Solenoid valve and its assembly process

Abstract

The solenoid valve (100) comprises a cylindrical piston (50) having a bottom (50a) with a through-bore (50c) formed therein; a valve stem (60) having a head portion (62) arranged within the piston and a shaft portion (63) which is inserted into the through-bore and projects outside the piston from the bottom toward the valve seat (42), wherein the valve stem is slidably mounted on the piston along the axial direction and opens / closes the valve seat; and a first biasing element (52) having a valve-closing spring portion (52a), wherein one end side of the valve-closing spring portion bears against the bottom of the piston and, at the same time, the other end side of the valve-closing spring portion biases the shaft portion of the valve stem projecting outward from the piston in the closing direction of the valve.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The disclosure relates to a solenoid valve and its assembly method. State of the art

[0002] As an example of a solenoid valve, JP 2019-007572 A discloses a pilot-operated solenoid valve used in a cooling circuit of an air conditioning system for automobiles, etc. Another example of a solenoid valve, WO 2019 / 135335 discloses a dehumidification valve as a direct-acting solenoid valve that throttles a refrigerant during dehumidification operation of an air conditioning system, i.e., which is used as a drying valve.

[0003] For example, the solenoid valve in WO 2019 / 135335 comprises a bushing; a piston which is slidably mounted within the bushing; a valve stem which is slidably mounted at the bottom of the piston; and a valve body (i.e., a valve seat component) which has a valve seat (i.e., a valve seat part). Furthermore, within the piston, between the upper part of the valve stem and the top of the bushing, a valve closing spring consisting of a compression helical spring is arranged in the compressed state. Additionally, between the bottom of the piston and the valve body, a valve opening spring consisting of a compression helical spring is arranged in the compressed state.

[0004] The valve closing spring in WO 2019 / 135335 constantly biases the valve stem in a direction in which the head end of the valve stem facing the valve seat (i.e., the valve body part) is pressed against the valve seat, i.e., in the closing direction of the valve. Additionally, the valve opening spring in WO 2019 / 135335 biases the piston away from the valve seat, i.e., away from the valve seat in the opening direction of the valve.

[0005] When the solenoid valve in WO 2019 / 135335 is not energized, the piston moves in the opening direction of the valve due to a preload force from the valve opening spring. Simultaneously, the valve stem, mounted on the piston, also moves in the opening direction against a preload force from the valve closing spring. Conversely, when the solenoid valve is energized, the piston moves in the closing direction of the valve against the preload force of the valve opening spring due to the electromagnetic attraction generated by a solenoid, with the valve stem tip being pressed against the valve seat by the preload force of the valve closing spring. Patent literature D1: JP 2019-007572 A Patent literature D2: WO 2019 / 135335 Summary of the invention Task of the invention

[0006] The valve closing spring located inside the piston in WO 2019 / 135335 is present in the solenoid valve after assembly in a compressed state within the piston between the upper part of the valve stem and the cover of the bushing. In contrast, the valve closing spring is not compressed before assembly. That is, the axial length of the valve closing spring is longer before the solenoid valve is assembled than after.

[0007] Therefore, during assembly of the solenoid valve, the valve closing spring tends to fall out of the piston more easily because the piston and valve closing spring are not fixed together before being joined and assembled. This increases the assembly effort of the solenoid valve.

[0008] The disclosure provides a solenoid valve and its assembly method, which can reduce the assembly effort. Solution to the task

[0009] The solenoid valve according to a first aspect comprises a cylindrical piston having a base with a through-bore formed therein; a valve stem having a head part arranged inside the piston and a stem part which is inserted into the through-bore and projects outside the piston from the base towards the valve seat, wherein the valve stem is slidably mounted on the piston along the axial direction and opens / closes the valve seat; and a first preloading element having a valve closing spring part, wherein one end side of the valve closing spring part rests against the base of the piston and simultaneously its other end side preloads the stem part of the valve stem projecting outwards from the piston in the closing direction of the valve.

[0010] In the solenoid valve described in the first aspect, there is no state in which the first preload element, which includes the valve closing spring, protrudes from the inside of the piston to the outside, as is the case, for example, in a solenoid valve where the valve closing spring is located between the piston and the bushing. As a result, the valve closing spring is prevented from falling out of the piston's interior during assembly of the solenoid valve.

[0011] In a second aspect, according to the first aspect, the solenoid valve has a step in the stem part of the valve stem in which the other end of the valve closing spring part sits.

[0012] The step in the second aspect can improve the integration of the shaft part and the valve closing spring part.

[0013] A third aspect further comprises, in the case of the solenoid valve according to the first or second aspect, a second preloading element which has a valve opening spring part, wherein the valve opening spring part keeps the valve seat open by preloading the piston along the opening direction of the valve when not energized.

[0014] In the third aspect, the valve opening spring part of the second preload element ensures that the solenoid valve is in an open state when no current is applied.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the piston-side end of the valve closing spring part of the first preload element and the piston-side end of the valve opening spring part of the second preload element are continuous in the solenoid valve according to the third aspect.

[0016] The fourth aspect incorporates a preload element that combines the functions of a valve closing spring and a valve opening spring, eliminating the need to prepare the valve closing spring and the valve opening spring separately. This reduces the number of components required for assembling the solenoid valve.

[0017] The fifth aspect of one of the solenoid valves according to the first to fourth aspects comprises a valve housing which has a main valve seat as the valve seat; and a main valve body which is arranged between the valve housing and the valve stem, has a pilot valve seat which opens / closes through the valve stem and is slidably mounted along the axial direction, wherein the main valve seat is opened / closed by the main valve body sliding along the axial direction.

