Solenoid valve

Abstract

To provide a solenoid valve capable of reducing the axial length of the valve while also capable of reducing the overall actuation range required by a solenoid actuator.SOLUTION: A solenoid valve 100 can include a valve body 132, a solenoid actuator 104, a valve insert, and first and second movable valve elements 216, 250. The valve body 132 can include a valve bore, a control port 236, a first port 240, and a second port 244. The solenoid actuator 104 is configured to selectively move a push pin 215 between a first position and a second position to move first and second valve elements, selectively connecting the control port 236 to the first port 240 or the second port 244.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable.

[0002] <Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research> Not applicable. [Background technology]

[0003] A solenoid typically includes a coil of wire that is selectively energized (ie, supplied with an electric current having a particular magnitude and direction) to move an armature between one or more positions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a solenoid valve is provided. The solenoid valve includes a valve body, a solenoid actuator, a valve insert, and first and second valve elements. The valve body includes a valve bore, a control port, a first port, and a second port. The control port is located in the nose of the valve body. The solenoid actuator is coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively move a pin between a first position and a second position. The pin extends from the solenoid actuator into the valve bore. The valve insert is located in the valve bore and includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat. The first valve element is coupled to the pin and movable with the pin to selectively engage the first valve seat, and the second valve element is movable by the pin to selectively engage the second valve seat. Movement of the pin between the first position and the second position by the solenoid actuator selectively connects the control port to the first port or the second port.

[0005] According to another aspect, there is provided a solenoid valve movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The solenoid valve includes a valve body including a valve bore, a control port, a first port, and a second port, the control port being disposed in a nose of the valve body. The solenoid valve further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively actuate a pin extending from the solenoid actuator into the valve bore, a valve insert disposed in the valve bore, the valve insert including a poppet seat disposed between the control port and the first port and a ball seat disposed between the control port and the second port, a poppet coupled to the pin and movable between an open position and a closed position by the solenoid actuator, and a valve ball slidably received within a ball chamber included in the valve body. When the solenoid valve is in the first configuration, the poppet is in the open position, providing fluid communication between the first port and the control port, and the valve ball is configured to engage the ball seat in response to pressure in the second port. When the solenoid valve is in the second configuration, the poppet is in the closed position, engaging the poppet seat, and the distal end of the pin engages the valve ball, providing fluid communication between the second port and the control port.

[0006] According to another aspect, a solenoid valve is provided, the solenoid valve comprising a valve body including a valve bore, a control port, a first port, and a second port, the control port being connected to a valve body. The solenoid valve includes a valve body having a control port disposed in a nose at a distal end of the valve body. The solenoid valve also includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively move a pin between a first position and a second position, the pin extending from the solenoid actuator into the valve bore. The solenoid valve further includes a valve insert disposed in the valve bore, the valve insert including an annular wall defining an axial channel extending between a first valve seat and a second valve seat, a first valve element coupled to the pin and movable with the pin to selectively open and close the first valve element relative to the first valve seat to provide or prevent fluid communication between the first port and the axial channel, and a second valve element movable by the pin to selectively open and close the second valve element relative to the second valve seat to provide or prevent fluid communication between the second port and the axial channel. The valve body further includes an annular chamber in fluid communication with the axial channel and the control port, and movement of the pin between the first position and the second position by the solenoid actuator selectively provides fluid communication between the control port and the first port or the control port and the second port, respectively.

[0007] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description. In this specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration preferred configurations of the present disclosure. However, such configurations do not necessarily represent the full scope of the present disclosure, and reference is therefore made to the claims and this specification for interpreting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] The present invention will be better understood, and further features, aspects and advantages will become apparent, when considered in light of the following detailed description, which refers to the following drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a solenoid valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the solenoid valve of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 with the solenoid valve in a first configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 with the solenoid valve in a first configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve of FIG. 3 with the solenoid valve in a second configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve of FIG. 4 with the solenoid valve in a second configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of the solenoid valve of FIG. 3 taken along line 7-7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before describing any aspect of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other configurations and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" are used interchangeably. The term "coupled," and variations thereof, are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0011] The following discussion is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use aspects of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein can be applied to other configurations and applications without departing from the aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, aspects of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the configurations shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are labeled with like reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are many useful alternatives to the non-limiting examples provided herein and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] The term "axial" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to a direction extending generally along an axis of symmetry, a central axis, or a longitudinal direction for a particular component or system. For example, an axially extending structure of a component may extend generally along a direction parallel to an axis of symmetry or a longitudinal direction for that component. Similarly, the use of the term "radial" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a corresponding axial direction. For example, a radially extending structure of a component may generally extend at least partially along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis of that component. The use of the term "circumferential" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to a direction extending generally around the circumference or periphery of an object, around an axis of symmetry, around a central axis, or around the longitudinal direction of a particular component or system.

