EP3935297A1 - Solenoid-valve device for household appliances and related household appliance - Google Patents

Solenoid-valve device for household appliances and related household appliance

Info

Publication number
EP3935297A1
EP3935297A1 EP20715197.8A EP20715197A EP3935297A1 EP 3935297 A1 EP3935297 A1 EP 3935297A1 EP 20715197 A EP20715197 A EP 20715197A EP 3935297 A1 EP3935297 A1 EP 3935297A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
core
solenoid
obstructor
valve device
hollow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20715197.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Paolo Ravedati
Maurizio Rendesi
Massimo Davi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Elbi International SpA
Original Assignee
Elbi International SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Elbi International SpA filed Critical Elbi International SpA
Publication of EP3935297A1 publication Critical patent/EP3935297A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
    • F16K31/0686—Braking, pressure equilibration, shock absorbing
    • F16K31/0693—Pressure equilibration of the armature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
    • F16K31/40—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor
    • F16K31/402—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a diaphragm
    • F16K31/404—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a diaphragm the discharge being effected through the diaphragm and being blockable by an electrically-actuated member making contact with the diaphragm

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a solenoid-valve device, e.g. solenoid valves or solenoid-type pilot valves, adapted for use in household appliances, such as, for example, washing machines (laundry washing machines and dishwashers), ovens, and to a related household appliance.
  • a solenoid-valve device e.g. solenoid valves or solenoid-type pilot valves
  • household appliances such as, for example, washing machines (laundry washing machines and dishwashers), ovens, and to a related household appliance.
  • solenoid-valve devices comprising a solenoid
  • Several types of solenoid-valve devices comprising a solenoid are known, which can operate as direct or indirect valves, wherein such solenoid-valve devices are adapted to be applied to household appliances.
  • said solenoid-valve device comprises at least one obstructor, movably mounted in a chamber and adapted to cooperate with a seat to control the communication between an inlet and an outlet.
  • Said solenoid surrounds a tubular portion in which a movable core is housed, the latter being coupled to said obstructor.
  • Said solenoid being adapted to control said core by causing it to translate in said tubular portion.
  • Said tubular portion being adapted to widen, getting filled with and draining a fluid, at least partially, during the movement of said core.
  • the positioning of the core in said tubular portion generates a compartment, of variable dimensions, between a first end of the tubular portion and a first end of the core.
  • Such compartment is adapted to be filled with a fluid that is present in the chamber defined by said hollow body. As the core returns into the tubular portion, said compartment is reduced, and the liquid contained therein is forced towards the outlet, returning into said chamber defined by said hollow body.
  • the fluid flowing in and out of said compartment may cause accumulation of residues or corpuscles in said tubular portion, which may jeopardize the mobility of said core .
  • the valve device is designed in a manner such that there is some play between the core and the tubular portion, said core having a diameter distinctly smaller than the diameter of the tubular portion.
  • a circular crown is created around the core, along which the liquid can flow to and from said compartment.
  • the diameters of the tubular portion and of the core are appropriately designed to avoid that the motion of the core might be prevented by residual material accumulating in said circular interspace or crown.
  • This circular crown increases the size of the air gap between the solenoid and the core, thus reducing the efficiency of the solenoid valve.
  • Solenoid-valve devices are increasingly required to be able to work in any condition, even when a large amount of corpuscles are dispersed in the fluid, in order to ensure reliability of the solenoid-valve device in any operating condition. Solenoid-valve devices are also required to ensure faster switching, so that the switching into the different operating conditions can occur as quickly as possible .
  • the present invention aims at solving the above- mentioned technical problems, and other problems as well, by providing a solenoid-valve device having a movable core so shaped as to define a path for the transit of a fluid which is alternative to those currently known in the art.
  • a solenoid-valve device having the features set out in the appended claim 1.
  • a further aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance having the features set out in the appended claim 11.
  • Figures 1A, IB show a sectional view relative to a vertical plane of a first possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow comprising a slit along its entire longitudinal length; said core defines a duct along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow, in the two different operating configurations; in particular, Figure 1A shows the solenoid-valve device in a closed configuration, Figure IB shows the solenoid-valve device in an open configuration;
  • Figures 2A, 2B show a sectional view relative to a vertical plane of a second possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a slit along its entire longitudinal length, and the obstructor comprises a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out, slit and hollow core defines a duct along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow, in the two different operating configurations; in particular, Figure 2A shows the solenoid-valve device in a closed configuration, Figure 2B shows the solenoid-valve device in an open configuration;
  • Figure 3 shows one possible embodiment of the core of a solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, in particular according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A-2B;
  • Figures 4A-4C show some possible embodiments of direct solenoid-valve devices according to the present invention
  • Figure 4A shows one possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a slit in proximity to the terminal portion of the core, and the obstructor comprises a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out, slit and hollow core defines a duct along which a fluid can flow
  • Figure 4B shows a further embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and the obstructor comprises a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out and hollow core defines a duct along which a fluid can flow
  • Figure 4C shows yet another possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a through hole in proximity to the terminal portion of the core, which are so shaped as to define a duct along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow;
  • Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a different embodiment of the solenoid-valve device, which comprises a core having a hollow portion so shaped as to define at least a portion of a duct for the transit of a fluid, wherein the solenoid-valve device is in a closed configuration;
  • Figures 6A and 6B show an indirect solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a slit along its entire longitudinal length, thus defining a duct along which a fluid can flow, in the two different operating configurations; in particular, Figure 6A shows the solenoid-valve device in a closed configuration, Figure 6B shows the solenoid-valve device in an open configuration;
  • Figure 7 shows a portion of a possible household appliance comprising at least one solenoid-valve device according to the present invention.
  • reference numeral 2 designates as a whole a solenoid-valve device; whereas reference numeral 1 designates as a whole a household appliance comprising a solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention.
  • Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention is particularly suitable, by way of non-limiting example, for application in household appliances 1, such as washing machines, dishwashers and/or electric ovens.
  • Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention comprises a hollow body 3.
  • At least one inlet duct 36 and at least one outlet duct 37 are formed.
  • Said hollow body 3 also defines a chamber 35, preferably interposed between said at least one inlet duct 36 and said at least one outlet duct 37.
  • Solenoid-valve device 2 comprises at least one obstructor assembly 7.
  • Said obstructor assembly 7 is movably mounted in said chamber 35.
  • Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention further comprises at least one actuator 4.
  • Said actuator 4 is adapted to control and actuate said obstructor assembly 7.
  • Said hollow body 3 comprises at least one tubular portion 312.
  • Said tubular portion 312 has a closed first end 312a and an open second end 312b putting said tubular portion 312 in fluidic communication with said chamber 35.
  • said actuator 4 comprises at least one solenoid 5.
  • Said solenoid 5 is mounted in a fixed position and surrounds at least a tract of at least one tubular portion 312.
  • Said actuator 4 further comprises at least one core 6.
  • Said core 6 is arranged within a tubular portion 312, so that it can translate, in particular move along one axis, preferably along its longitudinal axis "L" .
  • Said core 6 and said tubular portion 312 are so designed, and mutually positioned, as to define a compartment 313.
  • At least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7 is fixed to core 6, and in particular to a terminal portion thereof 62, moving integrally with said core 6.
  • the volume of said compartment 313 is variable as a function of the translational movements made by said core 6.
  • said core 6 has a structure or body in which at least a portion of a duct 64 is formed, which is adapted to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313.
  • Said duct 64 defines an alternative path for the transit of a fluid between said chamber 35 and said compartment 313, in particular different from those currently known.
  • the structure or body of said core 6 may have different shapes, e.g. substantially cylindrical or prismatic, preferably a prism having a hexagonal base or a polygonal base with a number of sides greater than six.
  • said core 6 comprises at least one hollow portion 63.
  • Said hollow portion 63 being adapted to define at least one tract of said duct 64.