[0018] In the fifth aspect, a pilot-operated solenoid valve can be implemented, which reduces the assembly effort.

[0019] The assembly method of the solenoid valve according to a sixth aspect comprises the following process steps: to slidably mount a valve stem along the axial direction on a piston by arranging the head part of the valve stem, which has a head section and a stem section, inside the cylindrical piston with a base having a through-bore formed therein, and the stem section protrudes outwards from the base of the piston by being inserted into the through-bore in the base of the piston; and to unite the valve stem, the piston and the preload element by bringing one end side of a valve closing spring section of the preload element into contact with the base of the piston and simultaneously mounting its other end side to the stem section of the valve stem projecting outwards from the piston, so that the stem section is preloaded in the axial direction from the base of the piston outwards.

[0020] In the sixth aspect, the solenoid valve is assembled using an integrated module that combines a valve stem, a piston, and a preload element containing a valve closing spring. This allows for simpler and faster assembly of the solenoid valve compared to assembling the valve stem, piston, and valve closing spring separately. Effect of the invention

[0021] According to the disclosure, a solenoid valve and its assembly method are provided, which can reduce the assembly effort. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-section 1-1 in Fig. 2, which describes the solenoid valve according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view describing the solenoid valve according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section which describes an open state of the solenoid valve according to the embodiment, partially magnified around the valve seats. Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-section which describes a closed state of the solenoid valve according to the embodiment, partially magnified around the valve seats. Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section which describes the assembly method of the solenoid valve according to the embodiment (part 1). Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-section which describes the assembly method of the solenoid valve according to the embodiment (part 2). Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-section which describes the assembly method of the solenoid valve according to the embodiment (part 3). Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section that partially magnifies an open state of the solenoid valve according to a comparative example around the valve seats. Fig. Figure 9 shows a cross-section which describes the assembly procedure of the solenoid valve according to the comparative example (part 1). Fig. Figure 10 shows a cross-section which describes the assembly procedure of the solenoid valve according to the comparative example (part 2). Fig. Figure 11 shows a cross-section describing the solenoid valve according to a first variant. Fig. Figure 12 shows a cross-section describing the solenoid valve according to a second variant. Fig. Figure 13 shows a cross-section describing the solenoid valve according to a third variant. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] The following describes embodiments. In the description of the subsequent drawings, identical or similar parts are designated with identical or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic, so the relationship between the thicknesses and their dimensions in a plan view, or the proportion of the thicknesses of a particular device and component, etc., is not realistic. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined taking into account the following description. The respective size ratios or proportions also sometimes differ between several drawings. Furthermore, each component in the disclosure is not limited to existing in the singular, but may also exist in the plural, unless otherwise stated herein. <Aufbau des Magnetventils>

[0023] First, the solenoid valve 100 is selected according to the embodiment based on the Fig. 1-4 described. The solenoid valve 100 according to the embodiment is a pilot-operated solenoid valve 100, which is used, for example, in a cooling circuit of an air conditioning system for automobiles. In the embodiment, the solenoid valve 100 is shown as pilot-operated by way of example. However, in the disclosure, it can also be direct-acting, without being limited to this.

[0024] The solenoid valve 100 comprises a valve housing 30, a main valve body 40, an actuating element 80, a piston 50, a valve stem 60, a bushing 51, a solenoid 70 and a preload element 52, as shown in Fig. 1 shown. (Valve housing)

[0025] The valve housing 30 is a cylindrical component containing a main valve part 10. The valve housing 30 can be made of a metallic material, e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or brass. The valve housing 30, which serves as the valve body, incorporates an inlet 31 and an outlet 32, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a main valve chamber 33 located between the inlet 31 and the outlet 32. This chamber communicates with both the inlet 31 and the outlet 32. The main valve part 10 is located within the main valve chamber 33. By opening and closing the main valve part 10, the solenoid valve 100 controls the flow of fluid between the inlet 31 and the outlet 32.

[0026] A cylindrical part is formed in the valve housing 30 within the main valve chamber 33, which is opposite the underside of the main valve body 40. Fig. 1 is open. A main valve seat 35 is formed at the open end of the cylindrical part of the valve housing 30. In this embodiment, a main valve seal 40a is also located below the main valve body 40. Fig. 1. The main valve part 10 comprises the main valve seat 35 and the main valve seal 40a. In the disclosure, the main valve seal 40a is not necessary as long as the main valve seat 35 can be closed. In the embodiment, the main valve seal 40a is made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The main valve seal 40a can also be made of rubber or resin material other than PTFE.

[0027] In a side wall section between the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 ​​of the valve housing 30, a first diameter section 30a is formed, which in Fig. 1 is open upwards. An attracting element 80 is inserted into the inside of the first diameter section 30a, within which a main valve body 40 is arranged. The attracting element 80 is mounted to the valve housing 30 by joining or screwing it on, etc. (Main valve body)

[0028] The main valve body 40 comprises a main valve component 43 and a main valve seal 40a. The main valve component 43 can be made of a metallic material, e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or brass. The main valve body 40 is slidably mounted inside the main valve chamber 33 of the valve housing 30 along the axial direction C. Fig. 1 below the main valve body 40, i.e. on one side in the sliding direction the main valve part 10 is arranged.

[0029] In Fig. 1 Above the main valve body 40, i.e. on the other side in the sliding direction, a pilot valve part 20 is arranged.

[0030] In this embodiment, a sealing element is provided on the underside of the main valve seal 40a of the main valve body 40, which opens / closes the main valve seat 35, while a pilot valve seat 42 is provided on the upper side of the main valve seal 40a. A pilot valve element 20 formed at the head end of the stem part 63 (i.e., a different head end than the head part 62) opens / closes the pilot valve seat 42.