[0013] The use of the term "separated" herein refers to features that are spaced apart from one another. For example, axially separated features of a component may be features that are spaced apart from one another along the axial direction. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the use of the term "separated" is not intended to require any other particular alignment of the features with respect to a reference direction. For example, axially separated components may generally be spaced apart from one another in the axial direction, but may or may not be located or aligned along a common reference line that extends axially. Similarly, for example, radially separated components may generally be spaced apart from one another in the radial direction, but may or may not be separated from one another in the axial direction. Similarly, for example, circumferentially separated components may generally be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, but may or may not be separated from one another in the radial or axial direction.

[0014] A solenoid valve may include a control port that can be selectively connected by the solenoid valve to a pressure source or a tank. A control port, also referred to herein as a control port or A-port, is generally a port configured to regulate or control the flow rate through or fluid pressure supplied to a device. For example, a control port may be connected to a device, such as a pump, to control the amount of fluid transported by the device. In some examples, the control port is located at a point along the length of the valve body of the solenoid valve. However, locating the control port along the length of the valve body may result in a more complex application structure (e.g., a manifold design, etc.). Furthermore, having control ports along the length of the valve body may result in a larger valve body (e.g., a longer axial length), which may increase the overall size of the solenoid valve. Furthermore, a larger valve body may increase the operating range required for the solenoid actuator of the solenoid valve, which may also increase the overall size of the solenoid valve. In general, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling solenoid operation. The present invention provides systems and methods for valves that include a control port located in the nose of the valve body (e.g., the distal end of the valve body). By providing a control port in the nose of the valve body, the axial length of the valve can be reduced while also reducing the overall actuation range required for the solenoid actuator. Additionally, including a control port in the nose of the valve body can provide a more efficient flow path within an application structure (e.g., a manifold, etc.).

[0015] Generally, a solenoid can include an armature selectively movable between one or more positions that controls a valve. For example, the armature can be movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa. The armature can be held or maintained in the first position by physical engagement with a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring, a linkage, another mechanical device capable of exerting a biasing force on a surface, or fluid pressure), and the armature can be actuated toward the second position by activation of the solenoid, i.e., by generating a magnetic field to move the armature.

[0016] 1 and 2 illustrate one non-limiting example of a solenoid-controlled valve 100 according to the present disclosure. The solenoid-controlled valve 100 may include a solenoid actuator 104 coupled to a valve portion 108. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the solenoid actuator 104 may include a solenoid housing 112, a first pole piece 116, a second pole piece 120, an end plate 124, and an armature 128. The valve portion 108 includes a valve body 132 and a valve insert 136. Generally, the components of the solenoid actuator 104 and the valve portion 108 may be concentrically disposed or aligned along a central axis 138 (e.g., a longitudinal axis), which defines a first end 140 and an axially opposed second end 144 of the solenoid-controlled valve 100.

[0017] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the solenoid housing 112 can define a generally cylindrical shape and can be fabricated from a magnetically conductive material (e.g., magnetic steel, iron, nickel, etc.) In other non-limiting examples, the solenoid housing 112 can define another shape as desired. The solenoid housing 112 may be formed as a single component (i.e., as a single piece of material) and may include a first outer wall portion 152, a first top wall portion 156, a second outer wall portion 160, and a second top wall portion 164. The first outer wall portion 152 extends axially from the end plate 124 to a junction between the first outer wall portion 152 and the first top wall portion 156. Furthermore, the first outer wall portion 152 is disposed radially outward from the second outer wall portion 160, and the first top wall portion 156 extends radially from the first outer wall portion 152 to the second outer wall portion 160. Thus, the second outer wall portion 160 extends axially from the first top wall portion 156 in the opposite axial direction from the first outer wall portion 152. Additionally, second outer wall portion 160 extends to a second top wall portion 164 disposed at first end 140 of solenoid control valve 100. At an open end 168 of solenoid actuator 104 opposite first end 140, solenoid housing 112 may be attached or coupled to end plate 124 at a free end 172 of first outer wall portion 152. For example, a plurality of latches 176 (see FIG. 1 ) may extend axially from free end 172 and be configured to be secured to end plate 124.

