the open position in the excited state of the electromagnet, so that the diaphragm automatically moves from the open position to the closed position after actuating the vacuum pump.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first spring can be designed such that it only allows the movement of the diaphragm towards the open position when the tensile force on the piston generated by the excitation of the electromagnet is greater than the pneumatic force generated by the pressure of the fluid present in the passage after actuation of the vacuum pump.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second spring assists the first spring to move the diaphragm from the open to the closed position when the electromagnet is de-energized, in order to prevent fluid from entering the passage from the at least one inlet port and the outlet port.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic valve may contain a soft epoxy layer covering an exposed section of one or more electronic components of the electromagnetic valve within the valve body to electrically isolate the electromagnet and plunger from the exposed section of one or more electronic components.

[0018] In one embodiment, the soft epoxy layer can consist of a resin material to prevent one or more electronic components from being exposed to the ingress of liquid into the valve housing.

[0019] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present invention and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows different representations of a typical electric electromagnet; Fig. Figures 2A to 2C show various exemplary representations of an electromagnetic valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary perspective view of a diaphragm of the electromagnetic valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary perspective view of a first spring of the electromagnetic valve for pre-tensioning the diaphragm in its closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a plunger of the electromagnetic valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows exemplary representations of the diaphragm coupled to the piston according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 shows an exemplary representation of the electromagnetic valve in an exhaust gas coolant system of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] A detailed description of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to ensure the invention is clearly understandable. However, this level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0022] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows cross-sectional views of a conventional electromagnet having a valve body 102 with an inlet port 104, an outlet port 106, and a vacuum port 108. The solenoid valve contains an electromagnet with coils 110 and a movable armature 112 connected to a valve element biased away from the inlet port 104 by a spring 114. When the coils 110 are energized by an electric current, the armature 112 moves to close and seal a valve seat at the inlet port 104 of the valve body 102 with its valve element. The solenoid valve can function as a normally open valve, with a passage between the inlet port 104 and the outlet port 106 remaining open when the coils 110 are de-energized, as shown in Figure 1B. Fig. Figure 1A shows this type of electromagnet. It is commonly used in the oil circuits of motor vehicle engines to accelerate the engine's warm-up phase. When the engine is started, the excitation of the coils 110 sets the armature 112 in motion, sealing the valve seat, as shown in Figure 1A. Fig. Figure 1B shows a configuration that allows for rapid heating of the engine oil. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, the solenoid valve is deactivated to open the valve seat, allowing coolant to flow from the inlet port 104 to the outlet port 106. When the coils 110 are energized, the valve element seals the valve seat and prevents the flow of coolant (liquid) 116 from the inlet port 104 to the outlet port 106. In this configuration, excess air or pressure generated at the outlet port 106 can be vented to the external environment via the vacuum port 108 with the assistance of a vacuum pump.

[0023] However, the conventional solenoid valve is susceptible to backflow of coolant 118 through the outlet port 106 when the coils 110 are energized, especially when the outlet port 106 is connected to a coolant pump. Furthermore, when the coils 110 are de-energized, the movement of the armature 112 can cause a small amount of coolant to enter the valve body 102. This coolant ingress triggers exothermic reactions that can damage the insulation of the coils 110 and lead to short circuits. The conductive properties of the coolant exacerbate this problem by promoting electromigration and increasing the temperatures in the coils 110, further compromising the integrity of the insulation and ultimately leading to short circuits.Furthermore, thermal stresses caused by components inside the valve housing 102 being exposed to moisture can damage these parts, especially the coils 110 and the armature 112, ultimately leading to a failure of the electromagnet.

[0024] The embodiments described here relate to an electromagnetic valve that is able to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings and deficiencies of conventional solenoid valves by effectively preventing the ingress of water or coolant into the valve body and protecting the components located in the valve body from dust, moisture or foreign matter.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of an electromagnetic valve 200 (here also simply referred to as "valve 200") according to an embodiment of the present invention. The valve 200 comprises a valve body 202 with at least one inlet port 204 and one outlet port 206. In one embodiment, the valve body 202 may have a single inlet port 204. In another embodiment, the valve body 202 may have multiple inlet ports 204, and the valve 200 is configured to switch the flow of fluids flowing through the inlet ports 204 toward the outlet port 206. The valve 200 may have a vacuum port 208 through which a vacuum pump can discharge pressure or excess fluid present in the valve body 202 into an external environment. Fig. 2B and Fig. Figure 2C shows cross-sectional views of the electromagnetic valve 200, which can be used in a system to switch a fluid flow from one pipeline to another.

