Patent Description:
The present invention also relates to a tubular element comprising a housing according to the present invention.

The present invention further relates to an electromagnetic valve having a housing according to the present invention comprised in a tubular element assembled to the valve body.

It is known that electromagnetic valves comprise a coil adapted to move a core for controlling a shutter or diaphragm element, whether such electromagnetic valve is of the direct or indirect type. Said coil must be firmly assembled to the electromagnetic valve, so that it cannot be accidentally removed.

Several locking systems are currently known in the art. In particular, locking systems are known which are integrated into the structure or housing where the core is housed, the latter being adapted to slide within the housing. Such type of locking systems is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, but suffers from the drawback that the coil and said housing cannot be separated again once they have been coupled together. Such an implementation does not allow testing the coil and/or the electromagnetic valve to verify their proper operation prior to irremovably fixing said coil to the housing structure.

For the purposes of the present description, the expression "irremovably fixing" refers to the fact that the coupling cannot be undone without irreversibly damaging, e.g. breaking, either one of the two parts.

External locking systems are also known, which are adapted to be associated with said structure or housing, and which make it possible to selectively lock the coil in position and allow it to be subsequently removed while keeping its structural and/or functional characteristics unchanged. Such locking systems are external elements, e.g. snap rings, that can be removably coupled to said housing. Such a solution, although it permits removing the coil, if necessary, without impairing the structural integrity of either the coil or the case, or of the locking system itself, is costly because it is an element that is normally manufactured separately using a material that is more expensive than the traditional plastic materials usually employed for making such housings. Moreover, since it is an external element, it increases the production costs because an additional step is needed in order to secure the locking system to the housing.

It is also known that there is a tendency in the industry to reduce the costs and the number of parts that need to be assembled when manufacturing components for electromagnetic valves. Therefore, the current approach of the industry is not considering the possibility of easily and quickly recovering parts, particularly the coil, of the electrovalve should the latter turn out to be unsuitable for use.

It is however apparent that there is an increasing need for avoiding production rejects and speeding up the component recycling procedure.

<CIT> discloses a valve unit comprising a first cup-shaped element made of plastic material with a base that has an external axial shank in which a longitudinal duct is formed between the seat of the pilot valve and a distal vent opening; and a second annular element of plastic material is anchored around the shank of the first element and is secured thereto by ultrasonic welding.

<CIT> discloses a solenoid actuated valve having a magnetic armature slidably received in a closed guide member secured to the valve body by a spin welded ring; said armature guide has external peripheral teeth which interengage corresponding internal teeth on the solenoid coil assembly to permit any desired rotational orientation of the coil when assembled onto the guide. The coil assembly is secured in the desired rotational position by interengagement of the teeth and is secured axially by snap tabs formed on the end of the guide.

Furthermore, <CIT> discloses an actuating set for electrovalves comprising an energising element of tubular shape, with an electrical winding for control of the electrovalve, and a support made of stamped material with a profiled appendage passing through the inner cavity of the energising element and provided, at its free end, with elastic reliefs cooperating with the rim of the corresponding extreme opening of the energising element, so as to oppose the movement of extraction of the element with respect to the support; the energising element is provided with an annular groove which extends along the rim and defines a sharp ridge turned towards the inner cavity of the energising element and cooperating, by friction, with the elastic reliefs of the support.

In general, the present invention aims at solving these and other technical problems by providing a housing comprising an innovative locking system. In particular, the locking system according to the present invention combines the advantages of integrated locking systems, as concerns production and assembly costs, with the advantages offered by removable locking systems, without however being affected by the drawbacks of the latter.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a housing having the features set out in the appended claim <NUM>.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a tubular element for electromagnetic valves having the features set out in the appended claim <NUM>.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve having the features set out in the appended claim <NUM>.

Auxiliary features are set out in respective dependent claims appended hereto.

The features and advantages of the housing, tubular element and electrovalve will become clear and apparent in light of the following description of several possible embodiments of the housing, tubular element and electrovalve, provided herein by way of non-limiting example, as well as from the annexed drawings, wherein:.

With reference to the above-listed figures, reference numeral <NUM> designates as a whole a housing according to the present invention. Reference numeral <NUM> designates a tubular element for electromagnetic valves according to the present invention. Lastly, reference numeral <NUM> designates as a whole an electromagnetic valve according to the present invention.

Housing <NUM> according to the present invention is particularly suitable for use in electromagnetic valves <NUM>. Said housing <NUM> is adapted to internally receive a core <NUM>. Said housing <NUM> allows said core <NUM> to slide therein for switching said electromagnetic valve <NUM>.

At least a portion of said housing <NUM> is adapted to be surrounded by a coil <NUM> comprised in electromagnetic valve <NUM>.

Said housing <NUM> according to the present invention extends along an axis "L". Said housing <NUM> according to the present invention comprises a distal end 41A and an open proximal end 41B.

