SOLENOID OPERATED FLOW CONTROL MODULE

Abstract: A solenoid operated flow control module includes a removable valve cartridge (1). The cartridge comprises a pair of sleeves (1.1) disposed so as to establish a predetermined gap between their inner ends. A stepped axially movable valve element (1.4) is located between valve seats (1.3) connected to or integral with the outer ends of the sleeves, and is biased by a spring (1.5) onto one of the seats so that the other seat is unblocked and the shoulder on the valve element takes up a predetermined position in relation to the inner ends of the sleeves. The cartridge is surrounded by a solenoid assembly (2) located within a magnetic shell (3) and a housing (5) so that the cartridge magnetically couples the oppositely polarizable sides of the shell. The module may be adapted to two-way or three-way flow control, either in a normally closed or in a normally open mode, by suitable mounting of the cartridge, and may be directly connected to external ducting via a suitably ported retaining plate (8) and a flow manifold (10). A number of such modules, together with suitable power distributing and control means, may be accommodated within a common housing and flow connected to a common manifold for multiple function flow control.

Description: SOLENOID OPERATED FLOW CONTROL MODULE. The flow control module, according to this invention, is a single- or mul- ti solenoid valve block, featuring accordingly one or more of a universal valve assembly in a replacable cartridge form. Due to it's original de¬ sign concept, unlike other existing solenoid operated flow control devices 5 # it requires no external valve seating- or valve housing means. The univer¬ sal valve cartridge is applicable as a two-way or as a three-way control valve, either in a normally closed (N/C) or in a normally open (N/O) mode without any internal modification. The complete solenoid valve module can be sealedly mounted on to any flat and reasonably smooth surface with ar- ■ JO, bitrarily oriented plain flow openings, suitably pitched for the said universal valve cartridge. Some examplary versions of the solenoid operated flow control module, say solenoid valve, according to this invention, are described in reference to the accompaning drawings, wherein: 15. FIG, 1, The bottom view of the basic version, with SECTION A—B show¬ ing the full longitudinal section, and DETAIL C and D are showing some alternative valve details, and arrangements, FIG, 2, The spatial representation of a mixed function, multi solenoid flow control module, mounted on an arbitrary flow manifold means, 20, showing the method of valve cartridge replacement, with reference to FIG, 1, and some examplary versions of a multi-yoke magnetic shell are shown in DETAIL E, FIG, 3, The front view, and a partial cross sectional elevation of a dual oscillating solenoid valve module, with reference to FIG, 1 and 25, FIG, 2, featuring an arbitrary plug-in type, variable electronic control oscillator unit, and exhaust silencers, FIG. 4, The schematic longitudinal section of an examplary version, hav¬ ing an extended valve cartridge, with reference to FIG, 1, A basic version of the flow control module, according to this invention, 30. is shown in FIG, 1 , The most characteristic feature of this examplary ar¬ rangement is a universal valve assembly 1, comprising two identical, oppo¬ site standing magnetic sleeves 1,1 with internal axial flow passages, - 3L - The said sleeves are airtightly interconnected by a non-magnetic muff 1.2 so, that a predetermined gap will be established between the opposite standing inner ends. In the outer ends of the said sleeves are fixedly a- dapted, say press fitted, two identical, interfacing magnetic valve seats 5. 1.3 with central flow passages, interconnecting an internal valve seating face with an external duct connecting face. The duct connecting face is accommodating a seal 1.6 for the said central flow passage, and is formed with a peripheral recess which in conjunction with the end of the mating magnetic sleeve constitutes an annular channel, which is interconnecting 10. the said axial flow passages in the same magnetic sleeve. The valve seat¬ ing face too has a peripheral recess, which serves as a spring guide, and also may accommodate a self-induction ring 1 ,7 or alternating current operation, as it is shown in DETAIL C. Between the said valve seats a stepped plunger like magnetic valving element 1.4 is encased with a hel- 15. ical spring 1.5, located between the shoulder of the said valving element and the opposing valve seat, causing the said valving element to close on the backing valve seat while it's stepped down end leaves the opposing valve seat open, and it's shoulder takes up a predetermined position be-^ tween the inner ends of the said magnetic sleeves. The said valving ele- 20, ment has a resilient core, to ensure appropriate sealing between the- valving element 1,4 and the above described valve seats. The above detailed valve assembly 1 forms a cylindrical valve cartridge, which is surrounded by a solenoid assembly 2 located inside a rectangular tube shaped magnetic shell 3 so, that both are bolted through by the said 25. valve cartridge, which is thereby magneto—functionally interconnecting the opposedly polarizable sides of the said magnetic shell. At this par¬ ticular version, the said magnetic shell also serves as a grounded mount¬ ing frame for an electric cable connector 4. The above described solenoid valve assembly is further surrounded by a 30. rectangular tube shaped housing shell 5 in such a way, that the ends of the solenoid valve cartridge 1 are flush with the adversely oriented ex¬ ternal mounting faces of the said housing shell. Around both ends of the said valve cartridge recessed sealing rings 9 are fitted, providing pres¬ sure-tight sealing partly between the valve cartridge 1 and the rest of 35. the solenoid valve assembly, partly between the whole solenoid valve and any external fitting, like a ported retaining plate 8 or a flow man¬ ifold means 10. The said housing shell may expediently be made of some plastic extrusion, and may serve as a moulding shell for an insulating compound 7, moulded around the above described solenoid valve assembly. 