Journal mounted solenoid valve
AssigneeSnap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
InventorsChristopher C. Knoll, Timothy L. Johnson, Anthony Medina
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solenoid valve is mounted in the bore of a ferromagnetic journal. Mounting the solenoid valve in the journal conserves space on the firewall of a vehicle where the solenoid is typically located. Journal mounting also minimizes the length of the air line necessary to supply air to the solenoid valve. Use of a ferromagnetic journal as part of the magnetic circuit allows full use of the journal bore for the components of the solenoid valve. A leak vent path is provided as well as a principal vent path in the flux flanges of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the flow of air through a seal which engages a rotating coupling of a clutch which operates a fan.
Claims25
A journal mounted solenoid valve, said journal having a cylindrical bore therein, comprising:
- a coil;
- a plunger;
- first and second flux flanges mounted about said coil;
- said second flange includes a stop portion;
- said flanges residing loosely in said bore of said journal;
- and, upon energization of said coil a magnetic circuit is formed comprising said plunger, said flanges, and said journal.
A solenoid valve comprising:
- a coil;
- first and second flux flanges;
- said second flange includes a stop portion;
- a plunger;
- a journal;
- and, said coil, said flanges and said plunger reside within said journal.
A solenoid valve comprising:
- a bobbin;
- a coil wound about said bobbin;
- a first and second flange;
- said second flange includes a stop;
- a plunger;
- a journal having a bore;
- and, said flanges residing snugly within said bore of said journal.
A miniature solenoid valve comprising:
- first and second flux flanges;
- a coil;
- a bobbin;
- a plunger;
- a journal having a bore;
- and, said coil, said bobbin, said plunger, and said flux flanges residing in said bore of said journal.
A process for making a solenoid valve utilizing a ferromagnetic journal, a coil, a plug, an end cap, a plunger, a bobbin, a first flange, and a second flange having a stop, said first and second flanges having apertures therethrough comprising the steps of:
- inserting said plunger into said bobbin;
- inserting said stop of said second flange into said bobbin;
- winding said coil around said bobbin;
- positioning said first and said second flanges adjacent said bobbin;
- overmolding said first flange, said second flange, said bobbin and said coil with a polymeric material.
A solenoid valve for engaging and disengaging a clutch comprising:
- a coil;
- a bobbin;
- said coil wound around said bobbin;
- a plunger having first and second positions;
- a first flux flange;
- a second flux flange having a stop portion comprising an outlet;
- an adapter affixed to said second flux flange;
- an extension affixed to said adapter;
- a first spring operating between said first flux flange and said plunger urging said plunger into said first position;
- a plug comprising an inlet affixed to said first flange;
- a seal;
- a second spring operable between said stop and said seal urging said seal into engagement with said clutch;
- said plunger includes at least one passageway therein;
- said stop includes at least one passageway therethrough, an axial bore and a transverse bore;
- a ferromagnetic journal having a bore;
- said solenoid residing within said ferromagnetic bore;
- and, when said coil is deenergized said plunger is in said first position engaging said plug prohibiting communication between said inlet and outlet;
- and, when said coil is energized said plunger is in said second position engaging said stop permitting communication between said inlet and outlet.
A solenoid valve comprising:
- a coil;
- a plunger;
- a first flange and a second flange;
- said valve residing in a journal;
- and, said journal together with said first flange, said second flange and said plunger form a magnetic circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.