Fitting for use with a valve actuator and method for its manufacture

Abstract

A fitting is disclosed for use in a valve assembly associated with the actuation of a valve, for example, in fuel injectors, fuel cells, and / or fuel pumps. The fitting comprises a body with a first end having a flange and a shaft extending from the flange to a second end of the body. The second end includes a recessed surface configured to reduce the stress on the fitting during an impact. The fitting can be manufactured from a lower-strength, highly permeable material, thereby reducing residual magnetism in the fitting to aid unlocking and reduce delays at the end of injection.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to valve assemblies for valve actuation, for example in fuel injectors, fuel cells and / or fuel pumps, and in particular to valves and the manufacture of valves for use in the same. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Valves can be used in valve assemblies to actuate valves that utilize an electromagnet, for example, in fuel injectors, fuel cells, fuel pumps, and / or flow control devices. Valves can be manufactured by machining one or more blanks of metal material to form the valve in the desired configuration, dimensions, and surface finish. The machining process includes the manufacturing time spent on each valve component, as well as the energy consumed, material waste, and equipment cleanup. Valves assembled from multiple parts are therefore more expensive than valves manufactured from a single part.Furthermore, the valve assembly can cause delays in closing the fuel injectors at the end of the injection process because the valve material, which must be used to ensure the desired tensile strength within the valve assembly, exhibits residual magnetism. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in this area. DISCLOSURE OF ILLUSTRATIVE FORMS OF EXECUTION

[0003] In order to clearly, concisely, and precisely describe illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner and process of their manufacture and use, and to enable their practical application, manufacture, and use, reference is now made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those depicted in the figures, and specific language is used to describe them. It is understood, however, that this does not create any limitation of the scope of the invention and that the invention encompasses and protects such changes, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as would occur to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0004] A fitting for use in a valve assembly associated with the actuation of a valve, for example in fuel injectors, fuel cells, and / or fuel pumps, is disclosed. The fitting comprises a body with a first end having a flange and a shaft extending from the flange to a second end of the body. The second end includes a recessed surface configured to reduce the stress on the fitting during an impact. The fitting can be made of a lower-strength, highly permeable material, thereby reducing residual magnetism in the fitting to aid unlocking and reduce delays at the end of injection.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fitting is provided comprising a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The body includes a flange at the first end and a shaft extending from the flange. The shaft extends along the longitudinal axis from the flange to the second end of the body. The body includes a passage extending along the longitudinal axis. The passage opens at both the first and second ends of the body. The second end of the body includes an end surface extending around the passage. The end surface has a first portion extending around a second portion. The first portion of the end surface is flat, and the second portion of the end surface is recessed from the first portion toward the first end of the body.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a fitting for use in actuating a valve is provided. The method comprises a step of forming a monolithic metal body using a metal material and a metal injection molding process and / or a bar machining process. The monolithic metal body is configured to include a flange at a first end of the monolithic metal body and a shaft extending from the flange along a longitudinal axis. The shaft extends to a second end of the monolithic metal body, opposite the first end. A passage extending along the longitudinal axis opens at both the first and second ends of the monolithic metal body.

[0007] This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it meant to help define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which identical numbers denote identical parts in the different views, and wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective illustrating certain aspects of an armature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 a longitudinal section view of the fitting in Fig. 1 is. Fig. 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of part of the fitting in Fig. 1 is. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a metal injection molding process and / or bar machining process for the manufacture of a fitting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a process for forming a fitting using a metal injection molding process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, which includes the fitting made of Fig. 1 contains. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE FORMATIONS

[0009] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this description and illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure is implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure. It should be noted that other embodiments may also be used and structural modifications made without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be understood in a restrictive sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0010] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 are illustrations relating to a fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for a fitting and Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing the fitting 100 using a metal injection molding process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fuel injector 200 to illustrate an exemplary implementation of the fitting 100 in a valve 250 of a specific fuel injector. While the present disclosure describes certain configurations of the fuel injector 200 and / or the fitting 100, one or more of the features described in the present disclosure may be omitted, and other features are not excluded. The fitting 100 of the present disclosure can be used on any fuel injector, fuel cell, fuel pump, and / or flow control valve that is compatible with the features of the present disclosure.