5. Alternatively, the solenoid assembly may be encapsulated in a wholly moulded housing means as well. The above introduced solenoid valve module is featuring the possibilities of four different functions, such as: two—way control in N/C or in a N/O mode, and three-way control in N/C or in a N/O mode. Any one of the above 10, functions may be obtained simply by using either a blank or a ported retaining plate 8, for two-way or three-way operation respectively, and by inserting the valve cartridge 1 into the solenoid assembly 2 either with the N/C or the N/O end facing the external flow manifold 10. The suitably preassembled solenoid valve module can be bolted 6 on to any 15, flat manifold means 10, having arbitrarily oriented plain inlet and out¬ let openings suitably pitched for the said universal valve cartridge, or may be mounted between any two suitably designed flow manifold means in a sandwich fashion. Where it is so required, a couple of locating pins 11 fitted into the unused bolt holes, may facilitate an increased mounting 20. accuracy between the solenoid valve module and any external ducting means. In DETAIL C we have depicted an alternative valve seat 1.3 formed with a recessed locating flange around the external duct connecting face, and seated inside the counterbored end of the magnetic sleeve 1,1, Under the said locating flange, a circular groove is interconnecting the internal 25. axial flow passages in the mating magnetic sleeve. Finally, the said lo¬ cating flange is cut through by a flow gap opening into the said circular groove. In case of loose fitting, and if so required, the above type valve seat can be retained in the valve cartridge 1 by crimping the end of the said magnetic sleeve. 30. In DETAIL D we introduce some valve assembly variations in a combined longitudinal section, where the said valve seats are integral parts of the said magnetic sleeves, either in a forged 1.8 or in a press fitted 1.9 version, and where the opposite standing combined magnetic valve seats are airtightly interconnected by the solenoid bobbin 2.1 which is either formed with internal circular sealing lips 2,2, or is fitted with internal sealing rings 2,3 or with a sealing compound, suitably adapted or applied to the internal ends of the said combined valve seats. In FIG, 2 we are introducing a simple version of a mixed function flow 5. control module, according to this invention, comprising five of the said universal valve cartridges 1 introduced in FIG, , fitted into a multi solenoid assembly which is accommodated by a common housing shell 5, The individual, however identical, valve cartridges 1 are mounted in differ¬ ent ways in order to perform various functions, as it has been already 10, described in connection with FIG, 1, In accordance with the referred de¬ scription, in this particular module unit No,1 is operating in a three- way function and in a N/O mode, unit No,2 in a two-way function and in N/C mode, unit No,3 and No.4 in three-way and N/C, finally unit No,5 is oper¬ ating in a two-way function and in a N/O mode. Each solenoid is connect— 15, ed to multi pin cable connectors 4, conveniently located at both ends of the described module. The unused connector is covered with a protective cap. The whole control module is όolted 6 on to an arbitrary flow mani¬ fold 10 with a common inlet channel, also connectable at both ends, and with separate outlet ports, 20, Projected over unit No,1 we represented the simple method of valve car¬ tridge replacement, showing the fully exposed valve cartridge 1 , and the retaining plate 8 with an exhaust port for the above mentioned three-way operation, and the mounting bolts 6. In DETAIL E are depicted some examplary versions of a magnetic shell 25, for multi solenoid valve control modules, say a multi solenoid frame 3 with two or more pairs of U shaped magnetic yokes or, as indicated by the chain dotted lines, with a series of rectangular tube shaped magnet¬ ic shells on a common web plate * This type of multi magnetic shell may greatly facilitate the assembly work, and the moulding process as well, 30. To demonstrate the versatility, and the all embracing characteristics of the modular design concept of this invention, in FIG. 3 we are presenting a further examplary version of a multi valve control module, in form of a dual oscillating solenoid valve unit, featuring a plug-in type variable cycle electronic control oscillator unit 12, accommodated by a common housing means 5. Such simple, and not necessarily volumnious solenoid control devices are generally used as a separate control equipment, or as integral parts of a control center. The arrangement, according to this invention, besides other advantages, offers the possibility of on 5. the spot adjustments. The arbitrary type oscillator module 12.1 is built into a combined unit with the cycle control potentiometer 12.2, which is surrounded by a cup shaped adjusting knob 12.3. The said adjusting knob is rotably and sealedly fitted into a suitably formed nest, moulded in¬ to the said housing means between the two solenoid assemblies 2, The 10, said nest is ending in a receptacle 12.5 at the bottom, to which the power supplying cable connectors 4, and the said solenoids are connected as well. The sealing ring 12.4 around the said adjusting knob, may also serve as a frictional locking device against the accidental misadjust- ment of the potentiometer 12,2 by vibration. In a simplified version 15, however, the said adjusting knob may be replaced by a fixed bearing bush for the shaft of the said potentiometer, which in this case, is suited for screwdriver adjustment. By replacing the above described oscillator unit 12 with a special plug, the use of an external oscillator is still possible, if so required. In order to minimize operating noises, this 20, particular valve module is fitted with a porous type silencer unit 13, mounted on top of the ported valve cartridge retaining plate 8, As it has been pointed out in the above examples, according to the all embracing design concept of this invention, practically any electric, or electronic system or device, related to the power supply and dis- 25, tribution, or to the oparation control of the solenoids, can be expedi¬ ently accommodated inside, or attached directly to the module type hous¬ ing means 5, Finally, in FIG. 4 is shown the longitudinal section of another examplary version of a solenoid valve module, according to this invention, with 30. extended valve cartridge 1 , protruding from the wholly moulded housing means 5, and fitted into a suitably formed recess in an arbitrary flow manifold means 10, The above described examplary versions of this invention, are supposed to indicate the introduction of an entirely new, and an unusually versa- 5, tile and compliant building block type solenoid operated flow control device.