[0031] A pilot valve seal at the pilot valve seat 42, which is located in Fig. The fact that the pilot valve seat 42 is located on the upper side is not necessary in the disclosure, as long as the pilot valve seat 42 can be closed. It is also possible to provide the pilot valve seat part directly on the main valve component 43 and to mount a sealing part on its underside on the main valve component 43. Of course, the sealing part that opens / closes the main valve seat 35 on the lower side and the part on which the pilot valve seat 42 is provided on the upper side (in other words, the pilot valve seal) can be individually mounted as separate components on the main valve component 43.

[0032] The pilot valve seat 42 according to the embodiment corresponds to the valve seat of the disclosure. The main valve seat 35 according to the embodiment also corresponds to the valve seat of the disclosure if a direct-acting solenoid valve is configured.

[0033] A pilot pilot passage 45 extending along the axial direction C is formed vertically in the center of the main valve body 40, as shown in Fig. 3 shown. Fig. The pilot valve seat 42 is provided at the upper end of the pilot passage 45.

[0034] The cylindrical main valve component 43 is located on the outer surface of the main valve seal 40a. A pressure equalization bore 44 is provided in the main valve seal 40a, which is a through-bore extending along the axial direction C. The pressure equalization bore 44 communicates between the main valve chamber 33 and the pilot valve chamber 34. The sum of the cross-sectional area A, which corresponds to the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure equalization bore 44 orthogonal to the axial direction C, and the cross-sectional area B of the space between the inner surface of the large-diameter section 82 and the outer circumferential surface of the main valve body 40, is smaller than the cross-sectional area D of the pilot passage 45 (i.e., A + B). <D). Durch die Druckausgleichsbohrung 44 wird der Druck zwischen der Hauptventilkammer 33 und der Vorsteuerventilkammer 34 ausgeglichen, so dass sich der Hauptventilkörper 40 leichter öffnen / schließen lässt. (Attraction element)

[0035] The attracting element 80 is arranged between the valve housing 30 and the piston 50. The attracting element 80 drives the piston 50 by operating the solenoid 70. In the disclosure, a component is referred to as a "attracting element" which drives the piston 50 by attraction and slidably supports the main valve body 40 along the axial direction C.

[0036] The attraction element 80 is a cylindrical component. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the attraction element 80 is, for example, made of stainless steel with magnetic properties. In addition, any magnetic material can be used as the attraction element in the disclosure, without being limited to stainless steel with magnetic properties.

[0037] In Fig. 3. A vertical insertion hole 80a extending along the axial direction C is formed in the center of the attracting element 80. The valve stem 60 is arranged within the insertion hole 80a. The attracting element 80 comprises a small-diameter section 81, which extends upwards in Fig. 1 lies, and a large diameter section 82 below it.

[0038] The lower end of the bushing 51 is placed on the outer surface of the small diameter section 81. Fig. 1. Furthermore, the attracting element 80 is fixed in the position of the large diameter section 82 by joining or screwing it onto the first diameter section 30a of the valve housing 30.

[0039] On the large diameter section 82 of the attraction element 80 on the outer surface in the lower part in Fig. An O-ring 83 is arranged at point 1. The O-ring 83 seals the gap between the attracting element 80 and the valve housing 30. Inside the large-diameter section 82 of the attracting element 80, a main valve body housing part 82a is provided, which forms a cylindrical space. Inside the main valve body housing part 82a, the main valve body 40 is slidably mounted along the axial direction C.

[0040] By vertically dividing the main valve body housing part 82a through the main valve body 40, the lower space of the main valve body housing part 82a is divided into Fig. 1 is separated as main valve chamber 33. Furthermore, the one in Fig. 1 upper space of the main valve body housing part 82a separated as pilot valve chamber 34.

[0041] Within the large-diameter section 82 of the attracting element 80, a valve housing spring 46, representing a helical spring, is arranged along the inner surface of the large-diameter section 82. The Fig. 3 The upper end of the valve housing spring 46 rests against the underside of the main valve component 43, while the lower end of the valve housing spring 46 is supported by a projection which extends inwards from the inner edge at the lower end of the large-diameter section 82. The valve housing spring 46 tensions the main valve body 40 upwards. Fig. 3, i.e. in the direction away from the main valve seat 35, forward.

[0042] In this embodiment, an exemplary stepped structure of the attraction element 80 is shown, which is realized by forming the small-diameter and large-diameter sections 81, 82 in one piece using a cylindrical component, although this is not limited to the disclosure. The small-diameter and large-diameter sections can, for example, be manufactured as separate components and joined together. In the disclosure, the attraction element is intended to be able to drive the piston 50 simply by energizing the solenoid 70.