[0018] A first pole piece 116 is disposed within the solenoid housing 112. The first pole piece 116 may be fabricated from a magnetically conductive material (e.g., magnetic steel, iron, nickel, etc.) and may be coupled to the solenoid housing 112 such that the first pole piece 116 extends axially from near the first top wall portion 156 of the solenoid housing 112 toward the end plate 124. In some non-limiting examples, portions of the solenoid housing 112 may be formed by one or more individual components. For example, For example, in some non-limiting examples, first outer wall portion 152 may be formed separately from and then coupled to second outer wall portion 160. In some non-limiting examples, for example, end plate 124 may be formed with solenoid housing 112 (e.g., as a unitary piece), and second top wall portion 164 may be coupled to second outer wall portion 160 as an additional end cap.

[0019] The second pole piece 120 may be at least partially disposed within the solenoid housing 112. The second pole piece 120 may be fabricated from a magnetically conductive material (e.g., magnetic steel, iron, nickel, etc.). In the illustrated non-limiting example, the second pole piece 120 may be axially separated from the first pole piece 116 and may extend axially across the end plate 124. The second pole piece 120 may include an armature recess 180 and a central bore 184. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the armature recess 180 extends axially from a first end 192 of the second pole piece 120. The armature recess 180 is generally dimensioned to receive the armature 128 when the armature 128 is in the first position or the second position and may define an armature surface 196 sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the armature 128. In some non-limiting examples, the solenoid actuator 104 may not include the first and second pole pieces 116, 120. For example, the housing 112 of the solenoid actuator 104 may be configured to function as a pole piece without the need for separate pole pieces.

[0020] As described above, the end plate 124 may be attached to or coupled to the open end 168 of the solenoid housing 112. For example, the open end 168 of the solenoid housing 112 may be glued, crimped, welded, or press-fit to the end plate 124. In either case, the end plate 124 may generally surround the open end 168 of the solenoid housing 112. The end plate 124 may be fabricated from a magnetically conductive material (e.g., magnetic steel, iron, nickel, etc.). In the illustrated non-limiting example, the end plate 124 may generally define a plate including a first opening 204 configured to receive and retain the second pole piece 120. Additionally, the end plate 124 may include a second opening 208 that may be used to secure the solenoid actuator 104 to a structure or mechanism. For example, the second opening 208 may receive a fastener for attaching the solenoid control valve 100 to a structure (e.g., a manifold, a valve block, etc.).

[0021] In general, the armature 128 may be at least partially disposed within the solenoid housing 112 and may be movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa upon excitation of the solenoid actuator 104. The armature 128 may be fabricated from a magnetically conductive material (e.g., magnetic steel, iron, nickel, etc.). In the illustrated non-limiting example, the solenoid actuator 104 may include an armature tube 212 within which the armature 128 may be movably housed. The armature tube 212 may be a thin-walled tube fabricated from a non-magnetically conductive material (e.g., non-magnetically conductive stainless steel).

[0022] The solenoid actuator 104 may further include a wire coil 224 disposed within the solenoid housing 112. The wire coil 224 may be wound around a bobbin 228. The bobbin 228 may be made from a non-magnetic, electrically conductive material (e.g., plastic) and may be disposed within the solenoid housing 112 such that the wire coil 224 is wound around at least a portion of the armature 128. The wire coil 224 may be made from, for example, a copper coil configured to generate a magnetic field, which exerts a force on the armature 128 in response to the wire coil 224 being energized (i.e., current being applied to the wire coil 224). Magnitude and direction or polarity of the magnetic field , and the force applied to the armature 128 may be governed by the magnitude and direction of an electrical current applied to the wire coil 224. In some non-limiting examples, the wire coil 224 may be electrically connected to a controller (not shown) via electrical contacts on the solenoid actuator 104. The controller may be configured to selectively apply an electrical current to the wire coil 224 at a particular magnitude and direction. Generally, the solenoid actuator 104 is configured to selectively move the armature 128 between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and the first position.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the solenoid valve 100 includes a push pin 215 that extends from the armature 128, and generally from the solenoid actuator 104, into a valve bore 232 of the valve body 132. The push pin 215 may define a central axis 138. The push pin 215 may be coupled to or engaged with the armature 128 for operation therewith. That is, the solenoid actuator 104 may selectively actuate the push pin 215 between a first or retracted position (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and a second or extended position (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ), and vice versa. In some non-limiting examples, the push pin 215 and the armature 128 may be formed as a single component (e.g., from a single piece of material). As described herein, the solenoid control valve 100 can include a first valve element 216 and a second valve element 250 selectively movable by a push pin 215, whereby movement of the push pin 215 between a first position and a second position by the solenoid actuator 104 can selectively connect at least two ports of the valve body 132.