[0011] As shown in these figures, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fitting 100 comprises a body 102 extending along a longitudinal axis L between a first end 104 and an opposite second end 106. The body 102 includes a flange 108 at the first end 104 and a shaft 110 extending from the flange 108. The shaft 110 extends along the longitudinal axis L from the flange 108 to the second end 106 of the body 102. The body 102 includes a passage 112 extending along the longitudinal axis L. The passage 112 opens at the first and second ends 104, 106 of the body 102. The second end 106 of the body 102 includes an end surface 114 extending around the passage 112. The end surface 114 has a first part 116 extending around a second part 118.The first part 116 of the end surface 114 is flat, and the second part 118 of the end surface 114 is set back from the first part 116 in the direction of the first end 104 of the body 102.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a method 400 for manufacturing a fitting 100 for use in actuating a valve is provided. The method 400 comprises a step 404 for forming a monolithic metal body 102 using a metal material and a metal injection molding process and / or a bar machining process. The monolithic metal body 102 is configured to include a flange 108 at the first end 104 of the monolithic metal body 102 and a shaft 110 extending from the flange 108 along the longitudinal axis L. The shaft 110 extends to the second end 106 of the monolithic metal body 102 opposite the first end 104. The passage 122 extends along the longitudinal axis L and opens at the first and second ends 104, 106 of the monolithic metal body 102.

[0013] With reference to the Fig. In embodiment 1-2, the fitting 100 comprises a body 102 extending along the longitudinal axis L from the first end 104 to the second end 106. The body 102 includes a flange 108 at the first end 104 and a shaft 110 extending from the flange 108 to the second end 106. The flange 108 extends radially outward and perpendicular to the shaft 110. The flange 108 includes an outer edge 120 forming a circular shape, with the flange 108 projecting radially outward from the passage 112 and the shaft 110 extending axially from one side of the flange 108. In one embodiment, the flange 108 is disk-shaped and the shaft 110 is cylindrical, and the passage 112 extends longitudinally through the flange 108 and the shaft 110 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0014] In one embodiment, the flange 108 comprises an outer diameter defined by the outer edge 120, which is larger than the largest outer diameter section defined by the outer surface of the shaft 110. The flange 108 comprises a plurality of slots 122 extending through the flange 108. Each of the plurality of slots 122 extends radially inward from the outer edge 120 of the flange 108 to an endpoint 124 of the corresponding slot 122. In one embodiment, the plurality of slots 122 comprises four slots 122 arranged at equal angular intervals around the flange 108.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flange 108 comprises an end surface at the first end 104 of the body 102, which includes an outer end surface portion 126 and a recessed end surface portion 128. The recessed end surface portion 128 extends around the passage 112, and the outer end surface portion 126 extends around the recessed end surface portion 128. The outer end surface portion 126 can be flat and / or have one or more surfaces 126a, 126b that are offset from one another.

[0016] The recessed end surface portion 128 at the first end 104 is radially spaced inwards from the outer end surface portion 126. The recessed end surface portion 128 is offset from the outer end surface portion 126 towards the second end 106 into the body 102. In one embodiment, the flange 108 also includes a second surface 132, which is opposite the outer end surface portion 126. The second surface 132 faces the second end 106 and extends radially outwards from the shaft 110. In one embodiment, several through holes 130 of the flange 108 extend through the outer end surface portion 126 and the second surface 132.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flange 108 comprises a first flange part 134 extending radially outward from the shaft 110 and having a first thickness t1 between the outer end face part 126 and the second surface 132. The flange 108 also comprises a second flange part 136 between adjacent pairs of slots 122. The second flange part 136 extends radially outward from the first flange part 134 to the outer edge 120 of the flange 108. The second flange part 136 tapers from the first thickness t1 to a second, smaller thickness t2 between the outer end face part 126 and the second surface 132 at the outer edge 120 of the flange 108. The reduction in the mass of the flange 108 by the slots 122 and / or the tapered second flange part 136 assists the movement of the fitting 100 during the opening and closing of the valve.