[0026] The valve 200 comprises a diaphragm 210 which is connected to the valve body 202 to isolate a passage between the at least one inlet port 204 and the outlet port 206. The diaphragm 210 is configured to move between a closed position, as shown in Fig. 2B shown, in which the diaphragm 210 closes the passage between the at least one inlet port 204 and the outlet port 206, and an open position, as in Fig. 2C shown, in which the diaphragm 210 allows a fluid to flow through the passage between the at least one inlet port 204 and the outlet port 206. The valve 200 can include a first spring 212 arranged between the diaphragm 210 and the valve body 202 to move the diaphragm 210 into the position shown in Fig. The first spring 212 is used to pre-tension the diaphragm 210 to the closed position shown in Figure 2B, in which it closes the passage between the at least one inlet port 204 and the outlet port 206. The first spring 212 pushes the diaphragm 210 into the closed position to prevent fluid from entering the passage through the outlet port 206.

[0027] The valve 200 also includes an electromagnet 214 with a plunger 216, which serves to couple with the diaphragm 210. In one embodiment, the plunger 216 is coupled to the diaphragm 210 such that, when the electromagnet 214 is in an energized state, the plunger 216 is pulled away from the diaphragm 210 to allow the diaphragm 210 to move into the open position, as shown in Fig. Figure 2C shows the diaphragm 210 allowing the fluid to flow between the at least one inlet port 204 and the outlet port 206. The diaphragm 210 and the first spring 212 can be configured such that, when the electromagnet 214 is energized, the first spring 212 only allows the diaphragm 210 to move into the open position if the pressure of the fluid in the passage exceeds a predefined pressure value, as a result of the movement of the plunger 216 (shown as an arrow in Figure 2C). Fig. 2C) due to a magnetic field generated in the excited state of electromagnet 214.

[0028] The valve 200 can also include a second spring 218, which is arranged between the plunger 216 and the valve body 202 to bias the plunger 216 towards the diaphragm 210, so that when the electromagnet 214 is de-energized, the second spring 218 pushes the plunger 216 and the diaphragm 210 to move the diaphragm 210 into the closed position. Thus, the valve 200 can be characterized as a "normally closed" solenoid valve, in which the ingress of fluid from one of the at least one inlet ports 204 and the outlet port 206 into the passage within the valve body 202 is effectively prevented when the electromagnet 214 is de-energized. The valve 200 allows the fluid to flow from the at least one inlet port 204 to the outlet port 206 only when an electric current is supplied to the electromagnet 214 to excite it.When the electromagnet 214 is in its excited state, the plunger 216 moves away from the diaphragm 210, so that the first spring 212 allows the diaphragm 210 to move towards the open position when the pressure of the fluid supplied into the passage through the at least one inlet port 204 is above the predefined pressure value.

[0029] The vacuum port 208 can be connected to a vacuum pump to discharge excess pressure from the passage to the external environment when the vacuum pump is actuated and the diaphragm 210 is in its open position, thus enabling pressure equalization within the passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the first spring 212 can be designed to allow movement of the diaphragm 210 towards the open position only when a tensile force on the plunger 216, generated by the excitation of the electromagnet 214, is greater than a pneumatic force generated by the pressure of the fluid present in the passage after actuation of the vacuum pump. When the electromagnet 214 is energized, the diaphragm 210 is in its open position, allowing fluid to flow from the at least one inlet port 204 to the outlet port 206.The electromagnet 214 can then be switched off to stop the fluid flow to the outlet port 206. In this case, the vacuum pump can be activated to release the excess pressure from the passage, allowing the first spring 212 to automatically move the diaphragm 210 from the open to the closed position. The second spring 218 is also configured to push the plunger 216 and the diaphragm 210 into their closed position, thereby assisting the first spring 212 and reducing its response time to move the diaphragm 210 into the closed position after the pressure within the passage has been equalized.This reduction in the response time of the first spring 212 allows the diaphragm 210 to move into the closed position in a significantly shorter time interval, thus preventing the ingress of fluid, such as coolant, water, and other liquids or gases, from one of the at least one inlet ports 204 and the outlet port 206 into the passage. The improved response time of the first spring 212 also enables efficient compensation of the pneumatic force during actuation of the vacuum pump, preventing faulty switching of the valve 200 due to an impermissible increase in the pulling force on the plunger 216 caused by excitation of the electromagnet 214. This effectively protects internal components, such as the electromagnet 214 and the plunger 216 located in the valve body 202, from damage or malfunction due to fluid leakage into the passage.These internal components can therefore be effectively protected against short-circuit, undercurrent, or overcurrent conditions.