  • the entire hollow portion 63 of core 6 is itself adapted to define a tract of duct 64, e.g. defining the entire section of a duct.
  • said hollow portion 63 is coaxial to a longitudinal axis "L" of core 6.
  • said core 6 is hollow and has a tubular conformation, preferably open at one or both of its ends.
  • hollow portion 63 extends substantially along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6.
  • one or more bases of the cylinder or prism may define an inlet and/or an outlet of at least one tract of duct 64.
  • said hollow portion 63 adapted to define at least one tract of said duct 64 may extend along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", or along just a part thereof.
  • said hollow portion is coaxial to said longitudinal axis "L” .
  • said core 6 comprises a hollow portion that is offset from said longitudinal axis.
  • Said hollow portion may be shaped as at least one hole or a slot.
  • said hollow structure may be, for example, one or more through holes between the bases or ends of the cylinder-shaped or prism-shaped structure of core 6, running parallel to said longitudinal axis "L" .
  • said core 6 comprises at least one hole or slot 65.
  • Said hole or slot 65 is preferably formed in the lateral external surface of said core 6, so as to define at least one tract of said duct 64.
  • said at least one hole or slot 65 is in fluidic communication with said at least one hollow portion 63 of core 6.
  • said hole or slot 65 extends along the longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of said core 6, following a straight or helical path (not shown) .
  • said hole or slot 65 extends along the entire longitudinal extension of core 6.
  • said at least one hole or slot 65 defines a cut-out.
  • Said cut-out is in fluidic communication with the hollow portion of core 6.
  • said cut-out extends along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6.
  • said core 6 is hollow, e.g. having a tubular structure, and comprises a hole or slot 65 defining a cut-out in fluidic communication with hollow portion 63 of core 6 extending, like said hollow portion 63, along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6.
  • its cross-section is substantially C-shaped.
  • said at least one hole or slot 65 is located in proximity to one end of said core, preferably in proximity to one of terminal portions 62.
  • core 6 may comprise only one hole 65 or at least one pair of holes 65, preferably aligned with each other, realizing a through hole.
  • core 6 may be combined to create said duct 64 having the desired features according to specific requirements and/or to the characteristics of the application of solenoid- valve device 2, e.g. as a function of the type of fluid for which solenoid-valve device 2 is to be used; for liquids, for example, as a function of the size of the particulate matter contained in the liquid and/or other characteristics of the fluid itself, such as viscosity, etc.
  • said core 6 may be so shaped as to define a duct 64 along which a fluid can flow, wherein part of the duct is defined by an internal portion of core 6 itself. Therefore, core 6 according to the present invention defines an alternative path for the transit of a fluid between said chamber 35 and said compartment 313.
  • said core is designed to, by means of a hole or slot 65, put the hollow interior of core 6 in communication with the outside, in particular with said chamber 35 and/or said compartment 313.
  • said cut-out 65 may extend along at least a part of, preferably throughout, the generatrix of the hollow cylinder defining core 6.
  • core 6 wherein said core 6 is hollow and has a tubular structure, comprising a cut out 65 in fluidic communication with hollow portion 63 of core 6, extending along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6 itself, can be implemented by using a production process other than the processes currently known in the art for making core 6.
  • the core is normally manufactured by using processes including an extrusion phase, followed by mechanical machining steps carried out on the extruded body, which are necessary to obtain the desired core shape.
  • Core 6 according to the present invention can be made by using a production process comprising:
  • core 6 is manufactured by starting from a sheet, not from an extruded piece of ferromagnetic material .
  • the rolling phase may be adapted to produce the desired thickness of the sheet.
  • the bending or calendering or curling phase is carried out in order to obtain the "C" conformation of the cross- section of core 6, by bending said sheet.
  • the "C” conformation of core 6 may vary as necessary, since it is possible to make C-shaped cores which are more or less open.
  • said phases of the method which are merely illustrative and non-limiting, allow producing a core 6 wherein, at any point thereof along the longitudinal axis "L", its cross-section is substantially C-shaped.
  • Such C- shape may be constant or vary along the longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, making it possible to fix at least one element (72, 74) of obstructor assembly 7.
  • mechanical machining of sheets is less expensive than other mechanical machining operations like turning, etc.
  • the method for making core 6 may comprise one or more drawing or forming or tapering phases, for the purpose of creating a different C-shaped cross-section, e.g. creating a terminal portion 62, at one end of core 6, whereto at least one element (72, 74) of obstructor assembly 7 can be fixed.
  • the present invention makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of core 6 compared to an equivalent core of the same diameter, in that core 6 according to the present invention defines at least a portion of a duct 64 adapted to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313, comprising at least one hollow portion 63, and possibly at least one hole or slot 65, as previously specified.
  • Core 6 according to the present invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the play between core 6 and tubular portion 312, because at least a portion of channel 64, adapted to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313, is formed within the structure of core 6.
  • solenoid-valve device 2 envisages that said actuator 4 may comprise an elastic element 42.
  • said elastic element 42 is a coil spring.
  • Said elastic element 42 is preferably housed in said tubular portion 312. Alternatively or additionally, said elastic element 42 may be housed in said chamber 35.
  • Said elastic element 42 is adapted to, for example, keep actuator 4, and in particular said obstructor assembly 7 connected to said actuator 4, in an operating configuration, in particular a configuration that realizes a normally closed valve.
  • said elastic element 42 is adapted to counter the force generated by actuator 4, preferably in order to keep said solenoid-valve device 2 in a closed configuration.
  • one end of elastic element 42 acts upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, in particular being in contact therewith.
  • said elastic element 42 is at least partly housed in a hollow portion 63 of core 6.
  • Said hollow portion 63 is shaped in a manner such that said elastic element 42 acts, at its opposite end, upon a surface that is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6.
  • Such an embodiment ensures, for example, better control over the mobility of core 6 within tubular portion 312, reducing the risk of jamming and/or friction due to rotational moments that elastic element 42 might generate on core 6, e.g. depending on the degree of insertion of core 6 itself inside said tubular portion 312.
  • said elastic element 42 acts directly upon terminal portion 62 of core 6, in particular upon that portion of core 6 which drives obstructor assembly 7. Even more preferably, elastic element 42 can, at the opposite end, act directly upon the element (72, 74) of obstructor assembly 7 that is fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
  • the present solution provides direct action upon obstructor assembly 7 by elastic element 42, for the purpose of keeping said obstructor assembly 7, and in particular said solenoid-valve device 2, in a desired configuration.
  • said obstructor assembly 7 is adapted to contribute to defining at least one portion or tract of duct 64 in order to put said chamber 35 in communication with said compartment 313.
  • said obstructor assembly 7 comprises, in at least one portion of the element (72, 74) fixed to said core 6, at least one conduction portion 71, in which at least one portion or tract of duct 64 is formed for putting said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313.
  • Said conduction portion 71 may be a slot and/or a hole along which a fluid can flow.
  • Said conduction portion 71 is in fluidic communication with at least one portion of duct 64 formed in said core 6.
  • said conduction portion 71 is in fluidic communication with hollow portion 63 of core 6 and/or with said hole, slot and/or slit 65 of core 6.
  • said conduction portion 71 extends along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "L" of core 6, e.g. through a slot or cut-out.
  • said terminal portion 62 is so shaped that at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7 can be fixed to core 6, so that said at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7 can move integrally with said core 6.
  • said terminal portion 62 is so designed as to surround, thus retaining it, at least a portion of at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7, preferably in proximity to said conduction portion 71 of obstructor assembly 7.
  • said terminal portion 62 is surrounded by at least a portion of at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7, preferably in proximity to said conduction portion 71 of obstructor assembly 7.
  • This latter embodiment can be implemented by means of an injection process, e.g. a hot-injection process.
  • said solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention may be structured in a manner such that said obstructor assembly 7 is adapted to realize a solenoid-valve device 2 of the direct type.