Housing <NUM> according to the present invention comprises a locking system <NUM> adapted to lock said coil <NUM>. Said locking system <NUM> is integrated into said housing <NUM>. Said locking system <NUM> is, advantageously, located at distal end 41A of said housing <NUM>.

Said locking system <NUM> is adapted to assume at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In said first configuration, said locking system <NUM> allows said coil <NUM> to be positioned around and/or removed from said at least a portion of said housing <NUM>. In said second configuration, different from said first configuration, said locking system <NUM> locks said coil <NUM> around said at least a portion of said housing <NUM>, in particular preventing the removal and/or insertion thereof.

The present solution makes it possible to replace coil <NUM> easily and quickly in case of need. In particular, the present solution makes it possible to selectively remove or position said coil <NUM> around said housing, so that the coil itself and/or electrovalve <NUM> in which it is included can be tested prior to locking said coil <NUM> around at least a portion of said housing <NUM>. Moreover, the present solution allows said coil <NUM> to be easily and quickly recovered in the event that said housing <NUM> has some structural defects.

For the purposes of the present description, locking said coil <NUM> means that said coil <NUM> cannot be subsequently separated from said housing <NUM>, unless said locking system <NUM> is broken, in which case it cannot be reused.

Housing <NUM> according to the present invention can thus be selectively coupled to a coil <NUM>. <FIG> show one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a coil and a housing according to the present invention in two different configurations. In particular, <FIG> shows coil <NUM> separated from housing <NUM> according to the present invention. In <FIG> one can see that coil <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape that defines a through hole into which said housing <NUM> can be at least partially inserted, in particular by inserting distal end 41A of housing <NUM>, particularly of cylindrical portion <NUM> thereof. <FIG> shows other construction details of one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of housing <NUM>, which will be further described below. In particular, said housing <NUM> extends along an axis "L" and comprises a cylindrical portion <NUM> having a distal end 41A, preferably closed, and a proximal end 41B, preferably open. Said housing <NUM> further comprises a sealing portion <NUM>, which is adapted to cooperate with a sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprised in electromagnetic valve <NUM>. Said sealing portion <NUM> is located at proximal end 41B of cylindrical portion <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows one possible embodiment of locking system <NUM>, which is integrated into said housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, said locking system <NUM> is located at distal end 41A of said housing <NUM>.

For the purposes of the present description, the phrase "locking system <NUM> integrated into said housing <NUM>" means that said locking system <NUM> is part of housing <NUM>, since it cannot be separated from the latter without breaking and/or impairing the function of either component.

<FIG> shows coil <NUM> fitted around housing <NUM> according to the present invention. In <FIG> one can see that a portion of housing <NUM>, in particular the cylindrical portion, has been inserted into the through hole of coil <NUM> up to its proximal end 41B. In the illustrated embodiment, said coil <NUM> has been slid along said axis "L" until it has come in abutment with sealing portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

More generally, in housing <NUM> according to the present invention said locking system <NUM> is adapted to assume a first configuration, in which it allows said coil <NUM> to be positioned around and/or removed from said at least a portion of said housing <NUM>.

In this respect, <FIG> shows, by way of non-limiting example, one possible embodiment of coil <NUM> and of housing <NUM> according to the present invention in which said coil <NUM> is positioned around said housing <NUM> and locking system <NUM> is in a first configuration. In such configuration, locking system <NUM> allows said coil <NUM> to be positioned around and/or removed from said at least a portion of said housing <NUM> an infinite number of times. In particular, said coil <NUM> can be positioned or removed by, for example, sliding it along said axis "L".

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, one can see that said locking system <NUM> protrudes past coil <NUM> along said axis "L", in particular when said coil <NUM> has come in abutment with the sealing portion of housing <NUM>.

More generally, said locking system <NUM> of housing <NUM> according to the present invention is adapted to assume a second configuration, different from said first configuration, in which it locks said coil <NUM> once it has been positioned around said at least a portion of said housing <NUM> and/or prevents it from being fitted around said housing. In this configuration of locking system <NUM>, coil <NUM> cannot be separated from said housing <NUM>.

In this respect, <FIG> shows, by way of non-limiting example, one possible embodiment of locking system <NUM> in a second configuration, in which said locking system <NUM> locks said coil <NUM> around said at least a portion of said housing <NUM>, preventing it from being separated.

In the illustrated embodiment, said second configuration differs from said first configuration from both a functional viewpoint and a mechanical/structural viewpoint. This becomes apparent when comparing it with <FIG>, wherein said locking system <NUM> is in said first configuration. In particular, the embodiment of locking system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> acts upon an end of coil <NUM>, in particular upon that end which is opposite the end of coil <NUM> that abuts against said sealing portion of housing <NUM>.

More generally, the following will describe some other features of housing <NUM> according to the present invention and some possible embodiments thereof, wherein said locking system <NUM> is made, in a preferred embodiment thereof, as one piece with said housing <NUM>.

