Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Electrical device making
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-06
2001-04-24
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Electrical device making
C029S605000, C029S606000, C251S129150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219903
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electromagnetic actuators or solenoids having an armature disposed for movement within a coil by electromagnetic forces generated upon flow of current through the coil. Solenoids of this type have found widespread usage in actuating electrically operated valves.
In solenoid actuators and particularly solenoid operated valves employed for controlling flow of fluid requiring relatively very low manufacturing costs, it has heretofore been the practice to provide a generally C-shaped pole frame or flux collector for providing a magnetic flux loop about the coil which is typically completed across air gaps through the armature. However, it has been found difficult to provide a simple low cost way of completing the flux loop and attaching the C-shaped flux collector to the coil in a manner that is robust and requires a minimum number of pieces in the assembly and yet provides the desired flux transfer. The problem is particularly difficult in solenoid actuators which are intended for use with a fluid control valve in which the armature is operatively connected to move a moveable valve member or obturator. Furthermore, it has been found difficult to assemble in high volume mass production the valve obturator with the valve body and armature and coil elements in a manner which is not cost prohibitive for low voltage automotive applications.
In automotive applications, the relative low voltage available from the power source requires a high number of turns of the coil for the available current in order to produce the required electromagnetic forces to effect armature movement for valve operation against the forces of the fluid supply pressure acting on the valve obturator. This difficulty in designing solenoids for such applications is further aggravated where there is poor flux transfer across the air gaps between the flux collector and the armature which is the result of the minimized surface area at the flux gap, which arises from the multiple piece construction of the pole frame and coil assembly. Thus, it has been desired to improve the magnetic flux transfer in a low voltage solenoid actuator assembly particularly for a fluid valve and to minimize the number of pieces and the manufacturing costs yet provide an assembly which is robust and suitable for the environment of automotive engine and transmission actuator service environment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a solenoid operated valve having a C-shaped pole frame or flux collector having a high flux transfer across the air gaps to the armature and employs a C-frame formed by stamping from a single blank sheet stock. The C-frame for the solenoid valve assembly of the present invention has at least one of the ends of the C-shape curled about an axis passing through the ends and over an extension beyond the flange of the coil bobbin so as to secure the bobbin and coil onto the C-frame.
In one embodiment, one end of the C-frame is apertured to be received directly over one coil bobbin flange with the end opposite said one end of the C-frame curled over an extension of the other coil bobbin flange. In other embodiments, both ends of the C-frame are curled respectively over an extension of one of the bobbin flanges.
The valve body is formed integrally with one end of the bobbin; and, the armature may be assembled through the bobbin hollow through the opposite end of the bobbin from the valve body.
The present invention thus provides a simple robust and low cost way of making a solenoid operated valve assembly which is particularly suitable for low voltage low current applications such as those found in control actuators for engines and transmissions in high volume motor vehicle mass production.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3262027 (1966-07-01), Zaleske et al.
patent: 4728916 (1988-03-01), Fontecchio et al.
patent: 5076662 (1991-12-01), Detweiler
patent: 5232196 (1993-08-01), Hutchings et al.
patent: 5538220 (1996-07-01), LaMarca
patent: 6086042 (1966-07-01), Scott et al.
Detweiler Charles A.
Keller Robert D.
Osterhart Daniel J.
Bonderer David A.
Eaton Corporation
Johnston Roger A.
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
Solenoid assembly with high-flux C-frame and method of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Solenoid assembly with high-flux C-frame and method of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Solenoid assembly with high-flux C-frame and method of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2463211