  • said solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention may be structured in a manner such that said obstructor assembly 7 is adapted to realize a solenoid- valve device 2 of the indirect type.
  • core 6 according to the present invention can be used in solenoid- valve devices 2 adapted to realize direct valves and/or indirect valves.
  • said obstructor assembly 7 may comprise one or more elements (72, 74), which may operate in a direct or indirect manner to selectively allow the transit of fluid between inlet duct 36 and outlet duct 37.
  • said obstructor assembly 7 may comprise a single element 72, operating as a direct obstructor by acting upon a seat 33 in order to selectively allow the transit of fluid between inlet duct 36 and outlet duct 37, as shown by way of example in Figures 1A-2B, 4A-4C.
  • said obstructor assembly 7 may comprise a plurality of elements, e.g. a first element 72 and a second element 74, which operate as two obstructors adapted to act upon different and distinct seats 33, as shown by way of example in Figure 5.
  • said first and second elements (72, 74) constitute the obstructor and the pilot valve of a solenoid-valve device of the indirect type, as shown by way of example in Figures 6A-6B.
  • said hollow body 3 comprises an upper portion 31 and a lower portion 32 sealingly coupled together, through the interposition of a sealing element 34, e.g. a gasket, preferably an 0-ring.
  • a sealing element 34 e.g. a gasket, preferably an 0-ring.
  • Said upper portion 31 and said lower portion 32 may be made of plastic material.
  • either said inlet duct 36 or said outlet duct 37 is comprised in said upper portion 31 and, respectively, either said outlet duct 37 or said inlet duct 36 is formed in said lower portion 32.
  • said tubular portion 312 is comprised in said upper portion 31. More preferably, said tubular portion 312 is a separate element, coupled to the remaining part of the upper portion 31 by means of sealing elements 34, e.g. gaskets .
  • At least one solenoid 5 is mounted in a fixed position, which is made, in a per se known manner, of insulated electric wire.
  • the ends of such solenoid 5 are connected to respective connection terminals 22, e.g. shaped as lamellar plugs, for the electric and/or electronic connection to a control circuit, e.g. comprised in household appliance 1 comprising solenoid-valve device 2.
  • Solenoid-valve device 2 is particularly suitable for application in a household appliance 1.
  • household appliance 1 comprises at least one circuit 12 adapted for controlled conduction of at least one fluid.
  • said circuit 12 comprises at least one solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, for the purpose of conveniently controlling at least one flow of fluid in transit in at least one portion of said circuit 12.
  • said household appliance 1 comprises at least one control circuit adapted to appropriately drive said at least one solenoid-valve device 2.
  • Said household appliance 1 may be, by way of non limiting example, a washing machine, a dishwashing machine, an oven etc., or any household appliance wherein it is necessary to selectively control the transit of a fluid in a circuit.
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a portion of one possible household appliance 1 comprising at least one solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention. In particular, in Figure 7 one can see a sectioned part of the external enclosure of household appliance 1, through which one can view the inside of household appliance 1.
  • the figure shows a portion of circuit 12 adapted for controlled conduction of at least one fluid, preferably a liquid, e.g. water.
  • Said household appliance 1 is, for example, an electric oven.
  • solenoid-valve devices 2 are visible, which are solenoid-valve devices according to the present invention.
  • Figures 1A and IB show sectional views relative to a vertical plane of a first possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention.
  • core 6 is hollow, comprising a hollow portion 63, and comprises a slit 65 along the entire longitudinal length, relative to the longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, thus defining a duct 64 along which a fluid can flow.
  • duct 64 is formed and defined by said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 of core 6, the latter having a tubular conformation.
  • said slit 65 is in fluidic communication with said hollow portion 63 of core 6.
  • said actuator 4 comprises an elastic element 42, housed in said tubular portion 312, acting at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312. Said elastic element 32 is partly housed in said hollow portion 63 of core 6. At the opposite end, said elastic element 42 acts directly upon element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6. In the illustrated embodiment, said elastic element 42 acts upon a surface that is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6.
  • FIG. 1A and IB shows a solenoid-valve device 2 of the direct type, comprising an element 72 of said obstructor assembly 7, which acts upon an obstructor seat 33.
  • a part of slit 65, and hence a part of hollow portion 63 of core 6, is always located in chamber 35. Therefore, duct 64, formed and defined by said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 of core 6, is always in fluidic communication with both said chamber 35 and said compartment 313.
  • Such a solution makes it possible to achieve blowing effects in both the chamber 35 and the compartment 313, which will avoid the accumulation of impurities and/or corpuscles.
  • Figures 2A and 2B show sectional views relative to a vertical plane of an embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 wherein core 6 is hollow and comprises a slit 65 along the entire longitudinal length, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, and obstructor assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71, in the form of a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out, slit and hollow core defines a duct 64 along which a fluid can flow.
  • both core 6 and an element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 contribute to defining duct 64.
  • at least one conduction portion 71 at least a portion or tract of duct 64 is formed, as a cut-out, to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313.
  • said elastic element 42 housed in said tubular portion 312, acts at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, while at the opposite end it acts directly upon element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
  • Figure 3 shows one possible embodiment of core 6 for a solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 substantially corresponds to core 6 shown in Figures 1A-2B.
  • core 6 comprises a hollow portion 63, which extends throughout the longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", thus defining a tubular conformation.
  • a slit 65 which extends along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6. Said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 are in fluidic communication with each other, thus defining at least a portion of said duct 64.
  • Core 6 illustrated in Figure 3 can be made by using the above-described method for making the core.
  • core 6 Some possible alternative embodiments of core 6 are illustrated, for example, in Figures 4A-4C.
  • FIGS. 1A-2B show structures of solenoid-valve device 2 which are substantially similar to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A-2B, while proposing different conformations of core 6 and/or of obstructor assembly 7 for forming said duct 64.
  • Figure 4A shows one possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, wherein core 6 is hollow and comprises a slot 65 in proximity to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
  • element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71 in the form of a cut-out.
  • the combination of cut-out 71, slot 65 and hollow core 6 defines a duct 64 along which a fluid and any non- dissolved substances contained therein can flow.
  • the core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends throughout the longitudinal extension of core 6, placed in fluidic communication with said slot 65 formed in one, preferably only one, region of the lateral external surface of core 6.
  • said elastic element 42 housed in said tubular portion 312, acts at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, while at the opposite end it acts directly upon element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
  • Figure 4B shows a further possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, wherein core 6 is hollow and element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71 in the form of a cut-out.
  • the combination of cut-out 71 and hollow core 6 defines a duct 64 along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow.
  • core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends throughout the longitudinal extension of core 6, placed in fluidic communication with said conduction portion 71.
  • solenoid-valve device 2 represents a further possible embodiment of core 6, wherein core 6 is hollow and comprises a through hole 65 in proximity to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
  • said core 6 comprises a single, non-through hole 65 in proximity to terminal portion 62.
  • core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends throughout the longitudinal extension of core 6, placed in fluidic communication with said hole 65.
  • said hole 65 is a through hole secant to the external lateral surface of core 6, more preferably perpendicular to said longitudinal axis "L" of core 6.
  • Figure 5 shows a different embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 comprising a different conformation of obstructor assembly 7 and of chamber 35 defined by hollow body 3.
  • Figure 5 shows solenoid-valve device 2 in a closed configuration.
  • said core 6 comprises at least one hollow portion 63, which extends, starting from one end of core 6 itself, along most of the longitudinal extension of core 6, in particular up to terminal portion 62.
  • Said core 6 further comprises a slit 65, which extends from one end of core 6 for a length at least equal to the extension of hollow portion 63 of core 6 itself.
  • Said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 are in fluidic communication with each other, thus realizing said duct 64.
  • an elastic element 42 is housed in said tubular portion 312.
  • Such elastic element 42 acts at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312.
  • Said elastic element 32 is partly housed in said hollow portion 63 of core 6.
  • said elastic element 42 acts upon a surface, defining the end of hollow portion 63, which is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6.
