Spool valve, in particular for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle

#The present invention relates to a spool valve.

#Automatic transmissions for motor vehicles are believed to be available, which use hydraulically actuatable clutches for changing gears. A comparatively high precision of the hydraulic components is required in order for gear shifts to proceed smoothly and unnoticeable to the driver. Electromagnetically actuatable pressure control valves, for example, are used for such purposes. Patent publications from this technical field include, for example, DE 198 47 021 B4 and DE 201 00 950 U1.

#The problem underlying the present invention may be solved by a spool valve as described herein. Advantageous refinements are specified in the further descriptions herein. Features important for the present invention are also found in the following description and in the drawings, whereby the features may be important to the present invention, both alone and in different combinations, without further reference being explicitly made hereto.

#FIG. 1 shows a first axial sectional view of a spool valve for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle.

#FIG. 2 shows a second axial sectional view of the spool valve of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 shows a perspective representation of a radial section through the spool valve along a line III-III of FIG. 2.

#FIG. 1 shows an axial sectional view of a spool valve 10 for an automatic transmission (not shown) of a motor vehicle. An electromagnetic actuator 12 actuating spool valve 10 is depicted in a partial exterior view in an area to the right in FIG. 1.

#Spool valve 10 includes a housing 14 having an approximately hat-shape configured, radially outer shell element 16, which is a plastic injection molded part. A filter screen 17 is situated on the front face (i.e., to the left in FIG. 1) of the outer shell element 16. Filter screen 17 is injection-molded into shell element 16. Housing 14 also includes an essentially cylindrically formed spool sleeve 18, on which a guide recess 19 is formed radially inside extending approximately over the entire axial length of spool sleeve 18. A valve spool 20 is axially movable and guided essentially fluid-tight in guide recess 19.

#Housing 14 also includes a radial inlet connection 22 and a radial outlet connection 24 spaced axially apart therefrom, as well as working connection 26 on the front face, which is situated on the spool valve 10 to the left in FIG. 1. Inlet connection 22, outlet connection 24 and working connection 26 are formed, in particular, on radially outer shell element 16.