[0024] The push pin 215 can include a first valve element 216 coupled thereto, such that the first valve element 216 is movable therewith. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the first valve element 216 is configured as a poppet 216. A pin extension 220 can extend axially from the poppet 216 to the distal end of the push pin 215 in a direction toward the second end 144 of the solenoid control valve 100. In some non-limiting examples, the poppet 216 and the push pin 215 can be formed as a single component. The push pin 215 can extend axially through the second pole piece 120 and at least a portion of the end plate 124. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the push pin 215 can slidably extend through the central bore 184 of the second pole piece 120. The push pin 215 may be formed as a unitary component (i.e., a single piece of material) with a pin extension 220 extending axially from the end of the poppet 216. The poppet 216 may extend radially outward from the push pin 215. In the illustrated example, the diameter defined by the poppet 216 may be larger than the diameter defined by the pin extension 220. As described below, actuation of the push pin 215, and thus actuation of the poppet 216 and pin extension 220, may be configured to control flow through one or more ports in the valve body 132.

[0025] 3 and 4 , the valve portion 108 includes a valve body 132 that defines a valve bore 232 and a plurality of ports. More specifically, in the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve body 132 defines a control port 236, a first port 240, and a second port 244. The control port 236, also referred to as the A port, is located in a nose 248 of the valve body 132, which is at the second end 144 of the solenoid-controlled valve 100. Thus, the control port 236 may be centrally located and / or axially aligned with the central axis 138 and located at the distal end (e.g., second end 144) of the valve body 132. The location of the control port 236 in the nose 248 of the valve body 132 provides efficient operation and flow paths within both the valve body 132 and the application structure (e.g., a manifold) to which the valve is attached. For example, the placement of the control port 236 in the nose 248 This may simplify the design of flow paths (e.g., manifolds) within an application. The first port 240 may be in fluid communication with an external device or body (e.g., a tank). The second port 244 may be in fluid communication with a fluid or pressure source (e.g., a pump). In the illustrated example, the first port 240 and the second port 244 are disposed along the axial length of the valve body 132, with the first port 240 being axially separated from the second port 244.

[0026] As described above, the solenoid valve 100 may include a valve insert 136 disposed within the valve bore 232. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the poppet 216 and pin extension 220 extend through and are at least partially disposed within the valve insert 136. In the illustrated example, the second valve element 250 may be configured as a valve ball 250 movably retained within the valve body 132. The valve body 132 may define a ball cavity or chamber 245 that slidably receives the valve ball 250. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the ball chamber 245 at least partially surrounds and supports the valve ball 250. The ball chamber 245 may be in fluid communication with the second port 244. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve body 132 includes a sidewall 246 (e.g., perpendicular to the central axis 138) that spans the valve bore 232. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the sidewall 246 is axially disposed between the second port 244 and the control port 236. The ball chamber 245 is disposed between the distal end of the valve insert 136 and the sidewall 246. The sidewall 246 may include a protrusion 247 extending axially into the ball chamber 245. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the protrusion 247 is configured as a hemispherical protrusion. In some non-limiting examples, the protrusion 247 is configured to support and elevate the valve ball 250 from a bottom surface of the ball chamber 245. In this manner, for example, the protrusion 247 may ensure that fluid pressure from the second port 244 can act on the valve ball 250, pushing and displacing the valve ball 250 toward the valve insert 136. In other non-limiting examples, the protrusion 247 can prevent the valve ball 250 from moving beyond the protrusion 247, thereby inhibiting an overtravel condition.

