US 5,522,424 AGranted

Controlling the flow of fluids using solenoid-actuated valves

AssigneeLDI Pneutronics Corporation

InventorsRichard L. Dalton, Jr., William C. Klebusch, Andreas A. Weiss

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Abstract

The invention features a coupler that is substantially disposed around an armature, and is constructed to provide an axial force-transmitting relationship between a carrier and the armature for blocking and unblocking the passage of fluids between the first and second passages. The force-transmitting relationship is characterized by the carrier being capable of axial movement relative to the armature, while the carrier substantially following the motion of the armature for both blocking and unblocking the passage of fluids between the first and second passages. The coupler includes coaxially nested coupling and blocking springs that provide equal spring forces and are removed from the direct passage of fluid between the first and second fluid passages. The solenoid is reversible in orientation such that the electrical connectors can be situated on either the manifold face, or 180.degree. on the opposite face.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A solenoid-actuated valve comprising:

a solenoid having an axially extending solenoid cavity;
a valve body having a first fluid passage, a second fluid passage, and a third fluid passage, said second and third fluid passages being fluidly coupled to said first fluid passage through first and second valve seats, respectively;
an axially elongated armature positioned within said cavity, said armature being at least in part axially movable within said cavity;
a carrier having an end movable against the first and second valve seats for selectively blocking the passage of fluids therepast;
a closing spring coupled between said valve body and said armature, said closing spring providing sufficient force to said armature to seal said first valve seat with the end of said carrier when said solenoid is de-energized;
and
a coupling spring coupled between said carrier and said armature, said coupling spring providing sufficient force to said carrier to seal said second valve seat with the end of said carrier when said solenoid is energized;
wherein said solenoid moves said armature for selectively controlling the flow of fluids between said first and second passages and between said first and third passages.

5 more elements

A solenoid-actuated valve comprising:

a solenoid having an axially extending solenoid cavity;
a valve body having a first fluid passage, a second fluid passage, and a third fluid passage, said second and third fluid passages being fluidly coupled to said first fluid passage through first and second valve seats, respectively;
an axially elongated armature positioned within said cavity, said armature being axially movable within said cavity;
carrier means having end means movable against the first and second valve seats for selectively blocking the passage of fluids therepast;
closing spring means coupled between said armature and said housing for biasing said armature toward the valve seat, said closing spring means providing sufficient force to said armature to seal said first valve seat with the end means of said carrier means when said solenoid is de-energized;
and
coupling spring means coupled between said armature and said carrier for coupling the movement of said carrier with the movement of said armature, said coupling spring means providing sufficient force to said carrier to seal said second valve seat with the end means of said carrier means when said solenoid is energized;
wherein the flow of fluids through said first and second passages and through said first and third passages are selectively controlled by axial translation of said carrier toward and away from the first and second valve seats in response to axial translation of said armature resulting from selective energization of said solenoid.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.