BEARING DEVICE FOR BEARING AN ARMATURE BODY OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING OR VALVE DEVICE, AND ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING OR VALVE DEVICE

A bearing device for fixing and bearing an armature body of an electromagnetic-switching or valve device in a pretensioned manner using a force, including a bearing-force-generating-element (BFGE) for generating a pretensioning-force for bearing the armature-body (AB) and a transmission-element (TE) formed separately from the BFGE and which is pressed in the direction of the AB by the generated pretensioning force when the bearing-device is installed to fix and bear the AB. The TE has a first-side and a second-side lying opposite the first-side, in which the first-side faces the BFGE, and the second-side faces the AB when the bearing-device is installed and contacts the ABy at at least one force-introduction-point (FIP) of the AB such that the force introduction point is mechanically decoupled from the BFGE. A guide device at least partly surrounds the transmission element, and guides and positions the TE on the FIP of the AB.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bearing device for the force-preloaded fixing and bearing of an armature body of an electromagnetic switching or valve device, and to an electromagnetic switching or valve device having such a bearing device.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Such electromagnetic switching or valve devices are understood, for example in the form of an electromagnetic relay or an electromagnetic solenoid valve. Solenoid valves, for example in the form of tilting armature valves, are used, for example, as a control valve for pressure regulation, for example in a vehicle, such as in a utility vehicle or bus for passenger transport. For example, a braking system for a vehicle having a service brake system comprises at least one control valve for pressure regulation.

A tilting armature valve is discussed, for example, in DE 10 2016 105 532 A1. The tilting armature valve has a coil element with a coil core and a coil arranged radially around the coil core, and an armature which, on one end face of the armature, is supported by a bearing, wherein the armature can be moved from a first position to a second position, in particular by applying current to the coil. Also provided are a valve seat with an outlet and an inlet for a fluid, wherein the outlet can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by a sealing element in the first position of the armature and the outlet is opened in the second position of the armature. According to one embodiment, a spring is provided to press the armature onto the coil element or a housing of the tilting armature valve.

In electromagnetic switching or valve devices, such as the configurations of solenoid valves specified by way of example, conventional armature guides and bearings are normally implemented via a form fit, a spring-preloaded bearing or a fixed flexure bearing. In tilting armatures in a relay, simple hinge-like bearings are often used which, during the mounting process, are fixed by plastic deformation. In solenoid valves, on the other hand, the “free-flying” reciprocating armature is highly widespread. In electromechanical switching elements with little operating stroke, thin leaf springs are firmly connected and, in use, move within their elastic range. Tilting armatures in valve technology are often equipped with spring-loaded bearings, in order to operate without play and independently of wear.

In spring-preloaded bearings, an influence of the bearing springs on the armature body and therefore also on the switching or valve element is present in the majority of cases. Depending on the tolerance and mounting, this influence plays a positive, neutral or negative role for the function. In particular in the use as an actuator in open-loop and closed-loop control loops, high repetition accuracy and a switching response that is constant over mass production is essential. From a commercial point of view, a classic spiral spring is often used for this purpose. However, this spring element has the disadvantage that the force introduction point is not located centrally on the spring mid-axis but is always off-center as a result of production. Since an oriented installation of the spring is extremely complicated; the result is different force action points. Furthermore, spring centering is necessary, since the spring in most cases does not perform only an axial movement on a tilting armature. This centering makes mounting more difficult and increases the risk of failure as a result of mounting errors.

In addition, an exact configuration of the spring is not possible with the customary methods due to the superimposed translational and rotational movement of the tilting armature. In relation to the mounting, during the use of directly acting springs, the mounting direction must also be considered since, as a rule, the bearing spring is placed opposite the armature stroke restoring spring. Thus, additional precautions which keep the spring element in its intended position until mounting is complete have to be taken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a bearing device for the force-preloaded fixing and bearing of an armature body of an electromagnetic switching or valve device and an electromagnetic switching or valve device having such a bearing device which, with relatively little effort on mounting, permit the introduction of force to be fixed at a defined bearing position on the armature body.