[0027] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve insert 136 defines a poppet cavity or chamber 254 that can movably receive the poppet 216. The poppet chamber 254 may be in fluid communication with the first port 240. The valve insert 136 may define one or more seats or surfaces that the poppet 216 (e.g., a first valve element) contacts and / or the valve ball 250 (e.g., a second valve element) may engage to provide a fluid seal and prevent fluid flow along a particular flow path. For example, the valve insert 136 may define a first seat 256 and a second seat 260 axially separated from the first seat 256. In some non-limiting examples, the first seat 256 may be configured as a ball seat 256 with which the valve ball 250 can engage to form a seal therebetween, and the second seat 260 can be configured as a poppet seat 260 with which the poppet 216 can engage to form a seal therebetween. In the non-limiting examples shown, the poppet seat 260 is located at the base of the poppet chamber 254, and the ball seat 256 is located at the distal end of the valve insert 136. In terms of the fluid path, the ball seat 256 can be located between the control port 236 and the second port 244, and the poppet seat 260 can be located between the control port 236 and the first port 240.

[0028] The valve insert 136 may define an annular wall 261 that provides an axial channel 262 extending between the poppet seat 260 and the ball seat 256. The pin extension 220 of the push pin 215 is received within and extends axially through the axial channel 262 to allow selective engagement of the valve ball 250. Thus, selective engagement of the poppet 216 with the poppet seat 260 can provide or prevent fluid communication between the first port 240 and the axial channel 262. Similarly, selective engagement of the valve ball 250 with the ball seat 256 can provide or prevent fluid communication between the second port 244 and the axial channel 262.

[0029] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve body 132 can further include an annular chamber 263 disposed radially outward from the axial channel 262 (e.g., radially outward from the annular wall 261). The annular chamber 263 can be in fluid communication with the control port 236. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the annular chamber 263 is in fluid communication with the control port 236 via a pair of annular channels 265 extending axially through the side wall 246 between the annular chamber 263 and the control port 236 (see also FIG. 7). As best shown in FIG. 7, the annular channels 265 can be disposed on opposite circumferential sides of the valve bore 232.

[0030] 3 and 4, the valve insert 136 can include a passageway 267 configured as an opening extending radially through the annular wall 261 to provide fluid communication between the axial channel 262 and the annular chamber 263. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the passageway 267 is axially disposed between the poppet seat 260 and the ball seat 256. As described below, the passageway 267 connecting the axial channel 262 to the annular chamber 263 allows either the first port 240 or the second port 244 to be in fluid communication with the control port 236, depending on the valve configuration determined by the position of the push pin 215.

[0031] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve insert 136 is press-fit into the valve bore 232, which may simplify manufacturing compared to conventional designs. For example, one or more outer surfaces of the valve insert 136 may be in a press-fit arrangement with one or more surfaces defining the valve bore 232 and / or one or more surfaces of the valve body 132. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve insert 136 includes a first insert face 249 that is press-fit into a first bore face 251 of the valve bore 232. The outer diameter of the first insert face 249 may define a diameter equal to or greater than the inner diameter defined by the first bore face 251, providing a press fit therebetween. In some non-limiting examples, the first insert face 249 may include one or more features that aid in forming the press fit with the first bore face 251. For example, the first insert surface 249 may include one or more annular rings or dimples extending radially outward from the first insert surface 249 and axially separated from one another. Furthermore, in the illustrated non-limiting example, the valve insert 136 includes a second insert surface 253 that is press-fit into the second bore surface 255. The second insert surface 253 may be axially separated from the first insert surface 249, and the second insert surface 253 may define a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first insert surface 249. For example, the second insert surface 253 may be disposed radially inward from the first insert surface 249. The second bore surface 255 may form at least a portion of the ball chamber 245. The outer diameter defined by the second insert surface 253 may be equal to or greater than the inner diameter defined by the second bore surface 255, providing a press fit therebetween. In some non-limiting examples, the second insert face 253 may include one or more features that aid in forming a press fit with the second bore face 255. For example, the second insert face 253 may include one or more annular rings or dimples that extend radially outward from the first insert face 255 and are axially separated from one another. In some non-limiting examples, the valve body 132 may be overmolded onto the valve insert 136.In some non-limiting examples, the valve insert 136 may be insert molded into the valve body 132. In other non-limiting examples, the valve body 132 and the valve insert 136 may be formed as a single component. In some non-limiting examples, one or more seals (e.g., O-rings) may be disposed between the valve body 132 and the valve insert 136. A lube insert 136 is secured and sealed within the valve body 132 .

