TWO-WAY SOLENOID VALVE WITH PRESSURE COMPENSATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a three-way, bidirectional solenoid valve designed to regulate the flow of a fluid from an inlet port to two possible outlet ports. The valve incorporates a three-chamber housing, each chamber connected to one of the ports, and an actuation system comprising a movable core that can be axially displaced by means of a magnetic field, an actuating shaft, and a support shaft equipped with shut-off means. These elements allow the flow to alternate between the inlet and either outlet, depending on whether the magnetic field is active or not. Furthermore, it includes a pressure compensation system between the chambers and elastic return means that hold the components at rest in the absence of a magnetic field. The invention is characterized by the predetermined spacing between the actuating shaft and the support shaft, and by the use of two independent shut-off valves that control each outlet passage.Figure for the abridged version: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: BIDIRECTIONAL SOLENOID VALVE WITH PRESSURE COMPENSATION SYSTEM OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application relates to the registration of a bidirectional solenoid valve designed for regulating the flow of a cooling fluid for engines powered by an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor.

[0002] More specifically, the invention proposes the development of a bidirectional solenoid valve with three passageways to channel a flow of coolant, such as water, which is part of a cooling circuit in a conventional vehicle, through one of the two outlet ways of the solenoid valve, where it has a pressure compensation system to reduce the electrical consumption of the solenoid valve. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the automotive sector, it is well known that manufacturers of internal combustion engines combined with electric motors for vehicles (commonly called hybrid vehicles) continually seek to reduce fuel consumption in order to be more efficient, but without increasing manufacturing costs. One of the essential elements involved in this operation is the valves that act on the cooling circuit.

[0004] Proportional type solenoid valves, designed to regulate the pressure and flow of a cooling fluid, are well known on the market, which essentially comprise a fixed core and a movable core axially displaceable in relation to said fixed core under the action of a force of a magnetic field generated by the electric current of a coil, so as to allow fluidic communication between the inlet and outlet ports.

[0005] Document No. EP 2381146 is well known, in which a solenoid valve equipped with a pressure compensation system between the different inlet and outlet ports is presented. However, this compensation system is not designed to allow the solenoid valve to operate in two opposite flow directions, and its use is therefore limited.

[0006] Another example of a known solenoid valve is described in document no. ES 1295056, whose common characteristics form part of the preamble to claim 1. Although its configuration is adapted for the passage of coolant, it is possible that the effectiveness of the closing action of the various sealing means The tolerances present inside the valve body can be reduced due to the sum of the tolerances of the various parts involved in the movement of the sealing means. Specifically, it may happen that the tolerances between the different parts are unfavorable to the optimal operation of the solenoid valve, which may mean that the valve must be discarded during the manufacturing process.

[0007] On the other hand, it is also desirable that the hydraulic part be separated from the part where the magnetic and electronic components that ensure the movement of the moving parts are located in order to reduce the risk of contact of liquid substances with the electronic components.

[0008] Furthermore, the applicant is not aware of any invention currently possessing all the characteristics described in this memorandum. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention has been developed to provide a bidirectional solenoid valve which is configured as a novelty in the field of application and resolves the disadvantages mentioned above, in addition to providing other additional advantages which will be evident from the description which is accompanied below.

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to provide a bidirectional solenoid valve with three passageways, of the type designed to regulate the passage of a flow of a fluid between a first inlet orifice towards a second outlet orifice and / or a third outlet orifice; in which are defined a first chamber connected to the first inlet orifice through a first passage, a second chamber connected to the second outlet orifice through a second passage and a third chamber connected to the third outlet orifice through a third passage, such that the first inlet orifice is in fluidic communication with the second outlet orifice and the third outlet orifice; comprising a fixed core and a movable core axially movable in relation to the fixed core under the action of a force generated by a magnetic field, in which an actuating shaft connected to the movable core and a support shaft axially aligned with the actuating shaft are provided, which is provided with closing means which act on the second and third passages; elastic return means linked to the displacement of the moving core and the support shaft, and a pressure compensation system configured to compensate for the pressure value between the first, second and third chambers; where in a first state of operation the magnetic field does not act on the actuating shaft, there is fluidic communication between the first inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice, while in a second state of operation where a magnetic field acts on the actuating shaft, there is fluidic communication between the first inlet orifice and the third outlet orifice.