[0018] In one embodiment, the flange 108 comprises a plurality of holes 130, each extending axially through the outer end face section 126 and the second face 132. Each of the multiple holes 130 is located between a corresponding pair of the multiple slots 122. The holes 130 are cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment, but other shapes for the holes 130 are also conceivable. In one embodiment, the holes 130 are arranged around the flange 108 at equal angular intervals about the longitudinal axis L. Similarly, the slots 122 can be arranged around the flange 108 at equal angular intervals about the longitudinal axis L, but positioned such that each hole 130 is located between a corresponding pair of slots 122. Other embodiments provide fewer than four holes 130 and / or slots 122 or more than four holes 130 and / or slots 122.

[0019] In one embodiment, the holes 130 are diffusion holes that can influence the fluid flow during all points of movement of the fitting 100. During the movement of the fitting 100 towards the first end 104, the fluid is compressed at the outer end section 126, which can lead to high pressure peaks. The presence of diffusion holes 130 and / or slots 122 helps to distribute pressure peaks in the squeeze film during the movement of the fitting and can thus increase the speed of the fitting 100. During the movement of the fitting 100 towards the second end 106, fluid flows from the second surface 132 of the flange 108 through the diffusion holes 130 to the outer end surface section 126 and can thereby reduce the hydraulic resistance at the fitting 100 and increase the speed.

[0020] With further reference to Fig. In one embodiment, the passage 112 comprises a first diameter D1 adjacent to the second end 106 of the body 102 and a second diameter D2 along a large part of the length of the passage 112 between the first and second ends 104, 106 of the body 102. The first diameter D1 of the passage 112 is larger than the second diameter D2 of the passage 112. In one embodiment, a lip 140 connects the transition from diameter D1 to diameter D2. In one embodiment, the lip 140 is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis L.

[0021] In one embodiment, the shaft 110 of the body 102 comprises an outer surface 142 extending from the flange 108 to the second end 106. The outer surface 142 extends from the second end 106 of the body 102 to the second surface 132 of the flange 108. In one embodiment, the outer surface 142 has a stepped surface profile along a portion of the length of the shaft 110.

[0022] In one embodiment, the stepped surface profile of the outer surface 142 of the shaft 110 comprises a first shaft section 144, which adjoins the flange 108 and has a first outer diameter OD1. The stepped surface profile also comprises a second part 146, which adjoins the first part 144. The second part 146 comprises a second outer diameter OD2, which is smaller than the first outer diameter OD1. The stepped outer surface profile of the outer surface 142 of the shaft 110 comprises a third part 148, which adjoins the second part 146. The third shaft part 148 extends to the second end 106 of the body 102. The third part of the shaft 148 has a third outer diameter OD3, which is smaller than the second outer diameter OD2.

[0023] The second end 106 comprises an end surface 114 extending around the longitudinal axis L. The end surface 114 comprises a first part 116 extending around the second part 118. In one embodiment, the first part 116 is flat and / or oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L. The second part 118 is recessed from the first part 116 in the direction of the first end 104 of the body 102. The recessed configuration of the end surface 114 reduces the stress on the second end 106 and the shaft 110 when the fitting 100 moves toward the second end 106 to contact a stop surface during actuation of the fitting 100.In one embodiment, the stress reduction at the first end 106 allows the fitting 100 to be made from a lower-strength, highly permeable material, thereby reducing the residual magnetism in the fitting 100 to release the fitting 100 from magnetic coupling with a solenoid and to reduce delays at the end of injection.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second part 118 of the end surface 114 is planar and / or inclined to the first part 116 and / or to the longitudinal axis L at a conical angle A1. In another embodiment, the second part 118 of the end surface 114 is chamfered at a conical angle A1 that is between 0.1 degrees and 4 degrees from the first part 116 to provide the recessed configuration for stress reduction. In another embodiment, the second part 118 of the end surface 114 is chamfered with a conical angle A1 that differs between 0.1 degrees and 1 degree from the first part 116 to provide the recessed configuration for stress reduction. In yet another embodiment, the second part 118 of the end surface 114 is chamfered with a conical angle A1 that is 0.5 degrees plus or minus 0.4 degrees from, or approximately equal to, the first part 116 to provide the recessed configuration for stress reduction.Other embodiments provide for non-planar configurations for the second part 118 of the end surface 114, such as concave curved and / or non-planar configurations.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first part 116 of the end surface 114 has an outer diameter D3 and an inner diameter D4. The first part 116 defines a contact area between the outer diameter D3 and the inner diameter D4. The second part 118 has an outer diameter D4 that corresponds to the inner diameter D4 of the first part 116, and an inner diameter D1 that corresponds to the diameter of the passage 112. The second part 118 defines a recessed area between the diameters D1 and D4.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the second part 118 to the area of ​​the first part 116 is between 4 and 7, so that the contact area and the stress distribution at the end surface 114 are better distributed along the second part 118 and the first part 116. In another embodiment, the ratio of the areas of the second part 118 to the first part 116 is between 5 and 6, so that the contact area and the stress distribution at the end surface 114 are better distributed along the second part 118 and the first part 116.