For the purposes of the present description, "made as one piece" refers to the fact that said locking system <NUM> is formed in the body of said housing <NUM>. Therefore, said locking system <NUM> is not a separate body distinct from said housing <NUM>.

The present embodiment, wherein locking system <NUM> is formed in the body of said housing <NUM>, avoids having to assemble locking system <NUM> to housing <NUM>.

In an even more preferable embodiment of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, said locking system <NUM> and said housing <NUM> are a monolithic body.

For the purposes of the present description, the term monolithic body means that said locking system <NUM> and said housing <NUM> are formed in the same body, e.g. during the same production process, e.g. a moulding process.

The present embodiment, wherein locking system <NUM> and housing <NUM> are a monolithic body, permits speeding up the production of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, resulting in higher productivity and lower costs incurred for manufacturing housing <NUM>.

As aforementioned, said locking system <NUM> is adapted to assume at least two distinct configurations, in particular: a first configuration, in which it allows said coil <NUM> to be positioned around and/or removed from said at least a portion of housing <NUM>; and a second configuration, different from said first configuration, in which it locks said coil <NUM> around said at least a portion of housing <NUM>, in particular around said cylindrical portion <NUM>.

In one possible embodiment (not claimed), said locking system <NUM> is reversible and allows switching from one configuration to the other. Said embodiment permits switching from the first configuration to the second configuration, and then returning into the first configuration, preferably while keeping the characteristics of locking system <NUM> unchanged.

Said embodiment permits recovering said housing <NUM> and/or said coil <NUM> should either one of such two parts be defective or malfunctioning, so that the other part can be reused.

According to the invention, said locking system <NUM> is non-reversible, i.e. said locking system <NUM> is designed to prevent, once said second configuration has been assumed, returning to said first configuration. Such an embodiment is easy to manufacture and inexpensive.

Describing now the construction details of some possible embodiments of housing <NUM>, in one possible embodiment of housing <NUM> according to the present invention said housing <NUM> has a body <NUM>, which defines at least said cylindrical portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, said locking system <NUM> is integrated into the distal end of cylindrical portion <NUM> of body <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Said locking system <NUM> is adapted to lock coil <NUM>, comprised in electromagnetic valve <NUM>, around cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

In one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment, said locking system <NUM> has, in said first configuration, an outside diameter "D" of a known value, allowing said coil <NUM> to be positioned around and/or removed from cylindrical portion <NUM>. In the same embodiment, said locking system <NUM> has, in said second configuration, an outside diameter "D" which is greater than said known value, thus locking said coil <NUM> around cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

Describing now in more detail the construction of a preferred embodiment of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, said housing <NUM> comprises: a cylindrical portion <NUM> and a sealing portion <NUM>, which, for example, define said body <NUM>.

More particularly, said cylindrical portion <NUM> has a known outside diameter "d". Said cylindrical portion <NUM> extends, as aforementioned, along said axis "L". Even more specifically, said cylindrical portion <NUM> comprises a distal end 41A, preferably closed, and a proximal end 41B, the latter being open. Preferably, said distal end 41A of cylindrical portion <NUM> is closed.

Said sealing portion <NUM> of housing <NUM> is adapted to cooperate with a sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprised in electromagnetic valve <NUM>.

For the purposes of the present description, "to cooperate" means that said sealing portion <NUM> interacts, whether directly or indirectly, with a sealing element, such as, for example, a diaphragm <NUM> or a shutter <NUM>, to ensure the proper operation of electromagnetic valve <NUM> when the latter is switched.

Said sealing portion <NUM> of housing <NUM> is arranged at the open proximal end 41B of cylindrical portion <NUM>. Preferably, said sealing portion <NUM> is made as one monolithic piece together with said cylindrical portion <NUM>, preferably defining said body <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, said locking system <NUM> is made as one piece with said cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

Describing now in more detail the construction of one possible embodiment of housing <NUM>, said housing <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>, preferably a monolithic one. Said body <NUM> of the housing <NUM> comprises said cylindrical portion <NUM> and said sealing portion <NUM>. Preferably, said cylindrical portion <NUM> has a closed distal end 41A and an open proximal end 41B.

More generally, distal end 41A of housing <NUM>, in particular of cylindrical portion <NUM>, is that end of housing <NUM> which is farthest from a valve body <NUM> when said housing <NUM>, or tubular element <NUM>, is assembled to valve body <NUM> of an electromagnetic valve <NUM>. Said proximal end 41B of housing <NUM>, in particular of cylindrical portion <NUM>, is that end of housing <NUM> which is closest to valve body <NUM> when said housing <NUM>, or tubular element <NUM>, is assembled to valve body <NUM>.

In a preferred, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment in which said electromagnetic valve <NUM> is an indirect valve, said sealing portion <NUM> is adapted to act, even only partly, upon a diaphragm element <NUM>, the latter being adapted to be arranged in a seat defined by said sealing portion <NUM>, in connection with said sealing portion <NUM>. In such an embodiment, said sealing portion <NUM> advantageously has a circular profile defining a dome-shaped structure that joins said cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>. This embodiment facilitates assembling housing <NUM> and diaphragm element <NUM> to valve body <NUM> of electrovalve <NUM>.