  • terminal portion 62 of core 6 has a neck-like shape, with a smaller-diameter portion catching a first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7.
  • first element 72 At the opposite end of said first element 72 there is an elongate cavity directed upwards, into which the upper end of the second element 74 penetrates, the latter protruding downwards from said first element 72.
  • Said first element 72 comprises a protrusion that extends outwards like a flange, a sealing member being engaged with and retained by it, which is adapted to actively cooperate, as an obstructor, with an obstructor seat 33.
  • Said second element 74 comprises an outward protruding body with which a second sealing element is engaged, which is intended to cooperate, as an obstructor, with another obstructor seat 33.
  • the present embodiment further comprises an additional elastic element 42, in the form of a coil spring, interposed between hollow body 3 defining chamber 35 and said first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7, which tends to push the first element 72 towards respective seat 33 and, as a consequence, the second element 74 towards respective seat 33.
  • an additional elastic element 42 in the form of a coil spring, interposed between hollow body 3 defining chamber 35 and said first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7, which tends to push the first element 72 towards respective seat 33 and, as a consequence, the second element 74 towards respective seat 33.
  • the present embodiment makes it possible to obtain that, should any corpuscles be trapped, e.g. pinched, between the first element 72 and respective seat 33, thus keeping the assembly made up of the first element and the core slightly raised from a nominal closed position, as shown in the present figure, second element 74 of obstructor assembly 7 will still be able, thanks to its conformation, to ensure an effective sealing action against the associated seat 33.
  • Figures 6A and 6B show a solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention of the indirect type.
  • core 6 is hollow and comprises a slit 63 along the entire longitudinal length of core 6, defining a duct 64 along which the fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow.
  • the embodiment of core 6 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is substantially similar to the embodiment of core 6 shown in Figures 1A and IB.
  • a first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 is fixed, which cooperates with a second element 74 of the same obstructor assembly 7 for the purpose of realizing an indirect valve.
  • said second element 74 which cooperates with obstructor seat 33, is connected to an annular sealing element 34 via a flexible diaphragm.
  • Said second element 74 comprises at least one through hole, so as to put a control chamber in fluidic communication with said inlet duct 36 and/or said outlet duct 37. Said through hole is selectively closed by means of said first element 72 operationally connected to said core 6.
  • the present invention makes it possible to avoid the presence of any deposits of impurities around core 6, thus ensuring that core 6 itself can translate in said tubular portion 312 without jamming and/or excessive friction .
  • the present solution also allows generating flows of fluid in duct 64, in compartment 313 and in chamber 35, which will produce blowing effects useful to further reduce the risk that any particles, impurities and/or corpuscles carried by the fluid might in any way adversely affect the functionality of solenoid-valve device 2, e.g. by accumulating or getting trapped in undesired locations.
  • the positioning of said holes, slots and slits (65 71), formed in core 6 and/or in obstructor assembly 7, relative to chamber 35, and in particular relative to said inlet duct 36 and said outlet duct 37, can be designed to produce blowing effects in chamber 35, so that fluid turbulences can be generated in order to reduce the risk of deposits in hollow body 3.
  • Said duct 64 also acts as a way out for any impurities that may accumulate in chamber 35 and/or in compartment 313 of solenoid-valve device 2.
  • Said duct 64 also facilitates the transit of fluid between chamber 35 and compartment 313, improving the reactivity of obstructor assembly 7 to actuator 4.
  • the present invention makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of core 6, thus improving its reactivity and reducing the force required to produce the translational motion of core 6.
  • said elastic element 42 is at least partly housed in a hollow portion 63 of core 6, acting upon a surface that is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6, such embodiment allows increasing the degrees of freedom when designing such elastic element 42, making it possible to vary the response properties of solenoid-valve device 2.
  • the present invention also allows reducing the circular crown between the outer walls of core 6 and the inner walls of said tubular portion 312, resulting in less play between the two parts.

Abstract

Solenoid-valve device (2) for household appliances (1), comprising: a hollow body (3) in which at least one inlet duct (36) and at least one outlet duct (37) are formed for a flow of a fluid, said hollow body (3) defining a chamber (35); at least one obstructor assembly (7) movably mounted in said chamber (35); and at least one actuator (4) adapted to control and actuate said obstructor assembly (7). The hollow body (3) comprising a tubular portion (312), having a closed first end (312a) and an open second end (312b) in fluidic communication with said chamber (35). The actuator (4) comprising: at least one solenoid (5), mounted in a fixed position and surrounding at least a tract of said tubular portion (312); and a core (6), arranged within said tubular portion (312) so as to be able to translate, defining a compartment (313). The core (6) being fixed, at a terminal portion thereof (62) to at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly (7). The volume of the compartment (313) being variable as a function of the translational movements made by said core (6). Said core (6) comprises at least one hollow portion (63); said hollow portion (63) being adapted to define at least one tract of a duct (64) adapted to put said chamber (35) in fluidic communication with said compartment (313).

Description

TITLE: SOLENOID-VALVE DEVICE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
AND RELATED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE.
The present invention relates to a solenoid-valve device, e.g. solenoid valves or solenoid-type pilot valves, adapted for use in household appliances, such as, for example, washing machines (laundry washing machines and dishwashers), ovens, and to a related household appliance.
Several types of solenoid-valve devices comprising a solenoid are known, which can operate as direct or indirect valves, wherein such solenoid-valve devices are adapted to be applied to household appliances.
In general, said solenoid-valve device comprises at least one obstructor, movably mounted in a chamber and adapted to cooperate with a seat to control the communication between an inlet and an outlet. Said solenoid surrounds a tubular portion in which a movable core is housed, the latter being coupled to said obstructor. Said solenoid being adapted to control said core by causing it to translate in said tubular portion. Said tubular portion being adapted to widen, getting filled with and draining a fluid, at least partially, during the movement of said core. In particular, the positioning of the core in said tubular portion generates a compartment, of variable dimensions, between a first end of the tubular portion and a first end of the core. Such compartment is adapted to be filled with a fluid that is present in the chamber defined by said hollow body. As the core returns into the tubular portion, said compartment is reduced, and the liquid contained therein is forced towards the outlet, returning into said chamber defined by said hollow body. The fluid flowing in and out of said compartment may cause accumulation of residues or corpuscles in said tubular portion, which may jeopardize the mobility of said core .
In the currently known solutions, the valve device is designed in a manner such that there is some play between the core and the tubular portion, said core having a diameter distinctly smaller than the diameter of the tubular portion. Such a solution is such that a circular crown is created around the core, along which the liquid can flow to and from said compartment. The diameters of the tubular portion and of the core are appropriately designed to avoid that the motion of the core might be prevented by residual material accumulating in said circular interspace or crown. This circular crown increases the size of the air gap between the solenoid and the core, thus reducing the efficiency of the solenoid valve.
Solenoid-valve devices are increasingly required to be able to work in any condition, even when a large amount of corpuscles are dispersed in the fluid, in order to ensure reliability of the solenoid-valve device in any operating condition. Solenoid-valve devices are also required to ensure faster switching, so that the switching into the different operating conditions can occur as quickly as possible .
The present invention aims at solving the above- mentioned technical problems, and other problems as well, by providing a solenoid-valve device having a movable core so shaped as to define a path for the transit of a fluid which is alternative to those currently known in the art. One aspect of the present invention relates to a solenoid-valve device having the features set out in the appended claim 1.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to a household appliance having the features set out in the appended claim 11.
Auxiliary features of the device and appliance are set out in respective dependent claims.