[0027] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a metal injection molding process and / or a bar machining process 300 for forming and / or machining the fitting 100 into the disclosed configuration. The process 300 comprises a metal starting material 302. In one embodiment, the starting material 302 is a powdered metal material mixed with a binder in sufficient quantity to be fed into an injection mold 304 for shaping and solidification to produce a product with the configuration of the fitting 100. In another embodiment, the starting material 302 is a metal bar to be machined by a machine tool 304.

[0028] In one embodiment, the metal material for the starting material is a highly permeable metal material that minimizes the residual magnetism of the fitting 100. The stress reduction provided by the recessed configuration of the end face 114 at the second end 106 of the fitting 100 allows the use of such a material in the manufacture of the fitting 100, which is more cost-effective than materials used in prior art fittings, such as carbon steel. In one embodiment, the material for the fitting 100 is Fe3Si or another suitable ferritic soft magnetic silicon alloy material suitable for metal injection molding. Other embodiments provide for other types of metal materials that can be metal injection molded, machined, or otherwise produced to form a fitting 100 with the recessed configuration of the end face 114 according to the present disclosure.

[0029] With reference to Fig. Reference 5 discloses a method 400 for forming the fitting 100 as a one-piece monolithic body using a metal injection molding process, for example, using the metal injection molding process 300 discussed above. The method 400 comprises a step 402 for providing a starting material, for example, the starting material 302, from which the fitting 100 is to be formed. The method 400 further comprises a step 404 for forming the fitting 100 using a metal injection molding process, for example, by injecting the starting material 302 into an injection mold 304 configured to form the starting material 302 into the configuration of the fitting 100 with the recessed end face 114.

[0030] In relation to Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the fuel injector 200 with fitting 100, which is used in conjunction with the valve 250 of the fuel injector 200. The fuel injector 200 generally comprises a nozzle body 202, an elongated needle valve 204, a needle sleeve 206, a needle seal 208, an armature 100, and a piston 112 extending through the passage 112 of the fitting 100. The injector body 202 comprises an upper chamber 214 and a lower chamber 216 for receiving a plurality of components, as will be obvious to a person skilled in the art with the benefit and knowledge of the present disclosure.

[0031] The valve assembly 100 is configured to move up and down within the injection body 202 to facilitate the opening and closing of the valve 250 of the fuel injector 200. The stator assembly 222, which includes the electromagnet 248, can be positioned directly above the valve assembly 100, so that the valve assembly 100 moves to an upper position when the electromagnet 248 is in an active state. When the electromagnet 248 is in an inactive state, for example, at the end of injection, the valve assembly 100 moves to a lower position. An air gap, such as the air gap 232, can create a distance between the stator assembly 222 and the valve assembly 100.As explained above, the fitting 100 can be made from a highly permeable metal material and is therefore less likely to retain residual magnetism, which helps to release the fitting 100 from its magnetic coupling with the solenoid valve 248 and reduce delays at the end of the injection.

[0032] An internal cavity within the upper chamber 214 of the injector body 202 accommodates the valve 100, the piston 212, a valve spring 218, a spring washer 220, and the stator assembly 222. An internal cavity within the lower chamber 216 accommodates the needle valve 204, the needle sleeve 206, the needle seal 208, a pilot valve seat 224, and a check ball 226. The upper chamber 214 ensures a lower pressure at the fuel injector nozzle 200 compared to the high pressure below the check ball 226. The stator assembly 222 is mounted in the upper chamber 214 and held in position by the bracket 228. The underside of the stator assembly 222 is located at a precisely calibrated distance from the top of the valve 100. At the other end of the valve 100 is a check ball holder 230, which supports the valve 100 by means of a butt contact.

