Patent ID: 6386220
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: F16K,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A solenoid operated valve assembly comprising:(a) a valve body defining a valving chamber having an inlet port communicating with said chamber and at least one outlet port communicating with said chamber; (b) a valve member disposed in said chamber and moveable therein for, upon connection of a source of pressurized fluid to said inlet port, controlling fluid flow from said inlet port to said at least one outlet port; (c) a solenoid assembly including an armature guide attached to said valve body and an armature disposed for movement in said guide, wherein movement of said armature is operative for effecting said movement of said valve member; (d) a coil disposed about said armature guide and operative upon electrical energization to effect said movement of said armature; and, (e) a structure for completing a flux loop around said coil including an outer member and a first flux collector configured to form a working air gap with a first end portion of said armature, and a second flux collector forming an annular air gap with a second end portion of said armature distal said first end portion, said second flux collector having a reduced area portion such that, upon coil energization, and movement of said armature toward said first flux collector, the flux across said annular air gap is progressively reduced by said reduced area portion, thereby minimizing magnetic force increase caused by progressive reduction of said working air gap.