The features and advantages of the solenoid-valve device and household appliance according to the present invention will become apparent in light of the following description of several possible exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiments of the solenoid-valve device and household appliance, and in light of the annexed drawings, wherein:
• Figures 1A, IB show a sectional view relative to a vertical plane of a first possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow comprising a slit along its entire longitudinal length; said core defines a duct along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow, in the two different operating configurations; in particular, Figure 1A shows the solenoid-valve device in a closed configuration, Figure IB shows the solenoid-valve device in an open configuration;
• Figures 2A, 2B show a sectional view relative to a vertical plane of a second possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a slit along its entire longitudinal length, and the obstructor comprises a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out, slit and hollow core defines a duct along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow, in the two different operating configurations; in particular, Figure 2A shows the solenoid-valve device in a closed configuration, Figure 2B shows the solenoid-valve device in an open configuration;
• Figure 3 shows one possible embodiment of the core of a solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, in particular according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A-2B;
• Figures 4A-4C show some possible embodiments of direct solenoid-valve devices according to the present invention; in particular, Figure 4A shows one possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a slit in proximity to the terminal portion of the core, and the obstructor comprises a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out, slit and hollow core defines a duct along which a fluid can flow; Figure 4B shows a further embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and the obstructor comprises a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out and hollow core defines a duct along which a fluid can flow; Figure 4C shows yet another possible embodiment of the solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a through hole in proximity to the terminal portion of the core, which are so shaped as to define a duct along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow;
• Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a different embodiment of the solenoid-valve device, which comprises a core having a hollow portion so shaped as to define at least a portion of a duct for the transit of a fluid, wherein the solenoid-valve device is in a closed configuration; • Figures 6A and 6B show an indirect solenoid-valve device according to the present invention, wherein the core is hollow and comprises a slit along its entire longitudinal length, thus defining a duct along which a fluid can flow, in the two different operating configurations; in particular, Figure 6A shows the solenoid-valve device in a closed configuration, Figure 6B shows the solenoid-valve device in an open configuration;
• Figure 7 shows a portion of a possible household appliance comprising at least one solenoid-valve device according to the present invention.
With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 2 designates as a whole a solenoid-valve device; whereas reference numeral 1 designates as a whole a household appliance comprising a solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention.
Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention is particularly suitable, by way of non-limiting example, for application in household appliances 1, such as washing machines, dishwashers and/or electric ovens.
Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention comprises a hollow body 3.
In said hollow body 3, at least one inlet duct 36 and at least one outlet duct 37 are formed.
Said hollow body 3 also defines a chamber 35, preferably interposed between said at least one inlet duct 36 and said at least one outlet duct 37.
Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention comprises at least one obstructor assembly 7. Said obstructor assembly 7 is movably mounted in said chamber 35. Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention further comprises at least one actuator 4. Said actuator 4 is adapted to control and actuate said obstructor assembly 7.
Said hollow body 3 comprises at least one tubular portion 312. Said tubular portion 312 has a closed first end 312a and an open second end 312b putting said tubular portion 312 in fluidic communication with said chamber 35.
In the preferred embodiment, said actuator 4 comprises at least one solenoid 5. Said solenoid 5 is mounted in a fixed position and surrounds at least a tract of at least one tubular portion 312.
Said actuator 4 further comprises at least one core 6. Said core 6 is arranged within a tubular portion 312, so that it can translate, in particular move along one axis, preferably along its longitudinal axis "L" . Said core 6 and said tubular portion 312 are so designed, and mutually positioned, as to define a compartment 313.
Preferably, at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7 is fixed to core 6, and in particular to a terminal portion thereof 62, moving integrally with said core 6.
In general, the volume of said compartment 313 is variable as a function of the translational movements made by said core 6.
Preferably, said core 6 has a structure or body in which at least a portion of a duct 64 is formed, which is adapted to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313. Said duct 64 defines an alternative path for the transit of a fluid between said chamber 35 and said compartment 313, in particular different from those currently known.
The structure or body of said core 6 may have different shapes, e.g. substantially cylindrical or prismatic, preferably a prism having a hexagonal base or a polygonal base with a number of sides greater than six.
In particular, said core 6 comprises at least one hollow portion 63. Said hollow portion 63 being adapted to define at least one tract of said duct 64. Preferably, the entire hollow portion 63 of core 6 is itself adapted to define a tract of duct 64, e.g. defining the entire section of a duct. Preferably, said hollow portion 63 is coaxial to a longitudinal axis "L" of core 6.
In a preferred, but per se non-limiting, embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, said core 6 is hollow and has a tubular conformation, preferably open at one or both of its ends.
In the present embodiment, therefore, hollow portion 63 extends substantially along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6. Preferably, one or more bases of the cylinder or prism may define an inlet and/or an outlet of at least one tract of duct 64.
In general, said hollow portion 63 adapted to define at least one tract of said duct 64 may extend along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", or along just a part thereof. Preferably, said hollow portion is coaxial to said longitudinal axis "L" .
In one possible exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, said core 6 comprises a hollow portion that is offset from said longitudinal axis. Said hollow portion may be shaped as at least one hole or a slot. For example, said hollow structure may be, for example, one or more through holes between the bases or ends of the cylinder-shaped or prism-shaped structure of core 6, running parallel to said longitudinal axis "L" .
In a preferred exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, said core 6 comprises at least one hole or slot 65. Said hole or slot 65 is preferably formed in the lateral external surface of said core 6, so as to define at least one tract of said duct 64.
Preferably, said at least one hole or slot 65 is in fluidic communication with said at least one hollow portion 63 of core 6.
In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said hole or slot 65 extends along the longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of said core 6, following a straight or helical path (not shown) .
Preferably, said hole or slot 65 extends along the entire longitudinal extension of core 6.
In one possible embodiment, said at least one hole or slot 65 defines a cut-out. Said cut-out is in fluidic communication with the hollow portion of core 6. Preferably, said cut-out extends along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6.
In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said core 6 is hollow, e.g. having a tubular structure, and comprises a hole or slot 65 defining a cut-out in fluidic communication with hollow portion 63 of core 6 extending, like said hollow portion 63, along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6. In this embodiment, at any point of the core 6 along the longitudinal axis "L", its cross-section is substantially C-shaped. As an alternative, instead of a single cut-out extending along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, it is possible to make a plurality of holes or slots 65, e.g. equidistant from one another along a straight line between both ends of core 6, wherein each hole 65 is in fluidic communication with said hollow portion 63 of core 6.
In an alternative embodiment, said at least one hole or slot 65 is located in proximity to one end of said core, preferably in proximity to one of terminal portions 62. By way of example, core 6 may comprise only one hole 65 or at least one pair of holes 65, preferably aligned with each other, realizing a through hole.
The various technical characteristics of core 6 described above may be combined to create said duct 64 having the desired features according to specific requirements and/or to the characteristics of the application of solenoid- valve device 2, e.g. as a function of the type of fluid for which solenoid-valve device 2 is to be used; for liquids, for example, as a function of the size of the particulate matter contained in the liquid and/or other characteristics of the fluid itself, such as viscosity, etc.
In general, in several possible embodiments said core 6 may be so shaped as to define a duct 64 along which a fluid can flow, wherein part of the duct is defined by an internal portion of core 6 itself. Therefore, core 6 according to the present invention defines an alternative path for the transit of a fluid between said chamber 35 and said compartment 313.
In general, said core is designed to, by means of a hole or slot 65, put the hollow interior of core 6 in communication with the outside, in particular with said chamber 35 and/or said compartment 313.
In a preferred embodiment, said cut-out 65 may extend along at least a part of, preferably throughout, the generatrix of the hollow cylinder defining core 6.
The preferred embodiment of core 6, wherein said core 6 is hollow and has a tubular structure, comprising a cut out 65 in fluidic communication with hollow portion 63 of core 6, extending along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6 itself, can be implemented by using a production process other than the processes currently known in the art for making core 6. In fact, the core is normally manufactured by using processes including an extrusion phase, followed by mechanical machining steps carried out on the extruded body, which are necessary to obtain the desired core shape.
Core 6 according to the present invention can be made by using a production process comprising:
- at least one rolling phase;
- at least one bending or calendering or curling phase.