Claims: AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 06 June 1983 (06.06.83) original claim 1 amended ; original claim 11 amended; original claims 12 and 13 replaced by new claims 13, 14, and 15 ; the text of the amended claims follows] The claims, defining this invention, are as follows : Claim 1 . Single- or multi solenoid valve module , characterized by ei¬ ther replacable or integral cartridge type valve assembly (1 ) , wholly or substancially wholly embodied within the solenoid assembly (2 ) or 5 , solenoid assemblies therein so , that it is magneto— functionally inter¬ connecting the oppositely polarizable sides of a magnetic yoke (3 ) part¬ ly or wholly surrounding said solenoid assembly or assemblies , and is formed at both ends with duct connecting terminations , comprising two expediently, but not necessarily, identical magnetizable sleeves (1 .1 ) 10. with axial flow passages, sealedly interconnected by non— agnetic con¬ necting means (1 .2) so as to establish a predetermined magnetic gap and flow area between the opposing inner ends, further comprising a stepped magnetizable valving element (1 ,4) in a magnetically constant connection with one of the said sleeves , but axially movable between two expedient- 15. ly, but not necessarily, identical inwardly facing valve seating means (1 .3 ) connected to or integral with the outer ends of said sleeves, and is biased by elastic retaining means (1 .5) onto the valve seat opposite to it' s magnetically connected end so, that under de— energized conditi¬ ons it' s stepped down end clears the opposing magnetizable valve seating 20. means (1 .3 ) and the adjacent sleeve (1 ,1 ) , and it' s shoulder takes up a magneto—functionally predetermined position in relation to the opposing inner ends of the said sleeves, and also comprising the said valve seat¬ ing means, each opening to the corresponding external duct connecting termination of the incorporating cartridge type valve assembly (1 ) , 25 , formed from the outer end of said valve seating means and of the adja- cent sleeve (1 ,1 ) with separate outlets for the said valve seat and for said axial flow passages in the adjacent sleeve (1 ,1 ) in an expediently, but not necessarily, coaxial arrangement, sealedly connectable or con¬ nected to either suitably adapted arbitrary flow manifold or ducting 30.- means or to either ported or blank valve assembly retaining means (10, 8) and also characterized by housing means (5 ) , either in form of a shell filled with insulating compound (7) , or in form of a moulded housing, partly or wholly encapsulating the above defined solenoid valve assembly (1 , 2, 3) or assemblies with arbitrary mounting ( 6) , power connecting 5 , (4) , and/or power controlling (12) means , having duct connecting faces sealedly ( 9 ) connected or connectable partly to said cartridge type valve assembl or valve assemblies partl to said flow manifold or Claim 11. Solenoid valve, or multi solenoid valve block, as in any one of the preceeding claims, having arbitrarily related means or de¬ vices encapsulated into or adapted to a common housing means (5). Claim 12. Multi solenoid valve block, as in claim 10 and/or claim 11, 5. having multi solenoid magnetic shell (3) with two or more magnetic yokes, either formed with a common web plate or attached to a common non-magnetic web. Claim 13, Solenoid valve, or multi solenoid valve block, as in any one of the preceeding claims, having reversible valve assembly retain- 10, ing and/or duct connecting means (8) which is blank at one side, while at the other side is connected to an external port in communication with said valve assembly. Claim 14. Any flow distributing or flow control device in combination with solenoid valves or multi solenoid valve blocks, as characterized 15. in any one of the preceeding claims. Claim 15, Any mechanical or pressure activated device, essentially re¬ lated to or dependant on solenoid valves or multi solenoid valve blocks, as characterized in any one of the preceeding claims, — * _

Inventors: NYERS LASZLO JENO, NYERS, LASZLO, JENO
Applicants: NYERS LASZLO JENO, NYERS, LASZLO, JENO
Application year: 1983
Main classification: F16K31
IPC codes: F16K31, H01F7