[0032] As previously described herein, the push pin 215 may be selectively operated by the solenoid actuator 104 to provide one or more fluid flow paths or valve configurations. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the solenoid valve 100 is movable between a first configuration ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and a second configuration ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In the illustrated example, the solenoid valve 100 transitions between the first and second configurations through selective actuation of the push pin 215 between the first and second positions by the solenoid actuator 104. The first and second configurations can define different fluid flow paths through the valve portion 108 via movement of the poppet 216 and valve ball 250 by the push pin 215. For example, the coupling between the push pin 215 and the poppet 216 can selectively actuate the poppet between an open position ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and a closed position ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Additionally, a pin extension 220 extending through the axial channel 262 allows the distal end of the push pin 215 to selectively engage the valve ball 250 to actuate the valve ball 250 between a closed position ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and an open position ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). When the solenoid valve 100 is in a first configuration, the push pin 215 can be in a first position to move the poppet 216 to an open position, connecting the control port 236 to the first port 240, and the valve ball 250 can be in a closed position, isolating the control port 236 from the second port 244. When the solenoid valve 100 is in a second configuration, the push pin 215 can be in a second position to move the valve ball 250 to an open position, connecting the control port 236 to the second port 244, and the push pin 215 can move the poppet 216 to a closed position, isolating the control port 236 from the first port 240. In the illustrated non-limiting example, when push pin 215 is in the first position, valve ball 250 is configured to move within ball chamber 245 to engage or disengage ball seat 256 in response to pressure within second port 244. Thus, selective actuation of push pin 215 may selectively connect one of first port 240 or second port 244 to control port 236.

[0033] 3 and 4 show the solenoid valve 100 in a first configuration and the push pin 215, and thus the pin extension 220, in a corresponding retracted position (e.g., first position). When the wire coil 224 is de-energized (i.e., no current is supplied to the wire coil 224), the push pin 215 may be maintained or held in the first position by fluid pressure acting on the valve ball 250 from the second port 244 (e.g., upward as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 3). When the push pin 215 is in the first position, the armature 128 is displaced from the armature surface 196. When the push pin 215 is in the first position, the pin extension 220 may be retracted into the axial channel 262, providing sufficient axial clearance to allow the valve ball 250 to move relative to the ball seat 256. Thus, pressure generated by a fluid source connected to the second port 244 may press or force the valve ball 250 against the ball seat 256. The valve ball 250 engaging the ball seat 256 prevents or restricts fluid flow between the second port 244 and the control port 236 .

[0034] Additionally, when push pin 215 is in the first position, poppet 216 is lifted against poppet seat 260, thereby defining an axial space or gap between poppet 216 and poppet seat 260. The axial gap between poppet 216 and poppet seat 260 allows fluid to flow between control port 236 and first port 240 along first flow path 252. First flow path 252 includes control port 236, annular chamber 263, axial channel 262, poppet chamber 254, and first port 240.

[0035] 5 and 6, when it is desired to transition the solenoid valve 100 from a first configuration to a second configuration, an electric current may be applied to the wire coil 224 with a first polarity, actuating the push pin 215 from a first, retracted position to a second, extended position. The electric current of the first polarity applied to the wire coil 224 may provide an electromagnetic force to the armature 128, causing the armature 128 to move from the first position to the second position. By energizing the solenoid actuator 104, the push pin 215 moves (e.g., axially toward the nose 248 of the valve body 132) to the second position. The push pin 215 may be allowed to move toward the second position until the poppet 216 engages the poppet seat 260 to provide a seal therebetween. The engagement and seal between poppet 216 and poppet seat 260 prevents or restricts fluid flow (e.g., first flow path 252 is blocked) between first port 240 and control port 236. As push pin 215 extends, pin extension 220 moves axially toward valve ball 250, lifting valve ball 250 away from ball seat 256. The pin extension 220, which lifts the valve ball 250 from the ball seat 256, opens a second flow path 258 between the control port 236 and the second port 244. The second flow path 258 includes the second port 244, the ball chamber 245, the axial channel 262, the annular chamber 263, and the control port 236.