[0033] A central section of the piston 212 includes an angled shoulder 213, which is located on the top of the fitting 100 and forms a reciprocal connection, so that the piston 212 moves with the fitting 100 when it moves upwards. The fitting spring 218 is biased against the flange 108 of the fitting 100 and biases the fitting 100 and the piston 212 in the upward direction. The fitting 100 includes a passage 112 that accommodates a shaft 215 of the piston 212. The outer diameter of the shaft 215 is dimensioned and configured to form a tight or snug fit with respect to the inner diameter of the passage 112, while still allowing sliding movement of the piston 212. This tight / precise fit prevents fuel from escaping between the outer diameter of the shaft 215 of the piston 212 and the inner diameter of the passage 112, while allowing relative sliding movement.

[0034] The lower chamber 216, with an inner cavity, houses a needle valve 204, a needle sleeve 206, a needle seal 208, a pilot valve seat 224, and a check ball 226. The inner cavity also houses a needle spring 234, which biases the needle valve 204 downwards and exerts a closing spring force on the needle valve 204, thus preventing fuel from escaping through the injector orifice 236. The needle seal 208 includes openings 238 integrated into the needle seal 208 to allow fuel to enter the needle seal 208, while a proximal end of the needle valve 204 is positioned within the needle seal 208. The needle seal 208 is positioned above the needle valve 204 and includes endpoints that terminate adjacent to the needle sleeve 206.

[0035] A surface at the lower end of the pilot valve seat 224 abuts a top surface of the needle seal 208, while a surface at the upper end of the pilot valve seat 224 is located directly below the fitting 218. The pilot valve seat 224 further comprises a central valve seat passage 240, which extends longitudinally from the lower end of the pilot valve seat 224 to the upper end.

[0036] The needle valve 204 moves up and down longitudinally within the injector body 202 to selectively start and stop fuel injection from the injector body 202. A distal end 217 of the needle valve 204 is located on a distal part of the injector body 202, which defines a needle valve seat 242 on which a tip 219 of the needle valve 204 rests between fuel injection events. For example, during a fuel injection event, the needle valve 204 is lifted from the needle valve seat 242, causing fuel to be injected into an engine cylinder (not shown).

[0037] The lower chamber 216 further includes a fuel inlet port 244, configured to supply fuel into the inner cavity of the lower chamber 216. Transversely drilled fluid channels 246 in the needle valve 204 also facilitate fuel flow through the lower chamber 216. Control ports 238 serve to direct the fuel flow through the central passage 240 of the valve seat. When the coils 221 are de-energized and the solenoid valve 248 is in an inactive state, the check ball 226 is in sealing engagement with the pilot valve seat 224. The check ball 226 also acts as a movable valve element and thus disengages from the sealing engagement with the pilot valve seat 224. When the check ball 226 is in sealing engagement with the pilot valve seat 224, fuel from the lower chamber 216 is prevented from entering the upper chamber 214.When fuel is supplied to the lower chamber 216 and the check ball 226 is in sealing engagement with the pilot valve seat 224, the interior of the lower chamber 216 is pressurized. When the check ball 226 acts as a movable valve element and disengages from the sealing engagement with the pilot valve seat 224, the pressurized fuel flows through the central passage 240 of the valve seat, through the pilot valve seat 224, and into the interior of the upper chamber 214.

[0038] The fuel injector 200 uses a needle valve 204 in a normally closed position. When the needle valve 204 is in a normally closed position, the coils 221 are de-energized and the solenoid valve 248 is in an inactive state. The fuel injector 200 also includes a piston return spring 251, which exerts a downward spring force, causing the piston 212 and the armature 100 to exert a downward force on the check ball holder 128, thereby securing and holding the check ball 226 in a sealing engagement with the pilot valve seat 224. Pressurized fuel is continuously directed into the interior of the lower chamber 216.