The invention relates to a bearing device for the force-preloaded fixing and bearing of an armature body of an electromagnetic switching or valve device and an electromagnetic switching or valve device having such a bearing device according to the appended independent patent claims. Advantageous forms and developments of the invention are specified in the sub-claims and the following description.

In particular, one aspect of the present invention relates to a bearing device for the force-preloaded fixing and bearing of an armature body of an electromagnetic switching or valve device, having a bearing force generating element for generating a preloading force for the bearing of the armature body, a transmission element formed separately from the bearing force generating element which, when the bearing device is installed, is forced in the direction of the armature body by the generated preloading force in order to fix and bear the armature body, wherein the transmission element has a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the first side faces the bearing force generating element and the second side faces the armature body when the bearing device is installed and contacts the armature body at at least one force introduction point of the armature body in such a way that the force introduction point is mechanically decoupled from the bearing force generating element, and a guide device which at least partly surrounds the transmission element and is configured to guide and position the transmission element on the force introduction point of the armature body.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an electromagnetic switching or valve device having an electromagnetic actuator, a movable armature body as a switching or valve element, which interacts with the electromagnetic actuator for a movement of the armature body that is to be activated, and a bearing device according to the invention, wherein the armature body is fixed and supported in the switching or valve device on one side by the bearing device and is movable from a first position to a second position by activating the electromagnetic actuator.

With the invention, with relatively little mounting effort, the introduction of force can be fixed at a fixed bearing position on the armature body, even when using different bearing force generating elements, such as spring elements of different configurations. This is made possible by using a transmission element according to the invention, which contacts the armature body at the bearing position at at least one force introduction point of the armature body, wherein the force introduction point of the armature body is mechanically decoupled from the bearing force generating element by the transmission element.

This type of bearing force generation for force-preloaded, in particular spring-loaded, bearing points can in principle be applied in all electromagnetic tilting and hinged armatures of magnetic valve and switching devices. As a result of the decoupling by a force-preloaded transmission element, it is possible to fix the introduction of force at a defined point on the armature body. At the same time, oriented installation or another specific alignment of a spring for the bearing force generation, as described in the introduction, is not necessary. Thus, mounting the bearing device and thus the electromagnetic switching or valve device with relatively little effort is made possible. By suitable selection of the material of the transmission element, corrosion and wear do not have to be considered in a spring configuration or selection of the armature material. Since no spring guide is necessary on the armature body, erroneous mounting of the spring is also prevented.

According to one embodiment, the bearing device is configured in such a way that the bearing force generating element, for example a spring element, is preloaded, so that the transmission element lifts off a surface of the guide device. In other words, the bearing device is configured such that, following the mounting of the subassembly, the bearing force generating element, for example in the form of a spring element, is additionally preloaded and thus the transmission element, for example in the form of a ball, lifts off the plastic seat surface.

According to one embodiment, the transmission element is formed on the second side in such a way that the at least one force introduction point is fixed at at least one defined contact point on the armature body. As a result of the decoupling by a force-preloaded transmission element, it is possible to fix the introduction of force at a precise, predefined point on the armature body.

According to one embodiment, the transmission element is at least partly rounded on the second side. In particular, the transmission element may be at least partly spherical, in particular formed as a ball. In addition, the transmission element can also be configured, at least in part, to be cylindrical, rectangular or matched otherwise to the function, in order accordingly to meet the requirements on the bearing force generating element, for example a specific spring element configuration, and to match the shape of the armature body.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mechanical decoupling of the bearing force generating element relative to the armature body can be carried out, for example, via a ball. This can be obtained economically and is very simple as regards handling and mounting, since no attention has to be paid to orientation. In addition, as a result of the spherical shape, a defined contact point is produced, which also permits certain adaptation effects. The ball is, for example, placed in the guide device in the manner of a spherical guide, which ensures contact of the ball with the armature body above the tolerance level. On the opposite side, a spring element, for example, e.g. a spiral spring, is positioned under preload.