[0011] In particular, the invention is characterized in that the actuating shaft and the support shaft are dimensioned such that they are separated by a predetermined travel track and that the elastic return means are in a rest state when in the first operating state, such that the opposite ends of the actuating shaft and the support shaft are not in contact with each other. The closing means comprise a first shutter and a second shutter spaced apart and mounted on the support shaft, the first shutter being connected to the existing passage between the first inlet port and the second outlet port, while the second shutter is connected to the existing passage between the first inlet port and the third outlet port.

[0012] Thanks to these characteristics, a valve is obtained that is designed to operate with cooling fluids used for cooling batteries that are part of a vehicle engine, as well as the combustion engine, where reliability is improved by compensating for tolerances that may exist between the moving parts of the solenoid valve, ensuring that the sealing means always function correctly. This is particularly important to avoid situations of improper cooling that lead to a loss of performance.

[0013] It should be noted that, thanks to the arrangement of the different parts or components, this solenoid valve also allows the direction of flow circulating inside the valve to be reversed, namely, the inlet port can be converted into an outlet port, in the same way that outlet ports can be converted into inlet ports, if necessary.

[0014] It should also be mentioned that this bidirectional solenoid valve is designed to achieve a reduction in emissions from motor vehicles with at least combustion engines, being particularly suitable for vehicles which use a combination of a combustion engine with one or more electric motors powered by batteries or vehicles powered solely by the electric motor.

[0015] According to the invention, the pressure compensation system comprises at least one passage which is in fluidic communication with the second chamber and a compensation chamber which is sealed within the casing, such that, depending on the track of the actuating shaft, a pressure equilibrium occurs between the different internal chambers are present in the envelope. Thus, a lower magnetic force is required, as it is essentially only needed to overcome the elastic force of the elastic return means, so as to also allow a reduction in the size of the coil and, consequently, manufacturing costs by requiring less material.

[0016] More particularly, the pressure compensation system of the directional solenoid valve includes several passages which are arranged radially with respect to the cross-section of the envelope, such that they extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body of the envelope.

[0017] According to the invention, the aforementioned elastic return means comprise a first elastic spring mounted on the fixed core and a second elastic spring mounted inside a guide body.

[0018] Preferably, an envelope is provided which consists of a first portion and a second portion which can be coupled together by means of fastening and are fluidly sealed between them, such that the first portion of the envelope incorporates inside an electronic control board, the fixed core and the moving core, while the second portion of the envelope is provided with the first, second and third chambers and the compensation chamber.

[0019] In addition, a particle retention filter is provided which is located in the passage which is in fluidic communication with the third chamber and a compensation chamber and upstream of the compensation chamber, so as to prevent the passage of unwanted particles into the compensation chamber.

[0020] Preferably, the first shutter and the second shutter are formed from a discoidal-shaped body.

[0021] Furthermore, the solenoid valve of the invention includes means for detecting the spatial positioning of the actuating shaft configured to transmit its spatial position to an electronic control board. Preferably, such spatial positioning means consist of a Hall effect sensor comprising a magnet mounted as a single unit with the moving core.