[0039] When the coils 121 are de-energized, fuel from the lower chamber 216 is prevented from entering the upper chamber 214, thus pressurizing the interior of the lower chamber 216. Due to the fuel supply pressure acting downwards on the needle valve 204, a large hydraulic force pushes the needle valve 204 downwards. The needle spring 234 is also located inside the lower chamber 216 and is compressed around the upper end of the needle valve 204, so that, with the solenoid valve 248 inactive, both the high fuel pressure and the downward spring force on the needle valve 204 help to secure the needle valve 204 against the needle valve seat 242. Holding the needle valve 204 against the needle valve seat 242 prevents high-pressure fuel from escaping from the fuel injector 200 via the injector opening 236.

[0040] In an example of the use of the fitting 100 in the fuel injector 200, the flange 108 is positioned below the solenoid valve 248 and the coils 221. The piston 212 includes a shaft portion that is located in and received by the through-hole 112 of the fitting 100 to establish a reciprocating connection, so that the piston 212 moves with the fitting 100 when it moves upwards. The fitting spring 218 can be biased against the flange 108 to bias the fitting 100 and the piston 212 upwards.

[0041] In one embodiment, the fitting 100 is configured to move axially within a fuel injector or other device as part of a valve assembly to facilitate the opening and closing of the valve, for example, the valve 250 of the fuel injector 200. In the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the stator assembly 222, which includes the solenoid valve 248, can be arranged directly above the fitting 100, so that the fitting 100 moves into an upward-facing position when the solenoid valve 248 is in an active state. When the solenoid valve 248 is in an inactive state, the fitting 100 moves into a downward-facing position. An air gap, such as the air gap 201, can create a distance between the stator assembly 222 and the fitting 100. The end face 114 at the second end 106 of the fitting 100 can be supported by the ball retainer 230. The fitting spring 218 can be biased against the flange 108 to bias the fitting 100 and the piston 212 in the upward direction.

[0042] Several aspects of the present disclosure are considered. According to a first aspect, a fitting is provided for use in connection with the actuation of a valve. The fitting comprises a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The body includes a flange at the first end and a shaft extending from the flange. The shaft extends along the longitudinal axis from the flange to the second end of the body. The body also includes a passage extending along the longitudinal axis. The passage opens at both the first and second ends of the body. The second end of the body includes an end face extending around the passage. The end face has a first part extending around a second part.The first part of the end surface is flat, and the second part of the end surface is recessed in the direction of the first end of the body compared to the first part.

[0043] In one embodiment, the body is made of a metal material. In another embodiment, the metal material is a soft magnetic iron-silicon alloy. In another embodiment, the metal material is vacuum annealed. In yet another embodiment, the body is formed by metal injection molding.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first part is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the second part is oriented obliquely to the first part and obliquely to the longitudinal axis. In yet another embodiment, the second part is flat. In a further embodiment, the second part tapers towards its first end at an angle between 0.1 degrees and 1 degree relative to the first part.

[0045] In one embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the second part to the area of ​​the first part is between 4 and 7. In another embodiment, the ratio is between 5 and 6.

[0046] In one embodiment, the flange extends radially outwards from the passage at the first end of the body, and the shaft extends from the flange along the passage.

[0047] In one embodiment, the passage has a first diameter adjacent to the second end of the body, a second diameter along a large part of the length of the passage between the first and second ends of the body, and the first diameter of the passage is larger than the second diameter of the passage.

[0048] In one embodiment, the shaft of the body comprises an outer surface. The outer surface extends from the second end of the body to the flange. The outer surface has a stepped surface profile.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the stepped surface profile of the shaft's outer surface comprises a first part adjacent to the flange and a second part adjacent to the first part. The first shaft part has a first outer diameter, and the second shaft part has a second outer diameter. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter. The shaft's outer surface also includes a third shaft part adjacent to the second shaft part. The third shaft part extends from the second shaft part to the second end of the body. The third shaft part has a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter.