In the embodiment in which said electromagnetic valve <NUM> is a direct valve, said sealing portion <NUM> is adapted to define at least one stopper element of a shutter <NUM>.

More generally, said sealing portion <NUM> is located at the open proximal end of cylindrical portion <NUM>. Preferably, said sealing portion <NUM> has a tapered shape, e.g. a dome-like shape.

In a preferred embodiment of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, said locking system <NUM> has, in said first configuration, an outside diameter "D" of a known value. In the same embodiment, said locking system <NUM> has, in said second configuration, an outside diameter "D" which is greater than said known value.

The present embodiment permits changing the diameter of said locking system <NUM> when switching from said first configuration to said second configuration, so as to eliminate the possibility of removing coil <NUM> once it has been positioned around said housing <NUM>.

More generally, the increased outside diameter "D" of locking system <NUM> can interact with said coil <NUM>, preventing its removal, at one end of said coil <NUM>, as in the embodiments illustrated herein, and/or in a central portion of the structure of said coil <NUM>.

Preferably, when it is in the first configuration, said locking system <NUM> maintains said known outside diameter "D" as said coil <NUM> is positioned around said housing <NUM> and also as said coil <NUM> is removed from said housing <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment of the locking system <NUM>, the variation, in particular the increase, in outside diameter "D" of said locking system <NUM> when switching from said first configuration to said second configuration is due to a stable variation that occurs in the structure of locking system <NUM>.

For the purposes of the present description, the term "stable variation" refers to a variation that is permanent over time, excluding any astable variation, e.g. a temporary deformation caused by the movement made for coupling housing <NUM> with coil <NUM>, e.g. during the movements along axis "L".

In the embodiment of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, said locking system <NUM> is designed in such a way that, once said second configuration has been assumed, it will be impossible to assume said first configuration again. In the present embodiment, locking system <NUM> undergoes, for example, a plastic deformation, in particular an irreversible deformation.

For the purposes of the present description, an "irreversible deformation" is a deformation that does not permit returning to the previous configuration without causing locking system <NUM> to break or lose its functionality.

In an alternative, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment (not claimed), said locking system <NUM> is designed to allow switching between said second configuration and said first configuration, and vice versa, preferably at least once. In said embodiment, the switching between configurations is reversible.

In a preferred, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, said locking system <NUM> comprises: at least one body <NUM> having a cylindrical shape; at least one first yielding portion <NUM> and at least one second yielding portion <NUM>.

More particularly, said at least one first yielding portion <NUM> is adapted to allow a movement of said body <NUM> along said axis "L" at least while switching from the first configuration to said second configuration of the locking system <NUM>.

Preferably, said at least one second yielding portion <NUM> is adapted to allow increasing an outside diameter "D" of locking system <NUM> once it has assumed said second configuration.

With the present embodiment, said locking system <NUM> can be selectively made to assume at least two possible values of outside diameter "D", different from each other. In the present embodiment, outside diameter "D" assumed in said first configuration of locking system <NUM> is smaller than outside diameter "D" assumed in said second configuration.

In a preferred embodiment of locking system <NUM> of housing <NUM> according to the present invention, a gripping element <NUM> is comprised which is located at distal end 41A of housing <NUM>. In particular, said gripping element <NUM> is adapted to interact with said body <NUM> in order to change the diameter of locking system <NUM>. In the same embodiment, said first yielding portion <NUM> connects said body <NUM> mechanically to said gripping element <NUM>. For example, said yielding portion <NUM> is a portion adapted to become elastically deformed; or said yielding portion <NUM> is a breaking point, preferably a fracture portion, being adapted to be fractured to allow a movement of said body <NUM> along said axis "L". Preferably, said second yielding portion <NUM> is formed in body <NUM> and allows said body <NUM> to undergo a deformation that increases its outside diameter "D" as it interacts with said gripping element <NUM>. For example, said second yielding portion <NUM> is adapted to become elastically deformed; or said second yielding portion <NUM> is a breaking point, being adapted to be fractured in order to weaken the structure of body <NUM> and allow said body <NUM> to undergo a deformation that increases its outside diameter "D" as it interacts with said gripping element <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, said gripping element <NUM> is a protrusion that, in the first configuration of locking system <NUM>, is connected to body <NUM> through said first yielding portion <NUM>. In the second configuration of locking system <NUM>, the same gripping element <NUM> interacts with said body <NUM> by interference, e.g. by friction, in order to prevent the separation thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, when switching between said first configuration and said second configuration of locking system <NUM>, said first yielding portion <NUM> is adapted to be fractured, thus allowing said body <NUM> to move relative to said gripping element <NUM>. Preferably, said body <NUM> comprises an annular portion. At the same time, said second yielding portion <NUM> is adapted to become deformed, preferably by fracturing, thus allowing said body <NUM> to increase its outside diameter "D", in particular the diameter of said annular portion, so that it can interact with said gripping element <NUM> by surrounding it at least partially. The interaction between said body <NUM> and said gripping element <NUM> is such that it allows said body <NUM> to deform, thereby increasing its outside diameter "D", while at the same time interacting by interference, e.g. by friction, so as to prevent the separation of said body <NUM> once said second configuration of locking system <NUM> has been reached.