[0043] A current regulator (not shown) is connected to the attracting element 80. When the solenoid 70 is energized via the current regulator, the attracting element 80 and the piston 50 are magnetized. An attractive force is generated at the magnetized attracting element 80, which is greater than the preload force of the valve opening spring part 52b of the preload element 52. The generated attractive force causes the piston 50 to move downwards. Fig. 1, i.e. attracted in the direction of attraction element 80. (Pistons)

[0044] The piston 50 is a cylindrical component comprising a base 50a and a side wall 50b. The base 50a of the piston 50 faces the pilot valve seat 42. However, the position of the base in the disclosure is not limited to the side facing the valve seat (i.e., pilot valve seat 42 or main valve seat 35 according to the embodiment) but can be arbitrarily determined. A through-bore 50c is formed in the base 50a. The piston 50 according to the embodiment is, for example, made of stainless steel with magnetic properties. The material of the piston in the disclosure is furthermore not limited to this but only needs to be a magnetic material. The piston 50 is slidably arranged within the bushing 51 by operation of the solenoid 70 along the axial direction C. On the side wall of the piston 50 in Fig. 3 is a side hole 50e formed. (socket)

[0045] The bushing 51 is a cylindrical component comprising a top and a side wall. The end of the bushing 51 facing away from the top is mounted on the attracting element 80. The cylindrical bushing 51 in Fig. 1 is open at the bottom. The lower end of the cylindrical bushing 51 in Fig. 1 can be fixed to the attracting element 80 by a suitable means such as crimping or welding, etc. The bushing 51 receives the piston 50. (Solenoid)

[0046] The solenoid 70 is located on the outer surface of the socket 51. The solenoid 70 comprises a coil 70a, a bobbin 70b, and a yoke 70c. The coil 70a is wound around the bobbin 70b. The yoke 70c is made of a magnetic material. The yoke 70c encloses the bobbin 70b. Furthermore, there is an overhang 70d on the yoke 70c, on the lower side. Fig. 1, i.e. formed on the side facing the valve housing 30, which projects outwards away from the bushing 51.

[0047] A through-hole 70d1 is formed in the overhang 70d. In the upper part of the valve housing 30 in Fig. Furthermore, an internal thread 30d is formed coaxially in a position in which it overlaps with the through-hole 70d1 of the overhang 70d. The solenoid 70 is thereby pressed against and fixed to the valve housing 30 by screwing an externally threaded screw 71 into the through-hole 70d1 in the overhang 70d of the solenoid 70 and into the internal thread 30d of the valve housing 30. In addition, the attracting element 80 is fixed to the first diameter section 30a of the valve housing 30 by means of an externally threaded screw provided on the outer surface of the large-diameter section 82. (Valve stem)

[0048] The valve stem 60 comprises a head section 62 and a stem section 63. The head section 62 of the valve stem 60 is arranged inside the piston 50. The head section 62 is in Fig. 3. The diameter of the stem section 63 is larger than that of the piston 50 in a radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction C. Furthermore, the diameter of the stem section 63 is slightly smaller than that of the through-bore 50c of the piston 50. Thus, when inserted into the through-bore 50c of the piston 50, the stem section 63 projects outside the piston 50 from the base 50a towards the valve seat. The valve stem 60 is also slidably mounted on the piston 50 along the axial direction C. The valve stem 60 opens / closes the pilot valve seat 42. A pilot valve element 20 is formed at the head end of the stem section 63 (i.e., a different head end than the head section 62). (Level)

[0049] A step 63a is formed on the stem section 63 of the valve stem 60. According to the embodiment, the step 63a is an annular groove formed on the circumferential surface of the stem section 63. The other end of the valve closing spring part 52a, described below, sits in the step 63a. In the disclosure, the step 63a is also optional. Furthermore, an annular groove formed on the circumferential surface of the stem section 63 is shown as an example of the step 63a in the embodiment. However, the shape of the step is not limited to this.

[0050] The step in the disclosure can be a projection that partially extends from the circumferential surface of the shaft part 63. Furthermore, the step in the disclosure need not be continuous and ring-shaped along the entire length of the shaft part 63. For example, the step can consist of several grooves or projections arranged discontinuously at intervals along the circumferential surface of the shaft part 63. The shape of the step in the disclosure can be modified as necessary, provided that the end of the valve closing spring can be mounted there. (Preload element)

[0051] The preload element 52 according to the embodiment is, for example, a metal coil spring. However, the preload element of the disclosure is not limited to this, but can also be made of a material other than metal. The preload element 52 according to the embodiment comprises a valve closing spring part 52a, which is Fig. 3 is arranged facing the valve stem 60 and a valve opening spring part 52b, which is in Fig. 3 is arranged facing the attraction element 80.

[0052] Furthermore, in the preload element 52, the end of the valve closing spring part 52a facing the piston 50 and the end of the valve opening spring part 52b facing the piston 50 are continuous. In particular, the valve closing spring part 52a and the valve opening spring part 52b are implemented by a helical spring. That is, the preload element 52 according to the embodiment contains both the first preload element and the second preload element. (Valve closing spring part)

[0053] The valve closing spring part 52a, which is in Fig. The valve closing spring part 52a, which faces the valve stem 60, is arranged between the valve housing 30 and the piston 50. Specifically, one end of the valve closing spring part 52a rests against the base 50a of the piston 50. Furthermore, the other end of the valve closing spring part 52a is mounted to the step 63a of the stem section 63 of the valve stem 60, which projects outwards from the piston 50. The valve closing spring part 52a biases the stem section 63 in the axial direction C along the closing direction of the valve towards the pilot valve seat 42.

[0054] In the revelation, “one end” means a region which includes an end face and a circumferential surface at “one end,” while “the other end” means a region which includes an end face and a circumferential surface at “the other end.” That is to say, if the valve closing spring part is in contact with or joined to another component at its end position, then one end or the other end of the valve closing spring part includes not only the end face but also the part where it is in contact with or joined to the other component.

[0055] The first preload element according to the disclosure is not limited to a coil spring, as long as it can preload the head end of the shaft part 63 towards the valve seat along the closing direction of the valve. Furthermore, the disclosure may provide a recess on the bottom 50a of the piston 50 in which one end of the valve closing spring part 52a sits.