According to one embodiment, the bearing force generating element has at least one spring element. In one embodiment, the at least one spring element is formed as a spiral spring.

According to one embodiment, the bearing force generating element has at least one spring element, and the guide device is formed in such a way that a movement of the at least one spring element in the direction of the generated preloading force is a pure translational movement in an axial direction of the guide device. Therefore, the movement of the spring element is advantageously converted into a pure translational movement in the axial direction of the guide device, which in turn leads to a defined and predictable loading condition for the spring element.

According to one embodiment, the guide device is configured to be tapered on the second side of the transmission element. Therefore, the positioning of the transmission element at a defined force introduction point can be carried out still more precisely. Furthermore, it can be made difficult or prevented for the transmission element to be unintentionally forced out of the guide device by the preloading force, for example before or while the bearing device is being mounted in the switching or valve device. According to one embodiment, the guide device is formed in two parts. Thus, no forcible de-molding in a production tool is necessary.

According to one embodiment, the guide device is configured to be tapered on the second side of the transmission element in such a way that the transmission element is prevented from moving out of the guide device because of the preloading force when the bearing device has not been installed. Therefore, the transmission element cannot jump out of the guide device under the preloading force. Thus, mounting a preassembly group upside down is also possible.

According to one embodiment, the bearing device is configured as a preassembled subassembly, which can be mounted in the electromagnetic switching device as a subassembly. By configuring the bearing device as a preassembled subassembly, consequently a closed functional unit, for example a spring element can be pre-installed and a mounting direction does not have to be considered.

According to one embodiment, the armature body is fixed and supported in the switching or valve device by the bearing device on one end face of the armature body.

According to one embodiment, the armature body is formed as a plate armature. Here, the plate armature can advantageously be formed as a tilting armature.

According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic switching or valve device is configured as an electromechanical relay or solenoid valve, in particular a tilting armature valve.

According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic switching or valve device is configured as a solenoid valve for a pressure regulating module of a vehicle.

The embodiments described herein can be applied beside one another or else in any desired combination with one another.

The present invention is explained in more detail below using the figures illustrated in the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a simplified cross-sectional illustration of a tilting armature valve100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the tilting armature valve100illustrated. However, those skilled in the art will be aware that the invention can in principle also be applied in other electromagnetic switching or valve devices which, like the present tilting armature valve100, have an electromagnetic actuator and an armature body movable by a magnetic field as a switching or valve element, which interacts with the electromagnetic actuator for a movement of the armature body that is to be activated. The bearing device of the type of the invention, described in more detail below, can be used in such switching or valve devices, for example an electromagnetic relay or solenoid valve, for the force-preloaded fixing and bearing of the respective armature body, as described below by way of example with reference to the tilting armature valve100. In this connection, it is pointed out that the basic functioning of electromagnetic switching or valve devices having an armature body movable by a magnetic field as a switching or valve element, in particular in relation to the electromagnetic actuator in interaction with the movable armature body, is known to those skilled in the art.

The tilting armature valve100can in principle be an exemplary embodiment of a tilting armature valve100shown in DE 10 2016 105 532 A1. In one variant, it can be a solenoid valve provided with the designation100inFIG.1therein. However, other exemplary embodiments are also conceivable, for example in connection with solenoid valves as described in the other documents cited above. Relevant configurations of a solenoid valve described in DE 10 2016 105 532 A1 and their components, and also their use also form part of the disclosure of the present invention by reference.