Preferably, in order to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration of locking system <NUM> it is sufficient to exert a force on said locking system <NUM>, e.g. a thrust force on said body <NUM>, along said axis "L" towards proximal end 41B of housing <NUM>. Such force is, for example, adapted to fracture said first yielding portion <NUM> and deform the second yielding portion <NUM>, fracturing it at least partially, so that body <NUM>, as it interacts with said gripping element <NUM>, will increase its own outside diameter "D" and interact by interference with said gripping element <NUM>, thus ensuring that coil <NUM> will be locked around said housing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of one possible embodiment of housing <NUM>, which comprises a locking system <NUM> according to one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment thereof. Locking system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is in the first configuration, in which it allows said coil <NUM> to be positioned around and/or removed from said at least a portion of said housing <NUM>. The drawing shows said housing <NUM> as comprising a cylindrical portion <NUM> having a second end 41B from which said dome-shaped sealing portion <NUM> extends. Said cylindrical portion <NUM> has a known outside diameter "d". At distal end 41A there is said locking system <NUM>, which has a known outside diameter "D" that is substantially similar to outside diameter "d" of the cylindrical portion <NUM>. Said housing <NUM> extends along said axis "L". In the illustrated embodiment of locking system <NUM>, body <NUM> and gripping element <NUM> are visible.

<FIG> shows housing <NUM> of <FIG>, wherein locking system <NUM> has reached said second configuration. In such second configuration, said locking system <NUM> is adapted to lock a coil <NUM> fitted around said at least a portion of said housing <NUM>. In this figure one can see that body <NUM> has interacted with the gripping element, located at distal end 41A, in order to change outside diameter "D" of said body <NUM>. As shown in the drawing, outside diameter "D" of locking system <NUM> is greater than outside diameter "d" of cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a magnified view of distal end 41A of housing <NUM>, wherein said locking system <NUM> is visible from below, locking system <NUM> being in particular in its first configuration. This figure shows the shape of both the first yielding portion <NUM> and the second yielding portion <NUM>. In particular, from this figure one can understand how said first yielding portion <NUM> connects said body <NUM> mechanically to said gripping element <NUM>. Furthermore, the drawing shows how said second yielding portion <NUM> allows body <NUM> to undergo a deformation that increases its outside diameter "D" as it interacts with said gripping element <NUM>. The drawing shows that said body <NUM> has an annular structure and said gripping element <NUM> is substantially a cylindrical or frustoconical protrusion adapted to interfere with the annular structure of body <NUM> in the second configuration of locking system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows distal end 41A of housing <NUM> in a view from above. This figure shows said locking system <NUM> and the annular structure of body <NUM>, which is mechanically connected to gripping element <NUM> through said first yielding portion <NUM>. Said second yielding portion <NUM> is also visible in the drawing, which allows body <NUM> to undergo a deformation that increases its outside diameter "D" as it interacts with gripping element <NUM>.

Last but not least, <FIG> shows an axonometric view of a housing <NUM> according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, said housing <NUM> comprises a locking system <NUM> according to the present invention in one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment thereof, in particular in the embodiment illustrated in the other figures attached hereto.

As aforementioned, housing <NUM> according to the present invention is particularly suitable for being included in a tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention.

Said tubular element <NUM> comprises, in addition to said housing <NUM>, a connection portion <NUM>.

Said housing <NUM> and said connection portion <NUM> of tubular element <NUM> may be made either as one piece or as two distinct elements or bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to be assembled together.

In one possible embodiment of said tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention, said tubular element <NUM> is monolithic, being made as one piece.

In another possible embodiment of tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention, said housing <NUM> has a body <NUM> which is separate from and independent of said connection portion <NUM>, the latter having in turn a body <NUM>. In such an embodiment, said body <NUM> of said housing <NUM> is removably connectable to said body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM>, thereby forming an assembly. The present solution permits making said tubular element <NUM> from two bodies that can be removably connected to each other. Moreover, the present solution permits recovering at least one of the two bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>) of tubular element <NUM> in case said tubular element <NUM> and/or electromagnetic valve <NUM> is not fully compliant with the specifications and must therefore be discarded. The present solution permits reusing at least one body (<NUM>, <NUM>) in another assembly of said tubular element <NUM> to be assembled to another valve body <NUM>. In the present embodiment, said housing <NUM> and said connection portion <NUM> are not merely two independent elements, but are advantageously adapted to interact with each other, becoming an assembly even when tubular element <NUM> is a separate part not yet assembled to valve body <NUM>.