[0036] To return the solenoid valve 100 to the first configuration, the wire coil 224 may be de-energized to terminate the current applied to the wire coil 224, and the armature 128 may be moved to the first position by fluid pressure acting on the valve ball 250, thereby urging the armature 128 and the push pin 215 coupled, attached, or engaged to the armature 128 to the first position. When the push pin 215 returns to the first position, fluid communication between the first port 240 and the control port 236 is provided along the first flow path 252, and fluid communication between the second port 244 and the control port 236 is inhibited or blocked (e.g., the second flow path 258 is blocked). Selective actuation of the solenoid actuator 104, and the associated selective retraction and extension of the push pin 215 between the first and second positions, can be used to control the pressure provided to the control port 236. For example, if an increase in pressure within the control port 236 is needed or desired, the solenoid actuator 104 can selectively actuate the push pin 215 to the second position (or, if the push pin 215 is already in the second position, can maintain the push pin 215 in the second position), thereby actuating the push pin 215 to the extended position. In the extended position, fluid communication is provided between the second port 244 and the control port 236, and fluid communication between the first port 240 and the control port 236 is blocked. If the second port 244 is connected to a fluid source, the fluid communication between the control port 236 and the second port 244 may supply the increased pressure of the fluid source to the control port 236, thereby increasing the pressure at the control port 236.

[0037] Alternatively, when a pressure reduction is needed or desired in the control port 236, the solenoid actuator 104 can selectively actuate the push pin 215 to the first position (or, if the push pin 215 is already in the first position, maintain the push pin 215 in the first position), thereby actuating the push pin 215 to the retracted position. In the retracted position, fluid communication between the second port 244 and the control port 236 is blocked, and fluid communication between the first port 240 and the control port 236 is provided. If the first port 240 is connected to a tank or reservoir (e.g., atmospheric pressure or a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure), fluid communication between the control port 236 and the first port 240 may reduce the pressure at the control port 236.

[0038] In the non-limiting example of Figures 1-7, the solenoid control valve 100 is designed so that the armature 128 and push pin 215 are in a normally retracted configuration. When the coil 224 is de-energized, the armature 128 may be held in a first position in which the armature 128 and push pin 215 are retracted (e.g., the poppet 216 is axially spaced from the poppet seat 260). In some non-limiting examples, the solenoid control valve 100 may be designed in a normally extended configuration in which the armature 128 and push pin 215 are extended (e.g., the poppet 216 engages the poppet seat 260 and the valve ball 250 is displaced from the ball seat 256 by the pin extension 220 of the push pin 215), and energizing the wire coil 224 retracts the armature 128 and the associated push pin 215. That is, rather than energizing the wire coil 224 causing the armature 128 to extend the poppet 216 toward the poppet seat 260, the solenoid control valve 100 may be designed so that energizing the wire coil 224 causes the armature 128 to retract the poppet 216 from the poppet seat 260. In other words, the solenoid control valve 100 may be designed with reversed logic compared to the logic and flow control operation provided by the configurations of Figures 1-7. In such a reversed logic configuration, the solenoid actuator may include a spring disposed between the armature and the armature tube that biases the armature, and therefore the pin, to the extended position.

[0039] The embodiments are described in this specification in a manner that will allow for a clear and concise specification to be written. However, it is intended and will be understood that the embodiments can be combined or separated in various ways without departing from the invention. For example, it will be understood that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein.

[0040] Thus, while the present invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference as if each such patent or publication was individually incorporated by reference herein.

[0041] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A valve body comprising a valve bore, a control port, a first port, and a second port, wherein the control port is located at the nose of the valve body, A solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively move a pin between a first position and a second position, wherein the pin extends from the solenoid actuator into the valve bore, A valve insert disposed within the valve bore and defining a cavity that is in fluid communication with the first port, the valve insert includes a first valve seat and a second valve seat disposed at the base of the cavity, A first valve element coupled to the pin and received in the cavity, the first valve element being movable with the pin and selectively engaging with the first valve seat, A second valve element that is movable by the pin and selectively engages with the second valve seat, Equipped with, The movement of the pin between the first and second positions by the solenoid actuator causes the control port to be selectively connected to either the first or second port. A solenoid valve characterized by the following features.

2. The first valve seat is axially separated from the second valve seat. The solenoid valve according to feature 1.

3. The first valve element is configured as a poppet. The second valve element is configured as a valve ball. The solenoid valve according to claim 1, characterized by at least one of the above.

4. When the pin is in the first position, the second valve element engages with the second valve seat to block fluid communication between the second port and the control port, and the first valve element is lifted from the first valve seat to provide fluid communication between the first port and the control port. The solenoid valve according to feature 1.

5. When the pin is in the second position, the distal end of the pin lifts the second valve element away from the second valve seat, providing fluid communication between the second port and the control port, while the first valve element engages with the first valve seat, blocking fluid communication between the first port and the control port. The solenoid valve according to feature 1.