Such phases are carried out on sheet of ferromagnetic material. Therefore, core 6 is manufactured by starting from a sheet, not from an extruded piece of ferromagnetic material .
For example, the rolling phase may be adapted to produce the desired thickness of the sheet. The bending or calendering or curling phase is carried out in order to obtain the "C" conformation of the cross- section of core 6, by bending said sheet.
The "C" conformation of core 6 may vary as necessary, since it is possible to make C-shaped cores which are more or less open.
In general, said phases of the method, which are merely illustrative and non-limiting, allow producing a core 6 wherein, at any point thereof along the longitudinal axis "L", its cross-section is substantially C-shaped. Such C- shape may be constant or vary along the longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, making it possible to fix at least one element (72, 74) of obstructor assembly 7. Moreover, mechanical machining of sheets is less expensive than other mechanical machining operations like turning, etc.
The method for making core 6 may comprise one or more drawing or forming or tapering phases, for the purpose of creating a different C-shaped cross-section, e.g. creating a terminal portion 62, at one end of core 6, whereto at least one element (72, 74) of obstructor assembly 7 can be fixed.
More in general, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of core 6 compared to an equivalent core of the same diameter, in that core 6 according to the present invention defines at least a portion of a duct 64 adapted to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313, comprising at least one hollow portion 63, and possibly at least one hole or slot 65, as previously specified.
Core 6 according to the present invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the play between core 6 and tubular portion 312, because at least a portion of channel 64, adapted to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313, is formed within the structure of core 6.
In general, solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention envisages that said actuator 4 may comprise an elastic element 42. Preferably, said elastic element 42 is a coil spring.
Said elastic element 42 is preferably housed in said tubular portion 312. Alternatively or additionally, said elastic element 42 may be housed in said chamber 35.
Said elastic element 42 is adapted to, for example, keep actuator 4, and in particular said obstructor assembly 7 connected to said actuator 4, in an operating configuration, in particular a configuration that realizes a normally closed valve. In particular, said elastic element 42 is adapted to counter the force generated by actuator 4, preferably in order to keep said solenoid-valve device 2 in a closed configuration.
In the embodiment wherein said elastic element 42 is housed in said tubular portion 312, one end of elastic element 42 acts upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, in particular being in contact therewith.
In a preferred embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, said elastic element 42 is at least partly housed in a hollow portion 63 of core 6. Said hollow portion 63 is shaped in a manner such that said elastic element 42 acts, at its opposite end, upon a surface that is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6. Such an embodiment ensures, for example, better control over the mobility of core 6 within tubular portion 312, reducing the risk of jamming and/or friction due to rotational moments that elastic element 42 might generate on core 6, e.g. depending on the degree of insertion of core 6 itself inside said tubular portion 312.
In the embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention wherein said core 6 has a tubular shape, said elastic element 42 acts directly upon terminal portion 62 of core 6, in particular upon that portion of core 6 which drives obstructor assembly 7. Even more preferably, elastic element 42 can, at the opposite end, act directly upon the element (72, 74) of obstructor assembly 7 that is fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6. The present solution provides direct action upon obstructor assembly 7 by elastic element 42, for the purpose of keeping said obstructor assembly 7, and in particular said solenoid-valve device 2, in a desired configuration.
In one possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, said obstructor assembly 7 is adapted to contribute to defining at least one portion or tract of duct 64 in order to put said chamber 35 in communication with said compartment 313.
In an alternative embodiment, said obstructor assembly 7 comprises, in at least one portion of the element (72, 74) fixed to said core 6, at least one conduction portion 71, in which at least one portion or tract of duct 64 is formed for putting said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313. Said conduction portion 71 may be a slot and/or a hole along which a fluid can flow. Said conduction portion 71 is in fluidic communication with at least one portion of duct 64 formed in said core 6. In a preferred embodiment, said conduction portion 71 is in fluidic communication with hollow portion 63 of core 6 and/or with said hole, slot and/or slit 65 of core 6.
In a preferred embodiment, said conduction portion 71 extends along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis "L" of core 6, e.g. through a slot or cut-out.
In general, with reference again to the conformation of core 6, said terminal portion 62 is so shaped that at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7 can be fixed to core 6, so that said at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7 can move integrally with said core 6.
In one possible embodiment, said terminal portion 62 is so designed as to surround, thus retaining it, at least a portion of at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7, preferably in proximity to said conduction portion 71 of obstructor assembly 7.
As an alternative, said terminal portion 62 is surrounded by at least a portion of at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly 7, preferably in proximity to said conduction portion 71 of obstructor assembly 7. This latter embodiment can be implemented by means of an injection process, e.g. a hot-injection process.
In general, said solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention may be structured in a manner such that said obstructor assembly 7 is adapted to realize a solenoid-valve device 2 of the direct type. As an alternative, said solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention may be structured in a manner such that said obstructor assembly 7 is adapted to realize a solenoid- valve device 2 of the indirect type. In general, core 6 according to the present invention can be used in solenoid- valve devices 2 adapted to realize direct valves and/or indirect valves.
The features and the principle of operation of a direct valve and an indirect valve will not be described in more detail herein, since they are per se known to a person skilled in the art.
More in general, said obstructor assembly 7 may comprise one or more elements (72, 74), which may operate in a direct or indirect manner to selectively allow the transit of fluid between inlet duct 36 and outlet duct 37. For example, said obstructor assembly 7 may comprise a single element 72, operating as a direct obstructor by acting upon a seat 33 in order to selectively allow the transit of fluid between inlet duct 36 and outlet duct 37, as shown by way of example in Figures 1A-2B, 4A-4C. In alternative embodiments, said obstructor assembly 7 may comprise a plurality of elements, e.g. a first element 72 and a second element 74, which operate as two obstructors adapted to act upon different and distinct seats 33, as shown by way of example in Figure 5.
As a further alternative, said first and second elements (72, 74) constitute the obstructor and the pilot valve of a solenoid-valve device of the indirect type, as shown by way of example in Figures 6A-6B.
In one possible exemplary, but non limiting, embodiment of said solenoid-valve device 2, said hollow body 3 comprises an upper portion 31 and a lower portion 32 sealingly coupled together, through the interposition of a sealing element 34, e.g. a gasket, preferably an 0-ring. Said upper portion 31 and said lower portion 32 may be made of plastic material. Preferably, either said inlet duct 36 or said outlet duct 37 is comprised in said upper portion 31 and, respectively, either said outlet duct 37 or said inlet duct 36 is formed in said lower portion 32.
In said chamber 35, and preferably in said upper portion 31, there is at least one obstructor seat 33.
Preferably, said tubular portion 312 is comprised in said upper portion 31. More preferably, said tubular portion 312 is a separate element, coupled to the remaining part of the upper portion 31 by means of sealing elements 34, e.g. gaskets .
Around tubular portion 312 of body 2 at least one solenoid 5 is mounted in a fixed position, which is made, in a per se known manner, of insulated electric wire. The ends of such solenoid 5 are connected to respective connection terminals 22, e.g. shaped as lamellar plugs, for the electric and/or electronic connection to a control circuit, e.g. comprised in household appliance 1 comprising solenoid-valve device 2.
Solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for application in a household appliance 1.
In general, household appliance 1 comprises at least one circuit 12 adapted for controlled conduction of at least one fluid. In general, said circuit 12 comprises at least one solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, for the purpose of conveniently controlling at least one flow of fluid in transit in at least one portion of said circuit 12.
Preferably, said household appliance 1 comprises at least one control circuit adapted to appropriately drive said at least one solenoid-valve device 2. Said household appliance 1 may be, by way of non limiting example, a washing machine, a dishwashing machine, an oven etc., or any household appliance wherein it is necessary to selectively control the transit of a fluid in a circuit. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a portion of one possible household appliance 1 comprising at least one solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention. In particular, in Figure 7 one can see a sectioned part of the external enclosure of household appliance 1, through which one can view the inside of household appliance 1. The figure shows a portion of circuit 12 adapted for controlled conduction of at least one fluid, preferably a liquid, e.g. water. Said household appliance 1 is, for example, an electric oven.