[0030] The electromagnetic valve 200 can also include a soft epoxy layer 220 that covers exposed sections of one or more electronic components of the valve 200, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc., present in the valve body 202, in order to electrically insulate the internal components, including the electromagnet 214 and the plunger 216, from the exposed sections of the electronic components. The soft epoxy layer 220 can be made of a composite material consisting of a mixture of a resin and a hardener. The resin may have a higher thermal conductivity than air to ensure more efficient heat dissipation from the valve body 202. The resin of the soft epoxy layer 220 is able to effectively protect the electronic components from moisture caused by liquid ingress into the valve body 202.The soft epoxy resin layer 220 protects the internal components of the valve 200 from thermal overload. The diaphragm 210 is configured to move automatically into the closed position with a rapid response time when the electromagnet 214 is switched off, thus preventing liquid from entering the valve body 202. Furthermore, the soft epoxy resin layer 220 is configured to prevent a short circuit of the valve's internal components, even if a small amount of liquid enters the valve body 202.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary perspective view of the diaphragm 210. The diaphragm 210 can be made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer, to provide an effective seal of the passage in its closed position, while in the open position of the diaphragm 210 it allows the flow of fluid through the passage towards the outlet port 206. The diaphragm 210 can include a cap 302 formed integrally with a recessed section 304 that receives a tab (clearly shown in Figure 3). Fig. 6B (shown). Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary perspective view of the first spring 212, configured to bias the diaphragm 210 into its closed position and allowing movement of the diaphragm 210 into the open position only when the electromagnet 214 is energized. The first spring 212 can be selected from a helical spring, a torsion spring, a return spring, and the like. Similarly, the second spring 218 can be selected from a helical spring, a torsion spring, a return spring, and the like.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the plunger 216 can have the form of a plate having a first end 502 suitable for engaging or disengaging the tab formed in the recessed section 304 of the diaphragm 210, and a second end 504 that rests against one end of the second spring 218, the other end of which is attached to the valve body 202. The first end 502 of the plunger 216 can have a slot or cavity 506 with a profile corresponding to the dimensions of the tab of the recessed section 304 of the diaphragm 210. The plunger 216 can have a shape selected from a cuboid, a circular, an elongated shape, and the like. The configuration of the diaphragm 210 and the plunger 216 makes it possible to mount the valve 200 in both a horizontal and a vertical direction in a fluid supply system.

[0033] Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm 210 coupled to the plunger 216. A first end of the first spring 212 can be positioned over the recessed section 302 of the diaphragm 210, with the second end of the first spring 212 being rigidly coupled to the valve body 202. The recessed section 304 of the diaphragm 210 can be adapted to receive the plunger 216 such that the first end 502 of the plunger 216 contacts the tab 602, which, in the closed position of the diaphragm 210, is located within the recessed section 304, as shown in Figure 6B. Fig. Figure 6B shows this. In the de-energized state of the electromagnet 216, the second spring presses the plunger 216 so that it touches the tab 602 of the diaphragm 210, ensuring that the diaphragm 210 is normally in its closed position. When the electromagnet 214 is energized by the application of electric current, the plunger 216 moves away from the tab 602 of the diaphragm 210, allowing the diaphragm 210 to move into its open position. This occurs only if the tensile force exerted by the plunger 216 due to the excitation of the electromagnet 214 exceeds the pneumatic force of the fluid present in the passage.