[0022] According to the invention, the electronic control card is in data communication with an electronic control unit of a vehicle through a Bus Lin network system, so as to allow the transmission of the spatial position data of the positioning means to the electronic control unit. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other features and advantages of the bidirectional solenoid valve of the present invention will be evident from the description of an embodiment preferred, but not exclusive, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bidirectional solenoid valve according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of the solenoid valve bidirectional as shown in the previous figure;

[0026] Fig. 3 is an elevation view of the two-way solenoid valve in the first state where the magnetic field does not act because the control unit is in an OFF position;

[0027] [Fig.3a] is an enlarged detailed view of a portion shown in [Fig.3];

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic top view that shows the compensation of pressures when the solenoid valve is in the state where the magnetic field acts when the control unit is in the ON position;

[0029] Fig. 5 is a side height view of the embodiment of the solenoid valve according to the invention;

[0030] The [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view along the section HH indicated on the [Fig.5];

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic top view that shows the compensation of pressures when the solenoid valve is in the state where the control unit is in an OFF position; and

[0032] The [Fig.8] is a schematic top view which shows the pressure compensation when the solenoid valve is in the state where the control unit is in an ON position, i.e., the magnetic field of the coil is acting. DESCRIPTION OF A FAVORITE PROJECT

[0033] In view of the figures mentioned and, according to the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed therein, which includes the parts and elements which are indicated and described in detail below.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms firstly, secondly, thirdly, and similar in the description and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms may be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated in this specification.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms superior, inferior, high, low and similar in the description and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the solenoid valve, it is designed to regulate the passage of a fluid flow between a first inlet orifice (1) and a second outlet orifice (2) and / or a third outlet orifice (3), having an envelope in which are defined a first chamber (52) connected to the first inlet orifice through a first passage, a second chamber (53) connected to the second outlet orifice through a second passage and a third chamber (54) connected to the third outlet orifice (3) through a third passage (15), such that the first inlet orifice (1) is in fluidic communication with the second outlet orifice (2) and the third outlet orifice (3).

[0037] It should be noted that the first inlet port (1), the second outlet port (2) and the third outlet port (3) are formed of hollow internal extensions that project perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the outer casing (5). In addition, the outer surface of the first inlet port (1), the second outlet port (2) and the third outlet port (3) have a region (100, 200, 300) on a raised outer surface designed to contain the corresponding conduits (not shown) coupled to these first inlet port (1), second outlet port (2) and third outlet port (3).

[0038] Returning to the envelope (5), it consists of two parts, a first portion (50) and a second portion (51) which can be coupled together by means of fastening and fluidly sealed between them, such that the first portion of the envelope (50) incorporates inside an electronic control board, the fixed core and the moving core, while the second portion (51) of the envelope is provided with the first (52), second (53) and third (54) chambers and the compensation chamber (16).

[0039] A fixed core (4) and a movable core (6) are provided axially movable in relation to said fixed core (4) under the action of a force generated by a magnetic field, in which an actuating shaft (10) is provided connected to the movable core (6) and a support shaft (12) axially aligned with the actuating shaft (10), which is provided with closing means, which will be explained in more detail below, which act on the second and third passages.

[0040] This magnetic field is created by a coil (7) connected to an external power supply by means of a connection terminal (8) associated with the control board (11) located on its upper part. Said coil (7) is located in a coil core (9). It should be noted that the electronic control board PCB (11) has a regulation system using a software program configured to regulate the current applied to the coil (7), so as to apply a high initial current (until the magnetic track is completed with maximum force), and then reduce the current to a lower value to maintain the operating state of the solenoid valve. This regulation system makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption demanded from a battery present in the vehicle (not represented) and also to reduce the temperature generated by the coil while the solenoid valve is on. Similarly, the software program is also designed to maintain the activation current regardless of the ambient temperature around the solenoid valve and the voltage received.

[0041] The solenoid valve also has elastic return means connected to the movement of the moving core (6) and the support shaft (12), which include a first elastic spring (18) mounted in a housing in the fixed core (4) and a second elastic spring (19) mounted inside a guide body (13). This guide body acts as a separating means between the different portions of the housing described above.

[0042] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 3a], the guide body (13), made of plastic, has a through-hole through which the support shaft (12) moves axially. The support shaft also includes a fixed sealing element (17) to keep the compensation chamber (16) sealed against the second chamber (53). Furthermore, the guide body (13) has annular grooves containing sealing gaskets (23) to ensure a seal between the two portions (50), (51) of the casing (5).