In the illustrated embodiment, two solenoid-valve devices 2 are visible, which are solenoid-valve devices according to the present invention.
Continuing the description of the annexed drawings, Figures 1A and IB show sectional views relative to a vertical plane of a first possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, core 6 is hollow, comprising a hollow portion 63, and comprises a slit 65 along the entire longitudinal length, relative to the longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, thus defining a duct 64 along which a fluid can flow. In the present embodiment, duct 64 is formed and defined by said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 of core 6, the latter having a tubular conformation. In particular, said slit 65 is in fluidic communication with said hollow portion 63 of core 6. In the illustrated embodiment, said actuator 4 comprises an elastic element 42, housed in said tubular portion 312, acting at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312. Said elastic element 32 is partly housed in said hollow portion 63 of core 6. At the opposite end, said elastic element 42 acts directly upon element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6. In the illustrated embodiment, said elastic element 42 acts upon a surface that is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6.
The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A and IB shows a solenoid-valve device 2 of the direct type, comprising an element 72 of said obstructor assembly 7, which acts upon an obstructor seat 33. By comparing Figures 1A and IB one can see that in both operating configurations a part of slit 65, and hence a part of hollow portion 63 of core 6, is always located in chamber 35. Therefore, duct 64, formed and defined by said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 of core 6, is always in fluidic communication with both said chamber 35 and said compartment 313. Such a solution makes it possible to achieve blowing effects in both the chamber 35 and the compartment 313, which will avoid the accumulation of impurities and/or corpuscles.
One possible alternative embodiment is shown by way of example in Figures 2A and 2B. Figures 2A and 2B show sectional views relative to a vertical plane of an embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 wherein core 6 is hollow and comprises a slit 65 along the entire longitudinal length, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6, and obstructor assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71, in the form of a cut-out, so that the combination of cut-out, slit and hollow core defines a duct 64 along which a fluid can flow.
In the present embodiment, both core 6 and an element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 contribute to defining duct 64. In fact, in said at least one conduction portion 71 at least a portion or tract of duct 64 is formed, as a cut-out, to put said chamber 35 in fluidic communication with said compartment 313.
Also in the present embodiment, said elastic element 42, housed in said tubular portion 312, acts at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, while at the opposite end it acts directly upon element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
By comparing Figures 2A and 2B one can see that in both operating configurations a part of slit 65, and hence a part of hollow portion 63 of core 6 and a part of conduction portion 71, is always located in chamber 35. Therefore, duct 64, formed and defined by said slit 65, said hollow portion 63 of core 6 and said conduction portion 71 of obstructor assembly 7, is always in fluidic communication with both said chamber 35 and said compartment 313. Such a solution makes it possible to achieve blowing effects in both chamber 35 and compartment 313, which will avoid the accumulation of impurities and/or corpuscles.
Figure 3 shows one possible embodiment of core 6 for a solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 substantially corresponds to core 6 shown in Figures 1A-2B. In Figure 3 one can see that core 6 comprises a hollow portion 63, which extends throughout the longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", thus defining a tubular conformation. In Figure 3 one can also see a slit 65, which extends along the entire longitudinal extension, relative to said longitudinal axis "L", of core 6. Said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 are in fluidic communication with each other, thus defining at least a portion of said duct 64.
Core 6 illustrated in Figure 3 can be made by using the above-described method for making the core.
Some possible alternative embodiments of core 6 are illustrated, for example, in Figures 4A-4C.
Such figures show structures of solenoid-valve device 2 which are substantially similar to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A-2B, while proposing different conformations of core 6 and/or of obstructor assembly 7 for forming said duct 64.
In particular, Figure 4A shows one possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, wherein core 6 is hollow and comprises a slot 65 in proximity to terminal portion 62 of core 6. In addition, element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71 in the form of a cut-out. In the present embodiment, the combination of cut-out 71, slot 65 and hollow core 6 defines a duct 64 along which a fluid and any non- dissolved substances contained therein can flow.
In the illustrated embodiment, the core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends throughout the longitudinal extension of core 6, placed in fluidic communication with said slot 65 formed in one, preferably only one, region of the lateral external surface of core 6.
Also in the present embodiment, said elastic element 42, housed in said tubular portion 312, acts at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312, while at the opposite end it acts directly upon element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 fixed to terminal portion 62 of core 6.
On the other hand, Figure 4B shows a further possible embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention, wherein core 6 is hollow and element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 comprises a conduction portion 71 in the form of a cut-out. In the present embodiment, the combination of cut-out 71 and hollow core 6 defines a duct 64 along which a fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow.
In the illustrated embodiment, core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends throughout the longitudinal extension of core 6, placed in fluidic communication with said conduction portion 71.
The conformation of elastic element 42 of actuator 4 is substantially identical to the one shown in Figure 4A.
The embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention shown in Figure 4C represents a further possible embodiment of core 6, wherein core 6 is hollow and comprises a through hole 65 in proximity to terminal portion 62 of core 6. As an alternative, said core 6 comprises a single, non-through hole 65 in proximity to terminal portion 62.
In the illustrated embodiment, core 6 has a hollow portion 63 that extends throughout the longitudinal extension of core 6, placed in fluidic communication with said hole 65. In the illustrated embodiment, said hole 65 is a through hole secant to the external lateral surface of core 6, more preferably perpendicular to said longitudinal axis "L" of core 6.
Figure 5 shows a different embodiment of solenoid-valve device 2 comprising a different conformation of obstructor assembly 7 and of chamber 35 defined by hollow body 3.
In particular, Figure 5 shows solenoid-valve device 2 in a closed configuration.
In the present embodiment, said core 6 comprises at least one hollow portion 63, which extends, starting from one end of core 6 itself, along most of the longitudinal extension of core 6, in particular up to terminal portion 62. Said core 6 further comprises a slit 65, which extends from one end of core 6 for a length at least equal to the extension of hollow portion 63 of core 6 itself. Said slit 65 and said hollow portion 63 are in fluidic communication with each other, thus realizing said duct 64.
In the illustrated embodiment, an elastic element 42 is housed in said tubular portion 312. Such elastic element 42 acts at one end upon said first end 312a of said tubular portion 312. Said elastic element 32 is partly housed in said hollow portion 63 of core 6. At the opposite end, said elastic element 42 acts upon a surface, defining the end of hollow portion 63, which is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6.
In the illustrated embodiment, terminal portion 62 of core 6 has a neck-like shape, with a smaller-diameter portion catching a first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7. At the opposite end of said first element 72 there is an elongate cavity directed upwards, into which the upper end of the second element 74 penetrates, the latter protruding downwards from said first element 72.
Said first element 72 comprises a protrusion that extends outwards like a flange, a sealing member being engaged with and retained by it, which is adapted to actively cooperate, as an obstructor, with an obstructor seat 33.
Said second element 74 comprises an outward protruding body with which a second sealing element is engaged, which is intended to cooperate, as an obstructor, with another obstructor seat 33.
The present embodiment further comprises an additional elastic element 42, in the form of a coil spring, interposed between hollow body 3 defining chamber 35 and said first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7, which tends to push the first element 72 towards respective seat 33 and, as a consequence, the second element 74 towards respective seat 33.
The present embodiment makes it possible to obtain that, should any corpuscles be trapped, e.g. pinched, between the first element 72 and respective seat 33, thus keeping the assembly made up of the first element and the core slightly raised from a nominal closed position, as shown in the present figure, second element 74 of obstructor assembly 7 will still be able, thanks to its conformation, to ensure an effective sealing action against the associated seat 33.