[0050] According to another aspect, a method for manufacturing a fitting for use in conjunction with the actuation of a valve involves forming a monolithic metal body using a metal material and a metal injection molding process and / or a bar machining process. The monolithic metal body is designed to include a flange at a first end of the monolithic metal body and a shaft extending from the flange along a longitudinal axis. The shaft extends to a second end of the monolithic metal body, opposite the first end. A passage extending along the longitudinal axis opens at both the first and second ends of the monolithic metal body.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second end of the body comprises an end surface that extends around the opening. The end surface has a first part that extends around a second part. The first part of the end surface is flat. The second part of the end surface extends from the first part to the opening in the direction of the first end of the body.

[0052] In one embodiment, the metal material is a soft magnetic iron-silicon alloy. In another embodiment, the monolithic metal body is vacuum annealed after its forming.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first part is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the second part tapers at an angle from the first part to the first end of the monolithic metal body.

[0054] Although illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, these are to be considered illustrative and not limiting, and it should be noted that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed inventions are to be protected. It is understood that the use of terms such as "preferably," "more preferred," "preferred," or "more preferred" in the above description indicates that the feature so described may be desirable, but is not absolutely necessary, and embodiments lacking this feature may be considered to be within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the following claims.When reading the claims, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least a part" does not intend to limit the claim to only one item, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claim. When the phrase "at least a part" and / or "a part" is used, the item may include a part and / or the entire item, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claims

[1] Fitting for use in conjunction with the actuation of a valve, the fitting comprising: a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the body comprises: a flange at the first end; a shaft extending from the flange, the shaft extending along the longitudinal axis from the flange to the second end of the body; and a passage extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the passage opens at the first and second ends of the body, wherein the second end of the body comprises an end surface extending around the passage, the end surface having a first part extending around a second part, wherein: the first part of the end surface is flat; and the second part of the end surface is set back relative to the first part in the direction of the first end of the body. [2] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein the body is made of a metal material. [3] Fitting according to claim 2, wherein the metal material is a soft magnetic iron-silicon alloy. [4] Fitting according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the metal material is vacuum annealed. [5] Fitting according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the body is formed by metal injection molding. [6] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the end surface is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body. [7] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein the second part of the end surface is inclined to the first part of the end surface and inclined to the longitudinal axis of the body. [8] Fitting according to claim 7, wherein the second part is flat. [9] Fitting according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the second part of the end surface is tapered towards the first end in a range of 0.1 degrees to 1 degree relative to the first part of the end surface. [10] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the second part of the end surface to the area of ​​the first part of the end surface is in the range of 4 to 7. [11] Fitting according to claim 10, wherein the ratio is between 5 and 6. [12] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein the flange extends radially outwards from the passage at the first end of the body and the shaft extends from the flange along the passage. [13] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein the passage comprises: a first diameter adjacent to the second end of the body; a second diameter along most of the length of the passage between the first and second ends of the body; and where the first diameter of the passage is larger than the second diameter of the passage. [14] Fitting according to claim 1, wherein: the wave of the body has an outer surface; the outer surface extends from the second end of the body to the flange; and The outer surface has a stepped surface profile. [15] Fitting according to claim 14, wherein the stepped surface profile of the outer surface of the shaft comprises the following: a first shaft part next to the flange, wherein the first shaft part has a first outer diameter; a second shaft section next to the first shaft section, the second shaft section having a second outer diameter, the second outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter; and a third wave part adjacent to the second wave part, wherein the third wave part extends from the second wave part to the second end of the body and the third wave part has a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter. [16] Method for manufacturing a fitting for use in connection with the actuation of a valve, the method comprising: Forming a monolithic metal body using a metal material and a metal injection molding process and / or a bar machining process, wherein the monolithic metal body is formed to have a flange at a first end of the monolithic metal body, a shaft extending from the flange along a longitudinal axis, the shaft extending to a second end of the monolithic metal body opposite the first end, and a passage extending along the longitudinal axis and opening at the first and second ends of the monolithic metal body. [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein the second end of the body comprises an end surface extending around the passage, the end surface having a first part extending around a second part, wherein: the first part of the end surface is flat; and The second part of the end surface extends from the first part to the passage in the direction of the first end of the body. [18] Method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the metal material is a soft magnetic iron-silicon alloy. [19] Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the monolithic metal body is vacuum annealed after its forming. [20] Method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the first part of the end surface is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the second part of the end surface is chamfered at an angle from the first part of the end surface to the first end of the monolithic metal body.

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