FIG.1shows a cross-sectional illustration through the tilting armature valve100, in which the armature body is in a first position. The tilting armature valve100has a coil element110, an armature body (or armature for short)115, an embodiment of a bearing device10according to the invention, a seal element125and a covering shell (or generally a housing part)130. The coil element110(which in general forms an electromagnetic actuator) comprises at least one coil core135and a coil140arranged radially around the coil core135. One end face of the armature115is supported by the bearing device10. The armature115is movable between a first position147and a second position, lifted or attracted when activated by the coil element110, which opens an outlet155for a fluid158(not illustrated inFIG.1). The armature115is configured to be moved from the first position147into the second, lifted position when the coil140is activated. When the coil140is activated, the armature115can be kept in the second position. The seal element125is also arranged on the side of the armature115that faces away from the coil element110. Formed in the covering shell130is a valve seat150with the outlet155and an inlet157for the fluid158. The outlet155is closable in a fluid-tight manner by the seal element125when the armature115is arranged in the illustrated first position147. Here, the seal element125can also act as a damper element, in order to prevent the armature115from bouncing on the valve seat150. The seal element125can be fastened to the armature115or a carrier element by vulcanization.

In one exemplary embodiment, the armature115has an at least partly round elevation160in a bearing section162, the elevation160conveniently engaging in a recess165or opening which is arranged in a portion of a housing170of the tilting armature valve100that is arranged opposite the elevation160. As a result, the armature115can slide in the recess during a movement from the first position147into the second position after a current flow through the coil140has been switched on, and is at the same time kept in a fixed position in the housing170and in relation to the covering shell130. The recess is conveniently configured to be trapezoidal, so that the lowest possible friction is caused as the elevation slides over the surface of the recess165. The recess165can be made of plastic material, for example, and as a result can be very simply and economically producible.

The bearing device10is arranged on a side of the armature115that is opposite the coil140. The bearing device10is used to press the armature115against the housing170of the coil element110without play. Depending on the design, pressing can in principle also be carried out against another suitable component of the tilting armature valve100. The armature115can be fixed by the bearing device10, so that the armature115is kept in a predetermined position by the bearing device10. This offers the advantage that a substantially constant preloading force can be exerted on the armature115, and the force exerted on the armature115by the bearing device10can be introduced to the armature115as close as possible to a force introduction point of the armature115located on the axis of rotation. The bearing device10is illustrated only roughly schematically inFIG.1and will now be explained in further detail in conjunction withFIG.2.

FIG.2shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of a bearing device10according to the invention, as can be used, for example, in the tilting armature valve100according toFIG.1. Here, the design of individual components, for example the surrounding housing part130, the armature115and the coil core135, has been modified, which also makes it clear that the bearing device10can in principle be used in different designs of electromagnetic switching or valve devices.

In the embodiment illustrated, the armature115is formed as a plate armature, as also in the embodiment according toFIG.1, as is used, for example, in a tilting armature valve100according toFIG.1. The armature115is fixed and supported on one side, in the present exemplary embodiment on the end face, in the tilting armature valve100by the bearing device10and is moved between the first and second positions by activating the coil140, as described in relation toFIG.1.

The bearing device10has a guide device13, which at least partly surrounds a transmission element12. In addition, the bearing device10has a bearing force generating element for generating a preloading force F for the bearing of the armature115. In one embodiment, the bearing force generating element has at least one spring element11, for example in the form of a spiral spring, or is configured as one. The spiral spring11generates a preloading force F in the direction of the axial axis16of the spiral spring11in the known way when compressed. The guide device13in turn can be fixed and sealed with respect to the housing part130by a seal element31, for example in the form of an O-ring. In principle, other types of spring elements can also in a similar manner be used to generate a preloading force F.

The transmission element12may be configured in the form of a ball and forms a component separate from the spring element11, in particular is not molded onto the spring element11or integrated therewith. The transmission element12has a first side128and an opposite second side129. The first side128faces the spiral spring11and the second side129faces the armature115. The transmission element12is forced in the direction of the armature115by the generated preloading force F of the spiral spring11and contacts the armature115at a force introduction point20of the armature, and therefore serves to fix and bear the armature115on the tilting armature valve. The transmission element12contacts the armature115at the force introduction point20of the armature in such a way that the force introduction point20is mechanically decoupled from the spiral spring11. In the present embodiment, the transmission element12is not mounted or mechanically fastened to the armature115, for example by a screw fixing or other fastening, but merely contacts the armature115and is pressed onto the armature115in a direction transverse to the armature surface as a result of the preloading force F. In this way, the necessary bearing force is generated. The transmission element12is formed on the second side129for example by a rounded form, in such a way that the force introduction point20is fixed at a defined contact point on the armature115. The guide device13is used to guide and position the transmission element12on the force introduction point20, in that it at least partly surrounds the transmission element12, for example in the form of the edging14, so that the transmission element12is fixed in the plane of the armature surface by the guide device13, apart from a small amount of play or tolerance levels.