[0056] The valve opening spring part 52b, which is in Fig. The valve opening spring part 52b, which faces the attracting element 80, is arranged between the valve housing 30 and the piston 50. In particular, one end of the valve opening spring part 52b rests against the base 50a of the piston 50. The other end of the valve opening spring part 52b is further arranged on the upper side of the fastening part 81a, which projects towards the valve stem 60 on the inner wall surface of the insertion hole 80a of the attracting element 80. The fastening part 81a in the disclosure is not necessary, and the structure for mounting one end of the valve opening spring part 52b to the attracting element 80 can be modified if desired. For example, a recess can be provided on the base 50a of the piston 50 in which one end of the valve closing spring part 52b sits.

[0057] When the solenoid valve 100 is not energized, the valve opening spring 52b, against the preload force of the valve closing spring 52a on the valve stem 60, biases the piston 50 in axial direction C away from the pilot valve seat 42 in the opening direction of the valve. The magnitude of the preload force of the valve opening spring 52b is set such that, when the solenoid valve 100 is not energized, the piston 50 and the valve stem 60, which is supported on the piston 50, can move away from the pilot valve seat 42 against the preload force of the valve closing spring 52a. The pilot valve seat 42 is opened by the valve opening spring 52b.

[0058] In the manufacturing process of the preload element 52 according to the embodiment, a cylindrical helical spring is provided, for example. More precisely, a helical spring comprising two spring sections is provided, which, along the axial direction C, includes a spring section located in a region extending from the center to one side and a spring section located in a region extending from the center to the other side. The diameter of the spring section located in one region gradually decreases from the transition between the two regions to one end. The diameter of the spring section located in the other region remains approximately constant between the transition between the two regions and the other end.

[0059] The preload element 52 can be manufactured such that the spring part contained in one area is pressed into the interior of the spring part contained in the other area. The transition between the two areas in Fig. 3 forms the upper end of the valve closing spring part 52a and the valve opening spring part 52b. The transition between the two areas lies on the underside of the base 50a of the piston 50. <Betrieb des Magnetventils>

[0060] Next, the operation of the solenoid valve 100 in the open state when not powered and in the closed state when powered is described. (Open state when not powered)

[0061] If the coil 70a of the solenoid 70 is not energized, no attractive force is generated at the attracting element 80. Thus, the piston 50 is moved upwards within the bushing 51 by the preload force of the valve opening spring part 52b of the preloading element 52. Fig. 3 pressed, so that an open state of the pilot valve part 20 is achieved. Furthermore, the main valve body 40 within the main valve chamber 33 is moved upwards by the preload force of the valve housing spring 46. Fig. 3 pressed, so that an open state of the main valve part 10 is achieved.

[0062] If a compressor (not shown) connected to the solenoid valve 100 is operated in the open state, a high-temperature and high-pressure coolant fluid, for example, flows in from the inlet 31 and flows through the outlet 32 ​​via the main valve part 10, which is open inside the main valve chamber 33. (Closed state when powered)

[0063] When the solenoid 70 is energized, the attracting element 80 and the piston 50 are magnetized, so that an electromagnetic attraction force is generated between the attracting element 80 and the piston 50. This electromagnetic attraction force pulls the piston 50 against the preload force of the valve opening spring part 52b of the preloading element 52 towards the pilot valve seat 42, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0064] The valve stem 60 slides within the bushing 51 in axial direction C synchronously with the movement of the piston 50, since the piston 50 integrally supports the valve stem 60. Thus, the pilot valve seal (not shown) on the valve stem 60 comes into contact with the pilot valve seat 42 of the main valve body 40, resulting in a closed state of the pilot valve part 20. That is, the pilot passage 45 is closed.

[0065] If the pilot port 45 is closed, only the pressure equalization bore 44 connects the pilot valve chamber 34 and the main valve chamber 33. As a result, the pressure difference between the pilot valve chamber 34 and the main valve chamber 33 is lost.

[0066] Furthermore, the piston 50 pushes the main valve body 40 downwards via the valve stem 60. Fig. 4. As a result, the main valve body 40 reaches its lowest point within its retractable range, so that the main valve seal 40a of the main valve body 40 comes into contact with the main valve seat 35 formed inside the valve housing 30. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary condition in which a small gap is created between the top of the base 50a of the piston 50 and the bottom of the head part 62 of the valve stem 60 because the piston 50 moves even deeper than the base of the head part 62 of the valve stem 60.

[0067] By contacting the main valve body 40 with the main valve seat 35, the closed state of the main valve part 10 is achieved. This results in the coolant channel being closed, thus halting the coolant flow from the inlet 31 to the outlet 32. When the power supply to the solenoid 70 is interrupted, the electromagnetic attraction force of the attractor 80 generated by the solenoid 70 disappears. Thus, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the piston 50 is moved away from the pilot valve seat 42 (i.e. upwards) by the preload force of the valve opening spring part 52b of the preload element 52. Fig. 1) pressed. Furthermore, the valve stem 60 also moves together with the piston 50 in the direction away from the pilot valve seat 42.

[0068] The pilot valve part 20 is opened when the pilot valve seal (not shown) at the head end of the valve stem 60 moves away from the pilot valve seat 42 of the main valve body 40. This allows the pilot valve chamber 34 to communicate with the outlet 32 ​​via the pilot passage 45 of the main valve body 40. As a result, the pressure inside the pilot valve chamber 34 changes from high pressure to low pressure. Consequently, the main valve body 40 moves upwards. Fig. 1, wherein the main valve seal 40a of the main valve body 40 moves away from the main valve seat 35, so that an open state of the valve housing 30 is achieved. <Montageverfahren des Magnetventils>

[0069] Next, an assembly method for the solenoid valve 100 according to the embodiment will be described based on the Fig. 5 - 7 described. (Preparation of a first module)

[0070] First, the valve stem 60 is slidably mounted on the piston 50 along the axial direction C. More precisely, the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60 is left protruding from the base 50a of the piston 50, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows the head part 62 of the valve stem 60 being arranged inside the cylindrical piston 50.