[0034] Fig.Figure 7 shows the electromagnetic valve 200, which is used in an exhaust gas coolant system 700 of a vehicle. The valve 200 can function as a changeover valve, opening or closing an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve 702 of an EGR cooler 704 of the system 700. The EGR cooler 704, located downstream of the EGR valve 702, follows a compressor 706, which recirculates compressed exhaust gas into an intake manifold of the vehicle's combustion chamber 708. The valve 200 is crucial for controlling the ON and OFF states of a mechanical water pump and / or the EGR valve 702 in diesel-powered vehicles. Valve 200 effectively prevents coolant / water from escaping the water pump via outlet port 206, thus preventing valve failure due to short circuit and thermal overload.Furthermore, the valve 200 has a protective mechanism, namely a soft epoxy layer 220, which insulates its internal components from the exposed electronic components in the valve body 202. This protection prevents damage to the internal components, such as the electromagnet 214 and the plunger 216, by protecting the electronic components from moisture or a possible short circuit due to leaks at the outlet port 206.

[0035] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples, provided that they are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0036] The present invention provides an electromagnetic valve configured to prevent the unwanted ingress of liquids into a valve body.

[0037] The present invention provides an electromagnetic valve that is able to effectively protect its internal components from damage and thermal overload.

[0038] The present invention provides a cost-effective and reliable electromagnetic valve that can be used in vacuum-operated fluid supply systems.

[0039] The present invention provides an electric switching valve configured to redirect the flow of a fluid or gas between different paths. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202691241U

[0005]

Claims

[1] Electromagnetic valve (200) comprising the following: a valve body (202) with at least one inlet port (204) and one outlet port (206), a diaphragm (210) attached to the valve body (202) to isolate a passage between the at least one inlet port (204) and the outlet port (206), and configured to move between a closed position in which the diaphragm (210) closes the passage between the at least one inlet port (204) and the outlet port (206), and an open position in which the diaphragm (210) allows a fluid to flow through the passage between the at least one inlet port (204) and the outlet port (206); an electromagnet (214) with a plunger (216) coupled to the diaphragm (210) such that when the electromagnet (214) is in an excited state, the plunger (216) is pulled away from the diaphragm (210) so that the diaphragm (210) can move into the open position. [2] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 1, comprising a first spring (212) configured between the diaphragm (210) and the valve body (202) to bias the diaphragm (210) towards the closed position, wherein the diaphragm (210) and the first spring (212) are configured such that, in the excited state of the electromagnet (214), the first spring (212) allows the diaphragm (210) to move into the open position only when the pressure of the fluid in the passage is above a predefined pressure value. [3] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 1, comprising a second spring (218) configured between the piston (216) and the valve body (202) to bias the piston (216) towards the diaphragm (210) so that when the electromagnet (214) is in a non-excited state, the second spring pushes the piston (216) and the diaphragm (210) to move the diaphragm (210) into the closed position. [4] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 1, comprising a vacuum port (208) connected to a vacuum pump configured to release pressure from the passage when actuated, when the diaphragm (210) is in the open position in the excited state of the electromagnet (214), so that the diaphragm (210) automatically moves from the open position to the closed position after actuating the vacuum pump. [5] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 4, wherein the first spring (212) only allows movement of the diaphragm (210) in the direction of the open position when a tensile force on the piston (216) generated by excitation of the electromagnet (214) is greater than a pneumatic force generated by the pressure of the fluid present in the passage, after actuation of the vacuum pump. [6] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 3, wherein the second spring (218) assists the first spring (212) to move the diaphragm (210) from the open position to the closed position when the electromagnet (214) is de-energized, in order to prevent the fluid from entering the passage from one of the at least one inlet ports (204) and the outlet port (206). [7] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 1, comprising a soft epoxy layer (220) covering an exposed section of one or more electronic components of the electromagnetic valve (200) that are present inside the valve body (202) to electrically insulate the electromagnet (214) and the plunger (216) from the exposed section of one or more electronic components. [8] Electromagnetic valve (200) according to claim 7, wherein the soft epoxy layer (220) is formed from a resin material to prevent the one or more electronic components from being exposed to moisture generated by the penetration of the fluid into the valve body (202).

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