Patent ID: 6439214
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
An emission control valve for controlling flow of gases with respect to combustion chamber space of an internal combustion engine comprising:a valve body comprising a passageway having an inlet port for receiving gases, an outlet port for delivering gases to the combustion chamber space, a valve element that is selectively positioned to selectively restrict the passage, and an electric actuator for selectively positioning the valve element, wherein the actuator comprises a solenoid having an electromagnet coil and a stator associated with the coil, and the stator has an annular air gap disposed within a central interior space of the coil concentric with the centerline, and wherein the valve further comprises an armature that comprises an annular wall disposed in the air gap concentric with the centerline and that is displaced along the centerline as a function of magnetic flux created in the air gap by electric current in the coil to operate the valve element, the air gap is cooperatively defined by juxtaposed walls of the stator that are concentric with the centerline and spaced apart radially a distance greater than radial thickness of the annular wall of the armature, and the annular wall of the armature is disposed radially intermediate the stator walls and spaced radially from each stator wall.