6. The aforementioned pin defines a longitudinal axis, The control port is aligned with the longitudinal axis at the nose of the valve body. The solenoid valve according to feature 1.

7. The valve insert includes an axial channel extending from the first valve seat to the second valve seat. A pin extension extends from the first valve element and is housed within the axial channel, selectively engaging with the second valve element. The solenoid valve according to feature 1.

8. The valve body further includes an annular chamber that is in fluid communication with the control port and is located radially outside the axial channel of the valve insert, The valve insert further includes a passage that provides fluid communication between the axial channel and the annular chamber, the passage being axially positioned between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. The solenoid valve according to feature 7.

9. A solenoid valve that is movable between a first form and a second form, The solenoid valve is A valve body comprising a valve bore, a control port, a first port, and a second port, wherein the control port is located at the nose of the valve body, A solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body, the solenoid actuator configured to selectively actuate a pin extending from the solenoid actuator to the valve bore, A valve insert disposed within the valve bore, defining a cavity that fluidly communicates with the first port, comprising a poppet seat disposed at the base of the cavity between the control port and the first port, and a ball seat disposed between the control port and the second port, A poppet coupled to the pin and received in the cavity, the poppet being movable between an open position and a closed position by the solenoid actuator, A valve ball is slidably housed within a ball chamber included in the valve body, Includes, When the solenoid valve is in the first configuration, the poppet is in the open position, providing fluid communication between the first port and the control port, and the valve ball is configured to engage with the ball seat in response to the pressure in the second port. When the solenoid valve is in the second configuration, the poppet is in the closed position and engages with the poppet seat, the distal end of the pin engages with the valve ball, and fluid communication is provided between the second port and the control port. A solenoid valve characterized by the following features.

10. The poppet sheet is separated axially from the ball sheet. The solenoid valve according to feature 9.

11. When the solenoid valve is in the first configuration, the valve ball blocks the fluid communication between the second port and the control port. The solenoid valve according to feature 9.

12. When the solenoid valve is in the second configuration, the poppet blocks the fluid communication between the first port and the control port. The solenoid valve according to feature 9.

13. The valve body further includes a side wall axially positioned between the second port and the control port. The ball chamber is positioned between the ball seat and the side wall. The solenoid valve according to feature 9.

14. The valve insert defines an annular wall that provides an axial channel extending from the poppet seat to the ball seat, The pin includes a pin extension that extends from the poppet to the distal end of the pin, the pin extension being housed within the axial channel and selectively engaging with the valve ball. The solenoid valve according to feature 9.

15. The valve body further includes an annular chamber that is in fluid communication with the control port and is located radially outside the annular wall of the valve insert. The solenoid valve according to feature 14.

16. The valve insert further includes an opening that extends radially through the annular wall to provide fluid communication between the axial channel and the annular chamber. The solenoid valve according to claim 15, characterized by its features.

17. The poppet is movable within the poppet chamber defined by the valve insert. The solenoid valve according to claim 16.

18. When the solenoid valve is in the first embodiment, fluid communication is provided between the control port and the first port by a first flow path including the control port, the annular chamber, the axial channel, the poppet chamber, and the first port. When the solenoid valve is in the second embodiment, fluid communication is provided between the second port and the control port by a second flow path including the second port, the ball chamber, the axial channel, the annular chamber, and the control port. The solenoid valve according to feature 17.

19. A valve body comprising a valve bore, a control port, a first port, and a second port, wherein the control port is located at the nose of the distal end of the valve body, A solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body and configured to selectively move a pin between a first position and a second position, wherein the pin extends from the solenoid actuator to the valve bore, A valve insert defining a cavity that fluidly communicates with a first port located within the valve bore, comprising: a first valve seat located at the base of the cavity; a second valve seat; and an annular wall defining an axial channel extending between the first valve seat and the second valve seat; A first valve element coupled to the pin and movably received in the cavity, the first valve element being movable with the pin and selectively opening and closing relative to the first valve seat to provide or block fluid communication between the first port and the axial channel, A second valve element that is selectively engageable by the pin and selectively opens and closes the second valve element relative to the second valve seat to provide or block fluid communication between the second port and the axial channel, Equipped with, The valve body further includes an annular chamber that is in fluid communication with the axial channel and the control port. The movement of the pin between the first and second positions by the solenoid actuator selectively provides fluid communication between the control port and the first port, or between the control port and the second port. A solenoid valve characterized by the following features.

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