[0043] The pressure compensation system comprises a plurality of passages (see [Fig.6]) arranged radially around a central longitudinal axis and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body of the envelope (5), these passages being in fluidic communication with the second chamber (53) and a compensation chamber (16) which is sealed within the envelope (5).

[0044] In this way, in a first operating state, the magnetic field does not act on the drive shaft; there is fluidic communication between the first inlet port and the second outlet port, while in a second operating state, where a magnetic field acts on the actuating shaft, there is fluidic communication between the first inlet port and the third outlet port. It should be noted that the actuating shaft (10) and the support shaft are dimensioned such that they are separated by a predetermined distance and that the elastic return means are in a rest state when in the first operating state.

[0045] By now referring to the closing means they comprise a first shutter (26) and a second shutter (27) spaced apart and mounted on the support shaft, the first shutter (26) being linked to the existing passage between the first inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice, while the second shutter (27) is linked to the existing passage between the first inlet orifice (1) and the third outlet orifice (3).

[0046] The first obturator (26) and the second obturator (27) are each formed of a discoidal body which has a central through hole, where they are fixed by a fit thanks to the arrangement of diametrically enlarged portions present on the support shaft (12).

[0047] To avoid the accumulation of impurities inside the compensation chamber (16), a particle retention filter (22) is provided which is located in the passage (15) which is in fluidic communication with the third chamber (53) and a compensation chamber (16) and upstream of the compensation chamber.

[0048] In addition, the solenoid valve of the invention is provided with means for detecting the spatial positioning of the actuating shaft (10) configured to transmit its spatial position to an electronic control board, which consist of a Hall effect sensor on the electronic control board (PCB) and a magnet (21) mounted on a magnet support (25) coupled in one piece to the moving core (6).

[0049] It should be mentioned that the PCB electronic control board (11) is in data communication with an electronic vehicle control unit (not shown) through a Bus Lin network system, so that the spatial position data of the positioning means are transmitted.

[0050] It should be mentioned that the Bus Lin network system is the abbreviation for Local Interconnect Network, which corresponds to the local interconnection network.

[0051] Figures 7 and 8 show the relationship of forces between the different chambers present inside the body of the solenoid valve, which is then explained in more detail.

[0052] The "ON" position is understood to be the operating position where the magnetic field of the coil acts, while the "OFF" position corresponds to the operating position where the coil is not supplied with current.

[0053] Thus, [Fig. 7] shows the operating state where communication between the first inlet port (1) and the second outlet port (2) is transparent, with the actuating shaft and the support shaft separated by a predetermined travel track (e.g., 1 mm) and the elastic return means in a rest state. In this case, the first shutter (26) is in an open state while the second shutter (27) is in a closed state. In this state, the force F1 present inside the third chamber (54) is equal to the force F2 present inside the compensation chamber (16). On the other hand, the force F3 acting in the direction of the compensation chamber (16) is equal to the force F4 acting inside the first chamber (52) and the second chamber (53) in the direction of the upper part of the second shutter (27).

[0054] Where: Fl corresponds to the hydraulic force which relates the pressure value in the third chamber (54) to the surface of the area S1; F2 corresponds to the hydraulic force which links the pressure value in the compensation chamber (16) to the surface of the area S3; F3 corresponds to the hydraulic force in the first and second chamber (52), (53) which relates the pressure value to the surface of the area S4; F4 corresponds to the hydraulic force that links the pressure value to the surface of the SI zone.

[0055] Furthermore, [Fig. 8] shows the operating state where communication between the first inlet port (1) and the third outlet port (3) is transparent, where the actuating shaft (10) and the support shaft (12) have been displaced such that the second shutter (27) is in an open state, allowing fluidic communication when the first shutter (26) is in a closed state and the second shutter is in an open state. In this state, the force F5 present inside the first chamber (52) is equal to the force F6 present inside the compensation chamber (16). Moreover, the force F7 acting against the compensation chamber (16) is equal to the force F8 acting inside the second chamber (53) towards the upper part of the second shutter (26).