In a preferred, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment, said sealing portion <NUM> of housing <NUM> comprises connection means <NUM>. Said connection means <NUM> are adapted to removably connect housing <NUM>, e.g. its body <NUM>, to body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM>. Such connection means <NUM> make it possible to connect, in a removable manner, said body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM> to said body <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

More generally, said tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention is particularly suitable for application to electromagnetic valves <NUM>. Said tubular element <NUM> is particularly suitable for being assembled to a valve body <NUM> comprised in an electromagnetic valve <NUM>. As aforementioned, tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention comprises a connection portion <NUM> adapted to be removably fastened to said valve body <NUM> for assembling tubular element <NUM> to valve body <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment of said connection portion <NUM>, and in particular of body <NUM>, it is adapted to be fastened to valve body <NUM> by means of an at least partly rotational movement. In one possible embodiment, said body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM> has an annular structure.

More generally, the connection of connection portion <NUM> to valve body <NUM> or, generally, of tubular element <NUM> to valve body <NUM>, by means of an at least partly rotational movement can be achieved by means of a bayonet connection or by means of threaded portions or other connection systems comprising at least one at least partly rotational movement.

In a preferred embodiment of tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention, the removable connection between said body <NUM> of housing <NUM> and body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM> is such that the movements imparted to connection portion <NUM> will not jeopardize the proper operation of one or more sealing elements (<NUM>, <NUM>), in particular diaphragm elements <NUM>, comprised in valve body <NUM>.

In an even more preferable embodiment, the removable connection between said body <NUM> of housing <NUM> and body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM> is such that at least the rotational component of a movement of said body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM>, necessary for removably fastening tubular element <NUM> to valve body <NUM>, is not transmitted to body <NUM> of said housing <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment of tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention, said body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM> comprises a threaded portion <NUM>. Said threaded portion <NUM> is located on the outer edge of the structure, e.g. an annular structure, of the same body <NUM>. In such an embodiment, connection portion <NUM> permits fastening tubular element <NUM> onto valve body <NUM> by screwing said connection portion <NUM>.

In another possible embodiment of said connection portion <NUM>, particularly of body <NUM>, it is adapted to be interlocked with valve body <NUM> by means of a linear movement, e.g. along the axis "L".

Describing now in more detail the construction of a preferred, though merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention, body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM> defines gripping elements <NUM>. Said gripping elements <NUM> are adapted to allow imparting the at least partly rotational movement to connection portion <NUM> for removably fixing tubular element <NUM> to valve body <NUM>.

Preferably, said gripping elements <NUM> make it possible to screw said connection portion <NUM> onto valve body <NUM> in order to assemble tubular element <NUM> to said valve body <NUM>.

Describing now a preferred embodiment in more detail, said gripping elements <NUM> are slots, e.g. through slots, formed in body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM>, in particular arranged radially, which facilitate the exertion, e.g. by means of a tool, of a force on said gripping elements <NUM> to impart a rotational movement to said connection portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of one possible, though merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention. In this figure one can see that connection portion <NUM> has a body <NUM>, on the outer edge of which there is a threaded portion <NUM>. Said body <NUM> comprises also a plurality of gripping elements <NUM>, in the form of through holes disposed radially.

The figure also shows further construction details of body <NUM> of housing <NUM>, particularly of cylindrical portion <NUM>. At distal end 41A of cylindrical portion <NUM> locking system <NUM> is comprised, which is integrated into body <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

Tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention is particularly suitable for being comprised in an electromagnetic valve <NUM> for household appliances.

Tubular element <NUM>, more specifically housing <NUM>, is particularly suitable for being included in an electromagnetic device, preferably comprised in a household appliance, e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, etc., or in components and/or devices adapted for use in such household appliances, in accordance with the present invention. Said electromagnetic device is, for example, a pump, a switching valve, etc..

In the following part of the present description, reference will be made to an electromagnetic valve <NUM>, but the concepts and/or components comprised and described therein may also be applicable, wherever appropriate, to a generic electromagnetic device.

Electromagnetic valve <NUM> comprises: a valve body <NUM> having: at least one inlet <NUM>; at least one outlet <NUM>; and at least one connection tract <NUM> adapted to hydraulically connect said at least one inlet <NUM> to said at least one outlet <NUM>.

Electromagnetic valve <NUM> further comprises a sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>). Said sealing element is arranged in a seat <NUM> formed in said connection tract <NUM>, and is adapted to selectively allow a flow of fluid between said inlet <NUM> and said outlet <NUM> of valve body <NUM>.

Said tubular element <NUM> comprised in electromagnetic valve <NUM> is adapted to be removably connected to said valve body <NUM> while ensuring hydraulic tightness in cooperation with said sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>).