Finally, Figures 6A and 6B show a solenoid-valve device 2 according to the present invention of the indirect type. In this embodiment, core 6 is hollow and comprises a slit 63 along the entire longitudinal length of core 6, defining a duct 64 along which the fluid and any non-dissolved substances contained therein can flow. The embodiment of core 6 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is substantially similar to the embodiment of core 6 shown in Figures 1A and IB.
In the present embodiment, to terminal portion 62 of core 6 a first element 72 of obstructor assembly 7 is fixed, which cooperates with a second element 74 of the same obstructor assembly 7 for the purpose of realizing an indirect valve. In particular, said second element 74, which cooperates with obstructor seat 33, is connected to an annular sealing element 34 via a flexible diaphragm. Said second element 74 comprises at least one through hole, so as to put a control chamber in fluidic communication with said inlet duct 36 and/or said outlet duct 37. Said through hole is selectively closed by means of said first element 72 operationally connected to said core 6.
In general, the present invention makes it possible to avoid the presence of any deposits of impurities around core 6, thus ensuring that core 6 itself can translate in said tubular portion 312 without jamming and/or excessive friction .
The present solution also allows generating flows of fluid in duct 64, in compartment 313 and in chamber 35, which will produce blowing effects useful to further reduce the risk that any particles, impurities and/or corpuscles carried by the fluid might in any way adversely affect the functionality of solenoid-valve device 2, e.g. by accumulating or getting trapped in undesired locations. The positioning of said holes, slots and slits (65 71), formed in core 6 and/or in obstructor assembly 7, relative to chamber 35, and in particular relative to said inlet duct 36 and said outlet duct 37, can be designed to produce blowing effects in chamber 35, so that fluid turbulences can be generated in order to reduce the risk of deposits in hollow body 3.
Said duct 64 also acts as a way out for any impurities that may accumulate in chamber 35 and/or in compartment 313 of solenoid-valve device 2.
Said duct 64 also facilitates the transit of fluid between chamber 35 and compartment 313, improving the reactivity of obstructor assembly 7 to actuator 4.
As aforementioned, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the overall weight of core 6, thus improving its reactivity and reducing the force required to produce the translational motion of core 6.
Furthermore, in the embodiment wherein said elastic element 42 is at least partly housed in a hollow portion 63 of core 6, acting upon a surface that is farther from said first end 312a of tubular portion 312 than a centre of gravity of said core 6, such embodiment allows increasing the degrees of freedom when designing such elastic element 42, making it possible to vary the response properties of solenoid-valve device 2.
Finally, as already mentioned, the present invention also allows reducing the circular crown between the outer walls of core 6 and the inner walls of said tubular portion 312, resulting in less play between the two parts.
Any embodiments which have not been expressly described and/or illustrated herein, but which can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art in the light of the present patent application, should be considered to fall within the technical contents of the present patent application. REFERENCE NUMERALS
Household appliance 1
Circuit 12
Solenoid-valve device 2
Connection terminals 22
Hollow body 3
Upper portion 31
Tubular portion 312
First end 312a
Second end 312b
Compartment 313
Lower portion 32
Obstructor seats 33
Sealing element 34
Chamber 35
Inlet duct 36
Outlet duct 37
Actuator 4
Elastic element 42
Solenoid 5
Core 6
Terminal portion 62
Hollow portion 63
Duct 64
Hole or slot 65
Obstructor assembly 7
Conduction portion 71
First element 72
Second element 74
Longitudinal axis "L"
Barzano & Zanardo Milano S.p.A.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. Solenoid-valve device (2) for household appliances (1), comprising :
- a hollow body (3) in which at least one inlet duct (36) and at least one outlet duct (37) are formed for a flow of a fluid, said hollow body (3) defining a chamber (35);
- at least one obstructor assembly (7) movably mounted in said chamber (35) ;
- at least one actuator (4) adapted to control and actuate said obstructor assembly (7);
said hollow body (3) comprising at least one tubular portion (312), having a closed first end (312a) and an open second end (312b) in fluidic communication with said chamber (35); said actuator (4) comprising:
- at least one solenoid (5), mounted in a fixed position and surrounding at least a tract of said at least one tubular portion (312);
- at least one core (6), arranged within said tubular portion (312) so as to be able to translate, defining a compartment (313) ;
said core (6) being fixed, at a terminal portion thereof (62), to at least one element (72, 74) of said obstructor assembly ( 7 ) ;
the volume of said compartment (313) being variable as a function of the translational movements made by said core (6) ;
said core (6) comprises at least one hollow portion (63); said hollow portion (63) being adapted to define at least one tract of a duct (64) adapted to put said chamber (35) in fluidic communication with said compartment (313) .
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said core (6) is hollow and has a tubular conformation.
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said core (6) comprises at least one hole or slot (65), formed in the lateral external surface of said core (6) and adapted to define at least one tract of said duct
(64) ;
said hole or slot (65) being in fluidic communication with said hollow portion (63) .
4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said hole or slot
(65) defines a cut-out in fluidic communication with the hollow portion (63) of the core (6), said cut-out extending along an entire longitudinal extension, relative to a longitudinal axis (L) , of said core (6) .
5. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said actuator (4) comprises an elastic element (42), housed in said tubular portion (312), acting, on one side, upon said first end (312a) of said tubular portion (312);
said elastic element (42) being at least partly housed in said hollow portion (63) of the core (6);
said elastic element (42) acting, on the opposite side, upon a surface that is farther from said first end (312a) of the tubular portion (312) than a centre of gravity of said core (6) .
6. Device according to claim 2 or 5, wherein said core (6) is manufactured during a production process comprising:
- at least one rolling phase; and
- at least one bending or calendering or curling phase;
such phases being carried out on sheet made of ferromagnetic material .
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said obstructor assembly (7) comprises, in at least one portion of the element (72, 74) fixed to said core (6), at least one conduction portion (71), in which at least one portion or tract of the duct (64) is formed for putting said chamber (35) in fluidic communication with said compartment (313) .
8. Device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein said obstructor assembly (7) is adapted to realize a solenoid- valve device (2) of the direct or indirect type.
9. Device according to claim 5, wherein said elastic element (42) acts, on the opposite side, directly upon the element (72, 74) of the obstructor assembly (7) that is fixed to the terminal portion (62) of the core (6) .
10. Household appliance (1) comprising at least one circuit
(12) adapted for controlled conduction of at least one fluid; said circuit (12) comprising at least one solenoid-valve device (2) adapted to control the flow in at least one portion of said circuit (12) ;
characterized in that said solenoid-valve device is a solenoid-valve device (2) according to claim 1.
Barzano & Zanardo Milano S.p.A.
/EB
EP20715197.8A 2019-03-04 2020-03-03 Solenoid-valve device for household appliances and related household appliance Pending EP3935297A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102019000003069A IT201900003069A1 (en) 2019-03-04 2019-03-04 SOLENOID VALVE DEVICE FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND RELATED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES.
PCT/IB2020/051784 WO2020178726A1 (en) 2019-03-04 2020-03-03 Solenoid-valve device for household appliances and related household appliance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3935297A1 true EP3935297A1 (en) 2022-01-12

Family

ID=66690791

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20715197.8A Pending EP3935297A1 (en) 2019-03-04 2020-03-03 Solenoid-valve device for household appliances and related household appliance

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Country Link
EP (1) EP3935297A1 (en)
IT (1) IT201900003069A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020178726A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4326838C2 (en) * 1993-08-10 1996-01-11 Interelektrik Ges M B H & Co K Bistable solenoid valve
JP5421059B2 (en) * 2009-10-21 2014-02-19 豊興工業株式会社 solenoid valve
ITMO20110179A1 (en) * 2011-07-25 2013-01-26 Atlantic Fluid Tech S R L PILOT VALVE WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC DRIVE
CN103185164B (en) * 2011-12-31 2014-12-17 丹佛斯（天津）有限公司 Electromagnetic valve
CN103629415B (en) * 2012-08-23 2016-03-02 丹佛斯（天津）有限公司 Dynamic core assembly and use its solenoid valve

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