[0071] The other end of the valve closing spring part 52a (i.e. the lower end in Fig. 5) is mounted to the stage 63a of the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60 projecting outwards from the piston 50, while the stem part 63 is preloaded outwards in axial direction C from the bottom 50a of the piston 50. One end of the valve closing spring part 52a of the preload element 52 (i.e., the upper end in Fig. 5) rests against the base 50a of the piston 50. Thus, the piston 50, the shaft part 63 and the preload element 52 are integrally assembled.

[0072] By mounting the valve closing spring part 52a to the valve stem 60, a first module 91 is formed in which the valve stem 60, the piston 50 and the preload element 52 are integrated. The first module 91 according to the embodiment corresponds to the module according to the disclosure. (Mounting the first module to the socket and the main valve body)

[0073] Then the first module 91, in which the piston 50, the shaft part 63 and the preload element 52 are assembled, is assembled as in Fig. Figure 6 shows the piston 50 of the first module 91 being inserted into the insertion hole 80a of the attracting element 80. Furthermore, the piston 50 of the first module 91 is slidably inserted into the cylindrical bushing 51 along the axial direction C. The side wall of the bushing 51 is then mounted to the attracting element 80, while in the first module 91, the stem portion 63 of the valve stem 60, protruding from the piston 50, faces the pilot valve seat 42 of the main valve body 40.

[0074] In particular, the insertion of the piston 50 of the first module 91 into the bushing 51 and the mounting of the side wall of the bushing 51 to the attracting element 80 can, for example, be carried out simultaneously, while the bushing 51, the first module 91, and the main valve body 40 are each arranged coaxially. While the bushing 51, the first module 91, and the attracting element 80 are stacked one above the other, the connection between the lower end of the side wall of the bushing 51 and the attracting element 80 is fixed, for example, by welding. This fixing creates a second module 92, in which the bushing 51, the first module 91, and the attracting element 80 containing the main valve body 40 are combined.

[0075] The fixing method between the bushing 51 and the main valve body 40 is not limited to welding in the disclosure. Any method, such as bonding with an adhesive, can be used. Furthermore, the insertion of the piston 50 of the first module 91 into the bushing 51 and the mounting of the side wall of the bushing 51 to the attracting element 80 do not necessarily have to be carried out simultaneously. In the disclosure, the two process steps—inserting the piston 50 of the first module 91 into the bushing 51 and mounting the side wall of the bushing 51 to the attracting element 80—can be carried out successively, by performing one of the process steps first, followed by the other.

[0076] Furthermore, the sequence of the process steps—inserting the piston 50 of the first module 91 into the bushing 51 and mounting the side wall of the bushing 51 to the attracting element 80—is not limited to the above. One can follow the other and vice versa. (Mounting the second module and the solenoid)

[0077] The attractor 80 of the formed second module 92 is then inserted into the main valve chamber 33 of the valve housing 30. Furthermore, the solenoid 70 is arranged on the outside of the bushing 51. The solenoid 70 and the valve housing 30 are then connected. More precisely, the solenoid 70 and the valve housing 30 are screwed together by means of the through-hole 70d1 in the overhang 70d, the internal thread 30d of the valve housing 30, and the screw with external thread 71. The connection method of the solenoid 70 and the valve housing 30 is not limited to screwing in, as described in the disclosure. Any method, such as welding, can be used.

[0078] The assembly process of the solenoid valve 100, which comprises a series of process steps, allows the in Fig. 1. An exemplary solenoid valve 100 is manufactured according to the embodiment shown. (Comparative example)

[0079] On the other hand, in the case of the 100Z solenoid valve, according to a comparative example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the valve opening spring 52Z arranged between the valve housing 30 and the piston 50 does not include a valve closing spring component as in the embodiment. The length of the valve opening spring 52Z according to the comparative example along the axial direction C is the same as the length of the preload element 52 according to the embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, in the solenoid valve 100Z, according to the comparative example, a valve closing spring 53 is arranged as a separate component from the valve opening spring 52Z within the piston 50 between the cover of the bushing 51 and the head part 62 of the valve stem 60. In the comparative example, the step 63a on the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60 is also not formed. Other arrangements in the comparative example are the same as in the components of the same name in the Fig. Figures 1-7 are exemplary embodiments, so that a redundant description is omitted.

[0081] When assembling the 100Z solenoid valve according to the comparison example, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows the total axial length C of the components required for assembly being longer than that of the solenoid valve 100 according to the figure in Fig. 6 exemplary embodiment. When assembling the solenoid valve 100Z according to the comparative example, the outwardly projecting valve closing spring 53 tends to obstruct another component or fall out of the interior of the piston 50.

[0082] Furthermore, even before the lower end of the side wall of the bushing 51 is fixed to the attracting element 80, the valve closing spring 53 protrudes outwards from the inside of the piston 50 in the comparative example, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows that the total axial length C of the components required for assembly is longer than that of the solenoid valve 100, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. 7 exemplary embodiment. Before being fixed to the attracting element 80, the bushing 51 is slightly raised relative to it, i.e., a gap G is created between the bushing 51 and the attracting element 80.

