Patent ID: 6481332
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: B60T,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A solenoid-controlled valve assembly comprising a body defining a bore, a spool working in said bore in said body, at least a first flow passage and a second flow passage defined in said body, each said passage connecting at one end with said bore, movement of said spool within said bore connecting and disconnecting said first and second flow passages, a solenoid comprising a coil fixed relative to said body and an armature, wherein application of a current to said coil causes said armature to apply a force in a first direction to said spool, and a biasing means arranged to apply a resisting force to said spool in a second direction opposing said force applied by said armature, and wherein engagement between at least one of said spool and said biasing means and said spool and said armature is through an engagement means comprising a ball defining a single point of contact, and a cup which sits in an end of said biasing means and provides a surface defining a recess which engages said ball at a center portion.