Electromagnetic valve <NUM> further comprises a core <NUM> adapted to slide within tubular element <NUM>, in particular within said housing <NUM>, and to cooperate with said sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>) for selectively allowing a flow of fluid between said at least one inlet <NUM> and said at least one outlet <NUM> of valve body <NUM>. Electromagnetic valve <NUM> comprises also a coil <NUM>, arranged around said tubular element <NUM>, in particular around said housing <NUM>, which is adapted to generate a magnetic field capable of selectively moving said core <NUM>.

In one possible embodiment, said electromagnetic valve <NUM> according to the present invention is a direct valve.

In another possible embodiment, said electromagnetic valve <NUM> according to the present invention is an indirect valve.

Said electromagnetic valve <NUM> is in turn particularly suitable for use in household appliances such as, for example, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, etc., or in components and/or devices adapted for use in such household appliances.

Describing now the construction of said valve body <NUM> in more detail, said at least one inlet <NUM> is adapted to be connected to a supply duct, e.g. the water mains. Said at least one outlet <NUM> is adapted to be connected to a duct of a downstream circuit. Said at least one connection tract <NUM> is adapted to hydraulically connect said at least one inlet <NUM> to said at least one outlet <NUM>.

More generally, said valve body <NUM> may be the structure of an individual electromagnetic valve <NUM>, or may be incorporated into another device or in a circuit, e.g. a water softener, a regeneration circuit, etc..

Said core <NUM>, comprised in electromagnetic valve <NUM>, may be made of ferromagnetic material or composite material or any other material suitable to interact with electromagnetic fields generated by said coil <NUM>. Said core <NUM> is adapted to slide within tubular element <NUM> and cooperate with a sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>), whether directly or indirectly, in order to selectively allow a flow of fluid between said at least one inlet <NUM> and said at least one outlet <NUM> of valve body <NUM>.

As aforementioned, said electromagnetic valve <NUM> comprises a coil <NUM>. Said coil <NUM> is arranged around said tubular element <NUM>, in particular around said housing <NUM>. Said coil <NUM> is adapted to generate a magnetic field capable of selectively moving said core <NUM>.

Within tubular element <NUM>, in particular within housing <NUM>, an elastic element, e.g. a spring, preferably a coil spring, may be advantageously positioned to allow said core <NUM> to return into a predetermined position following the action of the magnetic field generated by said coil <NUM>.

In one possible embodiment, said electromagnetic valve <NUM> according to the present invention is an indirect valve. In the present embodiment, it also comprises at least one diaphragm element <NUM>, placed in a seat <NUM> formed in said connection tract <NUM>. Said diaphragm element <NUM> is adapted to selectively allow a flow of fluid between said at least one inlet <NUM> and said at least one outlet <NUM> of valve body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows, in a sectional view relative to a vertical plane, one possible embodiment of an electromagnetic valve <NUM> according to the present invention, comprising a tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention. In this figure one can see a valve body <NUM> having at least one inlet <NUM>, at least one outlet <NUM>, and a connection tract <NUM>, the latter hydraulically connecting said at least one inlet <NUM> to said at least one outlet <NUM>.

Said connection tract <NUM> comprises a seat <NUM>, e.g. formed in its structure, in which a diaphragm element <NUM> is positioned.

Said tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention is placed on top of said diaphragm element <NUM>. Said diaphragm interacts with said sealing portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Said tubular element <NUM> is removably connected, in particular screwed, to said valve body <NUM>, thus ensuring hydraulic tightness, in particular in cooperation with said diaphragm element <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, said tubular element <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and a connection portion <NUM>, wherein said housing <NUM> has a body <NUM> which is distinct from and independent of body <NUM> of connection portion <NUM>. Said connection portion <NUM> is removably fastened to valve body <NUM> when tubular element <NUM> is assembled to said valve body <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, body <NUM> of housing <NUM> comprises: a cylindrical portion <NUM> having a closed distal end and an open proximal end; and a sealing portion <NUM>, which acts upon diaphragm element <NUM>.

Said housing <NUM> internally houses a core <NUM>, which is adapted to slide within said cylindrical portion <NUM>. Said core <NUM> cooperates with said diaphragm element <NUM> to selectively allow a flow of fluid between inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> of valve body <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a coil <NUM> is arranged around tubular element <NUM>, in particular around said cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>, which coil <NUM> can generate a magnetic field capable of selectively moving core <NUM>.

At distal end 41A of housing <NUM> there is a locking system <NUM>, which is shown to be in the second configuration, thus locking said coil <NUM> around cylindrical portion <NUM> of said housing <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment body <NUM> of locking system <NUM> is visible which, by interacting with said gripping element <NUM>, has undergone a deformation that has increased its outside diameter "D". From this figure one can infer that outside diameter "D" of body <NUM> of locking system <NUM> is greater than outside diameter "d" of cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

In another possible embodiment, said electromagnetic valve <NUM> according to the present invention is a direct valve.