The transmission element12may be configured to be at least partly rounded on the second side129, in order to fix a precise force introduction point20. As described, the transmission element12may be formed as a ball, as illustrated inFIG.2.

The guide device13, which can be made of plastic, has, for example, a channel15(formed, for example, by a depression in a plastic body), which defines an axial direction of the guide device13and in which the transmission element12is at least partly held. The spiral spring11can also be located at least partly in the channel15, so that the axis16of the spiral spring11coincides with the longitudinal axis of the channel15. This advantageously achieves the situation in which a movement of the spiral spring11in the direction of the generated preloading force F is a pure translational movement in the axial direction.

According to one embodiment, the guide device13is configured to be tapered, at least on the second side129of the transmission element12, for example by a corresponding tapering shape of the edging14. As a result, when the bearing device10is not installed, the transmission element12is prevented from moving out of the guide device13and falling out as a result of the preloading force F. It is therefore possible to pre-assemble the bearing device10as a subassembly, which can then be mounted in the tilting armature valve100as a subassembly, even upside down, without the transmission element12falling out of the guide device13.

The bearing device10has been described with reference toFIG.1in conjunction with a solenoid valve in the form of the tilting armature valve100. In a use in an electromagnetic switching device, for example a relay, on the other hand, the armature115indicated inFIG.2could be used for example as an electrical switching element which closes or opens an electrical contact in a manner analogous to a valve opening. The described type of bearing force generation by the bearing device10can in principle be applied in all electromagnetic tilting and hinged armature valve devices and switching devices.

In summary, therefore, by using a bearing device10according to the invention, the force introduction point20on the armature115is mechanically decoupled from the spring element11by the transmission element12. This type of bearing force generation for spring-loaded bearing points can in principle be applied in all variants of electromagnetic tilting and hinged armature valve devices and switching devices. As a result of the decoupling by a spring-preloaded transmission element12, it is possible to fix the introduction of force at a precise point on the armature115. In addition, the movement of the spring element is converted into a pure translational movement in the axial direction, which in turn leads to a defined and predictable load situation for the spring element11. As a result of a suitable material selection of the transmission element12, corrosion and wear do not have to be considered in the spring configuration or the selection of the armature material. Since no spring guidance is necessary on the armature115, erroneous mounting of the spring element11is also prevented. As a result of the closed functional unit, the spring element11can be pre-installed and the mounting direction does not have to be considered.

The mechanical decoupling of the spring relative to the armature can be carried out, for example, via a transmission element12in the form of a ball. Such a component can be obtained economically and is very simple in terms of handling and mounting, since no attention has to be paid to orientation. In addition, as a result of the spherical shape, a defined contact point is produced, which also permits certain adaptation effects. The ball12can be set into a type of ball guide (in the embodiment ofFIG.2formed by the channel15and the edging14of the guide device13), which ensures contact of the ball12relative to the armature115above the tolerance level. The spiral spring11can be positioned in preloaded form on the opposite side of the ball. Alternatively, the transmission element12can also be configured to be cylindrical, rectangular or otherwise matched to the function, in order accordingly to meet the requirements on the spring element11and the form of the armature115.

The guide device13, for example in the form of a plastic part13, can also be produced in two parts. Thus, no forcible de-molding is necessary during the production in the tool. The tool division would then in a two-part tool be located in the region of the installation space for the spring element11.

THE LIST OF DESIGNATIONS IS AS FOLLOWS