[0083] Therefore, in the comparative example, it is more difficult to stably support the respective components when fixing the bushing 51 and the attracting element 80. Furthermore, a relatively complex aid is required to stably support the respective components, corresponding to their overall length. (Functional effect)

[0084] In this embodiment, the preload element 52, comprising the valve closing spring part 52a, is arranged between the valve housing 30 and the piston 50. One end of the valve closing spring part 52a rests against the base 50a of the piston 50, while the other end of the valve closing spring part 52a is mounted on the shaft part 63 of the valve stem 60, which projects outwards from the piston 50. The valve closing spring part 52a preloads the shaft part 63 along the closing direction of the valve.

[0085] Thus, a situation does not occur in which, as in the comparative example, the valve closing spring 53 protrudes from the inside of the piston 50 to the outside. As a result, the valve closing spring is prevented from falling out of the inside of the piston 50 during assembly of the solenoid valve 100. This reduces the assembly effort of the solenoid valve 100.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the overall axial length C of the components required for assembling the solenoid valve 100 is reduced because the preload element 52, which includes the valve closing spring part 52a, does not project outwards from the inside of the piston 50. Therefore, in contrast to the comparative example, it is easier to stably support the components during assembly, and a relatively complex aid corresponding to the overall length of the components is not required. This simplifies the assembly of the solenoid valve 100.

[0087] In this embodiment, the preload element 52, which includes the valve closing spring part 52a, is further arranged between the valve body-side attracting element 80 and the piston 50. This means that the preload element 52 is not arranged between the piston 50 and the bushing 51. In a solenoid valve whose valve closing spring is, for example, arranged between the piston 50 and the bushing 51, repeated movement of the piston 50 tends to cause burrs, etc., to fall off the components at the contact points between the bushing 51 and the valve closing spring due to catching and chafing of the valve closing spring.

[0088] For example, assuming that the resulting burrs are foreign bodies entering through the side hole 50e of the piston 50 in Fig. If the 3 falls into the gap between the side wall of the piston 50 and the bushing 51, the operation of the solenoid valve 100 is prevented. It is conceivable to improve the machining accuracy of the components, such as the bushing 51 or the valve closing spring part 52a, etc., to prevent the valve closing spring from jamming or burrs from forming. However, this would increase manufacturing costs.

[0089] In this embodiment, however, the jamming of the valve closing spring or the formation of burrs at the contact point between the bushing 51 and the valve closing spring is prevented because the preload element 52, which includes the valve closing spring part 52a, is arranged between the valve body-side attracting element 80 and the piston 50. This eliminates the need to improve the machining accuracy of the components, thus reducing the machining effort required.

[0090] Furthermore, in the solenoid valve 100 according to the embodiment, a stage 63a is provided in the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60, in which the other end of the valve closing spring part 52a is located. The stage 63a improves the integration of the stem part 63 and the valve closing spring part 52a.

[0091] Furthermore, in the solenoid valve 100 according to the embodiment, the preload element 52 arranged between the valve housing 30 and the piston 50 also comprises the valve opening spring part 52b. When de-energized, the valve opening spring part 52b opens the pilot valve seat 42 by biasing the piston 50 in the opening direction of the valve. The valve opening spring part 52b of the preload element 52 thus enables the solenoid valve 100 to be in an open state when de-energized.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end of the valve closing spring part 52a facing the piston 50 and the end of the valve opening spring part 52b facing the piston 50 are continuous within the preload element 52. This means that a preload element 52 is designed which performs both functions of a valve closing spring and a valve opening spring, so that these do not need to be provided separately. Thus, the number of components required for assembling the solenoid valve 100 can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the solenoid valve 100 comprises a valve housing 30, which has a main valve seat 35; and a main valve body 40, which is arranged between the valve housing 30 and the valve stem 60, has a pilot valve seat 42 that opens / closes via the valve stem 60, and is slidably mounted along the axial direction C. The main valve seat 35 is opened / closed by the sliding movement of the main valve body 40 along the axial direction C. According to the embodiment, a pilot solenoid valve can be implemented in which the assembly effort can be reduced.

[0094] In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 100 is assembled by means of an integrated first module 91, in which a valve stem 60, a piston 50, and a preload element 52 comprising a valve closing spring part 52a are combined. Thus, the solenoid valve 100 can be assembled more easily and quickly compared to when the valve stem, piston, and valve closing spring are installed separately. <Andere Ausführungsformen>

[0095] We have described the disclosure with reference to the embodiment disclosed above. However, the description and drawings, which form part of the disclosure, should not be understood as limiting the disclosure. (First option)

[0096] For example, the position in which the other end of the valve closing spring part 52a of the preload element 52A sits on the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60 can be brought closer to the pilot valve seat 42, as in Fig. 11. Solenoid valve 100A shown as an example according to the first variant.

[0097] In the case of the 100A solenoid valve in Fig. 11 is the position in which the other end of the valve closing spring part 52a sits on the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60, below the lower end of the valve opening part 52b. Other arrangements in the first variant are the same as for the components of the same name in the Fig. Figures 1-7 are exemplary embodiments, so that a redundant description is omitted.

[0098] In the first variant, as in the embodiment, the assembly effort of the solenoid valve 100A can also be reduced. Furthermore, in the first variant, the preload force of the valve closing spring part 52a can be increased more easily because the position in which the other end of the valve closing spring part 52a of the preload element 52A sits on the stem part 63 of the valve stem 60 is closer to the pilot valve seat 42. The installation depth on the valve stem 60 of the valve closing spring part 52a when mounting the valve closing spring part 52a to the stage 63a is also shorter, thus improving work efficiency. Other effects of the first variant are the same as in the embodiment. (Second option)

[0099] In the embodiment, an example was presented in which the diameter of the helical spring contained in the valve opening spring part 52b is approximately the same, without, however, being limited to this in the disclosure. As in Fig. In the exemplary preload element 52B of the solenoid valve 100B shown in Figure 12 according to the first variant, the valve opening spring part 52b can have a conical shape. Other arrangements in the second variant are the same as for the components of the same name in the Fig. Figures 1-7 are exemplary embodiments, so that a redundant description is omitted.