[0056] Where: F5 corresponds to the hydraulic force which links the pressure value to the surface of zone S2; F6 corresponds to the hydraulic force which links the pressure value in the compensation chamber (16) to the surface of the area S3; F7 corresponds to the hydraulic force which links the pressure value in the second chamber (53) to the surface of the area S4; F8 corresponds to the hydraulic force which relates the pressure value in the second chamber (53) to the surface of the area S2.

[0057] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements used in the manufacture of the bidirectional solenoid valve of the invention may be conveniently replaced by others which do not deviate from the scope defined by the claims included below.

Claims

1. Demands Bidirectional solenoid valve with three passage ways, designed to regulate the passage of a fluid flow between a first inlet port (1) towards a second outlet port (2) and / or a third outlet port (3); having an envelope (5) in which are defined a first chamber connected to the first inlet orifice through a first passage, a second chamber connected to the second outlet orifice (2) through a second passage and a third chamber connected to the third outlet orifice through a third passage, such that the first inlet orifice (1) is in fluidic communication with the second outlet orifice and the third outlet orifice; comprising a fixed core (4) and a movable core (6) axially movable in relation to said fixed core under the action of a force generated by a magnetic field, in which an actuating shaft (10) is provided connected to the movable core (6) and a support shaft axially aligned with the actuating shaft (10), which is provided with closing means which act on the second and third passages; elastic return means linked to the displacement of the moving core and the support shaft, and a pressure compensation system configured to compensate for the pressure value between the first, second and third chambers; where, in a first operating state, the magnetic field does not act on the drive shaft, there is fluidic communication between the first inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice, whereas in a second operating state where a magnetic field acts on the drive shaft, there is fluidic communication between the first inlet port and the third outlet port, characterized by the fact that the actuating shaft (10) and the support shaft (12) are dimensioned such that they are separated by a predetermined displacement track and that the elastic return means are in a rest state when they are in the first operating state, such that the opposite ends of the actuating shaft and the support shaft are not in contact with each other; and wherein the closing means comprise a first shutter (26) and a second shutter (27) spaced apart and mounted on the support shaft (12), the first shutter (26) being linked to the existing passage between the first inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice, while the second shutter (27) is linked to the existing passage between the first inlet orifice (1) and the third outlet orifice (3).

2. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure compensation system includes at least one passage which is in fluidic communication with the second chamber (53) and a compensation chamber (16) which is sealed within the casing (5).

3. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of passages arranged radially and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body of the envelope (5).

4. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return means comprise a first elastic spring mounted in the fixed core and a second elastic spring mounted inside a guide body (13).

5. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a casing is provided which consists of a first portion and a second portion which can be coupled together by fastening means and are fluidly sealed between them, such that the first portion of the casing incorporates within it an electronic control board (PCB) (11), the fixed core (4) and the moving core (6) while the second portion of the casing is provided with the first, second and third chambers and the compensation chamber (16).

6. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a particle retention filter (22) is provided which is located in the passage in fluidic communication with the second chamber (53) and a compensation chamber (16).

7. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first obturator (26) and the second obturator (27) are formed of a discoidal-shaped body.

8. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the guide body (13) fixedly mounted inside the casing (5) has a housing in which a sealing element (17) is movable and which is fixedly coupled to the support shaft (12), the sealing element (17) being designed to keep the compensation chamber (16) sealed with respect to the second chamber (53).

9. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the spatial positioning of the actuating shaft designed to transmit its spatial position to an electronic control board.

10. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 9, characterized in that the spatial positioning means consist of a Hall effect sensor on the electronic control board (PCB) (11) and a magnet (21) mounted as a single unit with the moving core (6).

11. Bidirectional solenoid valve according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic control board is in data communication with an electronic control unit in a vehicle via a Bus Lin network system, such that spatial position data of the positioning means are transmitted to the electronic control unit.

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