The features and the principle of operation of a direct valve and an indirect valve will not be described any further herein, since they are per se known to a person skilled in the art.

<FIG> shows, in a sectional view relative to a vertical plane, one possible embodiment of a direct electromagnetic valve <NUM> according to the present invention, which comprises a tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention. <FIG> shows an electrovalve adapted to be placed in a device or a circuit, e.g. of a water softener, comprised, for example, in a household appliance. In fact, in this figure one can see a portion of valve body <NUM> having at least one inlet <NUM>, at least one outlet <NUM>, and a connection tract <NUM>, the latter hydraulically connecting said at least one inlet <NUM> to said at least one outlet <NUM>. Said connection tract <NUM> comprises a seat <NUM>, e.g. formed in its structure, in which a shutter <NUM> is arranged. To said shutter <NUM> core <NUM> is connected, which is adapted to slide within housing <NUM> of tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention for selectively allowing a flow of fluid between inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> of valve body <NUM>. Said housing <NUM> comprises a sealing portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>. As can be understood from the drawings, said tubular element <NUM> can be removably connected to a valve body <NUM> while ensuring hydraulic tightness. In the illustrated embodiment, said tubular element <NUM> is adapted to fit into a seat comprised in valve body <NUM> (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, said tubular element <NUM> is made as one piece. Therefore, said connection portion <NUM> and said housing <NUM> are made as one piece. More in detail, said connection portion <NUM>, having a body <NUM>, is adapted to be removably fixed to valve body <NUM> when tubular element <NUM> is interlocked with said valve body <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, housing <NUM>, having a body <NUM>, comprises: a cylindrical portion <NUM> having a closed distal end 41A and an open proximal end; and a sealing portion <NUM>. As aforementioned, said housing <NUM> internally houses core <NUM>, which is adapted to slide within said cylindrical portion <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, a coil <NUM> is arranged around tubular element <NUM>, in particular around said cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>, and can generate a magnetic field capable of selectively moving core <NUM>. At distal end 41A of housing <NUM> there is a locking system <NUM>, which is shown to be in the second configuration, thus locking said coil <NUM> around cylindrical portion <NUM> of said housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment body <NUM> of locking system <NUM> is visible which, by interacting with said gripping element <NUM>, has undergone a deformation that has increased its outside diameter "D". In this figure one can see that the outside diameter "D" of body <NUM> of locking system <NUM> is greater than outside diameter "d" of cylindrical portion <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

Even more generally, said electromagnetic valve <NUM> may be either a normally open valve or a normally closed valve, whose features and principles of operation are per se known to those skilled in the art.

More generally, tubular element <NUM> according to the present invention can be easily used, e.g. as a spare part, and assembled to existing electrovalves <NUM> as an alternative to prior-art tubular elements <NUM>.

The present invention permits reducing the costs incurred for manufacturing an electromagnetic valve <NUM>, in that it is possible to test the proper operation of coil <NUM> and the movement of core <NUM> prior to definitively fixing said coil <NUM> to housing <NUM> by using a locking system <NUM> which is simple to produce, reliable and inexpensive, and which allows coil <NUM> to be easily assembled to housing <NUM>.

Any alternative embodiments of housing <NUM>, tubular element <NUM> and/or electromagnetic valve <NUM> which have not been described in detail herein will be apparent to a person skilled in the art in light of the contents of the present patent application insofar as they fall within the protection scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claim 1:
Housing (<NUM>) for electromagnetic valves (<NUM>), adapted to internally receive a core (<NUM>) and allow it to slide therein for switching said electromagnetic valve (<NUM>);
at least a portion of said housing (<NUM>) being adapted to be surrounded by a coil (<NUM>) comprised in the electromagnetic valve (<NUM>);
said housing (<NUM>) extending along an axis (L), and comprising a distal end (41A) and an open proximal end (41B);
said housing (<NUM>) comprising a locking system (<NUM>) adapted to lock said coil (<NUM>);
said housing (<NUM>) being characterized in that said locking system (<NUM>) is integrated into said housing (<NUM>) and is advantageously located at the distal end (41A) of said housing (<NUM>);
said locking system (<NUM>) being adapted to assume:
- a first configuration, in which it allows said coil (<NUM>) to be positioned around and removed from said at least a portion of said housing (<NUM>);
- a second configuration, different from said first configuration, in which it locks said coil (<NUM>) around said at least a portion of said housing (<NUM>);
said locking system (<NUM>) in said first configuration has an outside diameter (D) of a known value;
said locking system (<NUM>) in said second configuration has an outside diameter (D) which is greater than said known value; in the first configuration, said locking system (<NUM>) maintains said known outside diameter (D) as said coil (<NUM>) is positioned around said housing (<NUM>) and also as said coil (<NUM>) is removed from said housing (<NUM>);
said housing (<NUM>) being characterized in that said locking system (<NUM>) is so designed that, once it has assumed said second configuration, it cannot assume said first configuration again.