[0100] In the second variant, as in the first embodiment, the assembly effort of the solenoid valve 100B can also be reduced. In the second variant, the diameter of the helical spring contained in the valve opening spring part 52b gradually increases from the side of the base 50a of the piston 50 to the side of the pilot valve seat 42. This allows for a greater distance between the lower end of the valve closing spring part 52a and the lower end of the valve opening spring part 52b, thus reducing mutual obstruction between the valve closing spring part 52a and the valve opening spring part 52b. This allows for greater degrees of freedom in spring force adjustment in the second variant than in the other embodiments. Furthermore, the preload force of the valve opening spring part 52b can be increased more easily in the second variant. Other effects of the second variant are the same as in the first embodiment. (Third option)

[0101] In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the valve closing spring part 52a and the valve opening spring part 52b are connected to each other in the preload element 52, which is a helical spring, although this is not limited to the disclosure. In the disclosure, a first preload element 52C1, which has a valve closing spring part, and a second preload element 52C2, which has a valve opening spring part, can be separate components, as in the Fig. 13. The third variant is shown as an example. The first preload element 52C1 and the second preload element 52C2 in the third variant can each be manufactured by means of separate coil springs, like the preload element 52 according to the embodiment.

[0102] In the third variant, the bottom 50a of the piston 50 is also marked. Fig. 13 A separating element 54 is provided, which projects towards the pilot valve seat 42. The separating element 54 is arranged annularly surrounding the through-bore 50c of the piston 50. As an annularly arranged separating element 54, it can form a single annular separating section or several separating walls can be arranged discontinuously in an annular arrangement at intervals.

[0103] Furthermore, the disclosure may provide a recess 50a at the bottom of the piston 50 in which one end of the first preloading element 52C1 is seated. Furthermore, the disclosure may provide a recess 50a at the bottom of the piston 50 in which one end of the second preloading element 52C2 is seated. In addition, the recesses in which the ends of the preloading elements are seated may be provided instead of the separating part or in combination with the separating part.

[0104] The upper ends of the first and second prestressing elements 52C1 and 52C2 lie in the separating part 54. Fig. 13 separate components are attached to the base 50a of the piston 50 without being in contact with each other. Other arrangements in the third variant are the same as in the components of the same name in the Fig. Figures 1-7 are exemplary embodiments, so that a redundant description is omitted.

[0105] In the third variant, just as in the embodiment, the assembly effort of the solenoid valve 100C can be reduced. Furthermore, in the third variant, the first preload element 52C1, which includes a valve closing spring section, and the second preload element 52C2, which includes a valve opening spring section, are separate components, so that the valve closing spring section and the valve opening spring section do not need to be connected as a single coil spring. Other effects of the third variant are the same as in the embodiment.

[0106] As described above, the disclosure includes various embodiments not described here. At the same time, the technical scope of the disclosure is to be defined only by specific components of the invention in the claim, which are appropriate based on the description above.

[0107] The disclosure of Japanese patent application 2022-203637, filed on December 20, 2022, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0108] All documents, patent applications and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application and technical standard had been specifically and individually stated to be incorporated by reference. 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] JP 2019-007572 A [0002, 0005] WO 2019 / 135335 [0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006] JP 2022-203637

[0107]

Claims

[1] Solenoid valve comprising: a cylindrical piston which has a base with a through-bore formed therein; a valve stem comprising a head section arranged within the piston and a stem section inserted into the through-bore and projecting from the base of the piston towards the valve seat, wherein the valve stem is slidably mounted on the piston along the axial direction and opens / closes the valve seat; and a first preload element which has a valve closing spring part, wherein one end side of the valve closing spring part rests on the bottom of the piston and at the same time its other end side preloads the shaft part of the valve stem projecting outwards from the piston in the closing direction of the valve. [2] Solenoid valve according to claim 1, in which a step is provided in the stem part of the valve stem in which the other end side of the valve closing spring part is seated. [3] Solenoid valve according to claim 1 or 2, which further comprises a second preloading element having a valve opening spring part, wherein the valve opening spring part keeps the valve seat open by preloading the piston along the opening direction of the valve when not energized. [4] Solenoid valve according to claim 3, wherein the piston-side end of the valve closing spring part of the first preload element and the piston-side end of the valve opening spring part of the second preload element are continuous. [5] Solenoid valve according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a valve housing which has a main valve seat as a valve seat; and a main valve body which is arranged between the valve housing and the valve stem, has a pilot valve seat which opens / closes through the valve stem and is slidably mounted along the axial direction, the main valve seat is opened / closed by the main valve body sliding along the axial direction. [6] Assembly procedure of the solenoid valve comprising process steps: to slidably mount a valve stem along the axial direction on a piston by arranging the head part of the valve stem, which has a head part and a stem part, inside the cylindrical piston with a base having a through-bore formed therein, and the stem part protrudes outwards from the base of the piston by being inserted into the through-bore in the base of the piston; and to unite the valve stem, the piston and the preload element by bringing one end side of a valve closing spring part of the preload element into contact with the bottom of the piston and simultaneously mounting its other end side to the stem part of the valve stem projecting outwards from the piston, so that the stem part is preloaded axially along the direction from the bottom of the piston outwards.

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